People’s Climate March in NYC

Indigenous Peoples’ traditional teachings have long warned that if human beings failed to protect and care for Mother Earth and the natural world, the survival of humanity would be threatened. Today, increasingly severe impacts of climate change threaten ecosystems and food production around the world and Indigenous Peoples are on the frontlines of climate change impacts.

Indigenous Peoples are participating in the People’s Climate March to bring attention to the devastating impacts of climate change and to share our hopes and teachings for living in harmony with Mother Earth.

For more information: http://peoplesclimate.org/indigenous/

Consultations on the HLPM/WCIP to begin

The President of the General Assembly (PGA) announced the date for the first round of consultation with Indigenous Peoples on the HPLM to be known as World Conference on Indigenous Peoples' Outcome Document. The consultation will be held next Tue., 3 June, at the UN Headquarters in New York. Indigenous Peoples who want to attend must register with the Secretariat of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues by Mon., 2 June 2014, 10 AM EST at: http://bit.ly/UNPFIIContact

Small Island Developing States Conference 2014 - SIDS

Major Groups

The participation of stakeholders from civil society and other non-state actors is organized according to the major groups structure articulated in Agenda 21. Representatives from major groups interested in participating as observers in the SIDS Conference and its preparatory process are required to be accredited to the United Nations and register accordingly.
Not accredited? Apply by 12 May 2014
Accredited? Pre-register by 1 August 2014

The Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States will be held from 1 to 4 September 2014 in Apia, Samoa, to be preceded by activities related to the conference from 28 to 30 August 2014, also in Apia, Samoa  

The participation of stakeholders from civil society and other non-state actors is organized according to the major groups structure articulated in Agenda 21. Representatives from major groups interested in participating as observers in the SIDS Conference and its preparatory process are required to be accredited to the United Nations and register accordingly. 

 Not accredited? Apply by 12 May 2014 

Accredited? Pre-register by 1 August 2014

Visit http://www.sids2014.org

SIDS 2014

SIDS 2014 will be held from 1 to 4 September 2014 at the Faleata Sports Complex in Apia, Independent State of Samoa. Its preparatory process include an intersessional to be held in New York from 21-25 April and the second Preparatory Committee Meeting to be held in New York from 23-27.

Pre-registration at www.sids2014.org/majorgroups


Pre-registration is required for all NGOs and Major Groups wanting to 
participate to the preparatory process and to the Conference in Samoa. 

- Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States (1-4 
September 2014, Apia, Samoa) Deadline: 1 August 2014
- Final Preparatory Committee meeting (23-27 Jun 2014, New York)
- Intersessional meeting (21 - 25 Apr 2014 , New York)

NGOs and other major groups that are eligible for participation are those 
that are:
- In Consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
- Accredited to previous conferences on the sustainable development of the 
Small Island Developing States, held in Barbados and Mauritius (BPOA, 
BPOA+5, MSI, MSI+5). See list of relevant Conferences at 
http://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/intgovmental.html. 

Not accredited - apply now at
NGOs and other Major Groups organizations that are not accredited to ECOSOC or not previously accredited to previous conferences on the sustainable development of the Small Island Developing States, held in 
Barbados and Mauritius (BPOA, BPOA+5, MSI, MSI+5), may participate in the SIDS 2014 Conference through an ad-hoc accreditation process. Please click www.sids2014.org/majorgroups  and start the special 
accreditation process. Deadline: 12 May 2014

Hotel and travel
Organizations are responsible for making the necessary arrangements for their travel and accommodation. Due to the limited amount of hotels in Apia, reservations should be made well in advance at the centralized 
accommodation booking system at www.sidssamoa2014.ws and no later than 30 June 2014. 

Plan to arrive early to take part in pre-Conference activities to be held at the golf course adjacent to the Conference venue:
28 August              Major groups Forum
29 August              Youth Forum
30 August              Renewable energy Forum/meeting
30-31 August         Private Sector Partnerships Forum

7th Session of the UN Open-Ended Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals

 Indigenous Peoples’ Presentation at the Final Plenary of the 7th Session of the UN Open-Ended Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals: 

Agenda Item: Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction 

10 January 2014, Trusteeship Council, UN Headquarters, New York 

Presented by Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, Tebtebba (Co-Organizing Partner for Indigenous Peoples’ Major Group) 

Thank you Mr. Co Chairs. 

Addressing climate change and disasters are crucial for indigenous peoples all over the world. Effectivity in addressing these is linked intricately with how our rights to our lands, territories and resources as well as respect for our traditional knowledge and customary governance and practices in sustainably managing our ecosystems, are respected. In this context, we would like to reiterate the points we often raise, which is to ensure that the human rights based approach, ecosystem approach, as well as culture and cultural values are integrated into the SDG principles, goals, targets and indicators. 

Full and effective participation of indigenous peoples in SDG design, policy and programme development and implementation from the local to global level is therefore an imperative. The need for multistakeholder participation has been stressed by many States who spoke in this meeting. 

We would like to thank the Troikas, which include Norway, Denmark, Ireland, Nicaragua, Bolivia, among others, who mentioned indigenous peoples and indigenous knowledge in their interventions. 

Our contributions to climate change solutions and disaster risk reduction and management cannot be underestimated, considering that we survived centuries of colonisation and climate change. Undoubtedly, we are highly vulnerable to climate change impacts and disasters. But we also have demonstrated great resilience to these. With support in terms of policies, integrated approaches and programmes, finance and technology, we can enhance this resilience and we can contribute to achieving sustainable development even further. 

