The Permanent Forum reiterates its position, as stated in the report on its twentieth session (E/2021/43, para. 10), urging Colombia to promote and guarantee the rights of indigenous peoples, in particular by achieving the goals and indicators set out in the “ethnic chapter” of the peace agreement. In this regard, the Permanent Forum wishes to offer its support, within the terms of its mandate, to facilitate dialogues between the Government of Colombia and indigenous peoples.
The Permanent Forum calls upon Member States to put in place specific plans for improving the health of Indigenous Peoples, including the sexual and reproductive health of Indigenous women, with particular attention to the health of Indigenous two-spirit persons, children and nomadic and semi-nomadic peoples, as well as Indigenous Peoples in voluntary isolation, in initial contact, in remote areas and in other vulnerable situations. The Permanent Forum also recommends that States provide adequate funding to Indigenous Peoples to support and ensure access to Indigenous health care, education and mental health and well-being resources.
Those violations also take place in countries that have ratified the Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989 (No. 169). The Permanent Forum recommends that countries that have ratified that Convention update their legislation and legal systems to conform with the Convention and its provisions. The Permanent Forum welcomes the landmark ruling in October 2021 by the Supreme Court of Norway protecting Indigenous Peoples from the establishment of a windmill park that would interfere with their traditional reindeer grazing areas. The Permanent Forum urges the Government of Norway to implement the decision of the Supreme Court without delay. It also recommends that Norway urgently address the allegations of increased incidents of hate speech online and offline against the Saami peoples following the Supreme Court ruling.
The Permanent Forum notes the proactive measures of the Governments of Honduras and Indonesia to integrate Indigenous Peoples’ rights within national land rights and environmental conservation frameworks. Furthermore, the Forum reiterates its concerns regarding the ongoing situation in West Papua, in particular the conflict with regard to Indigenous Peoples, and encourages the Government of Indonesia to extend invitations to United Nations special procedures mandate holders to conduct country visits.