UN Permanent Forum for Indigenous Issues meets in NYC

The United Nations Permanent Forum for Indigenous Issues opened its fourth meeting in New York City this week, with 1,500 indigenous leaders and representatives in attendance.

“It is essential that indigenous peoples not be forgotten, discriminated against or remain marginalized in efforts to achieve the goals,” U.N. Deputy Secretary-General Louise Fréchette said at the opening of the fourth session. “This is a year when change is high on the agenda at the United Nations. Indigenous peoples must be part of that process.”

The Forum’s agenda for this session includes a discussion of the report on “Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore,” which looks at the issues of “free, prior and informed consent and the protection of traditional knowledge and cultural expressions” of indigenous peoples.

The forum will also discuss new research that shows indigenous children suffer when they receive most of their education in a dominant language. Also on the agency is a new report on the use of consultations with indigenous people prior to development projects.

How to eradicate poverty and achieve universal primary education are also scheduled for discussion.

The forum, which meets once a year for 10 days, is the first official United Nations body where indigenous voices nominated by indigenous peoples can be heard as members.