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UNITED
NATIONS
General Assembly
Distr.
GENERAL
A/49/444
28 September
1994
ORIGINAL:
ENGLISH
Forty-ninth session
Agenda item 103
PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITIES OF THE INTERNATIONAL DECADE OF THE
WORLD'S INDIGENOUS PEOPLE
Preliminary report on a comprehensive programme of action
for the International Decade of the World's Indigenous
People
Report of the Secretary-General
INTRODUCTION
1. The World Conference on Human Rights, held in Vienna in
June 1993, called for the proclamation of an international
decade of the world's indigenous people. In chapter II,
section B, paragraph 32 of the Programme of Action, the
World Conference on Human Rights "recommends that the
General Assembly proclaim an international decade of the
world's indigenous people, to begin from January 1994,
including action-orientated programmes, to be decided upon
in partnership with indigenous people. An appropriate
voluntary trust fund should be set up for this purpose. In
the framework of such a decade, the establishment of a
permanent forum for indigenous people in the United Nations
system should be considered."
2. This recommendation was adopted by the General Assembly
in resolution 48/163 of 21 December 1993, in which it
"proclaims the International Decade of the World's
Indigenous People, commencing on 10 December 1994, the
period from 1 January to 9 December 1994 to be set aside for
planning for the Decade in partnership with indigenous
people".
3. The General Assembly decided, in that resolution, that
the goal of the Decade should be the strengthening of
international cooperation for the solution of problems faced
by indigenous people in such areas as human rights, the
environment, development, education and health.
4. Furthermore, the General Assembly decided that,
beginning in the first year of the Decade, one day of every
year should be observed as the International Day of
Indigenous People, and requested the Working Group on
Indigenous Populations, through the Commission, to identify
an appropriate date for that purpose. In addition, it
requested the Secretary-General to appoint the Assistant
Secretary-General for Human Rights as the Coordinator for
the Decade to coordinate the programme of activities in full
collaboration and consultation with Governments, the United
Nations system, and indigenous and non-governmental
organizations. Furthermore, it requested competent United
Nations bodies and specialized agencies to designate focal
points for coordination with the Centre for Human Rights,
and encouraged Governments to establish national committees
or other more permanent structures involving indigenous
representatives to plan activities for the Decade. Finally,
it requested the Secretary-General to establish a voluntary
fund for the Decade for the purpose of funding projects and
programmes during the Decade.
5. It may be noted that the Decade is taking place within
an ongoing process of international action on indigenous
issues. The Decade is part of that process, rather than the
other way around. For example, it may be anticipated that
the draft declaration on indigenous rights will be adopted
and that other standards will be prepared; a permanent forum
may also be established which will give indigenous people
greater international access and influence.
Preparatory process
6. In accordance with General Assembly resolution 48/163,
the Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights was
appointed as the Coordinator for the International Decade.
On 8 March 1994, the Coordinator sent a letter to the
interested parties informing them of the General Assembly's
decision to proclaim an international decade, inviting them
to attend the Technical Meeting on the International Year
and the International Decade to be held from 20 to 22 July
1994, and encouraging them to hold consultations and to
provide him with written suggestions for possible activities
for the Decade.
7. A number of consultations took place throughout the
preparatory period. In particular, attention may be drawn to
the first Assembly of the Indigenous Initiative for Peace in
Mexico and a meeting on the International Decade
hosted by the Government of Bolivia.
8. The Indigenous Initiative for Peace was founded by Nobel
Prize laureate, and United Nations Goodwill Ambassador for
the International Year of the World's Indigenous People, Ms.
Rigoberta Menchu Tum, and consists of 20 indigenous leaders
from all regions of the world. It held its constituting
assembly in Mexico City from 9 to 11 May 1994 during which
the Indigenous Initiative developed recommendations for a
programme of action for the International Decade. These
recommendations can be found in document E/CN.4/1994/TM.4/8.
9. The Government of Bolivia hosted a regional preparatory
meeting for Governments and indigenous and non-governmental
organizations from the Latin American and Caribbean region,
held in Cochabamba, Bolivia, from 30 May to 1 June 1994,
during which an extensive set of recommendations for a
programme of activities for the Decade were developed; these
are contained in document E/CN.4/1994/TM.4/5/Add.1.
10. The results of these two meetings, together with a
number of written suggestions from Governments and
indigenous organizations, were submitted to the Technical
Meeting which was held in Geneva from 20 to 22 July 1994.
The Meeting was attended by many Governments and indigenous
and non-governmental organizations. Among them were 43
indigenous representatives who were assisted by the
Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Populations to attend the
Working Group, and were able to attend the Technical Meeting
thanks to a financial contribution from the Government of
Canada.
11. The Technical Meeting elected the Ambassador of Costa
Rica, Mr. Jorge Rhenan Segura, as its Chairman-Rapporteur,
and two indigenous persons, Ms. Ingrid Washinawatok and Mr.
Mikhael Todyshev, as Vice-Chairpersons. Based on the debate
and the suggestions put forward, the Chairman-Rapporteur
developed a synopsis, which is contained in document
E/CN.4/1994/AC.4/CRP.4, entitled "Proposals and suggestions
of the Technical Meeting on the International Year and the
International Decade of the World's Indigenous People".
12. The proposals and suggestions of the Technical Meeting
were submitted to the Working Group on Indigenous
Populations, which debated the issue at two meetings. On
the basis of this debate, the Working Group developed
recommendations that are contained in its report on its
twelfth session (E/CN.4/Sub.2/1994/30).
13. Subsequently, the Subcommission on Prevention of
Discrimination and Protection of Minorities adopted
resolution 1994/47 of 26 August 1994 in which it
recommended, inter alia, that the Decade should have an
operational focus and that the theme for the Decade should
be "Indigenous peoples: a new relationship: partnership in
action", that the International Day of Indigenous People
should be observed every year on 9 August, that the
Secretary-General should establish, during the first quarter
of 1995, the voluntary fund and that he should consider the
appointment of a board of trustees, including indigenous
members, to administer the fund, and that a second technical
meeting be convened prior to the thirteenth session of the
Working Group on Indigenous Populations to consider the
final programme of action for the Decade. Drawing upon the
recommendation of the Subcommission concerning the theme of
the Decade, it may be desirable to consider a possible
change as follows: "Indigenous people - partnership in
action".
