Indigenous Peoples Caucus of the Greater Caribbean

Submission of views on the Draft Voluntary Guidelines

2012-05-12T13:29:00.000-07:00

From: Executive Secretary, Convention on Biological Diversity

To: CBD National Focal Points and SBSTTA Focal Points; other Governments; relevant organizations

Subject: Submission of views on the Draft Voluntary Guidelines for the consideration of Biodiversity in Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs) in Marine and Coastal Areas

Thematic area: Marine and Coastal Biodiversity

Ref.: SCBD/STTM/DC/JL/JG/79813

NOTIFICATION

No. 2012-069

Madam/Sir,

You will recall that, pursuant to paragraph 50 of decision X/29, the Executive Secretary facilitated the development of voluntary guidelines for the consideration of biodiversity in environmental impact assessments (EIAs) and strategic environmental assessments (SEAs) in marine and coastal areas, building upon the existing voluntary guidelines endorsed through decision VIII/28.

Drafts of the voluntary guidelines, together with background information, were circulated to Parties, other Governments and organizations for technical peer review through notification 2011-212, issued on 7 November 2011. The comments from the technical peer-review are reflected in the draft voluntary guidelines (UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/16/7/Add.1) and the background document (UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/16/INF/16) prepared for the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA), at its 16th meeting, held in Montreal, 30 April to 5 May 2012.

At this meeting, SBSTTA prepared a recommendation to the Conference of the Parties on this matter and also requested the Executive Secretary to refine the voluntary guidelines for the consideration of biodiversity in environmental impact assessments and strategic environmental assessments in marine and coastal areas in light of views submitted by Parties, other Governments and relevant organizations by 30 June 2012.

In this context, I am pleased to invite you to send your views on the draft voluntary guidelines contained in document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/16/7/Add.1 (available at the following link: http://www.cbd.int/doc/?meeting=SBSTTA-16) to the CBD Secretariat by email, as a word document attachment to secretariat@cbd.int, at your earliest convenience, but no later than 30 June 2012.

The text of this notification is also available on the CBD website at: http://www.cbd.int/doc/notifications/2012/ntf-2012-069-marine-en.pdf

Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Braulio Ferreira de Souza Dias

Executive Secretary

Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity

United Nations Environment Programme

413 Saint-Jacques Street, Suite 800

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

H2Y 1N9

11th Indigenous Peoples Forum Opens at United Nations

2012-05-08T19:25:00.000-07:00

Delegates of the United Confederation of Taino People on the first day of the 2012 session. From left to right: Damon G. Corrie, Vanessa Inarunikia Pastrana, Taino AnaYuisa Pellicier, and Roberto Mukaro Borrero.

United Nations, NY (UCTP Taíno News) – The 11th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues opened on Monday at United Nations Headquarters in New York. Almost two-thousand representatives of Indigenous Peoples, non-governmental organizations, and academia have per-registered to attend the two-week session. The special theme for the year is the “The Doctrine of Discovery: its enduring impact on indigenous peoples and the right to redress for past conquests.”

Read the full article:
http://www.uctp.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=741&Itemid=2

Registration Process - Eleventh Session of the UNPFII

2012-05-03T06:34:00.001-07:00

Dear Friends,

Please find enclosed the Arrangements for Participation for your information.

United Nations grounds pass
A blue laminated plastic badge that has a photo of the bearer on it. By itself, it does not give access to the North Lawn Building. It must be used with a secondary access pass.

Secondary access pass
A laminated coloured cardboard non-photo pass that is only valid when it is accompanied by a valid United Nations grounds pass. During the Eleventh Session, they will be issued at the time of registration to give access to the North Lawn Building. This pass can be used for the duration of the session.

During on-site registration, one secondary access pass will be given to each organization to be shared amongst its delegates. These passes will be given out, as long as supplies last, at a table marked “secondary access passes” in the lobby of the General Assembly Building.

Only ONE secondary access pass will be given per organization for the duration of the session. Please take special care not to lose your secondary access pass.

Special event tag (SET)
This is for access to side events in the North Lawn Building. A coloured cardboard ticket with the date, time and location of the room of the side event (usually held during lunchtime and the evening) will be distributed. The SETs will be distributed each morning at the SPFII table in the Visitors' Lobby starting at approximately 9:00 AM for that day's events by the event organizers.

Registration Hours
We will be open for on-site registration on Sunday 6 May. In order to Register, you must have already pre-registered online and be approved.

Registration will take place in the Lobby at the UN Visitors' Entrance (General Assembly Building). Entrance is at First Avenue and 45th Street. Once you pass through the white security tent please proceed to the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues registration desk. There will be 3 separate lines/queues depending upon your status:

1) NGOs in consultative status with ECOSOC--You will be able to use your existing UN grounds pass but will be required to obtain the secondary access pass to gain access to the conference room.
2) New IPOs and Academics--Upon registration you will sign/make corrections to your grounds pass form that you filled out online and take it to the security desk to get your grounds pass printed.
3) 2011 Participating IPOs and Academics--If you attended last year's session, your grounds pass will be waiting for you in this line when you register.

Immediately after registering your designated representative will proceed to the line/queue for to receive the SECONDARY PASS that is to be shared among all members of your organization. This pass will be valid for the entire duration of the session and if lost or forgotten it cannot be replaced.

Registration times are as follows:

Sunday 6 May 12.00p.m. to 5:00p.m.
Monday 7 May 8.00 a.m. to 3:45p.m.
Tuesday 8 May 9.00a.m. to 3:45p.m.
Wednesday 9 May to 18 May 9:30a.m. to 3:45p.m.
Closed every day from 12.30 to 2:00 p.m.

The Registration Desk will be closed every day from 12:30 to 2:00p.m. for lunch-break. Accordingly, no ground-pass will be issued during the lunch-break. Exceptionally, registration may be conducted during lunch-break if a large number of people are still in line.

Make sure to bring the confirmation letter that you receive after pre-registering as well as a photo identification document to get a UN ground-pass. It should be noted that for security reasons, only official documents (passports, state-issued driver’s license and similar documents), are accepted. No other documents will be accepted.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at ngo@un.org or indigenous_un@un.org.

Thank you very much for your support.