We are the ones who can demonstrate our capacities to preserve and sustainably use our ecosystems and resources because of our respect for nature, our sustainable lifestyles and livelihoods, ethics and cultures which respect intergenerational equity. 

We can continue doing this as long as our rights, under the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and other human rights instruments, are respected, protected and fulfilled. We can contribute in pushing for a transformational framework and a paradigm shift for the Post-2015 Development Agenda. This is what is demanded from us in the face of these multiple crises of the economy, environment, social and cultural development. We should not miss this opportunity of shifting away from business as usual which caused these crises. 

We are therefore looking forward to seeing our proposals, including respect for land tenure rights of indigenous peoples and local communities, become part of final outcome of this Open-Ended Working Group on SDGs. We will be having a workshop on indicators over this weekend and we plan to submit the results of this to you. Thank you Mr. Co-Chair. 

Contact addresses: 

Vicky@tebtebba.org, tebtebba@tebtebba.org 

Tebtebba representative in New York: Galina Angarova: galina@tebtebba.org 

Roberto Borrero, International Indian Treaty Council, IITC, mukaro@uctp.org 

Websites: www.tebtebba.org, www.indigenousclimate.org

Source: http://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/index.php?menu=165

Information Note for Indigenous Peoples’ Organizations and Non-Governmental Organizations on the Twelfth Session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

We welcome you to New York for the twelfth session, which starts on 20 May 2013 and ends on 31 May 2013. The attachment to this letter provides an outline of matters pertaining to the session.

We are pleased to announce that the renovations of most of the Conference Rooms at the United Nations Headquarters are almost completed. The opening of the session will be held in the General Assembly Hall and will commence at 11am. In the afternoon and for the rest of the session, the meeting will be in Trusteeship Council Chamber.

The twelfth session of the Permanent Forum will be significant because it is the Permanent Forum’s review year with special emphasis on the implementation of UNPFII recommendations on: (i) health; (ii) education; and (iii) culture.

Also, based on its methodology of organizing in-depth dialogues with UN agencies, the Forum will hold a dialogue with the World Bank; Asian Development Bank; African Development Bank; Inter-American Development Bank and the International Finance Corporation.

The special regional focus of the Forum will be on indigenous peoples in Africa. A half-day discussion will be devoted to this region.

Other features of the Forum’s twelfth session will include Human Rights, the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples (2014), Discussions on the Post 2015 Development Agenda and discussions on a number of studies completed this year by members of the Permanent Forum.

We take this opportunity to draw your attention to the preparatory meeting of the Indigenous Global Caucus on the weekend before the Permanent Forum session 18 – 19 May 2013. As in previous years, the meeting will take place on the 2nd floor of the Church Center for the United Nations at 777 UN Plaza (corner of East 44th Street and 1st Avenue), across the street from the main entrance to the United Nations.

Also, the Global Indigenous Women's Caucus meeting will take place on Friday 17 May 2013 from 9am to 5pm. The meeting will take place on the 2nd floor of the Church Centre for the United Nations at 777 UN Plaza (corner of East 44th Street and 1st Avenue), across the street from the main entrance to the United Nations.

The Indigenous Youth Caucus Preparatory Meeting for the twelfth Session will take place on Sunday, May 19, 2013, 9am to 6pm at 1 East 42nd Street, 2th Floor, New York, NY 10017

A meeting with Indigenous Journalists to strategize on the World Conference on Indigenous peoples (2014) will take place on Wednesday 22 May between 10am – 11am in Conference Room C. For further information contact Nilla Bernardi on Wednesday 22 May between 10am – 11am in Conference Room C. For further information contact Nilla Bernardi on

One important note – all registrations for new Indigenous Peoples’ Organizations and Academics are now closed. Please be advised you must be pre-registered in order to attend the Forum. You must also bring your confirmation letter and a photo ID such as a passport or driver’s licence to the Registration desk.

Registration times will be:
Sunday 19 May 12:00 -17:00
Monday 20 May 08:30 -12:30 & 14.00 -15.45
Tuesday 21 May 09.00 - 12.30 & 14.00 – 15.45
Wednesday 22 May to Friday 31 May (remainder of the Session) 09:30 - 12:30 & 14.00 – 15.45

The Registration Desk will be closed from 12:30 p.m. to 14:00 p.m. Participants attending only side-events should register in the morning before those events take place.

Warm regards,
The Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues Secretariat: Chandra, Anna, Arturo, Bertha, Broddi, Daniel,Joshua, Luz, Martin, Mirian, Nilla, Olga, Samantha, Sonia, Upatissa

World Conference on Indigenous Peoples 2014

Áltá 2013 - in english

The Sami Parliament has invited representatives of indigenous peoples worldwide to an international preparatory conference in Alta, Norway, 8-12 June 2013.

Around 800 indigenous delegates and advisors, various observers and representatives of the world’s media are expected in Alta in June 2013 to prepare for the UN World Conference on Indigenous Peoples (WCIP) to be held in New York in 2014. 

The objective of the Alta 2013 preparatory conference on indigenous peoples is to help strengthen mutual cooperation, as well as identify and coordinate important problems and issues affecting the world’s indigenous peoples and the effort to safeguard their human rights ahead of the UN World Conference on Indigenous Peoples (WCIP) in 2014.

The Sami Parliament in Norway is hosting the Alta 2013 conference, and is responsible for the practical organisation of the event. The Sami Parliament is working closely with the (Indigenous Global Coordinating Group (GCG), created specifically in connection with the WCIP in 2014. The GCG is also responsible for the content and execution of the Alta 2013 preparatory conference.

The conference is open to accredited representatives of the media and delegates for indigenous peoples from the world’s nine different indigenous regions, their advisors and observers. The entire conference will be webcast live.  

More information about Áltá 2013

Conference programme	Cultural programme	Side-events
Registration	Contact Alta 2013	Important links
Info for the media	About WCIP 2014	NOTE: Work and residence in Norway

2013 SENIOR INDIGENOUS FELLOW POSITION

OHCHR: INDIGENOUS PEOPLES AND MINORITIES SECTION

TERMS OF REFERENCE

2013 SENIOR INDIGENOUS FELLOW POSITION

1 May – 30 August 2013
Indigenous Peoples and Minority Section – Office of the High
Commissioner for Human Rights, Geneva

The Indigenous Peoples and Minorities Section (IPMS) of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is seeking an indigenous person to fill the position of “Senior Fellow” for a duration of four months (1 May - 30 August 2013).

The Senior Indigenous Fellowship aims at giving the selected indigenous person an in-depth understanding of the international human rights system and mechanisms, especially those dealing with indigenous issues. Through this experience, the Senior Fellow will gain practical knowledge and working level experience by directly contributing to the programmes and activities of the IPMS. Such exposure will also allow him/her to
develop an extensive contact network with OHCHR staff in general, as well as other UN departments or agencies and human rights NGOs in Geneva.

The Senior Fellow is expected to return to his/her home country with an enhanced set of skills and expertise to contribute towards the promotion and protection of human rights of indigenous peoples at the national, regional or international level.

The Senior Indigenous Fellow will be working in the Indigenous Peoples and Minorities Section of OHCHR under the guidance and supervision of the Chief of Section and the Coordinator of the Indigenous Fellowship Programme and will be requested to:

- Contribute to the activities of the Section by undertaking research and analysis, drafting official reports and speeches, participating in the organization and implementation of training activities, workshops or international meetings organized by OHCHR, such as the Indigenous Fellowship Programme and the Expert
Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Perform any other tasks to support the work of the Section, including administrative or logistic tasks.

The candidate must be indigenous. He/she should have:

A university degree preferably in law, political sciences, international relations or any other disciplines related to human rights.
• Minimum of four years of working experience in the field of indigenous peoples’ rights.
• He/she should be fluent in English. Other language skills including Spanish, French or Russian are highly desirable.

The candidate selected will not receive a salary but will be entitled to a monthly stipend that will cover basic living expenses in Geneva, as well as return ticket and basic health insurance. Please note that this is not a regular employment position within OHCHR and it does not lead to employment rights and entitlements beyond the terms of the fellowship.

Interested candidates should submit their applications by fax (+41 22 917 90 08) with a cover letter indicating “Application to the 2013 Senior Indigenous Fellowship Position” or by post at:

Indigenous Peoples and Minorities Section
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
UNOG-OHCHR
CH-1211 Geneva 10
Switzerland

Although we do not encourage you to send your application by email, scanned
applications can also be received at the following address: fellowship@ohchr.org

The application should include the following documents:

1) A Curriculum Vitae.
2) A letter of motivation (maximum 3 pages), in which the candidate will introduce himself/herself - mentioning the indigenous community he/she belongs to - explain his/her expectations, what he/she hopes to achieve through this fellowship and what he/she expects to do upon return to promote indigenous rights.
3) A letter of recommendation from the organization / entity they are affiliated with.

The deadline to receive applications is: 15 February 2013. Please note that only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

Source: OHCHR

Discussion: Indigenous Peoples & Inequalities in the Post-2015 Development Agenda

Dear colleague,

Indigenous people were absent from the Millennium Declaration and have remained so throughout the Millennium Development Goals processes: according to the UN System Task Team report on the post-2015 agenda, the MDGs have not reached the poorest and most marginalized people. To ensure that inequalities are addressed in the post-2015 agenda, the Global Thematic Consultation on Addressing Inequalities (co-led by UNICEF and UN Women) is holding a series of online, moderated discussions to gather views from a broad range of stakeholders on what the post-2015 development agenda should look like.  In this context, we would like to invite you to join an online discussion on inequalities and indigenous peoples, co-moderated by the Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (SPFII) and experts from Indigenous Peoples’ Organizations.

The discussion is taking place from 27 November to 14 December. To participate, please post your response in the discussion forum at www.worldwewant2015.org/node/284745. You are invited to register to the consultation here. The site is available in English, French and Spanish. You are invited to post your comments in any of the sixty languages supported by Google Translate.  If you are unable to access the site, please email your response to: inequalities@worldwewant2015.org.  

The discussion is co-moderated by Myrna Cunningham Kain, Member of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and Nilla Bernardi, Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (SPFII). They will be joined by experts from Indigenous Peoples’ Organizations beginning with:

Roberto Borrero, Chair, NGO Committee on the UN International Decade of the World's Indigenous Peoples

Jennifer Koinante, Director, SIIWA, Kenya

To kick off the global conversation, we invite you to reflect on the following questions, among others:

1. What are the most important forms of inequalities faced by indigenous peoples? - including discussion of where and among whom these challenges occur, their severity, the evidence about them, etc.

