GENERAL ASSEMBLY NEWS
INTERNATIONAL DECADE OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE
The launch of the International Decade of the World s Indigenous
People, which begins on 10 December 1994, is a key activity of
this year s GA.
The decade s goal is to strengthen international cooperation in
resolving problems faced by indigenous peoples in human rights,
the environment, development, education, culture and health.
Underlying this work are the principles of cooperation,
consultation and participation of indigenous peoples. The decade
is part of an ongoing process of international action on
indigenous issues; it is anticipated that the draft declaration
on human rights of indigenous peoples, including effective means
of monitoring and guaranteeing those rights, will be adopted and
other standards prepared.
A permanent forum is also being considered to provide indigenous
people with greater international access and influence. It is
intended that necessary additional resources to strengthen work
on indigenous matters, such as the financing of an indigenous
peoples unit attached to the Centre for Human Rights, will be
made available from the UN s regular budget.
The importance of holding regional meetings has been recognized,
and the Subcommission on Prevention of Discrimination and
Protection of Minorities has recommended that the Working Group
on Indigenous Populations hold sessions in regions where
indigenous peoples live. UN agencies have also been asked to
create focal points within their organizations to improve
coordination with and within the UN system.
The programme of action for the decade also includes information
exchange, assistance to indigenous peoples through training
courses, fellowships, technical support, research and
documentation, and partnership projects. The programme contains
recommendations for activities in various parts of the UN system,
regional and national activities, and indigenous and
non-governmental activities. A draft short-term programme of
activities for the decade has also been issued, with the themes
of promoting social development and strengthening the role of
indigenous women, and improving living conditions and health of
indigenous peoples.
A voluntary fund for the decade has been set up and has already
received more than US$500,000, with additional contributions
being actively encouraged.
Contact: Julian Burger, Centre for Human Rights, Palais des
Nations, CH-1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland. Tel: +41-22/907 3413;
fax: +41-22/917 0212.