The Permanent Forum recommends that Governments of member States adopt in relevant national legislation the principle of free, prior and informed consent of indigenous peoples when involving their territories, lands and natural resources.
Taking into account the challenges faced by States in the implementation of their international obligation to consult with and obtain the free, prior and informed consent of indigenous peoples, the Permanent Forum commits itself to developing an international guide to facilitate the implementation of these principles in accordance with the standards established in the United Nations Declaration. The Forum invites the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples to collaborate on this initiative.
Furthermore, the Permanent Forum urges those States that have abstained to reverse their positions and endorse the Declaration so as to achieve full consensus.
The Permanent Forum hails the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples by the General Assembly. The 13th of September 2007 is a historic day for the United Nations, indigenous peoples and States and marks the beginning of a new era of renewed partnerships for the promotion and protection of the human rights of all indigenous peoples and each indigenous person around the world. The Forum notes its new responsibility under the Declaration and pledges its commitment to making it a living document throughout its work. The Forum thus invites the international community as a whole, States, indigenous peoples, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, academia and the media to promote the Declaration and apply it in their policies and programmes for the improvement of indigenous peoples’ well-being around the world
The Permanent Forum requests that UNICEF design, in partnership with other relevant United Nations agencies, a protocol for emergency situations resulting from natural disasters to ensure that, in cases of emergency, there are no violations of the human rights of indigenous peoples, especially indigenous youth, children and women, owing to forced relocation.
The Permanent Forum urges States to prepare reports on the actions taken to address the recommendations of all United Nations special rapporteurs, in particular the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, especially the recommendations made at the conclusion of country visits, and encourages States to monitor their progress in this regard, in collaboration with indigenous peoples, United Nations country teams and all other relevant parties. Furthermore, the Forum reiterates that national human rights institutions are encouraged to assist indigenous peoples, the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples and the Permanent Forum in the implementation of the Declaration.
The Permanent Forum recommends that all States with indigenous peoples review their legislation, policies and programmes in accordance with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Programme of Action for the Second International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People.
The Permanent Forum recognizes and commends Australia and Colombia for changing their positions by endorsing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and calls upon the remaining States that are opposed to it, as well as those abstaining, to reverse their positions and endorse the Declaration so as to achieve full consensus.
The Permanent Forum regrets the very high incarceration rates of indigenous peoples globally, which contributes to poor health, poverty and untimely death, including in indigenous families and communities. States are reminded of their obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and should therefore address this issue urgently by reducing the incarceration and eliminating the cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment of indigenous peoples by justice systems.
Owing to the particular vulnerability of indigenous peoples in conflict situations, the Permanent Forum recommends that the Department of Peacekeeping Operations of the Secretariat and regional peacekeeping forces factor the protection of indigenous peoples into analysis, planning and guidance on the protection of civilians.
The Permanent Forum recommends to the Human Rights Council that, in the course of a universal periodic review, the situation of indigenous peoples of a country under consideration also be examined.
The Permanent Forum urges Member States to contribute support to make possible the annual UNITAR training programme to enhance the conflict prevention and peacemaking capacities of indigenous peoples’ representatives so as to strengthen indigenous capacity to engage in negotiation, dialogue and peace processes to contribute to sustainable peace.