United Nations related resources for indigenous peoples

Funds that assist indigenous peoples' participation in UN related meetings and events

Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Populations

The Fund for Indigenous Populations was established in 1985 with the original purpose for assisting representatives of indigenous communities and organizations to partipate in the meetings of the Working Group on Indigenous Populations. In December 2001, the General Assembly expanded the mandate of the Fund, so that it also assists indigenous people in attending the annual sessions of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

The Fund is administered in accordance with the Financial Regulations and Rules of the United Nations by the Secretary-General assisted by a Board of Trustees. The mandate of the Board is to advise the Secretary-General on the use of funds, through the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Convention on Biological Diversity Voluntary Funding Mechanism for Indigenous and Local Communities

The Voluntary Funding Mechanism is intended "...to facilitate the participation of indigenous and local communities, giving special priority to those from developing countries and countries with economies in transition and small island developing States in meetings under the Convention, including meetings of the indigenous and local community liaison group and relevant meetings of ad hoc technical expert groups."

The Funding Mechanism is adminstered by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), while the Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity manages the Fund, according to the Financial Regulations and Rules of the United Nations. In the selection of beneficiaries, the Executive Secretary consults with and Advisory Selection Committee, that consits of seven representatives of indigenous and local communities, as well as with the Bureau of the Conference of the Parties.

World Intellectual Property Organization Voluntary Contribution Fund for Accredited Indigenous and Local Communities

In order to further facilitate the participation of indigenous and local communities in the work of the Inter-Governmental Committee, in October 2005 the Member States of WIPO set up a Voluntary Contribution Fund for Accredited Indigenous and Local Communities.

The Fund is administered by the WIPO Director General who consults an Advisory Board in the choice of beneficiaries. The Adviosry Board consists of the Chair of the Committee, five representatives of Member States, and three members from accredited observers representing indigenous and local communitues.

Other Funds

Trust Fund for the Second Decade of the World's Indigenous Peoples

The Trust Fund for the Second Decade was established to promote, support and implement the objectives of the Decade. The Fund gives priority to projects concerning the main areas of the Second Decade: culture, education, health, human Rights, the environment and social and economic development. The Advisory Group for the Trust Fund for the Second Decade consists of members of the Permanent Forum’s Bureau.

The Fund is mainly intended for small grants projects with a budget for up to 10,000 US$ covering one year’s expenses. It is administered in accordance with the Financial Regulations and Rules of the United Nations by the Secretary-General, assisted by an Advisory Group. The mandate of the Advisory Group is to advise the Secretary-General on the use of funds, through the Secretariat of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

Indigenous Peoples Assistance Facility

The Indigenous Peoples Assistance Facility is administered by the International Fund for Agricultural Development. Previously known as the World Bank Grants Facility for Indigenous Peoples, the Assistance Facility provides grants that range from US$ 10,000 to US$ 30,000.

A panel made up primarily of indigenous members works closely with IFAD staff to review proposals and make final recomendations on grant awards.