The theme thus amended would retain the idea of partnership
as adopted by the General Assembly in its resolution 46/128
of 17 December 1991 on the International Year for the
World's Indigenous People, but distinguish the Decade from
the Year by emphasizing its operational and developmental
focus.
14. In preparing the draft programme of activities (annex
I), and the draft short-term programme of activities for the
International Decade (annex II), the Secretary-General has
drawn upon the proposals and suggestions of the Chairpersons
of the Technical Meeting and of the Working Group on
Indigenous Populations, the recommendations made by the
preparatory meetings and other suggestions which have
emerged from informal consultations with the interested
parties.
15. The present report suggests a framework in which
projects and programmes may be set. It identifies possible
areas of activity for the Coordinator, the United Nations
system, regional intergovernmental organizations,
Governments, indigenous people, non-governmental
organizations and other interested parties, such as the
media and business. Furthermore, some suggestions are made
about possible themes for each year of the Decade in order
to provide a focus for any workshops and meetings which may
take place or information material which may be produced.
The proposed themes are listed in annex III to the report.
16. It should be borne in mind that the Secretary-General,
in both General Assembly resolution 48/163 and Commission on
Human Rights resolution 1994/26, is requested to submit a
final comprehensive programme of action to the General
Assembly at its fiftieth session.
I. ACTIVITIES OF THE COORDINATOR
Indigenous people's unit
17. In its resolution 48/163, the General Assembly
recommended that adequate human and financial resources be
made available to the Centre for Human Rights in support of
its activities related to indigenous people, and invited
Governments and the United Nations system to consider
providing additional resources to finance the attachment of
suitable staff, including indigenous staff, to the Centre on
a regionally balanced basis.
18. In recent years there has been a dramatic increase in
interest in indigenous questions, not only from indigenous
organizations themselves but also from the public. The
International Year further contributed to this surge of
international attention. The number of participants at the
annual sessions of the Working Group on Indigenous
Populations has also risen rapidly. For example, nearly 800
attended the twelfth session of the Working Group, making it
the largest gathering on the human rights calendar.
Notwithstanding any new activities which may be coordinated
from the Centre, it may be noted that the human and
financial resources available for this growing mandate to
undertake its existing responsibilities are limited. This
fact was recognized by both the General Assembly in
resolution 48/163 and the Commission on Human Rights, which,
in resolution 1994/26, recommended the establishment of a
unit within the Centre for Human Rights to support its
activities related to indigenous people. This recommendation
was approved by the Economic and Social Council in its
decision 1994/247 of 22 July 1994. It is intended that the
necessary additional resources to strengthen the work on
indigenous matters will be made available from the regular
budget of the United Nations.
19. In addition to these proposed resources, it may be hoped
that Governments and indigenous organizations will
contribute by providing appropriately qualified staff to
assist with the implementation of the programme of
activities for the Decade and other work under this mandate.
Both the above-mentioned resolutions appeal for such
support. During the International Year, the Centre for
Human Rights, with the collaboration and support of certain
Governments and indigenous organizations, pioneered a
staffing programme whereby qualified indigenous
administrators were seconded to assist with the work. It
may be hoped that this successful practice can be sustained
during the Decade and beyond. Further initiatives for
enhancing indigenous involvement in the day-to-day
administration of the Decade activities are discussed below.
Consultation and coordination
20. Consultation is an underlying principle of the
International Decade. The importance of consulting and
cooperating with indigenous people is recognized in General
Assembly resolution 48/163 and Commission on Human Rights
resolution 1994/26. The involvement of indigenous people in
the day-to-day administration of the Decade's activities
will prove to be one means of assuring that their viewpoint
is recognized and reflected. It may also be expected that
the Working Group on Indigenous Populations will continue to
be a vital forum for channelling ideas and suggestions from
indigenous people. Furthermore, in the course of the Decade
it is likely that a permanent forum will be established
which may, if so decided, examine the programme of
activities on a regular and formal basis. Until such a
formal arrangement is created, it is recommended that annual
technical consultative meetings be held under the aegis of
the Commission on Human Rights to monitor progress during
the Decade. In view of the need to present a final report
on a comprehensive programme of activities to the General
Assembly at its fiftieth session, it may be regarded as
indispensable to hold a further technical meeting on the
Decade prior to the thirteenth session of the Working Group
in 1995.
21. The importance of holding regional consultations is also
recognized. In this connection, it may be noted that the
Subcommission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection
of Minorities has recommended that the Working Group on
Indigenous Populations should hold sessions in different
regions where indigenous peoples live. Although this has
not been possible hitherto, the Centre for Human Rights has
organized other meetings on indigenous issues in different
countries (Chile, Greenland and the Russian Federation) and
these have proved extremely useful. It may be helpful to
continue this practice during the Decade and consider yearly
regional workshops or consultations on issues identified as
being of specific interest during the Decade.
22. The range of existing and proposed consultations to be
organized by the Centre for Human Rights may be deemed
adequate to ensure full and regular contact between the
United Nations and indigenous peoples in accordance with the
resolutions on the International Decade. In addition to
these regular consultations, it is proposed that regular
contact be established between the Coordinator for the
Decade and the main interested parties. As far as
Governments are concerned, the General Assembly has
recommended the establishment of national committees or
other mechanisms for the Decade. The United Nations
agencies are requested to create focal points within their
organizations which should serve as a mechanism for further
coordination of the United Nations system on this issue.
Finally, it would be desirable for indigenous organizations
to indicate to the Coordinator a limited number of contact
points, on a wide geographical basis, which could receive
regular information or be available for consultation, and
which would undertake to be in contact with other indigenous
organizations and communities in the country or the region.
Through such a network, the Coordinator would be better able
to communicate matters of interest to the many thousands of
indigenous organizations now interested in international
developments.
Information
23. A prime objective for the Coordinator in the initial
phase of the Decade will relate to information and
communication. The successful experience of the
International Year shows the usefulness of developing
appropriately targeted information packs. However,
preparing and disseminating information about United Nations
activities, indigenous people's concerns, and other matters
of interest requires that an information strategy be
elaborated in consultation with Governments, indigenous
people and other partners. This should identify the purpose
of the information policy, the kinds of information that
needs to be disseminated, the means, both human and
financial, of implementation, and some ways of evaluating
its effectiveness.