 2. What are the major structural factors at the root of these inequalities, within and among different societies?
 3. What kinds of policies, strategies or interventions have been most successful in addressing the various inequalities experienced by indigenous peoples? And under which conditions/in which situations have particular policies, strategies or interventions had the greatest, lasting impact? (Contributors may wish to cite examples or give references to these “successes”).
 4. Based on experience, what are the most important recommendations that could be proposed in the Post-2015 Development Agenda for making a lasting and transformative impact on the different forms of inequalities faced by indigenous peoples?
 5. What actions and initiatives could be taken by different stakeholders, including civil society and indigenous peoples organizations, to bring about lasting improvements in these inequalities? And how should those who face inequalities themselves be enabled to participate in the implementation phase of the new Development Framework?
The recommendations emerging from your contributions will be incorporated into a report on ‘Addressing Inequalities in the Post-2015 Development Agenda’, to be presented at a high-level meeting in February 2013 in Copenhagen. The report will also be transmitted to the High-level Panel on Post-2015, appointed by the UN Secretary-General.

The consultation aims to be as broad and open as possible, in order to enable a multitude of voices to be heard from academia, media, indigenous peoples’ organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society, private sector, governments and the UN System.  We look forward to hearing from you on how to realize the Future We Want for All.

Warm regards,
Myrna Cunningham Kain, Member of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
Nilla Bernardi, Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (SPFII)Contact: inequalities@worldwewant2015.org
Discussion website: www.worldwewant2015.org/node/284745

Fellowship – Rapporteurship on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples 2013

1) Venue of Fellowship: Executive Secretariat of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) of the Organization of American States (OAS). Address: 1889 F Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20006, United States of America
2) Modality: On-site
3) Deadline to present applications: December 15, 2012
4) Start and End Dates: February 1, to June 30, 2013
5) Length of the Fellowship: 5 months
6) Objective: To provide an opportunity for young lawyers from OAS Member States to understand and apply the mechanisms of protection of the inter-American system of human rights in the area of indigenous peoples’ rights. The Rapporteurship on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples of the IACHR was created in 1990 in order to strengthen, promote and systematize the IACHR’s actions in the area of indigenous peoples’ rights in the Americas.
7) Program: To assist with tasks of the Rapporteurship on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples of the Inter-American Commission, under the supervision of its human rights specialists during the period of the fellowship and, at the end of the fellowship, present to the Executive Secretariat of the IACHR a detailed report on activities carried out by the fellow.
8) Requirements:

• Be a citizen of an OAS Member State; 
• Be member of an indigenous community of the Americas;
• Spanish language proficiency (knowledge of other official OAS languages is desirable);
• Have graduated in law from an officially recognized university (attach copy of the law degree and grades obtained);
• Have received law degree after January 1, 2005;
• Have a demonstrable professional interest in the legal field of human rights, specifically in the area of indigenous peoples’ rights; and;
• Present a paper of up to five pages, not edited by another person, on a human rights issue of interest to the candidate in the area of indigenous peoples’ rights.

9) Required documents: The following documents are required in order to be considered for the fellowship:

• Letter of interest
• Completed Fellowship Application (LINK)
• Two letters of recommendation
• Curriculum vitae
• Copy of law degree and grades obtained
• Written paper of up to five pages

10) Benefits:

• The IACHR provides a monthly stipend of US$3,000.00 for the period covered by the fellowship, that is US$15,000.00 total for 5 months. With the stipend provided, the fellow is responsible for obtaining health insurance coverage of his/her choosing for the duration of the fellowship, and should provide proof of coverage to the Executive Secretariat of the IACHR.
• Round-trip economy class air transportation from the participant’s country of residence to Washington, D.C. Terminal and transfer expenses are not covered.
• The IACHR will award a certificate of participation in the Fellowship Program to the fellows who satisfactorily complete the entire period of the fellowship.

11) Responsibilities of the selected candidates:

• Once an applicant has been selected, he/she should formally accept the fellowship in writing, confirming with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights his/her availability to complete the fellowship during the specified time period. Once accepted, the IACHR will proceed with the necessary arrangements for purchase of round-trip economy air transportation between the candidate’s country of origin/residence and Washington, D.C.
• In the event a candidate accepts a fellowship but cannot complete it, for whatever reason, he/she must immediately inform the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights so that the course of action may be decided.
• It is the responsibility of each selected candidate to request and obtain the necessary visa to enter the United States, and/or transit visa (if applicable) in a timely manner. The IACHR will not incur in any expense related to the processing of immigration or visa documents. The IACHR will provide the candidate a document certifying his/her selection as an official fellow of the IACHR so that he/she may request the corresponding visa, which is the sole responsibility of the selected candidate. In addition, the OAS will send a diplomatic note to the Embassy or Consulate where the selected candidate will be requesting his/her visa, certifying the fellow’s selection.
• It is the responsibility of the selected candidate to arrive in a timely manner so that he/she will be present for the commencement of the fellowship on the date established by the IACHR.
• If the selected candidate declines the fellowship after the flight ticket has been purchased, or does not travel on the established dates or changes routes, the candidate shall reimburse the IACHR the cost of the flight ticket or any additional costs incurred. The latter includes any additional costs, if any, incurred by the IACHR, such as extra costs for accommodation during the candidate’s travel to and from Washington, D.C.
• If the candidate resigns, cancels or terminates the fellowship after the program has begun without providing sufficient reason and evidence to the IACHR for doing so, he/she will fully reimburse the IACHR for all costs incurred on his/her behalf.

