The Permanent Forum recommends that WHO create and convene regional round tables to address the issue of indigenous peoples and the pandemic in order to ensure that the indigenous peoples of the globe are uniquely considered in mitigation efforts. Such round tables would also offer a timely opportunity to coordinate actions for responding to the impact of the pandemic on indigenous peoples.
The Forum requests Governments to prepare reports on their experience and case studies as to how they are addressing indigenous people’s health and the Millennium Development Goals, and to submit their reports to the Forum at its fourth session.
The Permanent Forum is concerned by the killings, violence and harassment targeted at indigenous human rights defenders, which are also frequently committed with impunity. The Permanent Forum is concerned that, despite international condemnation, these criminal acts of violence persist, especially in a small number of countries in South and Central America, Africa and Asia.
The Permanent Forum requests WHO, in cooperation with indigenous health providers, to conduct a study on the prevalence and causes of suicide among indigenous youth and on efforts being made, including culture-based approaches, to prevent suicide and promote mental health and wellness. The Forum recommends that the Inter-Agency Support Group on Indigenous Peoples’ Issues and WHO organize an expert group meeting to review policies and best practices with regard to engaging indigenous youth on the prevention of suicide.