Outcomes of the 16th session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues - Press Conference

Summary

The 16th session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues at the UN concludes with a focus on the 10th anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Over a thousand representatives attended, discussing indigenous participation in the UN, SDGs implementation, and issues affecting indigenous human rights defenders. Three key speakers highlighted the progress and challenges, emphasizing the need for indigenous voices in global governance and the protection of their rights in development projects.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The 16th session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues at the UN Headquarters is concluding with a report that includes recommendations for member states, UN bodies, and indigenous peoples.
• 📚 An edited version of the report will be available on the UN website after adoption, with the final report presented to the Economic and Social Council in July 2017.
• 🔍 The forum discussed the 10th anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, their participation in the UN, implementation of the SDGs, and issues affecting indigenous human rights defenders.
• 👥 Over a thousand indigenous representatives attended the session, highlighting the global reach and importance of indigenous peoples' issues.
• 🗣️ Three key speakers briefed on the outcomes of the sessions and the path ahead for indigenous issues, emphasizing the need for increased recognition and participation.
• 📉 The increase in violence against indigenous human rights defenders was noted, with a call for states to consider the options presented in the draft report carefully.
• 🤝 There was a call for better coordination among UN agencies and programs to promote the declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples and implement the outcome document from the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples.
• 🌱 Indigenous peoples' lands are crucial for biodiversity and climate change issues, emphasizing the importance of their inclusion in global environmental discussions.
• 📝 The forum is looking for ways to make its recommendations more effective, acknowledging 15 years of recommendations and the need for better follow-up.
• 👶 Empowering indigenous women and youth was a significant theme, with the recognition of their positive contributions to achieving rights and sustainable development.
• 🏛️ The discussion on indigenous peoples' representation at the highest levels of the UN, such as the General Assembly and Human Rights Council, was highlighted as crucial for ensuring their interests are respected and included.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues?

The Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues is a UN body that discusses and makes recommendations on economic, social, and cultural issues affecting indigenous peoples around the world.

What is the significance of the 16th session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues?

The 16th session is significant as it marks the 10th anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and focuses on progress in its implementation, as well as other relevant topics for indigenous peoples.

Who are the three speakers mentioned in the script, and what are their roles in the indigenous issues?

The three speakers are Brian Keane, an expert member of the UN Permanent Forum and a long-time worker with indigenous communities; Hsar Htwe Aung, an indigenous woman from Myanmar working on promoting indigenous peoples' rights globally; and Les Malezer, a member of the UN Permanent Forum with extensive experience advocating for indigenous peoples' rights at national and international levels.

What are the main themes discussed during the 16th session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues?

The main themes discussed include the 10th anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, indigenous peoples' participation in the United Nations, the implementation of the SDGs and the 2030 agenda for sustainable development, and issues affecting indigenous human rights defenders.

What is the importance of the report that will be available on the UN website after the 16th session?

The report includes recommendations for member states, UN bodies, and indigenous peoples, and serves as a key document for understanding the outcomes of the session and the path forward for indigenous issues.

What is the role of the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples in the forum?

The Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples engages in an interactive dialogue with the forum, discussing important subjects such as the increasing number of killings of indigenous human rights defenders.

What is the significance of the zero draft being negotiated at the forum?

The zero draft is a starting point for negotiations aimed at enhancing the participation of indigenous peoples' representative organizations in the UN General Assembly and its main committees, as well as in the Human Rights Council.

What are some of the challenges faced by indigenous peoples in terms of their rights and representation?

Indigenous peoples face challenges such as not having their rights respected and enacted into policies and laws, lack of recognition of their right to self-determination, and being excluded from negotiations on resolutions that directly affect them.

How does the forum address the issue of indigenous human rights defenders?

The forum addresses this issue through an interactive dialogue with the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, highlighting the increased violence and killings of these defenders in recent years.

What is the role of the interagency support group and other UN agencies in promoting the rights of indigenous peoples?

The interagency support group and other UN agencies play a crucial role in promoting the declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples, running projects and programs that support indigenous communities, and assisting states and indigenous peoples in implementing the outcome document from the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples.

What are the expectations for the participation of indigenous peoples in the UN General Assembly and Human Rights Council?

The expectation is that indigenous peoples should have representation at the highest levels of the UN, including observer status at the General Assembly, to ensure their interests are represented and they can participate in discussions on matters that directly affect them.