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An objective of
the Decade is the promotion and protection of the rights of indigenous people
and their empowerment to make choices which enable them to retain their cultural
identity while participating in political, economic and social life, with full
respect for their cultural values, languages, traditions and forms of social
organization.
PROGRAMME OF
ACTIVITIES FOR THE INTERNATIONAL DECADE OF THE
WORLD'S INDIGENOUS
PEOPLE (1995-2004) (para. 4),
General Assembly
resolution 50/157 of 21 December 1995, annex.
III. Programme of activities for the International Decade of the World's Indigenous People
Indigenous peoples
inhabit large areas of the earth's surface. Spread across the world from the
Arctic to the South Pacific, they number, at a rough estimate, some 300 million.
Indigenous or aboriginal peoples are so-called because they were living on their
lands before settlers came from elsewhere; they are the descendants - according
to one definition - of those who inhabited a country or a geographical region at
the time when people of different cultures or ethnic origins arrived, the new
arrivals later becoming dominant through conquest, occupation, settlement or
other means.
Among many
indigenous peoples are the Indians of the Americas (for example, the Mayas of
Guatemala or the Aymaras of Bolivia), the Inuit and Aleutians of the circumpolar
region, the Saami of northern Europe, the Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders
of Australia, and the Maori of New Zealand. These and most other indigenous
peoples have retained social, cultural, economic and political characteristics
which are clearly distinct from those of the other segments of the national
populations.
Throughout human
history, whenever dominant neighbouring peoples have expanded their territories
or settlers from far away have acquired new lands by force, the cultures and
livelihoods - even the existence - of indigenous peoples have been endangered.
The threats to indigenous peoples' cultures and lands, to their status and other
legal rights as distinct groups and as citizens, do not always take the same
forms as in previous times. Although some groups have been relatively
successful, in most part of the world indigenous peoples are actively seeking
recognition of their identities and ways of life.
As of March 1997,
15 organizations of indigenous peoples have consultative status with the United
Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Consultative status entitles them
to attend and contribute to a wide range of international and intergovernmental
conferences. These organizations are: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Commission, Asociación Kunas Unidos por Nabguana, Four Directions
Council, Grand Council of the Crees (of Quebec), Indian Council of South
America, Indian Law Resource Centre, Indigenous World Association, International
Indian Treaty Council, International Organization of Indigenous Resource
Development, Inuit Circumpolar Conference, National Aboriginal and Islander
Legal Services Secretariat, National Indian Youth Council, Saami Council,
Sejekto Cultural Association of Costa Rica, and World Council of Indigenous
Peoples. In addition, hundreds of representatives of other indigenous peoples
and their organizations participate in United Nations meetings, in particular
those of the Working Group on Indigenous Populations. Non-governmental
organizations with general human rights interests actively contribute to work in
the field of indigenous peoples' rights, in addition to supporting indigenous
peoples' causes.
In spite of
cultural and ethnic diversity, there are often striking similarities between the
problems, grievances and interests of the various indigenous peoples and
therefore in their presentations to international forums. Participation of
indigenous communities and organizations in United Nations meetings has served
to highlight these similarities.
It has often been
the case - particularly since the emergence of new nations in the wave of
decolonization which followed the Second World War - that indigenous peoples
insist on retaining their separate identity and cultural heritage. It is now
generally admitted that policies of assimilation and integration aimed at
bringing these groups fully into the mainstream of majority populations are
often counter-productive.
Non-governmental
activity, on the one hand, and intergovernmental initiatives, on the other, have
had a mutually reinforcing effect. The first international conference of
non-governmental organizations on indigenous issues was held in Geneva in 1977.
This was followed by another non-governmental conference on indigenous peoples
and the land, also in Geneva, in 1981. These meetings, and a special United
Nations study then nearing completion, influenced developments which led to the
establishment in 1982 of the United Nations Working Group on Indigenous
Populations.
In the United
Nations and the International Labour Organization, it is recognized that the
establishment and protection of the rights of indigenous peoples are an
essential part of human rights and a legitimate concern of the international
community. The two organizations are active in the setting and implementing of
standards designed to ensure respect for existing rights of indigenous peoples
and the adoption of additional rights. This Fact Sheet deals briefly with
the present work of the United Nations, its evolution, and plans for future
action to promote and safeguard the rights of indigenous peoples
everywhere.
Study of
discrimination against indigenous peoples
In the 1920s,
American Indians approached the League of Nations. Their visit to Geneva
attracted considerable attention, but there were no tangible results. In the
early years of the United Nations, indigenous peoples' representatives made
sporadic appeals to the world Organization. There was no specific reaction. A
Bolivian Government initiative in the United Nations in 1948 to create a
subcommission to study the social problems of aboriginal populations also came
to nothing.
Since its
establishment, the United Nations has, nevertheless, as part of its overall
human rights work, addressed some situations which affect indigenous peoples.
The concerns of indigenous peoples find their place in a number of instruments
and studies prepared over the years, and in the activities of human rights
organs dealing, for example, with minorities, slavery, servitude and forced
labour.
A turning-point
came in 1970, when the Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and
Protection of Minorities recommended that a comprehensive study be made of the
problem of discrimination against indigenous populations. In 1971, Mr. José R.
Martínez Cobo (Ecuador) was appointed Special Rapporteur for the study, which
was to suggest national and international measures for eliminating such
discrimination. His final report(1) was
submitted to the Sub-Commission during the years 1981-1984.
The Special
Rapporteur addressed a wide range of human rights issues. They included a
definition of indigenous peoples, the role of intergovernmental and
non-governmental organizations, the elimination of discrimination, and basic
human rights principles, as well as special areas of action in fields such as
health, housing, education, language, culture, social and legal institutions,
employment, land, political rights, religious rights and practices, and equality
in the administration of justice. His conclusions, proposals and recommendations
are an important milestone in United Nations consideration of the human rights
problems facing indigenous peoples; many are still under consideration and
others have been incorporated in resolutions of the Sub-Commission.
Working Group
on Indigenous Populations
The study by Mr.
Martínez Cobo, the interest generated in the Sub-Commission on Prevention of
Discrimination and Protection of Minorities, and the support of non-governmental
organizations led in 1982 to the creation by the Economic and Social Council of
the Working Group on Indigenous Populations. The Working Group is a subsidiary
organ of the Sub-Commission. Its five members (2) - one from
each geopolitical region of the world - are independent experts and are members
of the Sub-Commission.
The Working Group
meets for one week immediately before the annual session of the Sub-Commission
in Geneva. The Group has met every year since 1982 except in 1986. That year, a
workshop on indigenous rights was sponsored by the Anti-Slavery Society for the
Protection of Human Rights and the World Council of Indigenous Peoples, and was
chaired by the current Chairperson-Rapporteur of the Working Group, Ms.
