8 July 2016: The advisors for the consultation on indigenous peoples’ participation in relevant UN meetings released the final compilation of views expressed by Member States and others, containing a proposal for elements to be discussed at the 71st session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA).

The compilation text is the fourth and final draft to be produced during a four-month consultation process that began in March 2016. The text summarizes views that have some support among Member States and Indigenous Peoples’ representatives, and also notes points of difference.

Among the elements for further discussion, document indicates that governments will need to agree on: which UN venues will be mentioned in the resolution; participation modalities, which may differ according to the venue or process; the composition of a proposed body of experts appointed by States and Indigenous Peoples to recognize indigenous peoples’ representative institutions; and the criteria for recognizing the representative institutions.

In their letter to UNGA President Mogens Lykketoft, the four advisors – two from Member States and two Indigenous Peoples’ representatives – note that the text could form the basis for a draft resolution to be adopted at the 71st session of the UNGA.

The World Conference on Indigenous Peoples (WCIP) in 2014 called for enhancing indigenous peoples’ participation in UN processes, and the 70th UNGA adopted a resolution on the consultation process. [Compilation of Views on Possible Measures to Enable the Participation of Indigenous Peoples’ Representatives in Relevant UN Meetings on Issues Concerning Them, and of Good Practices Within the UN Regarding Indigenous Peoples’ Participation] [Consultative Process Website] [IISD RS Story on Third Compilation of Views]