24. It is clear that a two-way process is involved. First,
indigenous people require information about the United
Nations system so that they can take advantage of the
opportunities that exist; secondly, the United Nations
system, if it is to develop its activities in full
consultation with indigenous people, needs to be able to
have more contact with its new partners. Furthermore, the
Coordinator will certainly receive an increasing number of
inquiries from institutions and individuals wishing to
support the work being undertaken with indigenous people.
In order to respond to this public goodwill, it will be
necessary to develop materials for various audiences such as
schools, universities, the press and business. Finally, it
would be advisable for an information policy to make use of
the existing indigenous and non-governmental networks.
Human rights
25. As the principal agency on human rights matters, the
Centre for Human Rights is in a position to incorporate
indigenous issues fully into its overall work programme.
The Commission on Human Rights, in its resolution 1993/30 of
5 March 1993, and the General Assembly, in its resolution
48/133 of 20 December 1993, specifically recommended that
all thematic rapporteurs, special representatives,
independent experts and working groups pay attention, within
the framework of their mandates, to the situation of
indigenous people. It may be deemed a priority to tell
indigenous peoples on a regular basis about current and
future activities organized by the Centre, including the
meetings of treaty bodies, visits of special rapporteurs or
other relevant action in the field of human rights so that
they can provide appropriate information.
26. The Centre may also be in a position to support the
objectives of the Decade through its advisory services
programme, as was recommended in the Programme of Action of
the World Conference on Human Rights. A specific part of
this programme might be dedicated to providing assistance to
indigenous people through training courses, fellowships and
other kinds of technical support. The Centre, in cooperation
with the Department of Public Information, has begun a
programme to translate the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights into indigenous languages and it may be possible to
develop this activity further. Informal requests have been
made by many indigenous organizations to prepare special
training manuals for them on human rights and to provide
expertise from the Centre to keep them informed about
relevant procedures and activities. In view of the expected
proclamation by the General Assembly of an international
decade for human rights education, it may be thought useful
to develop specific materials and programmes in consultation
with indigenous people. Furthermore, the Programme of Action
for the Third Decade to Combat Racism and Racial
Discrimination has a contribution to make to the elimination
of discrimination affecting indigenous people.
Research and documentation
27. In its resolution 48/133 of 21 December 1993, the
General Assembly noted the need within the United Nations
system to aggregate data specific to indigenous people. In
the light of this, it is suggested that such a research
project be initiated, in partnership with indigenous
organizations, Governments and the relevant United Nations
departments and specialized agencies. It is in the
interests of all concerned to have better information about
the situation of indigenous people. In particular, the
United Nations agencies with responsibilities in the field
can better plan and implement programmes if they fully
understand and take note of the specific problems of
indigenous people.
28. In view of the growing interest in indigenous questions,
it has become necessary to consider establishing a database,
documentation centre and photo and video library on
indigenous people. In part, such a documentation centre is
required to assist in the implementation of human rights
procedures within the Centre itself and it is also required
for the United Nations system as a whole so that the
substantive areas may have a reliable source of information.
In addition, indigenous organizations and scholars are
increasingly interested in undertaking special studies and
look to the Centre, as the lead agency on indigenous
questions, for assistance. The Decade provides an
opportunity to establish a database on indigenous people
within the overall programme to create a human rights
documentation centre.
Training and technical cooperation
29. In cooperation with the advisory services of the Centre,
a number of opportunities exist to provide training and
technical assistance to indigenous peoples. The voluntary
fund to be established for the Decade could provide support
for indigenous initiatives in the field of human rights and
might support technical assistance projects requested by
them. Such assistance might include funds to help
indigenous people with communications, in particular so that
they can be linked to any network developed by the United
Nations in connection with its information policy. Other
areas which might be considered under the rubric of
technical assistance include support for infrastructure such
as offices, training inside and outside the human rights
area, diplomatic skills, and practical technical problems,
such as those related to land demarcation.
30. It may also be thought desirable for the Coordinator to
establish a special fellowship programme for indigenous
people separate from and in addition to that created in the
advisory services area. Such a scheme could provide
cost-of-living grants to indigenous people for periods of up
to six months or more so that they could work with the
Coordinator. Such a programme may also be extended to other
areas of the United Nations so that indigenous people,
particularly from developing countries, have an opportunity
to contribute through their experience to the work of the
United Nations and gain firsthand knowledge of the
Organization.
Publications
31. In view of the need to inform policy makers and opinion
formers, it would be helpful to develop a special series of
books on indigenous people during the Decade. Themes for
the series should be of public interest and could include
issues such as land, the environment, women, culture,
indigenous legal systems and political institutions,
development and health. One book could be published in each
year of the Decade. Note may be taken of the successful
series on women which was developed by the Non-governmental
Liaison Service in cooperation with the various United
Nations agencies.
Meetings
32. It would be useful to consider possible meetings that
might take place during the Decade. Note may be taken of
existing and proposed meetings: the Working Group on
Indigenous Populations, a possible further technical meeting
on the Decade, and an expert seminar on land and indigenous
people. It may be advisable to hold one international
meeting on the chosen subject. In order to involve as many
indigenous people as possible, it may also be desirable to
hold regional preparatory workshops.
33. A further consideration might also be whether to hold a
major conference during the Decade, perhaps mid-Decade, or
at the end of the Decade, in order to evaluate the programme
of activities or for some other major purpose. If such a
conference is considered desirable, it will be necessary to
make preparations well in advance in order to ensure its
success.
Partnership projects
34. The Coordinator for the Decade is entrusted with the
task of stimulating all interested parties to develop
projects in partnership with indigenous people. Such
initiatives may be encouraged through the facilitation of
meetings and other consultations but, as was initiated
during the International Year, it may be considered useful
to adopt a more active role.
Such a role might include developing projects in partnership
with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental
organizations. In addition, it might be thought desirable
to sponsor certain activities, particularly those developed
by indigenous organizations or non-governmental entities.