Erica-Irene A. Daes.
The Working Group
is open to representatives of all indigenous peoples and their communities and
organizations. The openness of the Group's sessions to all interested parties
and the constructive dialogue developed between all concerned have strengthened
the Group's position as a focal point of international action on behalf of
indigenous peoples' causes. Several indigenous peoples' organizations arrange
preparatory meetings before the Working Group's sessions to formulate common
initiatives and positions.
The interest
generated by the activities of the Working Group and in the subject of
indigenous peoples' rights in general is indicated by the number of people who
take part. Some 700 persons regularly attend the sessions. They include
observers for Governments and indigenous peoples' and non-governmental
organizations, as well as scholars and academics. The Working Group has become
one of the largest United Nations forums in the field of human rights.
Apart from
facilitating and encouraging dialogue between Governments and indigenous
peoples, the Working Group has two formal tasks:
To review national
developments pertaining to the promotion and protection of the human rights and
fundamental freedoms of indigenous peoples; and
To develop
international standards concerning the rights of indigenous peoples, taking
account of both the similarities and the differences in their situations and
aspirations throughout the world.
In reviewing
national developments, the Working Group receives and analyses written
information submitted by Governments, specialized agencies and other organs of
the United Nations, other international and regional intergovernmental
organizations, non-governmental bodies and the indigenous peoples
themselves.
The
Chairperson-Rapporteur visits countries to gain first-hand information, as well
as to provide information on United Nations activities in the field of
indigenous peoples' rights and to identify issues which need to be taken up in
standard-setting.
The Working Group's
mandate does not authorize it to examine specific complaints of alleged
violations of human rights with the purpose of making recommendations or taking
decisions on such cases; other United Nations complaints channels are available
for that purpose. (3)
Standard-setting
The Working Group
on Indigenous Populations has put special emphasis on the second part of its
mandate: the development of international standards concerning the rights of
indigenous peoples.
In 1985, the
Working Group began preparing a draft declaration on the rights of indigenous
peoples, taking into account the comments and suggestions of participants in its
sessions, particularly representatives of indigenous peoples and Governments. At
its eleventh session, in July 1993, the Working Group agreed on a final text for
the draft declaration and submitted it to the Sub-Commission.
By its resolution
1994/45 of 26 August 1994, the Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination
and Protection of Minorities adopted the draft declaration and submitted it to
the Commission on Human Rights for consideration. (4)
The draft United
Nations declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples represents one of the
most important developments in the promotion and protection of the basic rights
and fundamental freedoms of indigenous peoples. The draft declaration consists
of 19 preambular paragraphs and 45 articles and covers rights and freedoms
including the preservation and development of ethnic and cultural
characteristics and distinct identities; protection against genocide and
ethnocide; rights related to religions, languages and educational institutions;
ownership, possession or use of indigenous lands and natural resources;
protection of cultural and intellectual property; maintenance of traditional
economic structures and ways of life, including hunting, fishing, herding,
gathering, timber-sawing and cultivation; environmental protection;
participation in the political, economic and social life of the States
concerned, in particular in matters which may affect indigenous people's lives
and destinies; self-determination; self-government or autonomy in matters
relating to indigenous peoples' internal and local affairs; traditional contacts
and cooperation across State boundaries; and the honouring of treaties and
agreements concluded with indigenous peoples.
The draft
declaration also foresees mutually acceptable and fair procedures for resolving
conflicts or disputes between indigenous peoples and States, involving means
such as negotiations, mediation, arbitration, national courts, and international
and regional human rights review and complaints mechanisms.
The draft
declaration further provides that the rights mentioned in it constitute the
minimum standards for the survival and well-being of the indigenous peoples of
the world.
Working group
on the draft declaration
By its resolution
1995/32 of 3 March 1995, the Commission on Human Rights established an
open-ended inter-sessional working group to consider the text submitted by the
Sub-Commission and elaborate a draft declaration for consideration and adoption
by the General Assembly within the International Decade of the World's
Indigenous People (1995-2004). (5) The General
Assembly has affirmed that the adoption of a declaration is a major objective of
the Decade. (6)
In the annex to its
resolution 1995/32, the Commission on Human Rights established procedures for
participation in the work of the working group on the draft declaration by
organizations of indigenous people not having consultative status with the
Economic and Social Council (see annex II below).
Such organizations are invited to send their applications to the United Nations
High Commissioner for Human Rights/Centre for Human Rights, which asks for
comments from the States concerned. The applications and the comments of the
relevant Governments are considered by the Council's Committee on
Non-Governmental Organizations. As of March 1997, 99 organizations of indigenous
people had been approved by the Committee.
Since its
establishment, the working group on the draft declaration has held two sessions,
both at the United Nations Office at Geneva. At its first session, in
November-December 1995, the group considered the draft declaration adopted by
the Sub-Commission and held a general debate on the text section by section in
order to identify where there was general consensus and which articles would
require greater deliberation (see E/CN.4/1996/84). At the second session, in
October-November 1996, articles dealing with similar themes or having some other
relationship with each other were reclustered for the purposes of discussion and
in order to hear proposals (see E/CN.4/1997/102). No changes have yet been made
to the draft declaration adopted by the Sub-Commission, which remains the basis
for the work of the inter-sessional working group.
Voluntary
Fund for Indigenous Populations
In 1985, the
General Assembly established the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Indigenous
Populations. The Fund provides financial assistance to representatives of
indigenous communities and organizations to enable them to attend sessions of
the Working Group on Indigenous Populations. The Working Group's sessions in
Geneva bring together people from all parts of the world. Through the Fund, the
United Nations can make it easier for representatives of indigenous communities
- many of whom come from distant regions - to take part.
The Fund is
administered by the United Nations Secretary-General with the advice of a
five-member Board of Trustees, (7) which meets
annually to review applications for assistance. The Fund relies on contributions
from Governments, non-governmental organizations and other public and private
entities, and provides travel grants to about 40 representatives of indigenous
peoples every year.
The Board of
Trustees' questionnaire which applicants for assistance from the Fund must
complete is reproduced in annex I
below.
In December 1995,
the General Assembly extended the scope of the Voluntary Fund for the purpose of
also providing financial assistance to representatives of indigenous peoples'
organizations authorized by the Committee on Non-governmental Organizations to
participate in the work of the Commission on Human Rights working group on the
draft declaration.
The number of
requests for assistance far exceeds the resources available. The Board of
Trustees, the Working Group on Indigenous Populations, the Sub-Commission on
Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities and the Commission on
Human Rights have all appealed for contributions to the Fund. All contributions
should be addressed to: Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Populations, High
Commissioner/Centre for Human Rights, Palais des Nations, 1211 Geneva 10,
Switzerland. Indigenous peoples requesting financial assistance should write to
the same address before 15 March each year.
