The Forum expresses its support for the work of the Board of Trustees and the Advisory Group of the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Populations and the United Nations Trust Fund for the International Decade of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, urges Governments, non-governmental organizations and other private or public entities and individuals to contribute to the funds and supports the continuation of the activities of the Board of Trustees and Advisory Group of both Funds, which are considered a vital support to indigenous communities worldwide.
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.
With regard to the development of national action plans, as committed to by Member States at the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples, the Permanent Forum welcomes the adoption by the Government of El Salvador of a national action plan and encourages its full and effective implementation. The Forum strongly urges other States to follow this good practice and develop their own national action plans for the full implementation of the Declaration. The Forum also encourages States to review recommendations made at past sessions, renew efforts at their implementation and report on progress made by 2021. The Forum invites the United Nations system to support the efforts of Member States in this regard.
The Permanent Forum welcomes the commitment of the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples to enhance Indigenous Peoples’ participation within United Nations entities. The Forum encourages Member States and other funders to support the Voluntary Fund and the Trust Fund on Indigenous Issues.
The dialogue highlighted the challenges Indigenous Peoples from Africa face in participating in United Nations meetings, including logistical obstacles in obtaining visas and a lack of financial resources. The Permanent Forum invites African States to contribute to the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples and called for common efforts to facilitate visa processes in order to ensure the participation of African Indigenous Peoples, including women and youth.