Public relations
35. Consideration should also be given to the public
relations activities to be developed by the Coordinator for
the Year. It may be useful to consider whether a special
logo or design motif could be developed for the Decade which
would be used by all projects sponsored by the Coordinator.
Furthermore, the technical meeting may wish to discuss the
proposal to recommend to the Secretary-General the
appointment of Goodwill Ambassadors for the Decade who might
be drawn from a list of well-known indigenous personalities
representing different regions and from diverse fields,
including the arts, sport or business.
International Day of Indigenous People
36. In resolution 48/163, indigenous people were invited by
the General Assembly to suggest a possible date for an
International Day of Indigenous People. To this end, the
Working Group on Indigenous Populations, as requested in the
resolution, endorsed, in its report on its twelfth session
(E/CN.4/Sub.2/1994/30), the proposal made by a large number
of indigenous representatives, including Mrs. Rigoberta
Menchu Tum, that the International Day of Indigenous People
be observed annually on 9 August. This date is the
anniversary of the first meeting of the Working Group on
Indigenous Populations, in 1982. That day marked the
beginning of the recognition of indigenous people and their
struggle for recognition by the United Nations system, and
was therefore considered appropriate as a time of shared
celebration by the United Nations and indigenous people
throughout the world.
II. ACTIVITIES OF THE UNITED NATIONS
SYSTEM
37. In its resolution 48/163, proclaiming the Decade, the
General Assembly identified the contribution the United
Nations system could make to the programme of activities for
the Decade. The United Nations agencies were asked to
appoint focal points, to consider how best they might
contribute to the success of the Decade, and to increase
their efforts to take into special account the needs of
indigenous people in their budgeting and programming.
Reports from the United Nations system on possible
activities that might be carried out during the Decade are
contained in document E/CN.4/AC.4/1994/TM.4/6. The
Coordinator was also requested to collaborate and consult
with the specialized agencies of the United Nations system
concerning the coordination of activities for the Decade.
38. During the International Year, increased contact between
indigenous peoples and the United Nations system led to
greater awareness of their concerns. Although efforts were
made to address these concerns, more remains to be done.
The organs of the United Nations system are better placed to
build upon the lessons learned in the Year, and improve the
access of indigenous peoples to their programmes. The
agencies expressed the general view that they needed to
learn and understand more about indigenous peoples before
they could develop adequate programmes of benefit to them.
39. In the consultation held between the United Nations
agencies and indigenous peoples following the official
opening of the International Year on 11 December 1992, a
number of suggestions were made that are worth recalling.
First, indigenous peoples noted that their major problem in
relation to intergovernmental agencies was gaining access to
them in order to (a) obtain information on their programmes;
(b) provide information on the real situation of indigenous
communities; (c) present proposals and suggestions for
activities in favour of indigenous communities; and (d)
contribute to the design, implementation and evaluation of
projects and programmes by foreseeing, measuring and
describing their impact on indigenous peoples. Secondly, it
was indicated that indigenous representatives needed to
acquire greater knowledge of the possibilities, constraints,
policies and procedures of the agencies. Training and
capacity-building programmes should be developed to meet
that need. Thirdly, there was widespread ignorance of the
situation of indigenous peoples throughout the world which
the United Nations system could help to combat. Fourthly,
there was need for indigenous peoples to have access to
development funding. The complete report of this meeting is
contained in document E/CN.4/1993/AC.4/TM.3/1.
40. One conclusion that may be drawn from the consultation
is that further direct contacts between specific United
Nations organizations and indigenous people would bring
benefits to both parties. It may be thought useful to
continue to develop consultations at the national and
regional levels. The role of the Coordinator may well be to
facilitate and encourage links between indigenous
communities and peoples and organizations of the United
Nations system, in particular on a thematic basis.
41. It may be envisaged, therefore, that under the theme of
development the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
and certain other agencies such as the International Labour
Organization (ILO), the Food and Agriculture Organization of
the United Nations (FAO) or the International Fund for
Agricultural Development (IFAD) might work closely to
develop mechanisms for the involvement of indigenous peoples
in the planning and implementation of projects. Under the
theme of education and culture, the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
could be expected to play a prominent role; under the theme
of the environment, the United Nations Environment Programme
(UNEP) and the newly established Commission on Sustainable
Development could be expected to contribute their
experience.
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) might be able to
consider how it could involve specialist indigenous
child-care organizations in its work and the World Health
Organization (WHO) might develop, in consultation with
indigenous peoples, possible projects of mutual interest.
Other United Nations organizations which may be concerned
with indigenous people include United Nations Conference on
Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Office of the United Nations
High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), United Nations
Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), United Nations
International Drug Control Programme (UNDCP), United Nations
Population Fund (UNFPA), United Nations Research Institute
for Social Development (UNRISD), United Nations University
(UNU), United Nations Volunteers (UNV), Universal Postal
Union (UPU), International Maritime Organization (IMO),
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), United
Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO),
International Trade Centre (UNCTAD/GATT (ITC), World Tourism
Organization (WTO), and International Union for the
Protection of New Varieties of Plants.
42. In the area of self-development, UNDP, as well as the
intergovernmental development banks such as the World Bank,
the Inter-American Development Bank, the Fund for the
Development of the Indigenous Peoples of Latin America and
the Caribbean, the African Development Bank and the Asian
Development Bank, might consider the possibilities of
directing funds to indigenous beneficiaries. The United
Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) might
specifically consider ways in which its programme could
bring assistance to indigenous women.
43. As the governing bodies of the United Nations agencies
meet during the first year of the Decade, it is to be hoped
that the necessary authority and budget allocation can be
agreed upon to allow indigenous projects and programmes to
develop. It is encouraging to note, for example, the
adoption of resolution WHA47.27 on the Decade at the
forty-seventh World Health Assembly in May 1994. In that
resolution, the Assembly agreed that the organization should
participate in the planning and implementation of the
objectives of the Decade, requested the establishment of a
core advisory group of indigenous representatives with
special knowledge of the health needs and resources of their
communities, and called for the promotion of, respect for
and maintenance of, indigenous knowledge, traditions and
remedies, in particular, their pharmacopoeia.