Study on
treaties and agreements with indigenous peoples
The relations
between indigenous peoples and the Governments of the countries in which they
live in many cases have a legal foundation in treaties, agreements and other
arrangements. Some of the documents date back to the seventeenth and eighteenth
centuries. The making of such agreements has continued in many countries.
Some treaties stand
the test of time, providing a basis for peoples with different backgrounds and
cultures to live in harmony. Others have been disputed, either because they are
thought of as unfairly negotiated, or because the treaty rights have been
breached and obligations not fulfilled.
Many of the
treaties carry a great symbolic meaning to indigenous peoples. They are seen as
providing recognition of indigenous self-determination, and a guarantee of the
collective rights of the peoples concerned. An agreement which has the character
of a solemn pledge by one people to another, when fully honoured by both
parties, breeds mutual trust and respect and has a potentially vital role in
promoting and protecting the human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous
peoples.
For all these
reasons, the Economic and Social Council in 1989 authorized the Sub-Commission
on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities to appoint Mr.
Miguel Alfonso Martínez, a member of the Working Group on Indigenous
Populations, as Special Rapporteur with the task of preparing a study on the
potential utility of treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements
between States and indigenous populations. While the study will take into
account the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, the Special
Rapporteur has been asked to give particular attention to universal human rights
standards which now exist or are emerging, and to suggest ways of achieving the
maximum possible promotion and protection of indigenous peoples' treaty rights
in domestic as well as in international law.
The United Nations
has asked States and indigenous peoples to transmit all information relevant to
these treaty issues to the Special Rapporteur. He is studying thousands of
treaties and agreements already in existence and the work which went into their
preparation. He is also consulting constitutional and legislative acts of States
and international and national judicial decisions, as well as other pertinent
information.
The Special
Rapporteur submitted a preliminary report to the Sub-Commission in 1992, and
second and third progress reports in 1994 and 1996, respectively. The final
report is due to be submitted to the Sub-Commission in 1997.
Study on
protection of the heritage of indigenous peoples
Exploration and
colonization beginning in the fifteenth century not only led to rapid
appropriation of indigenous peoples' lands and natural resources, but also
despoiled their sciences, ideas, arts and cultures.
Today, interest in
indigenous peoples' knowledge and cultures is stronger than ever and the
exploitation of those cultures continues. Tourism in areas occupied by
indigenous people and the commercialization of indigenous art are growing.
Indigenous medicinal knowledge and expertise in agricultural biodiversity and
environmental management are used, but the profits are rarely shared with
indigenous peoples themselves. Many indigenous peoples are also concerned about
skeletal remains of their ancestors and sacred objects being held by museums and
are exploring ways for their restitution.
For indigenous
peoples all over the world the protection of their cultural and intellectual
property has taken on growing importance and urgency. They cannot exercise their
fundamental human rights as distinct nations, societies and peoples without the
ability to control the knowledge they have inherited from their
ancestors.
Accordingly, in
1992, the Economic and Social Council endorsed the appointment of Ms.
Erica-Irene A. Daes, Chairperson-Rapporteur of the Working Group on Indigenous
Populations, as Special Rapporteur of the Sub-Commission on Prevention of
Discrimination and Protection of Minorities to prepare a study on measures which
should be taken by the international community to strengthen respect for the
cultural and intellectual property of indigenous peoples.
The completed study
was submitted to the Sub-Commission in August 1993 (see E/CN.4/Sub.2/1993/28).
It may be seen as a first formal step in responding to the concerns expressed by
indigenous peoples and as a basis for appropriate standard-setting to provide
them with some immediate relief from the widespread and growing threats to the
integrity of their cultural, spiritual, artistic, religious and scientific
traditions.
The study was
followed up with a request to the Special Rapporteur to draft basic principles
and guidelines for protecting the heritage of indigenous peoples and for
promoting a wider dialogue between indigenous peoples and the United Nations,
the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO),
the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), international financial
institutions, and scientific and professional associations in this field. The
draft principles and guidelines were submitted to the Sub-Commission in 1994 and
1995 and a supplementary report in 1996.
Seminars on
indigenous peoples' rights
An invited group of
governmental and indigenous peoples' experts discussed the effects of racism and
racial discrimination on the social and economic relations between indigenous
peoples and States at a United Nations seminar in Geneva in January 1989.
Among the
conclusions and recommendations of the seminar were the findings that indigenous
peoples had been, and still were, the victims of racism and racial
discrimination; that relations between States and indigenous peoples should be
based on free and informed consent and cooperation, not merely consultation and
participation; and that indigenous peoples should be recognized as proper
subjects of international law with their own collective rights.
The seminar was
chaired by an expert nominated by the Government of Senegal, Mr. Ndary Toure. An
indigenous peoples' expert, Mr. Ted Moses of the Grand Council of the Crees (of
Quebec), served as Rapporteur.
In September 1991,
a group of experts met in Nuuk, Greenland, to review the experience of countries
in the operation of schemes of internal self-government for indigenous peoples.
Nominated by both Member States of the United Nations and indigenous peoples'
organizations, the experts considered different examples of self-government
arrangements and made a series of recommendations.
The experts
recognized, for example, that indigenous peoples are historically
self-governing, with their own languages and cultures, laws and traditions, and
that self-determination is a precondition for freedom, justice and peace, both
within States and in the international community. A manual containing various
examples of indigenous peoples' self-government and self-management arrangements
has been prepared by the Centre for Human Rights.
The seminar in Nuuk
is considered to have made an important contribution to the discussion on
self-government for indigenous peoples. It was chaired by the former Premier of
Greenland, Mr. Jonathan Motzfeldt. Ms. Maria Lorenza Dalupan from the
Philippines served as Rapporteur.
The role of
indigenous peoples in the practice of sustainable development was the focus of
attention when representatives of Governments and indigenous groups, as well as
independent experts on indigenous peoples, gathered in Santiago, Chile, in May
1992 for a technical conference held as part of the preparations for the Earth
Summit in Rio de Janeiro.
This United Nations
Technical Conference on practical experience in the realization of sustainable
and environmentally sound self-development by indigenous peoples developed a set
of working principles which recognized the need for indigenous peoples to
exercise greater jurisdiction over their own affairs, as well as the right to
determine their own development, control their own institutions and use their
resources as they see fit.
Mr. José Bengoa
from Chile chaired the meeting and Mr. Ingmar Egede, a representative of the
Inuit Circumpolar Conference, served as Rapporteur.
At the invitation
of the Government of Canada, the Expert Seminar on Practical Experiences
Regarding Indigenous Land Rights and Claims was held at Whitehorse, Canada, in
March 1996. The seminar was part of the programme of activities for the
International Decade of the World's Indigenous People. Mr. David Keenan, of the
Yukon Council of First Nations, chaired the seminar and Mr. José Aylwin Oyarzun,
of the Government of Chile, served as Rapporteur.
