The Forum notes that indigenous peoples are increasingly confronted with issues and problems related to more urban characteristics, such as access to adequate housing, services and infrastructure in human settlements. It therefore invites Governments and local authorities to adopt policies and take necessary measures to meet the changing needs of indigenous peoples within the global process of the urban/rural dynamics and continuum. The Forum also recommends that United Nations agencies, funds and programmes increase their focus on this global trend and take actions in their respective areas of work so as to positively affect indigenous peoples. It recommends that the United Nations system, especially the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, submit a report on policies and programmes in this area to the Forum, and to participate in a dialogue with the Forum at its third session.
The operational policy of the World Bank regarding forests is under review. The Forum recommends to the Bank that it take into account the recommendations made by indigenous peoples and calls for the involvements of Forum members in the Bank’s process of review and revision.
The Forum, deeply concerned about the harmful and widespread impact of armed conflict on indigenous children, recommends that the Committee on the Rights of the Child make recommendations on the situation of the human rights of indigenous children involved in armed conflict, taking into account the principles and norms contained in the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict.