UNPFII Twelfth Session

1. Election of Officers.
2. Adoption of the agenda and organization of work.
3. Follow-up on the recommendations of the Permanent Forum:
(a) Health;
(b) Education;
(c) Culture.
4. Half-day discussion on the African region.
5. Comprehensive dialogue with United Nations agencies and funds.
6. Discussion on the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples.
7. Human rights:
(a) Implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of
Indigenous Peoples;
(b) Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous
peoples and the Chair of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of
Indigenous Peoples.
8. Future work of the Permanent Forum, including issues of the Economic
and Social Council and emerging issues.
9. Draft agenda for the thirteenth session of the Permanent Forum.
10. Adoption of the report of the Permanent Forum on its twelfth session.

Submitted by the Secretariat of the UNPFII:

• E/C.19/2013/1 Provisional Agenda: Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, 12th Session, New York, 20-31 May 2013 AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
• E/C.19/2013/L.1 Proposed Organization of Work for the Twelfth Session AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
• E/C.19/2013/3 Report of the International Expert Group Meeting on the theme “Indigenous youth: Identity challenges and hope: articles 14, 17, 21 and 25 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples”
  AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
• E/C.19/2013/4  Report of the Inter-Agency Support Group Meeting on Indigenous Peoples AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
• E/C.19/2013/5  Study on resilience, traditional knowledge and capacity-building for pastoralist communities in Africa AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
• E/C.19/2013/6 Study on the situation of indigenous persons with disabilities, with a particular focus on challenges faced with respect to the full enjoyment of human rights and inclusion in development AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
• E/C.19/2013/7 Indigenous People’s Rights and Safeguards in Projects related to Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest  Degradation (REDD+)AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
• E/C.19/2013/8 Study on the Right to participation in decision-making processes of indigenous youth in the Nordic countries AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
• E/C.19/2013/9 Study on the extent of violence against indigenous women and girls in terms of article 22 (2) of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
• E/C.19/2013/10 Study on indigenous women’s political participation at the international, national and local levels AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
• E/C.19/2013/11 Study on the extractive industries in Mexico and the situation of indigenous peoples in the territories in which those industries are located AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
• E/C.19/2013/12 Study on decolonization of the Pacific region AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
• E/C.19/2013/13 Study on the rights of indigenous peoples and truth commissions and other truth-seeking mechanisms on the American continent AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
• E/C.19/2013/14 Study on engaging indigenous peoples more inclusively in the process of disaster risk reduction by respecting linguistic and cultural practices of indigenous peoples known to be at risk AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
• E/C.19/2013/15 Review of the World Bank operational policies, to analyze participation mechanisms on indigenous peoples and determine to what extent those policies respect the UN Declaration AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
• E/C.19/2013/16 Consolidated report on extractive industries and their impact on indigenous peoples AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
• E/C.19/2013/17 Study on how the knowledge, history and contemporary social circumstances of indigenous peoples are embedded in the curricula of education systems AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
• E/C.19/2013/18 A Study on National Constitutions and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
• E/C.19/2013/19 Analysis prepared by the secretariat of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues on health, education and culture AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
• E/C.19/2013/20 Study on the impact of the mining boom upon indigenous communities in Australia AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
• E/C.19/2013/21 Evaluation of the small grants programme on the Second International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People under the Trust Fund on Indigenous Issues AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
• E/C.19/2013/22 Information received from non-governmental organizations in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
• E/C.19/2013/23 Information received from the United Nations system and other intergovernmental organizations addressing the recommendations of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
  AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
• E/C.19/2013/24 Information from States on addressing the recommendations of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH

Submitted by the UN System and Other Intergovernmental Organizations:

Submitted by Governments:

Submitted by NGOs:

• CRP 1 A study on the Political Participation of Kenya’s Hunter Gatherer Women in international and national Political SpacesAR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
• CRP 2 Decisions and Recommendations of the North American Indigenous Peoples’ Caucus to the 12th Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and to other bodies and fora, as appropriate
  AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
• CRP 3 Evaluación de la Declaración de las Naciones Unidas sobre los Derechos de los Pueblos Indígenas en Guatemala AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
• CRP 4 Follow-up on the recommendations of the Permanent Forum on Culture including recommendations of the UNPFII 11th session in its Half‐day discussion on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to Food and Food Sovereignty
  AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH

To make oral presentations, participants should sign up for the speakers’ list that will be located at the third floor of the Conference Building, at the entrance to the Trusteeship Council Chamber.  The list for the first day will be opened as of 12:30 p.m. on Monday 20 May. For the rest of the two weeks,the list will be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., corresponding to the meetings of the session.
From Monday 20 May, the list is open for all agenda item of the first week.
From Tuesday 28 May, the list is open for all agenda items of the second week.

Kindly note that the list will be closed when the Permanent Forum meets in closed session. The list for a specific agenda item closes at the end of the session dealing with the preceding agenda item.

Deadlines for signing up to the speakers’ list for Indigenous Peoples’ Organizations and NGOs are here.

In preparation for its 12th session (20 – 31 May 2013), the Permanent Forum members and its Secretariat met in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo from 11-15 March 2013. Hosted by the Government of Congo and opened with a statement from the President, H.E. Mr. Denis Sassou Nguesso, delivered by the State Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, the meeting provided an opportunity for Permanent Forum members to meet with local ministries, diplomatic missions, the UN Country Team, as well as indigenous peoples organizations and civil society organizations.

During their consultations with indigenous peoples, Forum members were informed on the continuing problems of discrimination and marginalization. Indigenous representatives described the problems they face in accessing schools and universities and getting jobs. Indigenous women spoke of the lack of maternal and child care, and difficulties encountered while giving birth in forests.

The Forum members met with parliamentarians, and with government officials, including the Minister of Forests, and offered different examples to overcome the persistent challenges faced by the indigenous peoples.

They also met with UN agencies and other partners who provided information on various projects and programmes developed within the framework of the national action plan on the improvement of the quality of life of indigenous peoples.

The Forum members also highlighted the upcoming World Conference on Indigenous Peoples, to be organized by the UN General Assembly in September 2014, as an opportunity to define a global action plan to implement the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. They encouraged the Republic of Congo to be engaged in this process.

“The Republic of Congo has taken a key step in adopting Law No 5-2011 on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Indigenous Populations”, said Grand Chief Edward John, UNPFII Chair, “your country is a leader in Africa on indigenous peoples’ rights. We hope other countries will be inspired to follow this good practice.” The key challenge now is to implement the law, he added.

Opening Statement by H.E. Mr. Denis Sassou Nguesso, President of the Republic of Congo, delivered by the State Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation (French only)
Closing Statement by Grand Chief Edward John, Chair of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

Meetings with the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples during the twelfth session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

On 20 and 21 May 2013, Special Rapporteur James Anaya will hold individual meetings with representatives of indigenous peoples and organizations during the twelfth session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues held in New York. Representatives of indigenous peoples and organizations may request a meeting with him concerning matters falling within his mandate, including allegations of human rights violations.

How to request a meeting with the Special Rapporteur

Requests for a meeting during the Permanent Forum session should be submitted in writing and contain information on the issues to be presented to the Special Rapporteur, or refer to written information previously submitted to him. All requests should also state the names of the persons who will be attending the meeting. Requests should be sent to: indigenous@ohchr.org. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. For more information on submitting written information to the Special Rapporteur, please click here.

Because of time limitations, the Special Rapporteur will not be able to meet with all those who request a meeting. Priority will be given to those who submit a request and corresponding written information by 6 May 2013. Whether a meeting is granted, along with information about location and time of the meeting, will be indicated by 13 May 2013.

Approximately 85 side events will take place at lunch time, evenings and during closed meetings of the Permanent Forum at the UN premises and outside. They are organized by Indigenous Peoples Organizations, Member States, UN entities, and other intergovernmental organizations, NGOs, and others.

Download the final list of side events.

For more information please contact requesens@un.org and shakya@un.org.

Global Indigenous Caucus
When: Sat/Sun 18-19 May 2013
Where: Church Center, 777 UN Plaza, 2nd Floor, New York, NY (Corner of E 44th Street and 1st Ave)

Global Indigenous Women Caucus Preparatory Meeting for the UNPFII 12th Session
When: Friday, 17 May 2013 , at 9am
Where: Church Center, 777 UN Plaza, 2nd Floor, New York, NY (Corner of E 44th Street and 1st Ave)

The Global Indigenous Youth Caucus (GIYC) preparatory meeting for the 12th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
When: Sunday, 19 May 2013, 9am to 6pm
Where:: 1 East 42nd Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10017
Please register online: click here

Indigenous Arts Marketplace
When: Thursday 23 May, from 10am-6pm.
Where: UN Church Center Building, 10th floor, (777 UN Plaza / on 44th and 1st) (hosted by the Southern Diaspora Center). For more information, or to reserve space, contact Esmeralda Brown (Habla espanol) atEsmeraldaBrown@aol.com

Arts and Crafts Bazar
When: Friday 24 May, from 10am to 6pm
Where: Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza, 833 1st Avenue  (hosted by Cultural Survival).

The CULTURAL EVENT “Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Cultures around the World” with performances of indigenous musicians and dancers from around the world will take place on Tuesday evening, 21 May, starting at 6:15 p.m. in the Visitors’ Lobby of the United Nations (entrance on 1st avenue and 45th street).
For guests who do not hold a UN ground pass, kindly send an email with all of your information to: aragonm@un.org

Logistical Information
Please click here for information regarding accommodation and transportation in New York City.

Travel and Visa Information
Arrangements for travel, including visa procedures, accommodation and transportation are the responsibility of NGOs and IPOs and other interested organizations. Representatives of participating organizations must deal directly with United States consulates in their countries of residence regarding visa issues. The United Nations will send a confirmation letter to NGO and IPO representatives once they have been pre-registered. This confirmation letter may be used by NGO and IPO representatives to request a visa from American authorities.

Funding
The only UN source of funding for travel to participate in the sessions of the Permanent Forum is the Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Populations, which is managed by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Please note that applications close in October of the year preceding the Permanent Forum’s Session. Please click here for more details.

Our organization is interested in attending the next session of the Permanent Forum. Can we participate?
Participation in the sessions of the Permanent Forum is open to NGOs in consultative status with ECOSOC, indigenous peoples’ organizations and academic institutions. All participants need to pre-register for the sessions of the Permanent Forum. The sessions of the Permanent Forum tend to take place in April or May each year. Online pre-registration tends to begin in January or February on the website of the Permanent Forum. Pre-registration closes about 2-4 weeks before the session starts.

Our organization attended the other sessions of the Forum. Do we still need to pre-register?
Yes. All accredited organizations interested in attending the next session of the Forum are invited to pre-register. In addition, all representatives of accredited organizations are requested to register at their arrival at the United Nations before attending the session.

My organization enjoys consultative status with ECOSOC, but we have not received an invitation to attend sessions of the Permanent forum. How can we pre-register?
All interested NGOs in consultative status should use the online pre-registration system to apply to attend the session.

Can representatives of NGOs and IPOs attend sessions of the Permanent Forum without pre-registration?
We do not encourage attendance of sessions of the Permanent Forum without pre-registration. All participants, including those from organizations enjoying consultative status with ECOSOC and holding annual ground-passes, are strongly encouraged to pre-register and register at the site of sessions of the Permanent Forum. The United Nations Secretariat will not be in a position to register participants who did not pre-register before the opening of the session.

Can my organization make a statement at the Permanent Forum session?
During previous sessions the Permanent Forum, representatives of NGOs and indigenous peoples organizations have made presentations. Most of the organizations that have addressed the Forum do not enjoy consultative status. In other words, all participants registered to attend the session may make oral presentations, depending on availability of time.

Will the United Nations help me with my visa to New York?
Arrangements for travel, including visa procedures, accommodation and transportation are the responsibility of NGOs and IPOs and other interested organizations. Representatives of participating organizations need to deal directly with United States embassies/consulates in their countries of residence regarding visa issues. The United Nations will send a confirmation letter to NGO and IPO representatives once they have been pre-registered. This confirmation letter may be used by NGO and IPO representatives to request a visa from United States authorities. If necessary, the Division for Social Policy and Development will assist in providing information regarding the status of NGOs and IPOs at the request of American authorities. However, the United Nations does not send unsolicited correspondence to United States embassies/consulates to validate a request made by an NGO or IPO representative to obtain a visa.

Does the United Nations provide funding for NGOs to attend the Forum?
The only UN source of funding for travel to participate in the sessions of the Permanent Forum is the Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Populations. Please note that applications close in October of the year preceding the Permanent Forum’s Session.

Can my organization make a statement at the Permanent Forum session?
During previous sessions the Permanent Forum, representatives of NGOs and organizations of indigenous populations have made presentations. Most of the organizations that addressed the Forum do not enjoy consultative status. In other words, all participants registered to attend the session may make oral presentations, depending on availability of time.

Can I submit a written statement or report to the Permanent Forum?
Indigenous organizations and NGOs have occasionally submitted reports to the Permanent Forum in the past. If your organization is interested in doing so, then you are advised to contact the Secretariat of the Permanent Forum and discuss the possibility of submitting such a report. The deadline for these reports/statements is 31 January of each year.

For further information about submitting reports, see the below excerpt form ECOSOC resolution 1996/31.

36. Written statements relevant to the work of the commissions or other subsidiary organs may be submitted by organizations in general consultative status and special consultative status on subjects for which these organizations have a special competence. Such statements shall be circulated by the Secretary-General to members of the commission or other subsidiary organs, except those statements that have become obsolete, for example, those dealing with matters already disposed of and those that have already been circulated in some other form to members of the commission or other subsidiary organs.

37. The following conditions shall be observed regarding the submission and circulation of such written statements:
(a) The written statement shall be submitted in one of the official languages;
(b) It shall be submitted in sufficient time for appropriate consultation to take place between the Secretary-General and the organization before circulation;
(c) The organization shall give due consideration to any comments that the Secretary-General may make in the course of such consultation before transmitting the statement in final form;
(d) A written statement submitted by an organization in general consultative status will be circulated in full if it does not exceed 2,000 words. Where a statement is in excess of 2,000 words, the organization shall submit a summary, which will be circulated, or shall supply sufficient copies of the full text in the working languages for distribution. A statement will also be circulated in full, however, upon the specific request of the commission or other subsidiary organs;
(e) A written statement submitted by an organization in special consultative status will be circulated in full if it does not exceed 1,500 words. Where a statement is in excess of 1,500 words, the organization shall submit a summary, which will be circulated, or shall supply sufficient copies of the full text in the working languages for distribution. A statement will also be circulated in full, however, upon the specific request of the commission or other subsidiary organs;
(f) The Secretary-General, in consultation with the chairman of the relevant commission or other subsidiary organ, or the commission or other subsidiary organ itself, may invite organizations on the Roster to submit written statements. The provisions in subparagraphs (a), (b), (c) and (e) above shall apply to such statements;
(g) A written statement or summary, as the case may be, will be circulated by the Secretary-General in the working languages and, upon the request of a member of the commission or other subsidiary organ, in any of the official languages.

Journalists without UN credentials who wish to attend the UNPFII sessions should fax a request to the Media Accreditation and Liaison Unit at +1.(212).963.4642 accompanied by a letter of assignment on official letterhead from a bone fide media organization, signed by publisher, assignment editor or bureau chief, saying that the journalist is assigned to cover the UNPFII session. The journalist should follow up with a call to the Media Accreditation Unit at +1.212.963-6937 or 963.6934 to confirm that they have received the fax and credentials will be issued.

Individuals with NGO accreditation will not be issued press credentials. Letters of assignment from NGOs will not be accepted for press credentials.

Media contacts:

For media queries including interviews with United Nations officials and indigenous representatives, please contact Ms. Martina Volpe Donlon, tel: +1 212-963-6816 or email: donlon@un.org – United Nations Department of Public Information. For Secretariat of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, please contact Ms. Nilla Bernardi, tel: +1 212 963 8379, email: bernardi@un.org – UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs.
Guidelines for the use of visual recording equipment at the sessions of UNPFII
Visit the UN Media accreditation page for more information