Sincerely yours,

Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (SPFII)
Division for Social Policy and Development (DSPD)
Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA)
http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/en/session-eleventh.html

Fund for Gender Equality

2012-03-12T05:58:00.001-07:00

The Fund for Gender Equality has announced the Call for Proposals for the second phase of its 2011–2012 grantmaking cycle. Proposals will be accepted for innovative programmes to help women achieve political and economic empowerment. The Fund will award multi-year grants ranging from USD 200,000 to USD 1 million.

The Fund is currently inviting proposals from Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and Central Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean. The online application database will be open from 12 to 23 March 2012 and grants will be announced in October 2012.

You will find the key documents (Call for Proposals, Concept Note, List of Eligible Countries) at the following link: http://www.unwomen.org/how-we-work/fund-for-gender-equality/application-guidelines/

OAS Meeting of Negotiations

2012-03-05T06:15:00.002-08:00

The Department of International Law of the Secretariat for Legal Affairs of the General Secretariat of the Organization of American States presents its compliments and takes this opportunity to invite you to participate at the Fourteenth Meeting of Negotiations in the Quest for Points of Consensus, pursuant to operative paragraph 3 of General Assembly resolution AG/RES. 2574 (XLI-O/11).

The Meeting of Negotiations will take place in Washington D.C. Individuals selected are required to be in Washington D.C. between April 16-20, 2012.

Due to time constrains and in order to ensure the effective participation of the representatives of the indigenous peoples, the Department of International Law has established as the deadline for application to participate in the Meeting of Negotiations, Sunday, March 11, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. (Washington, D.C. time).

In accordance with CP/RES. 951 (1691/09), which regulates “the Specific Fund to Support the Elaboration of the American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples," indigenous communities or organizations should submit all the documents requested.

The application should be prepared by both parties, the organization and the candidate as there are requirements for both of them. Kindly note that it is the organization’s responsibility to comply with the requirements, which are filling the electronic application and submitting two documents within the deadlines established by the OAS.

The OAS will not be responsible for applications that are either incomplete or extemporaneous (such applications will be rejected).

The required documents should be sent to the Department of International Law by e-mail: dil@oas.org by Sunday, March 11, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. (Washington, D.C. time).

There are two mandatory documents:
- Candidate's Curriculum Vitae
- I.D., D.N.I. and/or passport (PHOTOCOPY)
The electronic application appears in the following link:
https://www.oas.org/surveys/TakeSurvey.aspx?PageNumber=1&SurveyID=l2K2578

Reminder: Call for submissions on indigenous peoples' languages and culture

2012-02-14T12:41:00.000-08:00

Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Call for submissions on indigenous peoples' languages and culture

The Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP) is calling for submissions on the role of languages and culture in the protection and promotion of the rights and identity of indigenous peoples, its current mandated study in accordance with Human Rights Council Resolution 18/8 (September 2011), from:

indigenous individuals and peoples and/or their representatives
non-state actors including non-governmental organisations
national human rights institutions
any other relevant stakeholders

Submissions will need to be submitted by 17 February 2012 to be taken into account in the Expert Mechanism's study, a draft of which will be finalised in early April 2012 in preparation for the EMRIP's fifth session in July 2012. Please email submissions to Claire Charters at the following email address: ccharters@ohchr.org.

For more information, please see the website of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/IPeoples/EMRIP/Pages/EMRIPIndex.aspx

UNPFII Eleventh Session // Undécima Sesión

2012-02-11T15:06:00.000-08:00

Pre-registration to attend the 11th Session of the Permanent Forum is now OPEN, please visit our website at http://social.un.org/index/IndigenousPeoples/UNPFIISessions/Eleventh.aspx

El pre-registro para asistir a la sesión 11 del Foro Permanente, está ABIERTO, visite el sitio web en http://social.un.org/index/indigenouses/Portada/SesionesUNPFII/UndecimaSesion.aspx

International expert group meeting on combating violence against indigenous women and girls: article 22 of the United Nations Declaration on the Right

2012-01-18T13:43:00.000-08:00

UN Headquarters, New York
18-20 January 2012

Venue: Conference Room 5--North Lawn Building

The meeting is attended by international indigenous experts whose findings are submitted to the eleventh session of the Permanent Forum in May 2012.

CONTACT:
Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
Department of Economic and Social Affairs
Ms. Talei Cama
2 UN Plaza
Room DC2-1451B
New York, New York 10017

This Expert Group Meeting is being organized following a recommendation of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), approved by ECOSOC decision 2011/266, which authorized a three-day international expert group meeting on the theme "Combating violence against indigenous women and girls: article 22 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples" and requested that the results of the meeting be reported to the Permanent Forum at its eleventh session, to the General Assembly at its sixty-seventh session and to the Commission on the Status of Women at its fifty-sixth session in 2012. The meeting will discuss the way in which the UNPFII should address its mandate under Article 22 of the Declaration.

The EGM will take place at United Nations Headquarters in New York from 18 to 20 January 2012 in conference room 5 in the North Lawn Building and will be held between 10 am – 1 pm and 3 pm – 6 pm each day. It will be attended by indigenous experts and UNPFII members as well as interested Member States, UN Agencies and Indigenous Peoples' Organizations. Due to the limited capacity of the room, invitations will be given out to indigenous peoples’ organizations on a first come, first serve basis. Please note that there is no SPFII funding available for this meeting. All observers are responsible for their own travel, accommodation and related arrangements.

For those confirmed participants requiring UN ground passes, when arriving at the United Nations, please enter the main Secretariat Building, located at 46th street and First Avenue through the visitor’s entrance. Please carry with you a valid government-issued photo ID document and the invitation letter to the meeting. Once you pass Security please look for the sign “Indigenous Issues”. Staff from the Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues will be there to assist you and deliver your UN pass to you on the mornings of Wednesday, 18 January and Thursday, 19 January from 9 am to 11 am. Please note, that in order to pick up your badge, you must arrive at the UN during this time period, as staff will not be there to assist you after these hours.