The seminar adopted
final conclusions and recommendations on indigenous land rights and claims. It
emphasized, inter alia, that the promotion and protection of rights over
lands and resources of indigenous peoples are vital for the peoples' development
and cultural survival. Furthermore, the importance of participation by
indigenous peoples in decision-making processes was underlined. The seminar
concluded that political will in the form of a genuine commitment on the part of
Governments to partnership in decision-making is essential to the success of
co-management regimes and to the avoidance of adversarial relations between
parties to such regimes. It also stated that the implementation of sustainable
development should take fully into account indigenous peoples' values, knowledge
and technologies in order to ensure resources for future generations.
Indigenous
peoples' rights: the wider perspective
The Working Group
on Indigenous Populations is the centre of indigenous rights activity in the
United Nations. The focus shifts to the parent bodies, the Sub-Commission on
Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities and the Commission on
Human Rights, when the Working Group's reports are being reviewed and discussed.
Many of the indigenous rights initiatives undertaken by the parent bodies have
grown out of recommendations contained in reports of the Working Group.
The Sub-Commission
reviews the annual reports of the Working Group and acts on its recommendations
under an agenda item entitled "Discrimination against indigenous peoples". (The
Sub-Commission abandoned the term "indigenous populations" in favour of
"indigenous peoples" in 1988.) The Commission on Human Rights, in turn,
considers the Working Group's reports together with the reports of the
Sub-Commission. In 1996, the Commission decided to include a new item on its
agenda entitled "Indigenous issues". In both parent bodies, the Group's reports
command considerable and increasing attention, in the form of debates and
resolutions. Indigenous organizations increasingly attend United Nations human
rights meetings, in addition to those of the Working Group.
Indigenous peoples
are entitled to enjoy all existing human rights. United Nations committees which
oversee the implementation of binding agreements - the International Covenant on
Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and
Cultural Rights, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Racial Discrimination and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which
includes specific provisions relating to indigenous people - consider indigenous
issues when examining reports by States on their performance under these
treaties. The bodies concerned are, respectively, the Human Rights Committee,
the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Committee on the
Elimination of Racial Discrimination and the Committee on the Rights of the
Child.
Indigenous peoples
and their organizations increasingly make use of the various communications or
complaints procedures available to them. These are, in particular, the so-called
"1503" procedure established by the Economic and Social Council to look into
gross and consistent patterns of human rights violations, and procedures under
the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political
Rights. (8) Special
rapporteurs investigating the human rights situation in specific countries or
preparing reports on certain topics, for example religious intolerance, human
rights and the environment, and population transfer, have also addressed the
concerns of indigenous peoples when asked to do so.
The two World
Conferences to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination, convened by the United
Nations in Geneva in 1978 and 1983, debated aspects of discrimination against
indigenous peoples and included appropriate principles and measures in their
resolutions and programmes of action. Some of these principles are reflected in
the draft declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples. Seminars organized
for the Decades for Action to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination, notably
in Geneva in 1979 and in Managua in 1981, have covered human rights issues
affecting indigenous peoples.
A global
consultation in Geneva in October 1988 under the Programme of Action for the
Second Decade drew attention to the vulnerability of indigenous peoples to
racism and racial discrimination. The participants suggested, inter alia,
that Governments should adopt legislative, administrative, economic and social
measures to eliminate policies and practices which discriminate against
indigenous individuals, communities and nations, with the aim of improving their
living conditions and achieving harmonious relations between indigenous and
non-indigenous peoples. All possible measures, they agreed, should be taken to
allow indigenous peoples to maintain and develop their cultures; and Governments
should create the conditions and implement legal measures to promote and protect
the human rights of, among other beneficiaries, indigenous peoples.
International
Year of the World's Indigenous People
The need for a new
approach to the issue of indigenous peoples was recognized by the General
Assembly when, by its resolution 45/164 of 18 December 1990, it proclaimed 1993
the International Year of the World's Indigenous People. Indigenous peoples had,
for many years, been calling for an international year to raise global awareness
of their situation. At the opening ceremony in New York, for the first time in
the history of the United Nations indigenous peoples' leaders spoke directly
from the podium of the General Assembly.
The objective of
the Year was to strengthen international cooperation for the solution of
problems faced by indigenous peoples in such areas as human rights, the
environment, development, education and health. The theme for the Year,
"Indigenous people - a new partnership", was aimed at the development of a new
and equitable relationship between the international community, States and
indigenous peoples based on the participation of indigenous people in the
planning, implementation and evaluation of projects affecting their living
conditions and future.
As part of the programme of activities for the Year, the Secretary-General opened a voluntary fund, which provided assistance to some 40 small-scale, community-based projects of indigenous people. Numerous other activities were funded directly by Governments. The Secretary-General appointed Rigoberta Menchú Tum, winner of the 1992 Nobel Peace Prize, as Goodwill Ambassador for the Year. The Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights acted as Coordinator for the Year.
World
Conference on Human Rights
In June 1993, the
second World Conference on Human Rights was held in Vienna. Many hundreds of
indigenous people attended the conference and their representatives addressed
the plenary session. In the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action which it
adopted, (9) the World
Conference recognized the "inherent dignity and the unique contribution of
indigenous people to the development and plurality of society" and reaffirmed
"the commitment of the international community to their economic, social and
cultural well-being and their enjoyment of the fruits of sustainable
development" (Part I, para. 20). The conference called upon States to "take
concerted positive steps to ensure respect for all human rights and fundamental
freedoms of indigenous people, on the basis of equality and non-discrimination,
and recognize the value and diversity of their distinct identities, cultures and
social organization". The conference also recommended that an international
decade of the world's indigenous people be proclaimed and that consideration be
given to the establishment of a permanent forum for indigenous people in the
United Nations system.
A permanent
forum
Following the
recommendation by the World Conference on Human Rights that the General Assembly
consider the establishment of a permanent forum for indigenous people in the
United Nations system, a workshop was held in June 1995 in Copenhagen.
Participants included 21 representatives of Governments, 21 delegates from
indigenous peoples and 2 independent experts. The issues discussed were the
scope of a permanent forum, the United Nations body to which the proposed forum
would report, the mandate and terms of reference, the activities it might
undertake, membership and indigenous participation, the relationship with the
Working Group on Indigenous Populations, and financial and secretariat
implications. At the request of the General Assembly, a review of existing
mechanisms, procedures and programmes for indigenous people in the United
Nations system has been prepared by the Secretary-General (A/51/493).
