The Permanent Forum expresses appreciation for Nepal being the only Asian country to ratify the Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989 (No. 169), in 2007. Nevertheless, it is concerning that, even 10 years after ratification, the Government has not adopted a national action plan to implement the Convention. The Forum recommends that Nepal immediately adopt a national action plan, including in line with its commitment in the outcome document of the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples. The Forum urges other Asian States to consider ratifying the Convention as per the recommendations made by treaty bodies and in the universal periodic review.
The Permanent Forum intends to develop a working practice for its next session that will engage the Youth Caucus more actively in its work.
Considering the family separations caused by migration, and the psychological impact on men, children and women left behind, the Permanent Forum recommends that UNICEF:(a)Conduct a comprehensive study on the effects of remittances and the psychosocial and cultural impact of migrations;(b)Promote programmes to ensure continuity between countries of origin and destination in order to ensure continuity in indigenous children’s relationships with their migrant parents and the protection of migrant children;(c)Support programmes for the protection of the rights of men, children and women left behind.
The Permanent Forum reiterates its previous recommendations to UNICEF to adopt a policy on indigenous peoples in consultation with indigenous peoples without delay.
Calling attention to the high rates of suicide among indigenous youth in some countries, the Permanent Forum reiterates its call for States and relevant national aboriginal health bodies to convene a meeting to assess the root causes of indigenous youth suicide and to formulate preventive strategies. The Forum reiterates its call on UNICEF and WHO to convene a meeting on youth suicide.