In light of this, UNPO organized and held a panel discussion on the WGDD at Palais des Nations, Geneva, on the afternoon of Monday 11 April. The event was organized with the aim to provide an opportunity to continue the dialogue between governments, indigenous representatives, UN human rights experts and NGOs, and analyze the prospects for the future adoption of the declaration. Initiated by UNPO, the discussion was organized in collaboration with the Indigenous World Association, the International Federation for the Protection of the Rights of Ethnic, Religious, Linguistic and other Minorities, Asian Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Network, Society for Threatened Peoples and the Transnational Radical Party.

The briefing was open to all participants at the Commission on Human Rights, currently in session in Geneva, and the discussion centered on two key issues. Firstly, the UN Draft Declaration on Indigenous Peoples’ Rights and the prospects for agreement was debated. Secondly, the issue of self-determination related to sovereignty over natural resources, lands and territories came under scrutiny and debate.