12) Presentation of candidates:
The application and other required documents indicated in sections 8 and 9 must be submitted to the Executive Secretariat of the IACHR prior to the closing date of the application period, by email, fax or mail:

Inter-American Commission on Human Rights
1889 F Street, N.W. Washington, D.C., 20006 U.S.A.

cidhoea@oas.org

Telephone: 202-458-6002 Fax: 202-458-3992 

Download this document in pdf format

Report: Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

James Anaya, United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, has released his report that he has submitted to the UN Human Rights Council (HRC). Mr. Anaya will be presenting this during the upcoming HRC 21st session, September 10-28, 2012, in Geneva. Please visit link to download full report. 

http://unsr.jamesanaya.org/docs/annual/2012_hrc_annual_report_en.pdf

New guide for Indigenous Peoples on Conservation funding

Please find attached herewith a new step-by-step fundraising guide for indigenous peoples to successfully attaining funding and managing projects in environmental conservation. The guide is titled "Call To Action: Improving Indigenous Peoples' Access to Conservation Funding" and produced by the First Peoples Worldwide. You can find the guide online at:

http://www.firstpeoplesworldwide.org/publish/ACallToAction.pdf

Senior Indigenous Fellow Position

FORWARDED MSG FROM: doCip Secrétariat

[FRA ci-dessous] [ESP abajo]

Dear friends,

doCip has the pleasure to forward you the attached information, sent by the
Indigenous Peoples and Minorities Section of the OHCHR.

Please note that the applicants to this Senior Indigenous Fellow Position must be
indigenous and should be fluent in English. The deadline for the applications is
November 30, 2011.

Best regards,


[FRA]

Chères amies, Chers amis,

Le doCip a le plaisir de vous transmettre l'information ci-attachée, envoyée par la
Section Peuples Autochtones et Minorités du HCDH.

Veuillez prendre note que les candidat(e)s au poste de "Senior Indigenous Fellow" doivent être autochtones et posséder une très bonne maîtrise de l'anglais. Les candidatures doivent être envoyées d'ici au 30 novembre 2011.

Meilleures salutations,


[ESP]

Estimadas amigas, Estimados amigos,

El doCip tiene el placer de transmitirles la información adjunta, que hemos recibido de la Sección Pueblos Indígenas y Minorías del OACNUDH.

Por favor tomar nota que lo(a)s candidato(a)s al puesto de "Senior Indigenous
Fellow" deben ser indígenas y tener un dominio perfecto del Inglés. Las
solicitudines deben presentarse antes del 30 de noviembre de 2011.

Atentamente,

Nathalie Gerber McCrae
Asistente
doCip - Centro de Documentación,
Investigación e Información
de los Pueblos Indígenas
14, avenue de Trembley
CH 1209 - GINEBRA (Suiza)
Tel.: +4122 - 740 34 33
Fax: +4122 - 740 34 54

Implementation of the ‘new conservation paradigm’

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO1101/S00248/implementation-of-the-new-conservation-paradigm.htm

International Union for the Conservation of Nature to review and advance implementation of the ‘new conservation paradigm’, focusing on rights of indigenous peoples

Indigenous peoples’ representatives met with Chairs of Commissions of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and other conservation organizations, for a high-level dialogue during the Sharing Power conference, in Whakatane, New Zealand, on January 13th, 2011. IUCN agreed to review the implementation of resolutions related to indigenous peoples taken at the 4th World Conservation Congress (WCC4) in 2008, in Barcelona, Spain, and to advance their implementation.

These resolutions, along with the Durban Action Plan and the Programme of Work on Protected Areas of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), are often termed as the “new conservation paradigm”. They are crucial for ensuring that conservation practices respect the rights of indigenous peoples and their full and effective participation in policy and practice. Unfortunately, the actual implementation of these decisions in support of indigenous peoples has been very patchy. The information gathered by the IUCN review processes will feed into its 2013-2016 Programme, to be discussed and adopted in September 2012 in Jeju, Republic of Korea.

Specifically, the meeting participants agreed that IUCN will:

• Reinforce its multi-level process (encompassing international, regional, national and local levels) to assess and advance the implementation of the “new conservation paradigm”. This process would focus on specific WCC4 resolutions relevant to indigenous peoples.

• Implement pilot assessments of protected areas at the local level that should be carried out by teams composed of indigenous peoples, IUCN national and international offices, government officials and other relevant actors. The pilot assessments should specify recommendations to address gaps between the observed practices and the ‘new conservation paradigm’. The findings will be reported in national workshops, which will then explore ways to implement the recommendations from the assessments. The assessments would also bring examples of successful projects and best practices to the international community.

• Carry out a review of the implementation of each of the WCC4 resolutions relevant to indigenous peoples, based on information from commissions and regional and global thematic programmes. This review will identify gaps and make recommendations to address them, which will be included in IUCN’s 2013-2016 Programme.

• Submit reports on these matters to the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the CBD.

• Spread awareness of WCC4 resolutions on indigenous peoples to all national IUCN offices.

• Improve the coordination between regional and national IUCN offices and indigenous peoples’ organizations.

