Dialogue Between Nations -- Permanent Forum

2007

UNITED NATIONS PERMANENT FORUM
ON INDIGENOUS ISSUES

SECRETARIAT

The Permanent Forum is an advisory body to the Economic and Social Council with a mandate to discuss indigenous issues related to economic and social development, culture, the environment, education, health and human rights.

The Permanent Forum is comprised of sixteen independent experts, functioning in their personal capacity, who serve for a term of three years as Members and may be re-elected or re-appointed for one additional term.

Eight of the Members are nominated by governments and eight are nominated directly by indigenous organizations in their regions.

The Permanent Forum meets annually in the month of May, for 10 day sessions, drawing wide participation each year.

INFORMATION FOR THE SIXTH SESSION
May 14 – May 25, 2007

INTRO STATEMENT

TERRITORIES, LANDS AND NATURAL RESOURCES

PRESS RELEASES

11 May 2007

Press Release
Department of Public Information
News and Media Division

ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL
HR/4916
11 May 2007

Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

Background Release

UNITED NATIONS INDIGENOUS FORUM’S SIXTH SESSION
AT HEADQUARTERS
14-25 MAY

RIGHTS TO LANDS, TERRITORIES, NATURAL RESOURCES FOCUS

More than 1,000 indigenous representatives from all regions of the world will converge on the United Nations next week to engage with Government representatives, senior United Nations officials, civil society and academia to state their views, voice their concerns and suggest solutions regarding lands, territories and natural resources. The sixth session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues will be held in New York from 14 to 25 May. This year’s theme goes right to the heart of indigenous peoples’ efforts to gain recognition for their rights.

“With the increasing desire of states for more economic growth, senseless exploitation of indigenous peoples’ territories and resources continues unabated,” said Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, Chairperson of the United Nations Permanent Forum. She further stated that the majority of the world’s remaining natural resources – minerals, freshwater, potential energy sources and more – are found within indigenous peoples’ territories. Access to and ownership and development of these resources remains a contentious issue.

Although, in recent decades, some progress has been made in the area of legal recognition of indigenous peoples’ rights to the protection and control of their lands, territories and natural resources, in practical terms, this recognition has not always translated into reality. Threats to indigenous peoples’ lands and territories include such things as mineral extraction, logging, environmental contamination, privatization and development projects, the classification of lands as protected areas or game reserves, the use of genetically modified seeds and technology, and monoculture cash crop production.

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