44. At the Technical Meeting held from 20 to 22 July 1994,
the representative of UNESCO outlined the organization's
general perspectives of action for the Decade. Those would
evolve around six major directions. First, the development
of endogenous capacities of indigenous people at the
national, regional and international levels through training
of leadership by setting up specialized courses and granting
fellowships. That programme was aimed specifically at
indigenous leaders and craftworkers. Secondly, UNESCO would
provide support to help indigenous people acquire the
abilities needed to protect their cultural heritage and
promote their language. Thirdly, in the field of education,
UNESCO would undertake pilot projects with a view to
developing specialized programmes and manuals adapted to
indigenous communities. Fourthly, it would encourage
indigenous traditional knowledge concerning the preservation
of local ecology for medical and nutritional purposes
through programmes set up during the International Year.
Fifthly, it would implement a series of educational and
cultural projects to facilitate the integration of migrant
indigenous people into city life. Lastly, UNESCO intended to
develop inter-institutional cooperation.
45. Likewise, the United Nations Centre for Human
Settlements (Habitat) reported on an in-depth study that was
being undertaken into the land and basic services
requirements of indigenous people. The results of the study
would be circulated world wide in the course of the Decade.
FAO also indicated that it would step up its efforts to
ensure that more attention was given to indigenous issues in
its programmes. The World Bank drew attention to the Small
Grants Programme as one potential source of funding for some
of the Decade activities. At the twelfth session of the
Working Group on Indigenous Populations, the representative
of ILO informed the Working Group that his organization
would convene a meeting of United Nations agencies to
coordinate practical activities and develop guidelines on
technical assistance to indigenous people.
46. In May 1994, the forty-seventh World Health Assembly
adopted resolution WHA47.27, in which it called upon the
Director-General, inter alia, to increase cooperation
between WHO and other United Nations organizations to help
meet the health needs of indigenous people, provide Members
States with technical support, to assist Governments and
indigenous people in addressing indigenous health needs in a
culturally effective manner, to consider the contribution
WHO might make to promoting respect for, and maintenance of,
indigenous knowledge, and to ensure that relevant research
projects undertaken by WHO and other United Nations
organizations were conducted in consultation with, and for
the benefit of, indigenous people and communities, such
projects being undertaken by indigenous people themselves
where appropriate.
III. REGIONAL ACTIVITIES
47. It may be recalled that the Economic Commission for
Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) played an important
role in the organization of the United Nations Technical
Conference on Indigenous Peoples and the Environment which
took place in Santiago in May 1993. Based upon this kind of
experience, the regional commissions should consider how
they can strengthen regional contacts between indigenous
peoples and the United Nations agencies and cooperate in the
organization of regional workshops on themes of interest.
Note is taken of the resolution adopted by the Organization
of American States on 9 June 1994, in which the
Secretary-General of OAS was entrusted with coordinating
activities for the Decade in his organization.
IV. NATIONAL ACTIVITIES
48. In its resolution 48/163, the General Assembly invited
Governments to establish national committees, which would
serve as a mechanism for consultation between indigenous
people and interested national partners; these could include
government departments, national institutions promoting
human rights, non-governmental organizations, and other
groups, such as universities and schools. During the
preparatory year for the Decade, some committees have been
established. However, no specific information has been
received concerning national programmes and goals; it would
be useful to include information about national objectives
and programmes in the final report to be presented to the
General Assembly at its fiftieth session.
V. INDIGENOUS ACTIVITIES
49. As was realized during the International Year, a certain
number of activities may be carried out by indigenous people
in the course of the Decade. Indeed the Decade should serve
as a framework for local and community events and projects
to be undertaken by indigenous people. The activities that
form the specific indigenous contribution to the Decade
could be those realized without, or with only limited,
external support. The Coordinator for the International
Year included many projects of this kind in the calendar of
events; it would be desirable to continue to publicize
indigenous events during the Decade. This not only provides
an important record but also helps indigenous organizations
cross-fertilize and plan more effectively the use of their
limited resources.
50. The hope has also been expressed that indigenous
organizations will develop local, national and regional
networks which can be linked to the Coordinator's office.
In view of the growth of interest on the part of indigenous
organizations in international activities, it would
facilitate the task of the indigenous peoples unit serving
this expanding mandate greatly if information could be
passed through the larger indigenous organizations directly
to communities.
51. In order for the Decade to be a success, indigenous
peoples will need to identify priorities, organize
themselves locally, nationally and regionally to assure
contact with the United Nations system, and elaborate
suitable projects.
VI. NON-GOVERNMENTAL ACTIVITIES
52. In the course of the International Year, a number of
special activities were carried out by non-governmental
organizations. These included the publication of reports
and books, special issues of journals and newsletters, and
the organization of events, seminars, film festivals, and
other means of raising public awareness. Some commitments
have already been made by the non-governmental community and
it may be hoped that its educational and awareness-raising
programmes will be expanded during the Decade. The
programmes of the human rights and environmental movements
are of particular importance. Those non-governmental
organizations supporting development activities should
consult with indigenous peoples when they elaborate
programmes for the Decade. It may also be useful for these
organizations to inform the Coordinator about their proposed
programmes so that he can communicate a list of
non-governmental partner organizations supporting indigenous
projects and programmes.
VII. ACTIVITIES OF OTHER PARTNERS
53. Several other organizations, institutions or groups may
be in a position to contribute to the success of the Decade.
These potential partners include the press, independent
film-makers, artists, musicians, universities, schools,
foundations, religious bodies, businesses and many other
institutions and groups. Some information concerning
projects to be undertaken by such partners during the Decade
has been communicated to the Coordinator. It would be
desirable to include examples of such projects and hear of
other initiatives so that further reference could be made in
the final report on the Decade to be submitted to the
General Assembly at its fiftieth session.
VIII. FINANCING OF ACTIVITIES DURING THE
DECADE
54. The experience of the International Year demonstrated
the need for resources to be made available to indigenous
peoples for projects. Often the projects required by
indigenous communities are relatively small-scale and make
use of locally available skills and labour. The Voluntary
Fund for the International Year attracted more than 300
projects of this kind and it may be expected that indigenous
people will continue to look to the United Nations, and in
particular the Voluntary Fund for the International Decade
established by the Secretary-General, for support.