Documents

Submitted by the Secretariat of UNPFII:

Programme of Work (EN)

Concept Paper for Combatting Violence Against Indigenous Women and Girls :Article 22 UNDRIP(EN)

*Submitted by Experts:

Paper submitted by Prof. Rauna Kuokkanen (EN)

Paper submitted by Ms Terri Henry (EN)

Paper submitted by Ms Mary Simat (EN)

Paper submitted by Ms Sangeeta Lama (EN)

Paper submitted by Ms Guadalupe Martinez Perez (ES)

Paper submitted by Ms Edwina Kotoisuva (EN)

*Submitted by UN Agencies and Indigenous Peoples' Organizations:

Paper submitted by Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC) (EN)

Paper submitted by MDG Achievement Fund, UNFPA and International Indigenous Women's Forum (FIMI)--Joint Project (ES)

Paper submitted by Ms Andrea Carmen and Ms Viola Waghiyi (EN)

* The views and opinions expressed in these papers are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent official policy or positions of the Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

New guide for Indigenous Peoples on Conservation funding

2011-11-30T05:36:00.000-08:00

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

Climate Investment Funds: Civil Society Observer Consultations and Selection Process

2011-11-03T07:49:00.000-07:00

RESOLVE is pleased to announce a call for applications for non-profit Civil Society Organization (CSO) Observers to the Climate Investment Funds (CIFs). The call for applications is of interest to large and small CSOs from around the world who are working on climate change issues.

Application materials - including links to the electronic application form, observer selection criteria, selection procedures and timeline, and background information on the CIFs and the CIF observer process, are available on the RESOLVE website (http://www.resolv.org/site-cif/) .

The APPLICATION DEADLINE is Sunday, November 06 - 11:59 pm GMT.

The CIFs are a pair of funds - the Clean Technology Fund (CTF) and the Strategic Climate Fund (SCF) - aimed at helping developing countries pilot low-emissions and climate-resilient development. Each fund is governed by a Trust Fund Committee with equal representation from contributor and recipient countries. The CTF Trust Fund Committee oversees the Fund's operations, provides strategic direction, and approves and oversees programming and projects. The SCF Trust Fund Committee advises strategic direction for three targeted programs: (1) the Forest Investment Program (FIP), (2) the Pilot Program for Climate Resilience (PPCR), and (3) the Scaling up Renewable Energy Program (SREP). Each of these programs is governed by its own subcommittee.

Representatives from civil society, the private sector, indigenous peoples' groups, the Global Environment Facility, United Nations Environment Program, United Nations Development Program, and United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, are invited to select representatives to participate as active observers in meetings of the SCF Trust Fund Committee and the three subcommittees.

The newly selected civil society observers will serve a two-year term, beginning in January 2012.

Contact cifobservers@resolv.org with questions or for more information.

The deadline for applications for the CIF CSO Observer seats is this Sunday, Nov 6.

Senior Indigenous Fellow Position

2011-10-03T15:52:00.000-07:00

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

UNPFII: information on registration / Foro Permanente: informaciÃ³n sobre acreditaciÃ³n / Instance permanente: informations sur l'inscription

2011-05-11T13:25:00.000-07:00

-IMPORTANT INFORMATION-

Registration of all participants from NGOs, IPOs and academic institutions will take place in the Visitor's Lobby. Participants must enter the UN through the Visitor’s Entrance on 1St. Avenue facing 45th. Street.

Registration times during the tenth session:
(Please note the schedule has changed. Official registration times are as follows):

Friday 13 May
14:00 - 16:00
Sunday 15 May
13:00 - 16:00
Monday 16 May
08:00 - 15:45

From Tuesday throughout the duration of the tenth session, registration will be open from 9:00 – 12:30 and from 14:00 to 15:45 .

Make sure to bring the confirmation letter that you receive after pre-registering as well as a photo identification document to get a UN ground-pass. It should be noted that for security reasons, only official documents (passports, state-issued driver’s license and similar documents), issued by recognized authorities are accepted. No other documents will be accepted.

The confirmation letter can be downloaded at the UN Civil Society Network website (http://esango.un.org/irene/?page=viewContent&nr=13882&type=8&section=8) once your representatives were approved.

IPOs and Academics are requested and expected to update their contact information and manage their profiles using the UN-DESA Integrated Civil Society Database at: http://esango.un.org/civilsociety/login.do

Due to the renovation work at UN Headquarters, there is limited space in the conference rooms. The United Nations will issue special day passes in addition to the grounds pass that all participants receive when they register. These special passes will be distributed in the visitor's lobby of the UN. There will be a limited number of special day passes according to the capacity of the conference rooms.

[ESP]

- INFORMACION IMPORTANTE -

En registro y/o acreditación de todos los participantes de las Organizaciones de los Pueblos Indígenas, ONGs con estatus consultativo ante el ECOSOC e Instituciones Académicas se realizará en el Lobby de la Secretaría de la ONU ( Visitor's Lobby). Los participantes pre-registrados deben ingresar a la ONU por la entrada de turistas ubicada en la 1era. Avenue y calle 45.

Registro durante la sesión:
Las horas oficiales para el registro son:

Viernes, 13 de Mayo
14:00 - 16:00
Domingo, 15 de Mayo
13:00 - 15:45
Lunes, 16 de Mayo
8:00 - 15:45

A partir del Martes, 17 de Mayo y la duración de la sesión, el registro estará abierto solamente entre las 9am a 12:30pm y de 14pm a 15:45pm.
Por favor traiga con usted la carta de confirmación que recibió cuando realizó el pre-registro, así como un documento de identificación para que se extienda una credencial para su ingreso. Por seguridad, solamente documentos oficiales (pasaporte, licencia de conducir o un documento similar), emitido por autoridades oficiales será aceptado. Ningun otro documento será aceptado.

La carta de confirmación la encuentra en el siguiente link: (http://esango.un.org/irene/?page=viewContent&nr=13882&type=8&section=8)

use su nombre de usuario y contraseña.

Se solicita y se espera que las Organizaciones de los Pueblos Indígenas e Instituciones académicas actualicen sus contactos y contenido sobre el trabajo de la organización usando la base de datos Integrada de la Sociedad Civil de UN-DESA (UN-DESA Integrated Civil Society Database) en el link: http://esango.un.org/civilsociety/login.do

Debido a los trabajos de renovación de la Sede de la ONU, existe un limitado espacio en las salas de conferencia. La ONU proveerá pases diarios en adición a la tarjeta de acreditación que todos los participantes reciben al momento de su registro. Estos pases especiales diarios serán distribuidos en el Lobby para visitantes de la ONU. Existirá un número limitado de pases diarios dependiendo de la capacidad de las salas de conferencia.

