Jul 31, 2006

WGIP: UNPO Training Session II - Indigenous Peoples and the Future of the WGIP


31 July 2006 - Today UNPO held its second training for Indigenous representatives at the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations. Participants in particular raised concerns over the impact of UN reform on the proceedings and future of the Working Group on Indigenous Populations (WGIP).

UNPO Training Session II


31 July 2006 - Today UNPO held its second training for Indigenous representatives at the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations. Participants in particular raised concerns over the impact of UN reform on the proceedings and future of the Working Group on Indigenous Populations (WGIP).


Participants raised concerns over the future of the WGIP. Discussions followed on what indigenous representatives want from the WGIP in the future and how the next chapter of the Working Group can be envisioned to better meet the needs and objectives of indigenous peoples.

The floor was opened for lively debate which included proposals for an extension of provision by the UN Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples. Currently the Voluntary Fund assists members of indigenous communities and organisations to participate at the WGIP. It was suggested that this be extended not only to enable representation at the WGIP, but also to offer funding for indigenous peoples projects which may be discussed at future sessions.

It was also suggested that the panel of five expert members could host separate thematic fora which report back to the main group.

These suggestions came in the wake of the suggestion by, expert member, Mr Miguel Alfonso Martinez at the opening session that a special agenda item be added to this 24th session. Ms. Francoise Hampson supported the proposal that The Future of the Working Group be added as an agenda item.

The agenda item will be discussed in the course of todays session and on Thursday afternoon.

The next training session will be held on Wednesday 2 August. It will offer Insight into Key UN Instruments & the New HRC Effective Use and Participation.