Voluntary Fund for the International Decade
55. In its resolution 48/163, the General Assembly
authorized the Secretary- General to establish a voluntary
fund for the Decade and accept contributions from
Governments and other entities. An important consideration
is to determine the purpose of the voluntary fund for the
International Decade. The Voluntary Fund for the
International Year received over $500,000 in contributions
for projects and nearly 40 indigenous projects of up to
$15,000 were approved in the areas of development, the
environment, education, health and human rights. A certain
number of projects which could not be supported by the
Voluntary Fund were transmitted, following consultations, to
other potential funding sources including Governments,
non-governmental organizations and private companies.
56. The voluntary fund for the International Decade should
continue to support projects in all the areas identified in
the General Assembly resolution. It may be noted that, if
the voluntary fund supports a range of projects in these
areas and substantial funds are raised during the Decade,
then more formal management, accounting and follow-up
procedures, including field missions to hold consultations
with indigenous communities, will need to be established.
The Coordinator, in collaboration with Governments and
indigenous people, will decide upon guidelines for project
applications. The voluntary fund is also a source of
funding for consultancies, information activities,
publications, meetings and other activities that promote the
objective of the Decade. It would also be useful to involve
indigenous people in an advisory role, either through
participation in a board of trustees or in some other less
formal and less expensive procedure for consultation. In
this regard, it may be desirable to examine the possibility
of holding such a consultation at a time when indigenous
people are in Geneva.
57. It is recommended that regular pledging conferences be
held in the course of the Decade to assure proper and
adequate financing of activities. Consideration should also
be given to those methods that are likely to bring about the
greatest level of support. Funds should be sought from
non-governmental sources. In this regard, it may be noted
that certain contributions to the Voluntary Fund for the
International Year came from private sources, including
individuals and businesses. However, several offers to raise
large contributions through concerts, the donation of art
works or other means were unsuccessful. This may be borne
in mind during the Decade so as not to raise false
expectations when bountiful entrepreneurs offer their help.
58. It may be thought useful, in consultation with
indigenous people and United Nations agencies with
experience in this field, to develop guidelines indicating
immediate and long-term objectives, means of implementation,
breakdown of costs, evaluation, follow-up and other matters
to assist applicants in preparing well-defined and clearly
presented requests. A complementary guide might include a
list of sources of funding of projects for the Decade
including governmental, intergovernmental and
non-governmental organizations. Such a guide might provide
practical information about the kinds of projects supported,
the financial limits, contact addresses and reporting
obligations.
Advisory services
59. It may be recalled that the Centre for Human Rights
administers several voluntary funds which may be of interest
to indigenous people. The Voluntary Fund for the Third
Decade against Racism, the Voluntary Fund for the Victims of
Contemporary Slavery, and the Voluntary Fund for Advisory
Services and Technical Cooperation all provide assistance
for projects, meetings or other activities within their
mandates. The Fund for Advisory Services may be
particularly useful since it provides assistance for
training, fellowships, workshops and other activities which
promote human rights. The Programme of Action adopted by
the World Conference on Human Rights recommended that the
Fund for Advisory Services should support activities of
indigenous people.
Other intergovernmental funds
60. A number of possibilities for the funding of indigenous
programmes and projects exist in other parts of the United
Nations system. For example, both the World Bank and UNDP
administer small grants schemes for which indigenous people
can apply. At the regional level, the Fund for the
Development of the Indigenous Peoples of Latin America and
the Caribbean and the European Union may also be sources of
assistance. ILO provides support to indigenous people
through its technical assistance programme. A question that
has to be considered is how existing funds of this kind can
be strengthened and whether there is a need for establishing
other opportunities for indigenous people.
Governmental funds
61. During the International Year, several Governments set
aside funds for indigenous people from their bilateral aid
programmes. It may be useful to examine the results of
these initiatives and propose the extension or enhancing of
this source of assistance. Governments may wish to provide
details about existing funds available from the development
aid programmes and from Embassies so that the Coordinator
can transmit the information to indigenous people.
Non-governmental and private sector funds
62. Many non-governmental organizations have
long-established relations with indigenous organizations and
provide assistance for projects. It may be thought useful
for the non-governmental community to provide such
information to indigenous organizations in the countries in
which they work.
63. There has been a growing interest from parts of the
private sector in assisting indigenous people. These
concerned businesses often consider their ethical and
environmental policies as part of the public image of their
organization. During the International Year, the
Coordinator welcomed support for indigenous peoples from all
sectors, including business. It has to be considered how
relationships can be developed between the United Nations
and the private sector so that this important source of
potential support can be encouraged to participate.
Fund-raising plans
64. No professional fund-raiser was hired during the
International Year and all contributions were achieved
through the written and oral appeals of the Coordinator and
the staff of the Centre for Human Rights. Certain modest
entrepreneurial efforts were made only when time could be
found. Sometimes these were successful. However, it cannot
be expected that a comprehensive fund-raising plan can be
developed and implemented without a full-time, qualified and
proven fund-raiser, and without a budget. Consideration
should thus be given to appointing a fund-raiser for the
Decade who would be charged with exploring new sources of
funding for indigenous programmes. Given this extra
resource, consideration may be given to other sources of
funding which can occasionally bring substantial
contributions. These might include the organization of a
special fund-raising concert, the development of some
products, such as T-shirts, cards or diaries, which could be
sold for the benefit of the voluntary fund, and the
arrangement of a sale of works of art. Another possible
source of income might be a charge for the use of any United
Nations logo or artwork that might be designed for the
Decade.
65. The success of the International Decade of the World's
Indigenous People will depend on how successfully realistic
targets are set, and whether sufficient funds are made
available to establish the practical programmes to attain
them. The United Nations system is pledged to working
together to ensure that 10 years of action bring
improvements in the daily lives of indigenous people in all
countries.
Annex I
Draft programme of activities for the
International Decade of the World's Indigenous
People
A. Objectives
1. Taking into account General Assembly resolution 48/163,
the main objective of the Decade is the strengthening of
international cooperation for the solution of problems faced
by indigenous people in such areas as human rights, the
environment, development, health, culture and education.