[FRA]

-INFORMATIONS IMPORTANTES-

Enregistrement de tous les participants des ONG, des OPA et des institutions académiques auront lieu dans le hall des visiteurs. Les participants doivent entrer l'ONU par l'entrée des visiteurs, le 1er Avenue face à la Rue 45e.

Les délais d'inscription au cours de la dixième session:

Vendredi le 13 mai de 14h00 à 16h00
Samedi le 15 mai de 13h00 à 16h00
Lundi le 16 mai de 08h00 à 15h45

À commencer mardi le 17 mai, l'enregistrement sera ouvert de 9h00 à 12h30 et de 14h00 à 15h45 pendant toute la durée de la dixième session.

N'oubliez pas d'apporter la lettre de confirmation que vous recevez après la pré-inscription ainsi qu'un document d'identité avec photo pour obtenir votre badge d'accès. Il convient de noter que, pour des raisons de sécurité, seuls les documents officiels (passeports, permis de conduire émis par l'État et des documents similaires), délivré par des autorités reconnues sont acceptés. Aucun autre document ne sera accepté.

La lettre de confirmation peut être téléchargée sur le site web de la société civile des Nations Unies ( http://esango.un.org/irene/?page=viewContent&nr=13882&type=8&section=8) une fois que vos représentants ont été approuvés.

Il est nécessaire que les OPA et universitaires mettent à jour leurs informations de contact et gèrent leurs profils utilisant la base de données de l'ONU-DAES «Integrated Civil Society » au lien suivant : http://esango.un.org/civilsociety/login.do
avant de commencer le processus de pré-inscription en ligne.

En raison de travaux de rénovation du Siège de l'ONU, l'espace est limité dans les salles de conférence. L'Organisation des Nations Unies émettra quotidiennement des laissez-passer en plus de la carte d'accès que tous les participants reçoivent lors de leur inscription. Ces laissez-passer seront distribués dans le hall des visiteurs de l'ONU. Il y aura un nombre limité de laissez-passer en fonction de la capacité des salles de conférence.

Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
www.un.org/indigenous
indigenous_un@un.org
UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS
DC2-1454

Questionnaire for governments, indigenous peoples and organizations, NGOs, business enterprises and other interested parties

2011-04-20T10:58:00.000-07:00

Please submit your response preferably via email at indigenous@ohchr.org

Dear Sir/Madame,

CH-1211 GENEVE 10
23 March 2011

I am pleased to address you in my capacity as Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples pursuant to United Nations Human Rights Council Resolution15/14 of 30 September 2010.

I am currently carrying out a study on the rights of indigenous peoples in relation to natural resource extraction and development projects affecting them, in light of the high level of information I have received from indigenous peoples expressing concerns about this issue. In my previous reports to the United Nations Human Rights Council, I have examined the duty of states to consult with indigenous peoples about decisions affecting them (A/HRC/12/34) and the responsibilities of corporations whose activities affect indigenous peoples (A/HRC/15/37). I am now building upon these previous reports in order to provide an analysis of the effects of natural resource extraction and development projects on the rights of indigenous peoples, as well as an assessment of the responsibilities of States, corporations and indigenous peoples in this context.

An important component of this study will be the eventual development of a set of guidelines directed at States, corporations and indigenous peoples on the duty to consult with indigenous peoples in relation to natural resource extraction and development projects. With this document, I aim to provide guidance on the steps necessary to ensure that these types of projects are carried out in a way that is consistent with relevant human rights standards on the rights of indigenous peoples, including with respect to lands, territories and natural resources; consultation and free, prior, and informed consent; participation in and control over the design and implementation of project activities; mitigation measures; and benefit sharing.To gather information for the preparation of this study, I have developed a questionnaire for governments, indigenous peoples and organizations, NGOs, business enterprises and other interested parties.

The purpose of this questionnaire is to understand the views, concerns and recommendations of different relevant actors regarding the subject matter of this study, in accordance with the mandate given to me by the Human Rights Council to "examine ways and means of overcoming existing obstacles to the full and effective protection of the rights of indigenous peoples ... and to identify, exchange and promote best practices."

I kindly request that you complete the attached questionnaire. While responses can be submitted in all official languages of the United Nations, responses in English and Spanish would be preferred.

Please submit your response preferably via email at indigenous@ohchr.org or by mail to the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples; c/o OHCHR- UNOG, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Palais Wilson; 1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland. Should you have any question regarding this request, do not hesitate to contact Ms. Karin Lucke at 022 917 94 31.

Please submit your response no later than 1 May 2011.

Thank you in advance for your time and kind co-operation.

James Anaya Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples.

Download document

Suriname: UN expert calls for further dialogue on indigenous and tribal land issues

2011-03-17T07:36:00.000-07:00

PARAMARIBO – The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, James Anaya, called for further contact between the authorities and the indigenous and tribal peoples of Suriname, and reiterated his readiness to assist with efforts to advance their land and resource rights.

“I look forward to continued dialogue with the Government and with the indigenous and tribal peoples of Suriname, in order to provide further guidance on the practical steps necessary to move forward with securing indigenous and tribal land rights, in accordance with relevant international treaties to which Suriname is a part,” Mr. Anaya said at the end of the first visit ever to the country by a human rights independent expert designated by the UN Human Rights Council.

The Special Rapporteur’s mission from 13-16 March took place in the context of Suriname’s implementation of the 2007 judgment of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights in the case of the Saramaka People v. Suriname.

“I believe that this visit was very fruitful and constituted unique and valuable opportunity for dialogue and consultation with indigenous and tribal peoples of Suriname and the Suriname Government,” Mr. Anaya said. “I congratulate all of them for their cooperation and openness in engaging with my mandate, in order to meet the many challenges existing in the country related to the domestic implementation of international human rights norms.”

During the brief visit, the Special Rapporteur met in Paramaribo with representatives of the Government, including the Vice President; the Ministers of Regional Development; Justice and Police; Foreign Affairs; Natural Resources; Land and Physical Planning; and Labour, Technology and Environment; as well as others from the Council of Ministers.

The UN independent expert also held meetings with the indigenous organization VIDS, and Maroon representatives of VGS, the 12 Okanisi clan, the Matawaí clan, the Paramakan community and the Bureau Moiwana, as well as with the UN Country Team.