Furthermore:

• The IUCN Council should be reminded that it was directed by a WCC4 resolution to form a task force to examine the application of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to every aspect of the IUCN Programme (including Commissions’ Mandates), policies and practices, and to make recommendations for its implementation.

Udom Charoenniyomphrai, from the Inter Mountain Peoples’ Education and Culture in Thailand Association (IMPECT), said, “The agreements reached in the meeting are good. We are now hoping that they will be effectively implemented.”

Further Information:

• Press Release: Sharing power - the end of 'fortress' conservation? January 10th, 2011 (Available in English and Spanish): http://www.forestpeoples.org/topics/participatory-resource-mapping/news/2011/01/press-release-sharing-power-end-fortress-conserva

• Forest Peoples Programme and indigenous partners’ updates from IUCN CEESP Sharing Power are available at: http://www.forestpeoples.org/special-blogs/iucn-ceesp-sharing-power

• Briefing for Media - Securing indigenous peoples' rights in conservation in Suriname, January 10th, 2011: http://www.forestpeoples.org/sites/fpp/files/news/2011/01/Media_Briefing_Suriname_Securing_IP_Rights_in_Conservation_Sharing_Power_Jan_2011_Eng-revMO_FM.pdf

• Briefing for Media - Securing indigenous peoples’ rights in conservation: A Review of South West Uganda - http://www.forestpeoples.org/sites/fpp/files/news/2011/01/Media_briefing_Uganda_Securing_IP_Rights_in_Conservation_Sharing_Power_Jan_2011_Eng.pdf

• Briefing for Media - Indigenous peoples and protected areas in Thailand: A Review - http://www.forestpeoples.org/sites/fpp/files/news/2011/01/Media%20briefing_Thailand_IPs_and_PAs_Sharing_%20Power_2011_Eng.pdf

• Other documents on this topic can be found at: http://www.forestpeoples.org/topics/environmental-governance/international-processes

Call for Submissions: INDIGENOUS PEOPLES, MARGINALIZED POPULATIONS AND CLIMATE CHANGE: VULNERABILITY, ADAPTATION AND TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE

Call for Submissions: INDIGENOUS PEOPLES, MARGINALIZED POPULATIONS AND CLIMATE CHANGE: VULNERABILITY, ADAPTATION AND TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE
1-3 June 2011, Mexico City

United Nations University (UNU), Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) are co-organising two workshops on "Indigenous Peoples, Marginalized Populations and Climate Change." The workshops will bring together representatives of indigenous peoples and marginalized populations, natural and social scientists, and other experts in relevant domains. The aim of the workshops is to identify, compile and analyse relevant indigenous and local observations, knowledge and practices related to understanding climate change impacts, adaptation and mitigation. The workshops will provide a key opportunity to ensure that experience, sources of information and knowledge (scientific, indigenous and local), along with data and literature (scientific and grey), focusing on vulnerable and marginalized regions of the world are made available to the authors of the IPCC 5th Assessment Report and the global community.

The workshop secretariat is now calling for the submission of abstracts for the first workshop, which will focus on Climate Change Vulnerability, Adaptation and Traditional Knowledge. The workshop will be held in collaboration with the Mexican Institute of Ecology (INE) from 1-3 June 2011 in Mexico City, Mexico. The second workshop, which will focus on Climate Change Mitigation, will be held in Cairns, Australia in late 2011.

Submissions should be relevant to the workshop theme - Climate Change Vulnerability, Adaptation and Traditional Knowledge. Submissions are sought from researchers and knowledge holders from around the globe. Contributions from individuals and communities in developing countries and/or marginalised regions are encouraged.

All submissions will be subject to review by the scientific committee that is overseeing the organization of the workshop. An important objective of the workshop is to expand the baseline information available in this thematic area, so please indicate on your submission form if you agree to the publication of your abstract and contact information in the workshop proceedings and subsequent publications.

A second workshop on "Indigenous Peoples, Marginalized Populations and Climate Change Mitigation" is planned for Cairns, Australia in late 2011. The call for submissions for the second workshop will be opened in March 2011.

The workshop will be held in English. Subject to demand and availability of funds, Spanish and/or French translation may be made available. A limited number of travel grants will be made available for selected participants.

Submissions will be accepted through the online submision form until 25 February 2011. Questions regarding the workshops can be directed to the workshop secretariat via tkimeetings[@]ias.unu.edu.

More information http://www.unutki.org/default.php?doc_id=187

Source: http://www.unutki.org/abstract_submission.php

CALL FOR PROJECT PROPOSALS! Climate Change - UNESCO

CALL FOR PROJECT PROPOSALS!

With assistance from the Government of Denmark, UNESCOs Frontlines Forum is funding local projects on climate change impacts and adaptation.

What are we funding?
Community-level projects focusing on local experiences with climate change impacts and adaptation. These could involve field research, interviews with community members, workshops, photo projects, film projects, etc.

Who are we funding?
Proposals can be made by interested groups or individuals, for example, local and indigenous organisations, research centres, researchers, graduate students with interdisciplinary training, community members (youth groups, women, elders) etc.

What topics?
Projects could explore any topic relating to climate change and local communities. For example:

a) Local observations and understandings of climate change impacts (negative or positive) on communities, livelihoods and/or local environments;
b) Ways that your community is adapting to or dealing with climate change;
c) Strategies and practices developed by local communities to cope with changes in the environment;
d) Local impacts (positive or negative) of measures to fight climate change. For example, planting trees to reduce greenhouse gases (through carbon sequestration); or building hydroelectric dams or avoiding deforestation (e.g. REDD) to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.

