THIRD SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS
Quebec City, 2001
PLAN OF ACTION
16. Indigenous Peoples
Recognizing that the unique cultures, histories
and demographic, socio-economic and political circumstances of indigenous
peoples (as the term is explained in the section of this Plan of Action
entitled "Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms") in the Americas
necessitate special measures to assist them in reaching their full human
potential, and that their inclusion throughout our societies and
institutions is a valuable element in the continuous strengthening, not only
of human rights in our hemispheric community, but also, more broadly, of our
democracies, economies and civilizations; noting that although progress has
been made, it is necessary to strengthen participation of indigenous
peoples, communities, and organizations, to promote an open and continuous
dialogue between them and governments, and to continue to work together to
ensure effective implementation of the relevant mandates in the Santiago
Summit Plan of Action:
Make their best efforts, in accordance with
national legislation, to encourage donor agencies, the private sector,
other governments, regional and international organizations as well as
MDBs to support hemispheric and national conferences in order to exchange
experiences among indigenous peoples and their organizations in
implementing activities to promote their sustainable cultural, economic
and social development, and in such other areas as may be identified by
indigenous peoples;
Acknowledge the value that the world views, uses, customs and traditions
of indigenous peoples can make to policies and programs related to the
management of lands and natural resources, sustainable development and
biodiversity; on this basis, develop corresponding strategies and methods
to consider and respect indigenous peoples' cultural practices and protect
their traditional knowledge in accordance with the principles and
objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity;
Increase the availability and accessibility of educational services in
consultation with indigenous peoples, especially women, children and
youth, in accordance with their values, customs, traditions and
organizational structures, by promoting linguistic and cultural diversity
in education and training programs for indigenous communities; promote
national and regional strategies for indigenous women, children and youth;
similarly, encourage international exchange programs and public and
private sector internships in order to promote equal opportunity, raise
the average school-leaving age, maximize individual and collective
achievement, and promote lifelong learning for all indigenous people;
Promote and accommodate, as appropriate, the particular cultural,
linguistic and developmental needs of indigenous peoples, in urban and
rural contexts, into the development and implementation of educational
initiatives and strategies, with special attention to building
institutional capacity, connectivity and linkages, including through
national focal points, with other indigenous peoples of the Hemisphere;
Promote and enhance, in all sectors of society, and especially in the area
of education, the understanding of the contribution made by indigenous
peoples in shaping the national identity of the countries in which they
live;
Develop strategies, measures, and mechanisms aimed at ensuring the
effective participation of indigenous peoples in the design,
implementation and evaluation of comprehensive health plans, policies,
systems and programs that recognize the value of developing holistic
communities that take into consideration cultural, economic and social
realities and circumstances;
Support the Health of Indigenous Peoples Initiative, promoted by PAHO, in
assisting states and in consultation with indigenous peoples, to formulate
integrated public policies and health systems that foster the health of
indigenous peoples, in designing and implementing inter-cultural
frameworks and models of care specifically aimed at addressing the health
needs and priorities of these peoples, and in improving information
collection, analysis and dissemination on the health and social conditions
of these peoples, with particular emphasis on children;
Reduce the digital, communications and information gaps between the
national average and indigenous peoples and communities, through relevant
connectivity and communications programs and projects that provide
services in the fields of political, economic and social development,
including the use of indigenous peoples information networks;
Promote the collection and publication of national statistics to generate
information on the ethnic composition and socio-economic characteristics
of indigenous populations in order to define and evaluate the most
appropriate policies to address needs;
Support the process of reform of the Inter-American Indian Institute,
based on extensive consultations among states and indigenous peoples of
the Hemisphere, and further develop processes to ensure broad and full
participation of indigenous peoples throughout the inter-American system,
including in the discussions on the Proposed American Declaration on
the Rights of Indigenous Peoples;
Summits
of the Americas Information Network
Declaration of Quebec City and Plan of Action
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