International
Decade of the World's Indigenous People
Following a
recommendation by the World Conference on Human Rights, the General Assembly, by
its resolution 48/163 of 21 December 1993, proclaimed the International Decade
of the World's Indigenous People (1995-2004). The goal of the Decade is to
strengthen international cooperation for the solution of problems faced by
indigenous people in such areas as human rights, the environment, development,
education and health. The theme of the Decade is "Indigenous people: partnership
in action". The programme of activities for the Decade adopted by the General
Assembly in December 1995 is reproduced in annex III
below.
Voluntary
Fund for the International Decade
A special fund -
the Voluntary Fund for the International Decade of the World's Indigenous People
- has been established by the General Assembly for the purpose of assisting
financially projects and programmes during the Decade. In April 1996, an
advisory group met for the first time to recommend guidelines for the Fund and
review projects and programmes. The guidelines agreed on are reproduced in annex IV
below.
The advisory group
is composed of the members of the Board of Trustees of the Voluntary Fund for
Indigenous Populations, the Chairperson-Rapporteur of the Working Group on
Indigenous Populations, and a representative of the United Nations Development
Programme. Three donor Governments are represented by observers.
The
International Day: 9 August
In its resolution
49/214 of 23 December 1994 (para. 8), the General Assembly designated 9 August
to be observed as International Day of the World's Indigenous People every year
during the International Decade. This occasion will be used by the United
Nations to draw attention to indigenous issues and societies. It represents an
opportunity for Governments, non-governmental organizations and other interested
groups to organize activities which raise awareness about indigenous people and
their cultures.
The United
Nations system
The International
Labour Organization (ILO) was the first international body to take action on
indigenous issues. Since its creation in 1919, ILO has defended the social and
economic rights of groups whose customs, traditions, institutions or language
set them apart from other sections of national communities. In 1953, ILO
published a study on indigenous peoples and in 1957 adopted Convention No. 107
and Recommendation No. 104 on the Protection and Integration of Indigenous and
Tribal Populations. These were the first international legal instruments
specifically created to protect the rights of peoples whose ways of life and
existence were - then, as now - threatened by dominating cultures.
In June 1989, after
four years of preparatory work, the International Labour Conference adopted a
revised version of Convention No. 107 (now Convention No. 169), on Indigenous
and Tribal Peoples. This new instrument eliminates the paternalistic and
assimilationist approaches to indigenous peoples which were current in the
1950s. Convention No. 169 serves as a basis for ILO implementation and technical
assistance activities for indigenous peoples. As of July 1996, the following
States had ratified ILO Convention No. 169: Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica,
Denmark, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Norway, Paraguay and Peru. (The United
Nations declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples now in preparation will,
as a resolution of the General Assembly, constitute a set of recommendations to
Member States; the ILO Convention creates international legal commitments
binding on States which formally ratify the text.)
The United Nations
and ILO cooperate closely in developing activities to achieve the objectives of
Convention No. 169 and of the International Decade.
In recent years,
other parts of the United Nations system have been active in promoting the
rights of indigenous people. In 1981, for example, the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) organized an
international seminar on ethnocide and ethnic development in Latin America. At
that meeting, ethnocide was defined as the conditions under which an ethnic
group is denied the right to enjoy, develop and transmit its own culture and its
own language. Since that time, UNESCO has supported numerous projects in the
educational and cultural fields relating to indigenous peoples.
The United Nations
Conference on Environment and Development, held at Rio de Janeiro in June 1992,
constitutes an important new development for indigenous people in their
relationship with the United Nations. The Conference recognized that indigenous
people and their communities have a vital role in environmental management and
development because of their knowledge and traditional practices. It was
stressed that national and international efforts to implement environmentally
sound and sustainable development should recognize, accommodate, promote and
strengthen the role of indigenous people and their communities. Chapter 26 of
the programme of action adopted by the Conference (Agenda 21) was devoted to
indigenous people. Indigenous peoples met in one of the largest gatherings of
its kind at the NGO Forum which coincided with the so-called Earth Summit and
adopted their own declaration on the environment and development - the Kari-Oka
Declaration. One of the outcomes of the Earth Summit was the signing of the
Convention on Biological Diversity, which includes provisions specifically
concerning indigenous people.
Subsequent
high-level conferences, including the International Conference on Population and
Development (Cairo, 1994), the World Summit for Social Development (Copenhagen,
1995), the Fourth World Conference on Women (Beijing, 1995) and the United
Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II) (Istanbul, 1996), have all
made recommendations relating to indigenous people.
The World Bank has
also recognized the need to protect indigenous peoples and, in September 1991,
adopted Operational Directive 4.20 to set out policies and procedures for
projects affecting them. The directive provides policy guidance to ensure that
indigenous peoples benefit from development projects and to avoid potentially
adverse effects on them.
Mention may also be
made of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health
Organization, which have initiated projects for indigenous peoples. In July
1996, the Working Group on Indigenous Populations, in cooperation with WHO,
devoted part of its session to the question of health and indigenous
peoples.
Conclusions
Discussions in the
Working Group on Indigenous Populations and in other human rights bodies
indicate that, despite certain progress made, a great deal remains to be done in
order to resolve outstanding issues coming between indigenous peoples' interests
and national or private development, between the livelihoods and lifestyles of
the peoples concerned and public policies and projects. The positive
contribution which indigenous groups can make to environmental protection has
already been mentioned.
The land issue
remains crucial. National economic development generates pressure on territory
still in the hands of indigenous peoples. Barren wastelands or forested
hinterlands once thought to have little economic, political or military value
have been identified as areas of vital importance. These developments could
affect the economies and habitats, and the social, religious and cultural
systems of indigenous peoples.
The world community
has long acknowledged that the distinct cultures and languages of indigenous
peoples form part of the cultural heritage of humankind and deserve protection.
Much more important than a means of everyday communication, language is the
vehicle of culture and identity. Yet organizations defending indigenous peoples'
rights cite cases where educational systems are being used to forge nations with
one language, history and culture.
Many Governments
have stated that they are aware of the serious problems faced by indigenous
peoples living in their territories and of the factors which have placed them
among the most vulnerable groups in national societies. In some parts of the
world, a permanent dialogue is taking place. In other places, direct
negotiations between indigenous peoples and Governments have been instituted and
are moving forward, with the aim of improving relations and guaranteeing better
protection of indigenous peoples' rights.
Some countries have
introduced autonomous institutions as well as other programmes specially
designed for indigenous peoples at the local and regional levels. These moves
are designed to improve conditions in such areas as health, housing, labour and
education, and contribute, as far as possible, to the maintenance of traditional
ways of life and culture.
In recent years,
several Governments have amended their constitutions and legislation to take
into account the multicultural character of national society. Some progress has
also been made in returning and guaranteeing collective ownership of indigenous
lands.
The involvement of the United Nations in the promotion and protection of the rights of indigenous peoples has progressed rapidly. This role will be enhanced by public awareness and understanding of the principal issues involved. The International Decade offers an opportunity to raise public awareness and interest and to develop an international plan of action for the improvement of the living conditions of indigenous peoples.