The Special Rapporteur expressed his thanks to all those that assisted in preparations for the visit, especially representatives at the Ministry of Regional Development, for their invaluable help in organizing and facilitating all aspects of the visit.

ENDS

S. James Anaya (USA) is a Regents Professor and the James J. Lenoir Professor of Human Rights Law and Policy at the University of Arizona (United States). He was appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council to the mandate of Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples effective May 2008. The mandate was created in 2001 by the then Commission on Human Rights, and was renewed most recently in 2010 by the Human Rights Council for a three-year period.

Tenth Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

2011-02-28T09:27:00.000-08:00

16-27 May 2011
UN Headquarters, New York

Provisional agenda for the tenth session of the Permanent Forum
on Indigenous Issues

1. Election of officers.
2. Adoption of the agenda and organization of work.
3. Follow-up to the recommendations of the Permanent Forum:
(a) Economic and social development;
(b) Environment;
(c) Free, prior and informed consent.
4. Human rights:
(a) Implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples;
(b) Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people and other United Nations human rights mechanisms.
5. Half-day discussion on Central and South America and the Caribbean.
6. Comprehensive dialogue with United Nations agencies and funds.
7. Future work of the Permanent Forum, including issues of the Economic and Social Council and emerging issues.
8. Draft agenda for the eleventh session of the Permanent Forum.
9. Adoption of the report of the Permanent Forum on its tenth session.

- Note. There is no special theme for the Tenth Session. The Permanent Forum has a biannual working method one policy year and one review year. 2011 will be a review year.

Pre-Registration

Online pre-registration is now open. Those who wish to attend the tenth session of the Permanent Forum must pre-register online by 1 May 2011.

NGOs with ECOSOC status, indigenous peoples' organizations and academics that are already registered and have participated in past sessions of the Permanent Forum:

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Indigenous peoples' organizations and academics that have not participated in previous sessions:

Step by step guide: Pre-registration of new organizations

Pre-Registration - indigenous peoples organizations

Pre-Registration - academics

Further information and FAQs on registration

Side events

Registration of side events is now open. The deadline for the submission of side event requests is 15 April. Due to a lack of availability of rooms, there will be significantly fewer side events than during previous sessions.

Side event request form (to be submitted by organizers of side events)

Guidelines for organizers of side events

DOCUMENTS Submitted by the Secretariat of UNPFI

Implementation of the ‘new conservation paradigm’

2011-02-22T10:46:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-02T08:42:00.000-08:00

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

Expert Meeting on the Modalities of Operation of the Access and Benefit-sharing Clearing-House

2011-01-20T20:01:00.000-08:00

From: Executive Secretary, Convention on Biological Diversity

To: CBD Focal Points, ABS Focal Points, International organizations, indigenous and local community organizations and relevant stakeholders

Subject: Expert Meeting on the Modalities of Operation of the Access and Benefit-sharing Clearing-House, 11-14 April 2011, Montreal, Canada

Thematic area: Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit-sharing

Ref.: SCBD/ABS/VN/SG/74725

NOTIFICATION

No. 2011-009

Madam/Sir,

Article 14 of the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing establishes an Access and Benefit-sharing Clearing-House (ABS Clearing-House) as part of the clearing-house mechanism under Article 18, paragraph 3 of the Convention. The ABS Clearing-House is a means for the sharing of information related to access and benefit-sharing and it shall provide access to information made available by each Party relevant to the implementation of the Protocol.

In accordance with Decision X/1, paragraph 12 and Annex II, the Open-ended Ad-hoc Intergovernmental Committee for the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing will consider the modalities of operation of the ABS Clearing-House, including reports on its activities, at its first meeting, from 6 to 10 June 2011. In preparation for this first meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee, I am pleased to inform you that an Expert Meeting will be held on the modalities of operation of the ABS Clearing-House, from 11-14 April 2011, in Montreal, Canada, thanks to the generous financial contribution of the European Commission. The meeting will be held in the English language.

The expert meeting will focus on practical considerations related to the establishment of the ABS Clearing-House with a view to provide input to the first meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee and to assist countries with the early ratification and implementation of the Nagoya Protocol. The meeting will build on existing experience and lessons learned from the establishment of other clearing house mechanisms, in particular the Biosafety Clearing-House. The report of the expert meeting will be made available to the first meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee for its consideration.

Documents for the meeting, including an information note for participants, will be made available as soon as practicable on the website of the Convention at the following address: http://www.cbd.int/meetings/.

Nomination and Selection of Experts/Observers

The group of experts will be regionally balanced and composed of 8 experts per region selected on the basis of nominations by Parties. In addition, 10 observers from international organizations and agreements, industry, research institutions and/or academia, botanical gardens and other ex situ collection holders, non-governmental organizations and indigenous and local communities will also be invited to participate.

Each Party is invited to nominate one expert. International organizations and agreements, industry, research institutions and/or academia, botanical gardens and other ex situ collection holders, non-governmental organizations and indigenous and local communities are also invited to nominate one expert as an observer to the meeting. The deadline for nominations is 18 February 2011.

Nominated experts should have knowledge in the fields of access and benefit-sharing, and practical experience with regard to information-sharing and knowledge management systems and the establishment of clearing-houses. The curriculum vitae of the nominated experts/observers should be included with the nominations submitted to the Secretariat.

Based on the nominations received, the Executive Secretary in consultation with the Bureau, will select participants in the meeting. As per usual practice, the experts will be selected on the basis of their expertise, the need to ensure fair and equitable geographical distribution, as well as gender balance.

Nominations should be submitted through an official letter addressed to the Executive Secretary by fax to +1 514 288 6588, or by email as a scanned attachment to: secretariat@cbd.int.

The full text of this notification is available on the CBD website at: http://www.cbd.int/doc/notifications/2011/ntf-2011-009-abs-chm-en.pdf

Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Ahmed Djoghlaf
Executive Secretary
Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity
United Nations Environment Programme
413 Saint-Jacques Street, Suite 800
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
H2Y 1N9

Tel: +1 514 288 2220
Faxx: +1 514 288 6588
E-mail: secretariat@cbd.int
Web: http://www.cbd.int

Deadline extended until January 23 to apply for the workshop: Capacity Building for Indigenous and Local Communities, of the Caribbean region.

2011-01-19T14:12:00.000-08:00

Deadline extended until January 23 to apply for the workshop: Capacity Building for Indigenous and Local Communities, of the Caribbean region.