However, we invite all kinds of proposals related to climate change and local communities, so do not feel limited by these suggestions.

What output?
Your project should result in a detailed account either in the form of a written report, a video or other media production - in English, Spanish or French. It should contribute to a growing body of information about community-level concerns, observations and experiences relating to climate change impacts and adaptation. These submissions will also contribute to the development of postings and discussions on the Frontlines of Climate Change Forum.

Where are we funding?
We invite proposals from anywhere in the world, as long as they are for local-scale projects involving peoples and places vulnerable to climate change.

How much funding are we providing?
Between US$3000 and USD$5000 per project. Further funding may subsequently be provided for projects with interesting outcomes.

When are we funding?
Project grants will be distributed from mid-2009 onwards. Initial results would be expected before October 2010.

What is the deadline for submission?
Proposals should reach UNESCO on or before 15 July 2009..

How do I apply?
See detailed information and download a project proposal form from http://www.climatefrontlines.org/en-GB/node/191

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¡CONVOCATORIA PARA PROPUESTAS DE PROYECTOS!

Con el apoyo del gobierno de Dinamarca, el Foro En Primera Línea frente al Cambio Climático está financiando proyectos locales sobre cambio climático y adaptación.

¿Qué financiamos?

Proyectos a nivel comunitario que tengan como punto focal las experiencias locales en relación al cambio climático, sus impactos y adaptación. Estos proyectos pueden incluir trabajos de investigación en el campo con miembros de las comunidades, talleres informativos y de debate, proyectos de fotografía, proyectos documentales, etc.

¿A quiénes financiamos?

Las propuestas pueden ser hechas por grupos o individuos interesados, por ejemplo, organizaciones locales e indígenas, centros de investigación, estudiantes graduados con experiencia interdisciplinaria, miembros de las comunidades (grupos de jóvenes, mujeres, ancianos) etc.

¿Qué temas?

Los proyectos pueden explorar cualquier tema que ponga en relación al cambio climático con las comunidades locales. Por ejemplo:

a) Observaciones y entendimientos locales sobre el cambio climático y sus impactos (negativos o positivos) en las comunidades, medios de vida y/o medio ambientes locales;

b) Maneras en las que su comunidad se adapta o hace frente al cambio climático;

c) Estrategias y prácticas desarrolladas por las comunidades para hacer frente a los cambios del medio ambiente;

d) Impactos locales (positivos y negativos) de las medidas para combatir el cambio climático. Por ejemplo, plantar árboles para reducir los gases de efecto (secuestración de carbono) o evitar la deforestación (ex. REDD) o construir plantas hidroeléctricas para reducir la emisión de gases de efecto invernadero.

Sin embargo, invitamos a todo tipo de proposiciones relacionadas al cambio climático y comunidades locales, no se sienta limitado por estas sugerencias.

¿Qué resultados esperamos?

El proyecto debe resultar en un informe detallado ya sea bajo la forma de un reporte escrito, un video u otro tipo de producción multimedia, en inglés, español o francés. Debe colaborar al incremento de las informaciones existentes que relacionan cambio climático y adaptación a nivel comunitario: preocupaciones, observaciones y experiencias. Las propuestas también contribuirán al desarrollo de artículos y discusiones en el Foro en Primera Línea frente al Cambio Climático.

¿Dónde financiamos?

Invitamos las propuestas de todas partes del mundo, siempre y cuando se trate de proyectos a escala local, que involucren pueblos y regiones vulnerables al cambio climático.

¿Cuánto financiamiento estamos otorgando?

Entre 3000 y 5000 dólares americanos por proyecto. Un financiamiento adicional puede ser otorgado posteriormente a los proyectos que muestren resultados interesantes.

¿Cuándo estamos financiando?

Las subvenciones para los proyectos serán distribuidos a partir de mediados del 2009 en adelante. Los resultados iniciales son esperados para antes de octubre del 2010.

¿Cuál es el plazo de envío de las propuestas?

Las propuestas deben llegar a la UNESCO el 15 de julio del 2009 o antes.

¿Cómo postular?

Para mayor información y descargar el formulario de proposición de proyectos vaya a la página web http://www.climatefrontlines.org/es/node/192

International Expert Group Meeting on Indigenous Languages

International Expert Group Meeting on Indigenous Languages
8-10 January 2008

This Expert Group Meeting is being organized in accordance with ECOSOC decision 2007/244, which authorized a three-day international expert group meeting on indigenous languages and requested that the results of the meeting be reported to the Permanent Forum at its seventh session.

In addition, the Permanent Forum stated the following in its report:

"Considering that 2008 is the International Year of Languages, the Permanent Forum recommends holding an expert group meeting on indigenous languages that will call upon States, the United Nations system and indigenous peoples and their organizations to consider the following elements:

(a) Working towards concrete actions and legislative development aimed at eliminating discrimination against the current use of indigenous languages;

(b) Developing programmes aimed at promoting the empowerment of indigenous languages through all mediums, including radio and television;

(c) Supporting and increasing the number of centres for the study of indigenous languages;

(d) Financing and supporting schemes for special projects that are formulated by indigenous peoples and are focused on revitalization and rescue of threatened languages;

(e) Designing, in consultation with indigenous peoples and the Permanent Forum, the organization of a world conference on linguistic diversity, indigenous languages, identity and education, as a contribution to the programme of the Second International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People."The Agenda of the Meeting will be based on the above mentioned recommendation of the forum.

