– As Prepared-

Statement by H.E. Mrs. María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés, President of the 73rd Session of the UN General Assembly

25 April 2019

Esteemed Anne Nuorgam, President of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues,

Permanent Representatives, Delegates,

Representatives of the Indigenous Peoples:

I would like to start by thanking you for the very interesting statements made by both the States and the Indigenous Peoples. I believe that the contributions have not only been very substantial, but also very constructive to move forward in this process.

Undoubtedly, both of the matters we have analyzed are fundamental and I am convinced that we are on the right track. Both of these dialogues are very useful to identify coincidences and, from there, build possible consensus in the future.

Regarding the selection criteria, we have heard the need for them to be diverse, to be applied in a flexible way.

To determine the criteria we must take advantage of the international instruments that we already have, such as ILO Convention 169; the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; and the Outcome Document of the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples. 

It is key that the participation of indigenous women, indigenous youth, older persons and persons with disabilities be guaranteed through this process. We need an inclusive and intergenerational approach.

Regarding the selection mechanism, we have heard coincidences saying that it should be integrated by both Member States and Indigenous Peoples and the importance of following the principles of transparency, good faith and non-discrimination.

Regarding the venues of participation, some representatives referred to the forums and the organs of the Organization in which the issues concerning indigenous peoples are addressed, such as the work of the Second and Third Committee of the General Assembly, ECOSOC and the Human Rights Council, among others.

Regarding the modalities of participation, several representatives expressed that, in order for its participation to be significant, the indigenous peoples must be able to make statements and have the possibility to present written information.

I know that the Indigenous peoples can make very positive contributions to our work: they are vessels of experience and valuable knowledge; they are the guardians of millenary languages. Their active participation will allow us to accelerate achieving the Sustainable Development Goals; the Paris Agreement; developing mitigation and adaptation actions for climate change and disaster risks; protecting the bio-diversity of the planet; and building fairer, more peaceful and inclusive societies

María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés

President of the UN General Assembly

Excellencies,

As noted today, we must not lose sight of our central objective: enhancing the participation of indigenous peoples. It is not about quantity, it is also about quality. It is about them being able to make their voices heard in the subjects that affect them, without moving backwards in their rights.

There is a wide variety of good practices on the participation of Indigenous Peoples that we can consider in this process, like the ones used in the World Intellectual Property Organization; the platform for the participation of local communities and indigenous peoples of the Framework Convention on Climate Change. We can also consider the participation of the National Human Rights Institutions in sessions of the Human Rights Council.

Dear friends,

I know that the Indigenous peoples can make very positive contributions to our work: they are vessels of experience and valuable knowledge; they are the guardians of millenary languages. Their active participation will allow us to accelerate achieving the Sustainable Development Goals; the Paris Agreement; developing mitigation and adaptation actions for climate change and disaster risks; protecting the bio-diversity of the planet; and building fairer, more peaceful and inclusive societies.

To conclude, I urge you to remain committed to this process and also to continue opening spaces for dialogue, including at regional level. Regional spaces are extremely important. We still have a long road ahead of us. The open-mindedness, flexibility and, above all, creativity of the States are fundamental to think in innovative ways to make our Organization much more inclusive, efficient and democratic.

As the result of this hearing, my Office will prepare a summary that will serve to fuel the preparation process for the examination of this topic in the 75th session.

Once again I thank you for your commitment, your participation and your contributions.

Thank you.