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Addressee: UN entities; states parties
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Indigenous peoples have been a distinct constituency at the United Nations since 1977 and, with the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples by the General Assembly in 2007, their inherent rights were affirmed as the international minimum standard. The Permanent Forum reiterates the position of the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, namely that it is unacceptable to undermine the status and standing of indigenous peoples by combining or equating them with non-indigenous entities such as minorities, vulnerable groups or local communities. Such attempts, whether by States or United Nations entities, are not acceptable and will be challenged by indigenous peoples and those mandated to defend their rights. The Permanent Forum urges all United Nations entities and States parties to treaties concerning the environment, biodiversity and the climate to eliminate the use of the term “local communities” in conjunction with indigenous peoples, so that the term “indigenous peoples and local communities” would be abolished.
Responses
IFAD
With reference to Recommendation n.85 addressed to IFAD and all UN agencies during its twenty-first session to “eliminate the use of the term “local communities” in conjunction with indigenous peoples, so that the term “indigenous peoples and local communities” would be abolished”, IFAD will pay close attention not to use this wording in its documents. In its updated Policy of Engagement with Indigenous Peoples, approved by IFAD Executive Board in December 2022, which sets out the principles, instruments and procedures for IFAD’s work with IPs, the Fund used the terminology “Indigenous Peoples”.
WIPO
Par. 85 of the Permanent Forum’s report (document E/2022/43-E/C.19/2022/11, par. 14, 66 and 85) (use of the term “local communities” in conjunction with Indigenous Peoples).
The WIPO Secretariat has taken note of the recommendation.
Final Report of UNPFII Session 21 (2022)
Area of Work