The EGM will be attended by indigenous experts, UNPFII members as well as interested Member States, UN Agencies, Indigenous Peoples' Organizatinos, AND Non-Governmental Organizations. Interested parties should contact the Secretariat about participating in the EGM as observers. Please note that space in the conference room is limited and the Secretariat may not be able to accommodate all requests for participation.

Documents
Background Paper
Draft Agenda

UN Declaration Assists Caribbean Indigenous Peoples

Belize (UCTP Taino News) - The Supreme Court of Belize, on October 18, uses the recently adopted United Nations Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples to justify its decision upholding the rights of Mayan People to their traditional lands.

See full article at: http://uctp.blogspot.com/

DISPOSSESSING INDIGENOUS PEOPLES OF ANCESTRAL LANDS

General Assembly
GA/SHC/3891
Department of Public Information • News and Media Division • New York
22 October 2007
Sixty-second General Assembly
Third Committee
19th Meeting (AM)

GLOBAL WARMING, INCREASING EXPLOITATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES, DISPOSSESSING INDIGENOUS PEOPLES OF ANCESTRAL LANDS
Small Number of Isolated Communities at Risk of Physically Disappearing

Despite recent progress, as seen in new norms and institutions as well as policies at all levels addressing the rights of the world’s indigenous peoples, there was still an “implementation gap” between those norms and practice, and a number of negative trends vis-à-vis that marginalized population, the Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) heard today as it held its discussion on the rights of indigenous peoples.

“Extractive activities, large commercial plantations and non-sustainable consumption patterns have led to widespread pollution and environmental degradation,” Rodolfo Stavenhagen, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous peoples, told the Committee today as he presented the findings of his recent studies. The end result, he said, was that indigenous peoples, whose lives were closely linked to their lands, were dramatically affected by such trends, which had in turn led to their forced displacements.

In addition, Mr. Stavenhagen continued, various Arctic peoples were now suffering the direct consequences of global warming. And further compounding all of the negatives already cited was the criminalization of the social organizations of indigenous peoples which defended their rights. That by itself had generated new human rights violations, he observed.

The Special Rapporteur underscored that the decrease of territory belonging to indigenous peoples had been intensified by the dynamics of the globalized economy and its attendant increase in water and energy exploitation. A small number of isolated communities were actually at risk of physical disappearance because of those trends, he warned.

Many delegates mentioned the landmark status of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in enumerating the rights of that marginalized population, and reiterated their hopes that countries would work faithfully towards its implementation. Through the Declaration, many said that the international community had begun repayment of a historic debt to indigenous peoples.

See full article at:

http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2007/gashc3891.doc.htm

Appointment of new Special Rapporteur on Indigenous Peoples

Dear friends,

This is to inform you that, during its last session in September 2007, the Human Rights Council (HRC) decided upon the criteria for the nomination for special procedures mandate-holders (decision 6-102, only available in English). These criteria, as well as the procedure that was formally adopted by the HRC at its June session (Resolution 5/1), will guide the replacement of those mandate-holders who have already completed their 6 year-term. This includes the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people.

Appointment procedure

As adopted by the Council, the new nomination procedure includes the following phases:

a) Preparation of a public list of eligible candidates by the Office of the
High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)

b) Proposition of short list of candidates to the President by a Consultative Group (appointed by the Regional Groups)

c) Presentation of candidates by the President to the HRC.

d) Endorsement of candidates by the HRC.

Requirements

According to the list of technical and objective requirements adopted by the HRC, candidates should meet the following requirements:

a) Qualifications: relevant educational qualifications or equivalent professional experience in the field of human rights; good communications skills in one of the official languages of the United Nations.

b) Relevant expertise: knowledge of international human rights instruments, norms and principles; as well as knowledge of institutional mandates related to the United Nations or other international or regional organization's work in the area of human rights; proven work experience in the field of human rights.

c) Established competence: nationallity, regionally or internationally recognized competence related to human rights.

d) Flexibility, readiness and availability of time to perform effectively the fhe functions of the mandate and to respond to its requirements, including attending Human Rights Council sessions.
Submission of eligible candidates

It is important to note that the candidatures for special procedures mandates may be submitted by Governments, regional groups, international organizations (incl. OHCHR), non-governmental organizations, other human rights bodies, and individuals [Note that academic institutions cannot as such submit candidates, but only academics or their individual capacity].

The names of the candidates should reach the Secretariat at the following address: hrcspecialprocedures@ohchr.org (mailing address HRC Secretariat, c/o Orest Nowosad, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Right, Room PW 4-903, UNOG, CH 1211 Geneva; fax: +41(0)22 917 90 11)

Timing

The new Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people is expected to be appointed by the HRC during its 7th session in March 2008. The Consultative Groups will submit the short list of candidates to the President by the beginning of February 2008 and will consult the public list of candidates in the weeks before. All relevant stakeholders are thus invited to submit their candidates at their earliest convenience.

Luis Rodríguez-Piñero Royo
Human Rights Officer
Special Procedures Branch
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
1211 Geneva 10 - Switzerland
Tel. + 41 - 22 917 91 34; fax + 41 - 22 917 60 10
Email: lrodriguez-pinero@ohc