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Addressee: UNEP
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The Permanent Forum recommends that the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) adopt an indigenous peoples’ policy and ensure the full and effective participation of indigenous peoples in the formulation of this policy and its programmes and projects.
Responses
UNEP reports the following: In 2006, UNEP initiated work towards a UNEP indigenous peoples strategy by drafting a document in order to respond to the recommendation of the Forum in 2006. During the UNEP Governing Council held in Nairobi in February 2007, 15 indigenous peoples representatives were asked about their priorities, interests and concerns regarding the environment, UNEP work and possible ways of engagement. Their priorities were integrated in the first draft of the UNEP indigenous peoples
strategy. Remaining funds, although limited, allowed UNEP to plan and undertake a consultation process among indigenous peoples organizations, the Inter-Agency Support Group as well as UNEP staff, with the assistance of two organizations. A first draft was developed which was discussed in Bali during the thirteenth meeting
of the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change with approximately 50 indigenous peoples representatives. An
electronic consultation among approximately 250 indigenous peoples organizations as well as Inter-Agency Support Group members is currently being undertaken. A consultation among UNEP staff will be organized for the months of February and March 2008. It is planned to present the consolidated version of the draft to the Executive Director later in the year for his approval. Due to a limited funding situation, the consultation process and the time and the amount of persons to be consulted is restricted. It is hoped to organize relevant consultative meetings or side events in the Forum or similar relevant forums to take the draft further in its
development in the future.
The Government of Switzerland reports the following: “Environmental sustainability, access to land and natural resources are key issues that have an impact on indigenous groups’ enjoyment of their economic, social and cultural rights. The adoption of an indigenous policy by the United Nations Environment Programme, as has been done by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), would have a strong and positive impact on the rights of indigenous peoples worldwide.”
Final Report of UNPFII Session 5 (2006)
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