Se amplía el plazo hasta el 23 de Enero para postular al taller: Creación de Capacidad para las Comunidades Indígenas y Locales, región Caribe.

Eighth Round Capacity Building Workshop for Indigenous and Local Communities, the Caribbean region

The Secretary of Biodiversity in collaboration with the Network of Indigenous Women's Biodiversity (IWBN) from the Latin America and the Caribbean, thanks to the generous financial support from the Government of Spain, a regional capacity building workshop for indigenous and local community representatives on effective participation in CBD processes, with a specific focus on Article 8(j) and ABS.will be held in Georgetown, from 16-18 March 2011.

The workshop aims at building and strengthening capacity for indigenous and local community women in order to ensure their full and effective participation in CBD processes and also to grow and strengthen the number of indigenous and local community women who follow and are involved in CBD processes by enlarging networks and outreaching to new participants.

We are inviting interested indigenous and local community organizations from the countries of the Caribbean region to nominate representatives by sending to the Secretariat an expression of interest or nomination by means of an official letter of designation addressed to the attention of the Executive Secretary (fax +1 514 288 6588 or to email: secretariat@cbd.int with a recent curriculum vitae of the nominee by 23 January 2011, for consideration in the selection process.

Participants selected will be notified by mid-February. Successful applicants will be provided with economy air travel to and from Georgetown, and subsistence and accommodation costs during the event.

Hortencia Hidalgo
Comunicación RMIB-LAC
comunicacionrmib.lac@gmail.com

Convocatoria Octavo taller Creación de Capacidad para las Comunidades
Indígenas y Locales, región Caribe.

La Secretaria de Diversidad Biológica en colaboración con la Red de Mujeres Indígenas sobre Biodiversidad (RMIB) de la región Latinoamérica y el Caribe, con el apoyo financiero del Gobierno de España, realiza el Taller de creación de capacidad subregional para los representantes de las comunidades indígenas y locales sobre la participación efectiva en los procesos del CDB, con un enfoque específico en el Articulo 8 (j), Conocimientos Tradicionales y Acceso y participación en los beneficios ABS. Se celebrara en la Ciudad de Georgetown, Guyana, del 16 al 18 de
Marzo de 2011.

El taller tiene como objetivo la construcción y al fortalecimiento de la capacidad de las mujeres de las comunidades indígenas y locales, a fin de garantizar su participación plena y efectiva en el proceso del CDB y, también para aumentar y fortalecer el número de mujeres de las comunidades indígenas y locales que siguen de cerca y participan en los procesos del CDB engrandeciendo las redes y los contactos directos con nuevos participantes.

Invitamos a las organizaciones de las comunidades indígenas y locales interesadas para que designen representantes enviando a la Secretaría una muestra de interés y un nombramiento, mediante una carta oficial de designación y un currículum vitae reciente. La carta oficial debe ir dirigida al Secretario Ejecutivo por fax al +1 514 288 6588 ó por correo electrónico como archivo adjunto escaneado a: secretariat@cbd.int antes del 23 de Enero de 2011, para ser considerados en el proceso de selección.

Los participantes serán seleccionados en base a una representación subregional justa de los países del Caribe y los Curriculum Vitae pertinentes y la capacidad para difundir la información derivada del taller.

Los participantes seleccionados recibirán financiamiento para participar en este taller de tres días y serán notificados a mediados de Febrero. A los Participantes seleccionados se les proveerá de un pasaje de avión en clase económica ida y vuelta a la Ciudad de Georgetown, y los gastos de comida y alojamiento durante el evento.

Hortencia Hidalgo
Comunicación RMIB-LAC
comunicacionrmib.lac@gmail.com

Opening Statement of the Indigenous Peoples Caucus

2011-01-19T08:12:00.000-08:00

Opening Statement of the Indigenous Peoples Caucus
at the XIII Meeting of Negotiations in the Quest for Points of Consensus of the Working Group to Prepare the Draft American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Washington D.C.
January 18 to the 20, 2011

Mr. Michel Arregui, Legal Affairs Secretary of the OAS, Ambassador Guillermo Cochez, Permanent Representative of Panama to the OAS, and Chairman of the Working Group, Dinah Shelton, rapporteur of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, distinguished representatives of States of the Organization of American States, and my Indigenous brothers and sisters.

My name is Grand Chief Edward John, Hereditary Chief of the Tl'azt'en Nation and representative of the First Nations Summit and the Assembly of First Nations. I am also the new North American Indigenous representative to the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

On behalf of Indigenous Peoples in the Americas who are participating in the XIII Session of Negotiations for the Quest of Consensus for the Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, we look forward to the conclusion of the negotiation of the draft American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

While we are negotiating this draft American Declaration, violations against collective human rights of our peoples continue in many states. Examples were brought to the Indigenous caucus including from Chile, Mexico, Ecuador, Peru, Uruguay and Argentina. In defending our territorial rights against mega projects and extractive industries our peoples are persecuted, criminalized and in some cases forcibly evicted. In this regard, we denounce the repressive military actions of Chile against the Rapa Nui people, including women and children, who are struggling to defend their lands. We strongly and urgently recommend good faith negotiations to resolve this crisis. We also deplore the violent displacement against the Toba community La Primavera in Argentina and the lack of response to this situation.

For Indigenous women, gender based violence continues to be shaped by discrimination. Also militarization, racism and social exclusion, poverty inducing economic policies contribute to the systemic violence of our collective rights.

These contradict the most basic principles of human rights and democracy which guide the OAS and its member states. We strongly urge the Inter-american Commission on Human Rights and its relevant rapporteurships to act promptly and effectively to investigate and propose solutions to these violations on an urgent basis.

As Indigenous peoples with historic relationships with states in the Americas we participate as Indigenous peoples, governments and nations in our own right, not as civil society. We call for the establishment of effective participation mechanisms for Indigenous peoples in all entities of the Inter-American system, the Summit of the Americas and in particular the summit in Cartagena in 2012.

In a similar vein, we urge the OAS to support the full and equal participation of Indigenous representation in the planning and implementation of the 2014 UN World Conference of Indigenous Peoples including the outcome document.