1. Give the full
name of your indigenous organization or community and describe its institutions,
and the type and level of its functions and activities.
2. Identify the
indigenous people(s) which your organization or community represents. Give
information about the geographical location of the people and relevant
demographic data.
3. Indicate whether
there is a need for full or partial travel funds and for subsistence allowance
while in Geneva. Data about the budget and/or annual expenditures and other
aspects of the financial situation of the organization or community concerned
and the possibility of it raising funds from other sources, including
governmental support, would be appreciated.
4. Give the full
name(s) and general identification of the representative who will represent your
organization or community in the Working Group. It is of particular importance
that the address of each proposed recipient, at which he or she may be contacted
directly, is provided. You should also include the following information:
relevant biographical information, including in particular the position and work
or activities of the person(s) concerned on behalf of the community/organization
at local, national, regional and international levels; other experience in
indigenous peoples' affairs; language(s) spoken, indigenous and non-indigenous;
indication of priority if more than one representative; need for interpreter or
liaison.
5. Indicate, if
possible, the substantive contribution which each representative will be able to
make to the items on the agenda of the Working Group, drawing on the experience
of his/her people concerning their basic rights and suggestions on how best to
make them effective, in particular as they relate to the review of developments
pertaining to the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental
freedoms and/or to the evolution of international standards.
6. Indicate, in
particular, the intended travel itinerary to and from Geneva, including route,
carrier and cost. Applicants should bear in mind that the Board will accord
priority to those applicants who indicate that they have made efforts locally to
determine the least expensive way of travelling to and from Geneva from the
place of departure.
1. The procedures
contained in the present annex are adopted solely to authorize the participation
of organizations of indigenous people not in consultative status with the
Economic and Social Council.
2. These procedures
are consistent with the procedures set forth in resolution 1296 (XLIV) of 23 May
1968 of the Economic and Social Council and do not constitute a precedent in any
other situation. They shall apply only to the Working Group created by Council
resolution 1995/32 of 25 July 1995 and they shall remain in effect for the
duration of the Working Group.
3. Organizations of indigenous people not in consultative status wishing to participate in the Working Group may apply to the Coordinator of the International Decade of the World's Indigenous People. Such applications must include the following information concerning the organization concerned:
(a) The name, headquarters or seat, address and contact person for the organization;
(b) The aims and purposes of the organization (these should be in conformity with the spirit, purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations);
(c) Information on the programmes and activities of the organization and the country or countries in which they are carried out or to which they apply;
(d) A description
of the membership of the organization, indicating the total number of
members.
4. Upon receipt of
applications, the Coordinator of the International Decade should consult with
any State concerned pursuant to Article 71 of the Charter of the United Nations
and paragraph 9 of resolution 1296 (XLIV) of the Economic and Social Council.
The Coordinator should promptly forward all applications and information
received to the Council Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations for its
decision.
5. Authorization to
participate shall remain valid for the duration of the Working Group subject to
the relevant provisions of part VIII of resolution 1296 (XLIV) of the Economic
and Social Council.
6. The activities
of organizations of indigenous people authorized to participate in the Working
Group pursuant to these procedures shall be governed by rules 75 and 76 of the
rules of procedure of the functional commissions of the Economic and Social
Council.
7. Organizations of
indigenous people authorized to participate in the Working Group will have the
opportunity to address the Working Group, consistent with the relevant
provisions of paragraphs 31 and 33 of Council resolution 1296 (XLIV), and are
encouraged to organize themselves into constituencies for this purpose.
8. Organizations of
indigenous people may make written presentations which, however, will not be
issued as official documents.
9. States having indigenous populations should take effective measures to bring the invitation to participate and these procedures to the attention of organizations of indigenous people potentially interested in contributing to and participating in the Working Group.
A.
OBJECTIVES
1. Taking into
account General Assembly resolution 48/163 of 21 December 1993, the main
objective of the International Decade of the World's Indigenous People is the
strengthening of international cooperation for the solution of problems faced by
indigenous people in such areas as human rights, the environment, development,
health, culture and education.
2. The specialized
agencies of the United Nations system and other international and national
agencies, as well as communities and private enterprises, should devote special
attention to development activities of benefit to indigenous communities.
3. A major
objective of the Decade is the education of indigenous and non-indigenous
societies concerning the situation, cultures, languages, rights and aspirations
of indigenous people. In particular, efforts should be made to cooperate with
the United Nations Decade for Human Rights Education.
4. An objective of
the Decade is the promotion and protection of the rights of indigenous people
and their empowerment to make choices which enable them to retain their cultural
identity while participating in political, economic and social life, with full
respect for their cultural values, languages, traditions and forms of social
organization.
5. An objective of
the Decade is to further the implementation of the recommendations pertaining to
indigenous people of all high-level international conferences, including the
United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, the World Conference
on Human Rights, in particular its recommendation that consideration be given to
the establishment of a permanent forum for indigenous people in the United
Nations system, the International Conference on Population and Development and
the World Summit for Social Development, as well as all future high-level
meetings.
6. An objective of
the Decade is the adoption of the draft United Nations declaration on the rights
of indigenous peoples and the further development of international standards as
well as national legislation for the protection and promotion of the human
rights of indigenous people, including effective means of monitoring and
guaranteeing those rights.
7. The objectives
of the Decade should be assessed by quantifiable outcomes that will improve the
lives of indigenous people and that can be evaluated halfway through the Decade
and at its end.
B. ACTIVITIES
TO BE UNDERTAKEN BY THE MAJOR ACTORS
1. United
Nations observances
8. A formal
observance each year on the International Day of the World's Indigenous People,
in New York, Geneva and at other offices of the United Nations.
9. Official
observance of the Decade as part of the Fourth World Conference on Women, the
United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II) and other
international conferences related to the aims and themes of the Decade.
10. Issuance of a
special series of stamps by the United Nations Postal Administration
highlighting the goals and themes of the Decade.
2. Activities of
the Coordinator and the Centre for Human Rights
11. Establish, as a
matter of urgency, an adequately staffed and resourced indigenous people's
unit.
12. Request
Governments to second qualified indigenous people, in consultation with
interested national indigenous organizations, to assist in the administration of
the Decade.
13. Create a
fellowship programme, in collaboration with the Advisory Services of the Centre
for Human Rights of the Secretariat and Governments, to assist indigenous people
wishing to gain experience in the different branches of the Centre and in other
parts of the United Nations system. Such fellowships might be available for
indigenous research and other similar activities.
14. Open a roster
of indigenous experts in various fields who might be available to assist United
Nations agencies, in collaboration with Governments, as appropriate, as partners
or consultants.