2. The theme of the Decade is to be amended to "Indigenous
people - partnership in action". This theme, while
retaining continuity with that of the International Year,
emphasizes that the focus of the Decade is on operational
activities to strengthen international cooperation.
Underlying the activities of the Decade are the principles
of cooperation, consultation and participation of indigenous
peoples.
3. The specialized agencies of the United Nations system
and other international and national agencies, as well as
communities and private enterprises, should devote special
attention to development activities of benefit to indigenous
communities.
4. A major objective of the Decade is education of
indigenous and non-indigenous societies concerning the
situation, cultures, rights and aspirations of indigenous
peoples. In particular, efforts should be made to cooperate
with the decade for human rights education.
5. An objective of the Decade is the establishment of
institutions and mechanisms for the full and active
participation of indigenous peoples at the international,
regional and national levels in matters of concern to them.
6. An objective of the Decade is to further the
implementation of the recommendations pertaining to
indigenous peoples in the Vienna Declaration and Programme
of Action, in particular the recommendation that
consideration be given to the establishment of a permanent
forum for indigenous people in the United Nations system.
7. An objective of the Decade is the adoption of the draft
declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples and the
further development of international standards for the
protection and promotion of the human rights of indigenous
peoples, including effective means of monitoring and
guaranteeing those rights.
8. The formulation of the objectives of the Decade should
fix practical and quantifiable outcomes that will improve
the lives of indigenous peoples and that can be evaluated
half-way through the Decade and at its end.
B. Activities of the major actors
1. United Nations observances
9. A formal opening-day ceremony by the Secretary-General
in New York in connection with the forty-ninth session of
the General Assembly, with representation from indigenous
people.
10. A formal observance each year on the International Day
of Indigenous People, in New York, Geneva and other offices
of the United Nations.
11. Official observance of the Decade as part of the World
Summit for Social Development, the Fourth World Conference
on Women, the United Nations Conference on Human
Settlements (Habitat II) and other international conferences
related to the aims and themes of the Decade.
12. Issuance of a special series of stamps by the United
Nations Postal Administration highlighting the goals and
themes of the Decade.
2. Activities of the Coordinator and
the Centre for Human Rights
13. Establish an adequately staffed and resourced indigenous
peoples unit.
14. Request Governments to second qualified indigenous
people, in consultation with interested national indigenous
organizations, to assist in the administration of the
International Decade of the World's Indigenous People.
15. Create a fellowship programme, in collaboration with the
Advisory Services of the Centre for Human Rights, to assist
indigenous people wishing to gain experience in the
different branches of the Centre for Human Rights, and in
other parts of the United Nations system. Such fellowships
might be available for indigenous research and other similar
activities.
16. Open a roster of indigenous organizations and experts in
various fields who might be available to assist United
Nations agencies as partners or consultants.
17. Create an advisory group of persons with relevant
knowledge of indigenous issues, and acting in their personal
capacity, to advise the Coordinator for the Decade and
United Nations organizations, at their request. The members
of this advisory group could include eminent indigenous
persons, government representatives, independent experts and
officials of the specialized agencies.
18. Hold annual coordination meetings of Governments,
organizations of the United Nations system and indigenous
and non-governmental organizations to consider Decade
activities and develop an integrated, action-oriented
strategy to advance the interests of indigenous people.
19. Compile, on the basis of communications of the focal
points in the United Nations system organizations, a regular
newssheet containing information about meetings of interest,
major or innovatory projects, new sources of funding, policy
developments and other news to be distributed to Decade
partners.
20. Encourage the development of partnership projects to
address specific regional or thematic issues bringing
together Governments, indigenous people and several
appropriate United Nations agencies.
21. Establish a communications programme linking the
Coordinator to the national committees for the International
Decade, the focal points of the United Nations system, and
to a network of indigenous organizations and communities;
also develop a database of indigenous organizations and
other relevant information, in cooperation with indigenous
peoples, Governments, academic institutions and other
relevant bodies.
22. Prepare, in collaboration with the Department of Public
Information, information about indigenous people for
distribution to the general public.
23. Develop a research programme, in collaboration with
Governments, United Nations departments and specialized
agencies and indigenous organizations, to aggregate data
specific to indigenous people.
24. Organize meetings on relevant themes of concern to
indigenous people.
25. Launch a series of publications on indigenous issues to
inform policy makers, opinion-formers, students and other
interested people.
26. Develop a training programme on human rights for
indigenous people, including the preparation of relevant
training materials, when possible in indigenous languages.
27. Establish a board of trustees or advisory group,
including indigenous people, to assist the Coordinator of
the Voluntary Fund for the International Decade.
28. Develop, in collaboration with Governments, indigenous
people and the appropriate United Nations agencies, projects
and programmes for support by the Voluntary Fund for the
Decade.
3. United Nations public information
activities
29. Production and dissemination of a series of posters
using designs by indigenous artists.
30. Organization of a lecture series at United Nations
Information Centres and campuses linked to the United
Nations University, using indigenous speakers.
31. Publication in indigenous languages of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights and the draft declaration on the
rights of indigenous peoples.
4. United Nations system operational
activities
32. Establish focal points for indigenous issues in all
appropriate organizations of the United Nations system.
33. Adopt programmes of action for the Decade in the
governing bodies of specialized agencies of the United
Nations system in their own fields of competence.
34. Prepare, publish and disseminate a manual containing
practical information on how indigenous peoples could have
access to agencies of the United Nations.
35. Develop research on the socio-economic conditions of
indigenous peoples, in collaboration with indigenous
organizations and other appropriate partners, with a view to
publishing regular reports.
36. Establish appropriate mechanisms and practices to ensure
the participation of indigenous organizations and experts in
the design and implementation of national and regional
programmes of concern to them.
37. Hold regular inter-agency consultations with indigenous
peoples to exchange views and develop strategies on the
programme of action for the Decade.
38. Hold consultations with national committees and
development agencies to consider possibilities of
cooperation in the activities of the Decade.
39. Develop training materials for indigenous peoples on
human rights, including the translation of the main
international instruments into different indigenous
languages, and give them wide distribution. Consider the
possibility of using radio programmes in order to gain
access to indigenous communities not having written
languages.
