The Permanent Forum welcomes the decision of the Intergovernmental Committee to organize, in cooperation with the Forum, expert preparatory meetings on the Intergovernmental Committee process for indigenous peoples representing the seven geopolitical regions recognized by the Forum.
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.
The Permanent Forum calls upon the Global Environment Facility, the Green Climate Fund, the new Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility Readiness Fund and the locally led Adaptation Fund, among others, to establish a mechanism for enhanced direct access for Indigenous Peoples by limiting intermediary organizations, with flexible access and transparent criteria that correspond to the needs of Indigenous Peoples.
The Permanent Forum urges Member States and relevant United Nations entities to strengthen and facilitate the engagement of Indigenous youth in decision-making across all United Nations processes, including the Summit of the Future.