15. Create an
advisory group of persons with relevant knowledge of indigenous issues, acting
in their personal capacity, to advise the Coordinator for the Decade and United
Nations organizations, at their request. The members of this advisory group
could include eminent indigenous persons, governmental representatives,
independent experts and officials of the specialized agencies.
16. Consider the
need to hold coordination meetings of Governments, organizations of the United
Nations system and indigenous and non-governmental organizations, as necessary,
to consider, examine and evaluate Decade activities and to develop an
integrated, action-oriented strategy to advance the interests of indigenous
people. The Economic and Social Council should hold mid-term and end-term
reviews of the Decade in accordance with its resolution 1988/63 of 27 July 1988.
The Working Group on Indigenous Populations of the Sub-Commission on Prevention
of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities should review international
activities undertaken during the Decade and receive information from Governments
on the implementation of the goals of the Decade in their respective
countries.
17. Compile, on the
basis of communications of the focal points in the United Nations system, a
regular news-sheet containing information about meetings of interest, major or
innovatory projects, new sources of funding, policy developments and other news
to be widely distributed.
18. Encourage the
development of partnership projects in association with Governments to address
specific regional or thematic issues bringing together Governments, indigenous
people and appropriate United Nations agencies.
19. Establish an
information programme linking the Coordinator of the Decade to focal points of
the United Nations system, national committees for the Decade and, through
appropriate channels, indigenous networks; also develop a database of indigenous
organizations and other relevant information, in cooperation with indigenous
people, Governments, academic institutions and other relevant bodies.
20. Organize
meetings on relevant themes of concern to indigenous people with indigenous
participation.
21. Launch a series
of publications on indigenous issues to inform policy makers, opinion-formers,
students and other interested people.
22. Develop, in
collaboration with Governments, training programmes on human rights for
indigenous people, including the preparation of relevant training materials,
when possible in indigenous languages.
23. Establish a
board of trustees or advisory group, including indigenous people, to assist the
Coordinator of the Voluntary Fund for the International Decade.
24. Encourage the
development of projects and programmes, in collaboration with Governments and
taking into account the views of indigenous people and the appropriate United
Nations agencies, for support by the Voluntary Fund for the Decade.
25. Ensure, in
coordination with Governments and indigenous organizations, the necessary
measures to guarantee financing of the objectives of the Decade.
3. United
Nations public information activities
26. Produce and
disseminate a series of posters on the Decade using designs by indigenous
artists.
27. Organize a
lecture series at United Nations information centres and campuses linked to the
United Nations University, using indigenous speakers.
28. Publish in
indigenous languages the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, international
human rights conventions and, upon its adoption, the United Nations declaration
on the rights of indigenous peoples, considering the use of audiovisual material
for this purpose. Consider also the involvement of indigenous experts and their
own information networks in disseminating information about the Decade.
29. Prepare, in
collaboration with the Centre for Human Rights, information about indigenous
people for distribution to the general public.
4. Operational
activities of the United Nations system
30. Establish focal
points for indigenous issues in all appropriate organizations of the United
Nations system.
31. Encourage the
governing bodies of specialized agencies of the United Nations system to adopt
programmes of action for the Decade in their own fields of competence, in close
cooperation with indigenous people.
32. Urge
Governments to ensure that the programmes and budgets of relevant
intergovernmental organizations give priority and devote sufficient resources to
furthering the aims of the Decade, and request that regular reports on the
action taken be submitted to the governing body or executive council of each
organization.
33. Prepare,
publish and disseminate a manual containing practical information for indigenous
people on the operations and procedures of United Nations agencies.
34. Develop
research on the socio-economic conditions of indigenous people, in collaboration
with indigenous organizations and other appropriate partners, with a view to
publishing regular reports in order to contribute to the solution of problems
faced by indigenous people, taking into account paragraph 6.26 of the Programme
of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development, held at
Cairo from 5 to 13 September 1994.
35. Encourage
Governments to establish appropriate mechanisms and practices to ensure the
participation of indigenous people in the design and implementation of national
and regional programmes of concern to them.
36. Hold regular
inter-agency consultations, in collaboration with Governments and indigenous
people, to exchange views and develop strategies on the programme of action for
the Decade.
37. Hold
consultations with Governments to examine, with national committees and
development agencies, possibilities of cooperation in the activities of the
Decade.
38. Develop
training materials for indigenous people on human rights, including the
translation of the main international instruments into different indigenous
languages, and give them wide distribution. Consider the possibility of using
radio programmes to gain access to indigenous communities not having written
languages.
39. Prepare a
database on national legislation on matters of particular relevance to
indigenous people.
40. Hold
consultations of all interested parties on the themes of human rights, the
environment, development, health, culture and education, with a view to
elaborating programmes in these areas.
5. Activities of
regional organizations
41. Implement
existing and develop new regional programmes of action to promote and support
the objectives of the Decade.
42. Hold regional
meetings on indigenous issues with existing regional organizations with a view
to strengthening coordination, taking advantage of the machinery of the United
Nations system and promoting the direct and active participation of indigenous
people of different regions in collaboration with Governments. The Working Group
on Indigenous Populations could consider the possibility of holding its sessions
in conjunction with these meetings.
43. Develop
training courses and technical assistance programmes for indigenous people in
areas such as project design and management, environment, health and education,
and promote the exchange of skills and experiences of indigenous people from
different regions.
44. Make funds
available at the regional level to activities benefiting indigenous
people.
45. Encourage
regional organizations to draw up regional instruments for the promotion and
protection of indigenous people in the framework of their own structures and
promote existing regional instruments.
6. Activities of
Member States
46. Establish
national committees for the Decade or similar mechanisms, including indigenous
people, all relevant departments and other interested parties duly convened by
Governments, to mobilize public support for the various activities connected
with the Decade.
47. Intensify
coordination and communication at the national level between relevant
ministries, agencies and regional and local authorities by establishing focal
points or other mechanisms for coordination and dissemination of
information.
48. Use part of the
resources of existing programmes and of international assistance for activities
of direct benefit to indigenous people and, where possible, provide additional
funds for specific activities.
49. Develop, in
collaboration with indigenous communities, national plans for the Decade,
including main objectives and targets, fixing quantitative outcomes and taking
into account the need for resources and possible sources of financing.
50. Provide
appropriate resources for indigenous institutions, organizations and communities
to develop their own plans and actions according to their own priorities.
51. Adopt measures, in cooperation with indigenous people, to increase knowledge, starting at the elementary-school level and in accordance with the age and development of schoolchildren, concerning the history, traditions,
culture and rights
of indigenous people, with special emphasis on the education of teachers at all
levels, and adopt measures to restore indigenous place-names.
52. Consider
ratification and implementation of the Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention
of the International Labour Organization (No. 169) and other international and
regional instruments, in close consultation with the indigenous organizations of
each country.