40. Prepare a database on national legislation on various
forms of self-government or other matters of particular
relevance to indigenous peoples.
41. Hold consultations of all interested parties on the
themes of development, the environment, health and education
and culture with a view to elaborating possible programmes
in these areas.
5. Activities of regional organizations
42. Consider regional programmes of action to promote and
support the objectives of the Decade.
43. Hold regional meetings on indigenous issues with
existing regional organizations with a view to strengthening
coordination, taking advantage of the United Nations system
machinery and promoting the direct and active participation
of indigenous peoples of the different regions. The Working
Group on Indigenous Populations could consider the
possibility of holding its sessions in conjunction with
these meetings.
44. Develop training courses and technical assistance
programmes for indigenous peoples in areas such as project
design and management.
45. Make funds at the regional level available to activities
benefiting indigenous peoples.
46. Draw up regional instruments for the promotion and
protection of indigenous peoples.
6. Activities of Member States
47. Establish national committees for the Decade or similar
mechanisms, to include indigenous people, all relevant
departments and other interested parties, to mobilize public
support for the various activities connected with the
Decade.
48. Use part of the resources of existing programmes for
activities of direct benefit to indigenous peoples.
49. Develop, in collaboration with indigenous communities,
national plans for the Decade, including main objectives and
targets, fixing quantitative outcomes and taking into
account the need for resources and possible sources of
financing.
50. Adopt measures to increase knowledge among the
non-indigenous population, starting at the elementary school
level, concerning the history, traditions, culture and
rights of indigenous peoples, with special emphasis on the
education of teachers at all levels.
51. Examine the possibility of ratifying ILO Convention 169,
in close consultation with the indigenous organizations of
each country.
52. Legally recognize the existence, rights and languages of
indigenous peoples, preferably through constitutional
reforms and the adoption of new laws to improve their legal
status and guarantee their territorial and economic rights.
53. Implement chapter 26 of Agenda 21 of the United Nations
Conference on Environment and Development and the relevant
provisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity.
7. Activities of indigenous organizations
54. Establish an information network which can be linked to
the Coordinator and facilitate communications between the
United Nations system and indigenous communities.
55. International indigenous organizations should develop
information for local communities concerning the goals of
the Decade and the activities of the United Nations.
56. Establish and support indigenous schools and
university-level institutions and collaborate with the
relevant United Nations agencies; participate in the
revision of school texts and the contents of programmes of
study in order to eliminate discriminatory contents and
promote the development of indigenous cultures; develop
indigenous curricula for schools and research institutions.
57. Create documentation centres, archives and in situ
museums concerning indigenous peoples, their cultures, laws,
beliefs and values, with material that could be used to
inform and educate non-indigenous people on these matters.
Indigenous people should participate on a preferential basis
in the administration of these centres.
58. Establish networks of indigenous journalists and launch
indigenous periodicals at the regional and international
levels.
59. The major areas of concern for indigenous peoples are
the funding of their activities and projects, territorial
rights, respect for indigenous culture and rights,
education, communication, environmental issues, health,
recognition of their status as "peoples" and not "people",
improvement of their living conditions, cultural and
intellectual property, consultation with indigenous peoples
and support for their traditional political systems.
8. Activities of non-governmental
organizations and other interested parties,
including educational establishments, the
media and business
60. Cooperate with indigenous organizations, communities and
peoples in the planning of activities for the Decade.
61. Create radio and television centres in indigenous
regions to provide information on the problems and proposals
of indigenous peoples and to improve communication between
indigenous communities.
62. Promote indigenous cultures through the publication of
books, the production of compact discs, and the organization
of various artistic and cultural events which enhance
knowledge of and serve to develop indigenous cultures.
63. Involve different social and cultural groups in the
activities planned for the Decade.
Annex II
Draft short-term programme of activities for the
Decade
January 1995-December 1996
1995
Theme: promoting social development and
strengthening the role of indigenous women
First quarter
Expert meeting on land rights and claims of indigenous
people
Establishment of the Voluntary Fund for the International
Decade of the World's Indigenous People
Preparation and dissemination of a presentation video on the
Decade
Second quarter
Publication of the first book of a series on contemporary
indigenous themes
Eighth session of the Voluntary Fund for Indigenous
Populations
Establishment of a fellowship programme for indigenous
people
Initiation of a communications programme linking the
Coordinator to focal points of the United Nations system,
national committees for the Decade and indigenous networks
Third quarter
Technical meeting on the Decade to finalize recommendations
for the programme of action, with the special themes of
indigenous people and social development and indigenous
women
Thirteenth session of the Working Group on Indigenous
Populations
First session of the advisory group of the Voluntary Fund
for the International Decade
International Day of Indigenous People, 9 August
Fourth quarter
Inter-agency consultation on practical measures to implement
the programme of activities for the Decade: under special
consideration - a preliminary project outline for a
systematic research programme on the socio-economic status
of indigenous people
Regional workshop on indigenous women
Submission of the Secretary-General's final report on the
programme of activities for the Decade
Publication of poster, brochure, media kit and other
information material for the Decade
1996
Theme: improving living conditions and
health
First quarter
Preparation and dissemination of a manual containing
practical information about United Nations organizations for
use by indigenous organizations
Regional workshop on traditional medicine
Issuance of regular information on United Nations activities
for the Decade to the network of focal points, national
committees and indigenous organizations
Second quarter
Publication of the second book of a series on contemporary
indigenous themes
Ninth session of the Voluntary Fund for Indigenous
Populations
Third quarter
Technical meeting on the Decade, with the special theme of
indigenous people and their living conditions and health
Fourteenth session of the Working Group on Indigenous
Populations
Second session of the advisory group of the Voluntary Fund
for the International Decade
International Day of Indigenous People, 9 August
Fourth quarter
Expert meeting on protection of the heritage of indigenous
peoples
Annex III
Possible themes for years and projects
1995 Promoting social development and strengthening the
role of indigenous women
1996 Improving living conditions and health
1997 Restoring relationships with land and resources
1998 Language, education and culture
1999 Law, justice and human rights
2000 Achieving environmentally sound development
2001 Work
2002 Self-government and self-determination
2003 Peace and security
2004 Partnership in international action.
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