Pf12lawrence212
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The document discusses a session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues regarding the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples. It notes that the WCIP provides an opportunity to accelerate implementation of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, but there is a risk that states could undermine indigenous interests if the conference is not organized in line with UN standards. It calls for the conference to ensure full and equal participation of indigenous peoples in all aspects, be inclusive of all communities, and obtain free, prior and informed consent on decisions impacting indigenous rights. The document recommends referencing themes from past Permanent Forum sessions, such as decolonization, in the WCIP agenda.
Pf12lawrence212
- 1. 7€ lQ,l-^*ceqc€ -zJ l.1s Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues May 7 - 78,2012 United Nations Headquarters in New York City Pacifi c Caucus Intervention Item #7 Half-day discussion on the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples Speaker: Lawrence Keali'i'olu'olu Gora 1.. We acknowledge that the WCIP is a major opportunity to not only begin a truly constructive dialogue between lndigenous Peoples and States, but to begin to accelerate the formal implementation of the DRIP. Conversely, the associated risk is that States will destroy Indigenous Peoples' interest and desire in participating in the WCIP if it is not organised rightly - that is, if it is not organised consistent with internationally-recognised standards which the UN Member States have themselves endorsed as worthy of implementation. Such standards include: i. Those contained in the Declaration ofthe Rights oftndigenous Peoples, particularly those that would ensure that we ask the following; that the issues, the process and format be open and inclusive in allowing Indigenous Peoples' direct, equal and full participation in all aspects ofthe Conference, both of process and substance. We acknowledge that we are working together in creating the modalities of the conference, the goals that can be contemplated and the formation ofthe agenda. We therefore request that the organizers pay special attention to Indigenous priorities in this regard; ii. Inclusivity of lndigenous communities, especially those communities who do not have access to normal channels ofthe establishmenU iii. Obtaining the free, prior and informed consent of Indigenous Peoples regarding all decisions that have the potential to impact our responsibilities and our human rights in any way. Positive outcomes will best be served by Indigenous Peoples having an equal say in all aspects of the Conference. We acknowledge that we are working together in creating the modalities ofthe conference and request that the organizers pay special attention to Indigenous priorities. Special note to be taken to include all parts of the Indigenous communities and especially those communities who do not have access to normal channels of the establishment
- 2. The name ofthis conference should also accurately reflect what the event is about that what is currently proposed is a UN State Conference on Indigenous Issues, This, taking into account the plenary nature and high levels talks anticipated to happen in Norway, and the associated modalities that presently constrain the UN from realising the standards referred to in para 1. above. This will make more clear what goals can be contemplated and guide the formation of the agenda. We look forward, however, to the situation aligning correctly so that the conference name may be amended to reflect its nature as a true World Conference on Indigenous Issues. In addition, including a referencing to prior work ofthe Permanent Fforum and the compelling issues expressed there, such as this year's theme of Doctrine of discovery and De-colonialisafion, should be referenced to and reflected in the WCIP's agenda. We further recommend that the Doctrine of Discovery will be our guideline and the issue of De-colonialisation be a major theme and future work of the Permanent Forum. More themes might include: 1. The third decade of Indigenous peoples; 2. The creation of institutions to address mechanisms to implement the UN Declaration; 3. Funding opportunities to ensure representatives come from under-represented populations; 4. Implementation of the UN Declaration to secure land rights and self-determination; 5. Howto create free and open dialogue aboutthe status oflndigenous Peoples with States; 6. To address the emergency situation of low lying Islands in the Pacific as to modalities of their survival; 7. How to promote health equity; 8. To effectively preserve land and water by ending devastation and commercial exploration and respect the peoples with their ancestral heritage who living on these grounds. Thank you, Mr. Chair, for allowing the Pacific Caucus to intervene on this important agenda item, World Conference on Indigenous Peoples.