53. Recognize the
existence, identity and rights of indigenous people through constitutional
reforms or the adoption of new laws, when appropriate to improve their legal
status and guarantee their economic, social, cultural, political and civil
rights.
54. Implement
chapter 26 of Agenda 21, adopted by the United Nations Conference on Environment
and Development, and the relevant provisions of the Convention on Biological
Diversity, the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, adopted by the World
Conference on Human Rights, the Programme of Action of the International
Conference on Population and Development and the Programme of Action of the
World Summit for Social Development, as well as the relevant provisions of
future high-level conferences.
7. Activities of
organizations of indigenous people
55. Establish an
information network which can be linked to the Coordinator of the Decade and
facilitate communications between the United Nations system, relevant
governmental departments and indigenous communities.
56. Indigenous
organizations and international indigenous networks should develop information
for local communities concerning the goals of the Decade and the activities of
the United Nations.
57. Establish and
support indigenous schools and university-level institutions and collaborate
with the relevant United Nations agencies; participate in the revision of school
texts and the contents of programmes of study in order to eliminate
discriminatory content and promote the development of indigenous cultures and,
where appropriate, indigenous languages and scripts; develop indigenous
curricula for schools and research institutions.
58. Create
documentation centres, archives and in situ museums concerning indigenous
people, their cultures, laws, beliefs and values, with material that could be
used to inform and educate non-indigenous people on these matters. Indigenous
people should participate on a preferential basis in the administration of these
centres.
59. Establish and
promote networks of indigenous journalists and launch indigenous periodicals at
the regional and international levels.
60. Indigenous
people may transmit their views on the programmes concerning their priority
rights to Governments, the United Nations and the specialized agencies and
regional organizations.
8. Activities of
non-governmental organizations and other interested parties, including
education establishments, the media and business
61. Cooperate with
indigenous organizations, communities and people in the planning of activities
for the Decade.
62.
Non-governmental organizations working with indigenous people should involve
indigenous people in their activities.
63. Create radio
and television centres in indigenous regions, when appropriate and in accordance
with national legislation, to provide information on the problems and proposals
of indigenous people and to improve communications between indigenous
communities.
64. Promote
indigenous cultures, with due respect for intellectual property rights, through
the publication of books, the production of compact discs and the organization
of various artistic and cultural events which enhance knowledge of and serve to
develop indigenous cultures and establish indigenous cultural and documentation
centres.
65. Involve different social and cultural groups in the activities planned for the Decade.
Objectives of the
Voluntary Fund:
- to support the
programme of activities adopted by the General Assembly in its resolution
50/157
- to provide
assistance to projects and programmes advancing the goal of the International
Decade: international cooperation for the solution of problems faced by
indigenous people in such areas as human rights, the environment, development,
education, culture and health
Who may
apply:
- indigenous
peoples, communities and organizations, non-governmental organizations and
academic and other similar institutions; organizations should be
non-profit-making
- national
committees for the Decade
- intergovernmental
organizations and Governments with proposals for joint or "partnership" projects
in cooperation with indigenous peoples
Main project
areas:
- the programme of
activities and objectives of the Decade as well as the recommendations of the
Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action as they relate to indigenous
people
- indigenous
organizational structures and procedures and their strengthening through
education, training and institution- and capacity-building, bearing in mind the
need to respect their relevant traditions
- education and
training in human and indigenous rights
- information about
indigenous peoples and the International Decade
- communications
and exchanges between the United Nations system and indigenous peoples and
between indigenous peoples
- fund-raising
initiatives in furtherance of the objectives of the Decade
Criteria for
selection:
- projects should
be of direct benefit to indigenous people in all parts of the world
- projects should
be prepared by or in full consultation with indigenous people
- projects will be
considered taking into account gender balance
- particular
consideration will be given to projects from underdeveloped areas in different
regions
- projects will be
approved in relevant areas, including in particular those relating to the
promotion, protection and implementation of human and indigenous rights
1. Please give the
project title.
2. Describe the
main objective(s) of the project. Please also indicate how the project relates
to one of the six main projects areas.
3. Provide a
summary of the project, including information about how it will be
implemented.
4. What is the
executing organization? Please provide information about the organization,
including information about membership, past activities and projects, as well as
relevant financial details. Provide information about any partner
organizations.
5. What are the
expected benefits for indigenous people? What is the expected follow-up to the
project?
6. What is the
duration of the project? Please include information about each phase of the
project.
7. What are the
total costs of the project, including breakdown of proposed expenditures? What
is the contribution requested from the Voluntary Fund? What are the other
sources of funding? How will the accounting of the project be managed?
8. How will the
project be evaluated? Are the results quantifiable?
PROJECTS SHOULD BE
SENT TO THE VOLUNTARY FUND BEFORE 15 MARCH EACH YEAR
APPLICATIONS TO THE
VOLUNTARY FUND WILL BE CONSIDERED ANNUALLY IN APRIL
CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE
VOLUNTARY FUND WILL NOT EXCEED US$ 50,000
Updated information
about the indigenous peoples programme, including United Nations documents and
meetings, can be found on Internet at www.unhchr.ch
Notes:
1. "Study of the problem of discrimination against indigenous populations", issued in consolidated form in five volumes as document E/CN.4/Sub.2/1986/7 and Add.1-4. Volume V, Conclusions, Proposals and Recommendations, was issued as a separate publication (Sales No. E.86.XIV.3). [back to the text]
2. As of July 1996, the members of the Working Group are: Mr. Miguel Alfonso Martínez (Cuba), Mr. Volodymyr Boutkevitch (Ukraine), Ms. Erica-Irene A. Daes (Chairperson-Rapporteur) (Greece), Mr. El-Hadji Guissé (Senegal) and Mr. Ribot Hatano (Japan). [back to the text]
3. See Fact Sheet No. 7, Communications Procedures. [back to the text]
4. For the text of the draft declaration, see Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities resolution 1994/45, annex. [back to the text]
5. Proclaimed by the General Assembly by its resolution 48/163 of 21 December 1993. [back to the text]
6. See General Assembly resolution 50/157 of 21 December 1995, para. 4. [back to the text]
7. As of March 1997, the members of the Board of Trustees are: Mr. Michael Dodson (Australia) Mr. Ole Ntimama (Kenya), Ms. Nina Pacari Vega (Ecuador), Ms. Tove Sovndahl Petersen (Denmark) and Ms. Victoria Tauli-Corpuz (Philippines). [back to the text]
8. See Fact Sheet No. 7, Communications Procedures. [back to the text]
9. A/CONF.157/24 (Part I), chap. III. [back to the text]
10. Commission on Human Rights resolution 1995/32 of 3 March 1995, annex. [back to the text]
11. General Assembly resolution 50/157 of 21 December 1995, annex. [back to the text]
Printed at
United Nations, Geneva
July 1997
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