The World Conference on Indigenous Peoples

It is seen as an historic event. Indigenous peoples’ leaders and activists say that a new milestone for the rights of indigenous peoples — their first ever World Conference, slated for 2014 – is on the horizon. They believe that the meeting would offer a unique opportunity to create a framework for addressing the most pressing challenges currently facing this group of people. Five years since the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and two years since the body unanimously adopted a resolution calling for a related world conference, states and indigenous representatives are now mobilising to clarify the modalities of that landmark meeting, said Rafael Archondo, Permanent Representative of Bolivia to the United Nations.

Bolivia – as one of the main sponsors of the General Assembly resolution – was active in the preparatory processes now beginning in regions around the world. Archondo was reported as saying during a press conference hosted by the UN that the next step would be the adoption of a resolution on the conference’s modalities which include: the date and duration of the meeting, its structure and ways to ensure the active participation of indigenous peoples, as this is necessary for a successful outcome. As key actors, indigenous leaders are expected to work closely with member states to ensure the full and meaningful participation of indigenous groups.

Stakeholders have agreed that besides the structural details of the conference, its major themes would also be decided during the preparatory process. The forum would have, as its ultimate basis, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as the framework which would be used to discuss important and challenging issues that indigenous peoples are facing in different parts of the world.

Indeed, this forum provides an opportunity for governments and indigenous peoples to reflect on progress made in confronting major challenges such as poverty and climate change, among others. It also presents an unprecedented chance to take stock of the declaration’s implementation, and for indigenous groups, governments, United Nations agencies, and other partners to come together in developing a ‘true framework’ for that implementation.

The UN has reported that among the key objectives of the conference are the sharing of perspectives and best practices on indigenous peoples’ rights. It is well accepted that while good standards for the implementation of indigenous rights exist, there is a gap between those standards and what is really happening on the ground. This is certainly an area that the conference could look at in detail with the aim of addressing that implementation gap.

To its credit, Guyana is seen as a leader as it relates to safeguarding and ensuring the rights of indigenous peoples are protected, and perhaps this country’s experiences could be used as a model for others. For example, while indigenous peoples in some countries have been dispossessed and continue to struggle for rights to lands and resources, Guyana has put legislation in place which allows for granting of legal titles to lands. This law makes provision for land demarcation and extensions to strengthen tenure security.

Additionally, Guyana’s indigenous peoples are represented by institutions established and well-placed to further foster their well-being and development in their respective communities. These include the Indigenous Peoples Commission and the Amerindian Affairs Ministry, both of which have a mandate to propose policies on Amerindian welfare. Also, the National Toshaos Council (NTC), which is an independent body, comprises elected village leaders (toshaos) who participate in decision making on matters affecting their own communities. Not many countries can boast of such practical systems being in place and working effectively to ensure the rights of indigenous peoples are protected.

That aside, as it relates to the upcoming conference, indeed the challenge now is to create a preparatory process and conference that are truly inclusive. There is much optimism about this historic event, and it is hoped that it would receive the broadest participation possible whereby countries can benefit from the experiences of each other.