The UNGA adopted a resolution on the participation of indigenous peoples’ representatives and institutions in meetings of relevant UN bodies on issues affecting them, following a consultation and negotiation process that began in February 2016.
By the text, governments will hold interactive hearings during the 72nd, 73rd and 74th UNGA sessions, and the UN Secretary-General will issue a report with recommendations, following which the UNGA will consider possible measures during the 75th session.
8 September 2017: UN Member States will hold interactive hearings during the next three UNGA sessions to address the participation of indigenous peoples at the UN, according to a resolution adopted on 8 September 2017. Governments also decide to expand the mandate of a fund to ensure participation of indigenous peoples’ organizations and institutions in the hearings.
The UN General Assembly (UNGA) resolution titled, ‘Enhancing the participation of indigenous peoples’ representatives and institutions in meetings of relevant United Nations bodies on issues affecting them’ (A/RES/71/321), was adopted following a consultation and negotiation process that began in February 2016. By the resolution, UN Member States call for continuing efforts to address the participation issue, specifically on the part of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (PFII), the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Special Rapporteur of the UN Human Rights Council on the rights of indigenous peoples. They also request a report of the UN Secretary-General by the end of UNGA 74 that will outline achievements, analysis and recommendations on enabling participation of indigenous peoples’ representatives and institutions.
The Assembly requests the UNGA President to organize informal interactive hearings as part of the preparatory process for the 75th session’s consideration.
Consideration of possible measures then will take place at the 75th session, following consultations with indigenous peoples’ representatives and institutions from all regions as an input to the intergovernmental process. The Assembly requests the UNGA President to organize informal interactive hearings during the 72nd, 73rd and 74th sessions, as part of the preparatory process for the 75th session’s consideration of the issue.
By the text, the Assembly also decides to expand the mandate of the UN Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples so that it can assist representatives of indigenous peoples’ organizations and institutions to participate in these hearings.
After the UNGA’s adoption of the text by consensus, Canada also for Australia and New Zealand, as well as Mexico, expressed disappointment that agreement had not been reached on establishing a new category for participation of indigenous peoples at the UN. China for a group of like-minded States, as well as India, noted the lack of an internationally agreed definition of “indigenous peoples.” China said all relevant discussions must respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Member States. India said the current process applies only to those States that recognize indigenous peoples as distinct from others residing there. [UN Meeting Summary, 8 September] [DESA DSPD News] [UNGA Resolution] [SDG Knowledge Hub Story on Draft Resolution]