The aim of the conference was to address key issues concerning the protection and promotion of indigenous rights, including how businesses and the global economy impact indigenous rights and how climate change is transforming indigenous lives. The conference also addressed the outcome of the WCIP, and panelists discussed what can be done to realize the Outcome Document and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People. UNPO participated in the panel "Plan of Action: How can the EU, and other Organizations Promote the Protection of Indigenous Peoples Rights".

The two-day event also allowed for many indigenous representatives to have their voices heard alongside experts and high-level officials as a counter-balance the lack of official participation in WCIP; indigenous representatvies only had a say during the preparatory process of the Outcome Document. 

The Outcome Document, which was adopted on Monday [22 September 2014], actually made no great advances in terms of content of the Declaration, but it has still been hailed as a success, most notably the Secretary General, Mr Ban Ki-moon.

State representatives agreed to many commitments. They agreed to consult, cooperate and obtain the consent of indigenous groups before implementing projects which affect their lands, territories or resources. They agreed to draw up national action plans to protect the rights of indigenous groups. They agreed to empower indigenous youth, women and peoples with disabilities. They agreed to promote the right of every indigenous child. They agreed to improve access to quality education, health and socio-economic programmes, access to justice. They agreed to intensify efforts to prevent and eliminate all forms of violence.

But will this Outcome Document help bridge the gap between promises and results? Will the WCIP serve as a turning point for translating the Declaration into concrete action?

For UNPO serious concerns remain. Indigenous peoples are disproportionately affected by poverty, discrimination, exclusion, and marginalization. This is unfortunately the case for all of our indigenous members: from Khmer Krom to Crimean Tatars, from the Assyrians to the Mapuche. The list of questions and concerns is long, and the amount of human rights abuses faced by our indigenous Members is truly staggering, and saddening.

So, how can the EU and other organizations promote the protection of indigenous peoples and their rights?You can find the speech delivered by a UNPO representative here.