We respectfully remind all delegates that in this Working Group a commitment has been made to ensure that the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is being used as “the baseline for negotiations and … a minimum standard” for the draft American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. In these negotiations we urge a holistic approach as we know our survival and well being is inextricably linked to the survival and well being of Mother Earth.

We welcome the recent endorsement of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples by the governments of Colombia, Canada and the United States of America. We emphasize that the UN Declaration is now a consensus instrument and we call on all states to engage in its full and effective implementation and ensure no state withdraws from implementation. We also encourage all States who have not done so, to ratify the ILO Convention 169.

The Indigenous Peoples’ caucus reminds states, financial institutions and international corporations of the principle of free, prior and informed consent which must be respected in all situations concerning Indigenous peoples. We call upon states to recognize, respect and implement positions adopted by Indigenous peoples in climate change negotiations. Indigenous peoples have knowledge to contribute to slow down the destruction of Mother Earth.

We thank those governments which contribute to the Specific Fund, making possible our participation in these negotiations. We call upon States to continue contributing with funds for the development of future meetings of negotiation that will allow us to conclude the American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. There is a need for funding for the technical team and co-chairs, in addition to the delegates. We note that only two member states contributed to the Specific Fund, and two observer states. Other member states must show commitment by donating to the Specific Fund.

Finally, as Indigenous peoples we reiterate our commitment and call upon the member States of the OAS, as committed to in paragraph 86 of the Declaration of the Port of Spain, to work for a successful conclusion of the negotiations of the American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The American Declaration should be finalized before the Summit of the Americas in 2012. In order for this to succeed, we repeat that there is a critical need for all States to contribute more money to the Specific Fund. We respectfully remind states that the General Assembly has renewed the mandate of this Working Group and we need to meet as frequently as the mandate dictates.

Indigenous Peoples Meet in Washington DC to Discuss Rights Declaration

2011-01-18T14:23:00.000-08:00

Some of the Caribbean Indigenous delegation meeting at the Organization of American States in Washington, DC. From left to right - Dr. George Norton, Liselote Naniki Reyes Ocasio, Cleis Tavarez Maria, Eveline Moesijem Monstanto, and Zoila Maria Ellis.

Washington, DC (UCTP Taino News) – The 13th Meeting of Negotiations in the Quest for Points of Consensus on the OAS draft American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples began today in Washington, DC. The Meeting of Negotiations will take place at the headquarters of the Organization of American States (OAS) from January 18 to 20, 2011.

Among the Indigenous Peoples representatives present at the negotiations are a delegation of Caribbean Indigenous Peoples including Liselote Naniki Reyes Ocasio (Borikén/ Puerto Rico), Damon Gerard Corrie (Barbados), Dr. George Aubrey Norton (Guyana), Clenis Tavárez María (Kiskeia/Dom. Rep.), Zoila Maria Ellis (St. Vincent and the Grenadines), and Eveline Moesijem Monsanto (Suriname).

Some points of discussion expected to be covered at this session include: Rights of association and assembly, Indigenous law and jurisdiction, contributions of the indigenous legal and organizational systems, treaties, and Indigenous spirituality.

UCTPTN 01.18.2011

A Synopsis of the Indigenous Caucus of the Americas

2011-01-17T08:44:00.000-08:00

A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE PAN-TRIBAL CONFEDERACY OF INDIGENOUS TRIBAL NATIONS

Reporting from the Organisation of American States, Washington DC, USA., 17th January 2011

A Synopsis of the Indigenous Caucus of the Americas preview meetings of January 15th-17th 2011 at the Padilha Vidal Room of the Organization of American States building at 1889 F. Street N.W. Washington DC; USA.

OAS
The highly respected Mr. Luis Toro of the Department of International Law at the Organization of American States (OAS) delivered the opening address made mention of a great many details, one of which was his personal observation that over the last 3 years "More high ranking OAS diplomats have been attending the sessions to negotiate for points of consensus with members of the Indigenous Caucus on the Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples of the Americas". The Caucus was reminded that work began on the Draft Declaration in 1999, and that 37 Indigenous leaders/representatives from throughout the Hemisphere who collectively form the Indigenous Caucus of the Americas core membership were directly funded by the OAS to attend this 13th session.It was also noted by Mr. Luis Toro that of these 37 only 3 were singularly recommended/suggested - and all 3 were delegates from the Caribbean Islands.

CARIBBEAN CONTINGENT
At the 13th Session the Caribbean region had 8 of the 37 OAS sponsored Indigenous representations, and is represented by delegates from Barbados, Dominica (who unfortunately could not attend at the last minute due to illness) Dominican Republic, Guyana, Puerto Rico, St. Vincent, Suriname and Trinidad.

RAPANUI SURPRISE APPEAL
On Sunday 16th January 2011 a two-man delegation of Rapanui made a surprise appeal for support from the d Indigenous Caucus of the Americas to assist them in their plight with a rogue element in the Executive branch of the Government of Chile headed by none other than the President of Chile himself and his cohorts in commerce - the Schiess family of Germany who illegally own Rapanui ancient sites for private commercial profit via their tourism enterprises. The true landlords - namely the Rapanui people themselves had peacefully reoccupied their ancestral lands which were illegally sold to the Schiess family by the government of Chile (who themselves stole the island from the Rapanui through brute force in 1888).

The President of Chile ordered police commandos to forcibly remove the Rapanui activists and they did so with brutality, Rapanui Santi Hitorangi was forced to flee his homeland to save his own life when he was earmarked for assassination by the Police Commando forces occupying his island.

In Santi's address he eloquently explained the plight of the Rapanui People, and the Indigenous Caucus was deeply shocked and saddened to know that despite the Judiciary of Chile being on the side of the Rapanui - the President of an allegedly democratic country (such as Chile purports to be) - the President of Chile is behaving like a criminal thug of the ignoble Pinocht era more suited to head a Mafia crime family than a respected member country of the Organization of American States.

HONDURAS
We were informed by a high level OAS official that the indigenous representative for Honduras who was selected by the OAS to attend this 13th session was unable to attend because of persecution from rogue elements of the Government of Honduras (an OAS member State) which forced the representative to go into hiding for reasons of personal safety.

COLOMBIA
Bogota Colombia was selected to be the location for the proposed (not confirmed by funding yet) 14th session of the OAS - tentatively slated for March 2011, and April 14th-15th 2012 is the date earmarked for the 4th Indigenous Leaders Summit of the Americas - also slated to be held in Colombia.

UN
The fact that now every single country in the world is supporting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was revealed. The Draft American Declaration will be tailored (based on the UN Declaration and using it is a minimum standard) to the specific situation of the Indigenous Peoples of the Western Hemisphere.

CANADA & THE USA
Whilst both recently seemingly having a change of heart (for public consumption) and now 'supporting' the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (they were until recently the ONLY two countries opposing it).

Indigenous Lawyers from both countries who sit on the Indigenous Caucus of the Americas revealed to the body the numerous covert ways that both countries have domestically watered-down the legal usefulness of the UN Declaration they publicly profess to support, by making it 'subject to interpretation through their neo-colonialist National Judicial apparatus (a common ploy by many OAS member states); and they both are wont to point to the 'hundreds of millions of dollars they earmark for Indigenous use annually in their National Budgets... as if trying to say "Sure we are illegally denying AND cheating you of your internationally recognized rights - BUT we ARE spending lots of money in your name on cosmetic solutions for you - so you guys should shut-up and be happy!".

PERU
The Indigenous representative from Peru informed the Caucus that generally speaking the non-Indigenous Peruvian Government and citizenry are very fond of using the great achievements of ancient Indigenous Peruvians as a source of National Pride (and tourism revenue), but when ACTUAL modern day Indigenous Peruvians stand up for their long denied rights in Peru - they are reviled as 'damned Indian Dogs' by the SAME non-Indigenous Peruvians.

ECUADOR
The Indigenous representatives from Ecuador selected by the OAS to attend this 13th session were accused by persons in the left-leaning Government of Ecuador (an OAS member State) of being 'CIA operatives' because the OAS headquarters are in Washington DC - and because the OAS had paid all the traveling and accommodation expenses of these representatives (which is something the OAS does for ALL 37 Indigenous representatives they sponsor on the Indigenous Caucus of the Americas).

EL SALVADOR, SURINAME, TRINIDAD & BELIZE
All four of these OAS member states who 'support' the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (of the World) have still curiously not seen fit to re-write their own National Constitutions which still ILLEGALLY deny the very existence of Indigenous Peoples (and therefore their territories as well) in their own countries!

4 REGIONAL CO-CHAIRS GENDER BALANCED AT 13th SESSION
Of the 4 co-chairs of the Indigenous Caucus of the Americas at the 13th Session in the quest for points of consensus 2 are men and 2 are women. Representing the South America region as Co-Chair is Mr. Jaime Arias Arias - a respected National Indigenous Leader in Colombia. Representing the Central America region as Co-Chair is Mr. Hector Huertas - a prominent Indigenous Kuna Lawyer from Panama. Both men are bi-lingual in their own native languages as well as Spanish. Representing the North America region is Mrs.Tonya Frischner - a respected Onondaga Indigenous rights activist and former member of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues from the USA, Mrs. Frischner is bi-lingual in her native language as well as English.

Representing the Caribbean Region is Mrs. Zoyla Ellis Brown - a respected Garifuna Indigenous Lawyer from St. Vincent, Mrs. Ellis-Brown is the only tri-lingual Co-Chair - being a fluent speaker of her own native language, English and Spanish.

DONOR COUNTRIES THAT MADE THE 13th SESSION POSSIBLE
Mexico and Nicaragua were the only OAS member states that financially contributed to make the present 13th round of negotiations for the points of consensus on the Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples of the Americas possible. The only other financial contributors were the governments of two non-OAS countries that only have Official Observer status at the OAS - namely the Governments of Spain and France.

CLOSING ADDRESS
Grand Chief Ed John of the Assembly of First Nations of Canada - and now a member of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, spoke last at the close of the 3 day Indigenous Caucus preview meeting on 17th January 2011. The Grand Chief's delivered what was considered by many to be the most moving address of all the Indigenous Caucus members who opted to speak over the 3 days. He reminded the gathered Indigenous leaders and representatives that "We are gathered here to inject our heart and soul into our words, not hide behind diplomatic language to please Bureaucrats! All of us gathered here have a responsibility not only to the present generation of our peoples - but untold future generations yet to come!"

First meeting of the Ad Hoc Open-ended Intergovernmental Committee for the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing

2011-01-13T11:44:00.000-08:00

Date: 10 January 2011

From: Executive Secretary, Convention on Biological Diversity
To: Indigenous and local community organizations

Subject: First meeting of the Ad Hoc Open-ended Intergovernmental Committee for the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing (ICNP 1), Montreal, Canada, 6-10 June 2011

Thematic area: Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit-sharing
Ref.: SCBD/ABS/VN/SG/74645

NOTIFICATION
No. 2011-006

Madam/Sir,

I am pleased to confirm that the first meeting of the Ad Hoc Open-ended Intergovernmental Committee for the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing (ICNP) will be held in Montreal, Canada, on 6-10 June 2011.

The provisional agenda of the meeting is attached for your information and is available on the CBD website at: http://www.cbd.int/meetings/. Other documents for the meeting as well as the information note for participants will be made available as soon as practicable on the website of the Convention at the same address.

In view of your interest in the issues addressed by the Intergovernmental Committee, I have the honour of inviting your organization to nominate a representative to attend the meeting. Designation of representatives, containing their name and contact details, should be submitted through an official letter addressed to the Executive Secretary by fax to +1 514 288 6588, or by email as a scanned attachment to: secretariat@cbd.int, no later than 8 April 2011.

Indigenous and local communities representatives wishing to receive funding from the Voluntary Trust Fund to facilitate their participation in the above-mentioned meeting, in accordance with decision 8/5, D on the Voluntary Funding Mechanism to facilitate the participation of indigenous and local communities in the work of the Convention, are invited to submit their application forms no later than 4 March 2011 to ensure that it is received three months before the meeting. Applications received after the deadline may not be considered.

In addition, please note that the Secretariat will be organising a capacity-building workshop on the Nagoya Protocol back to back with the meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee on 4-5 June 2011. Further information regarding this workshop will be provided to you in due course. Applicants from indigenous and local communities who wish to participate in the workshop should indicate this in their application so that this can be taken into consideration in the selection process.

The Voluntary Trust Fund application forms are available in the six official languages of the United Nations on the CBD website at the following link: https://www.cbd.int/traditional/fund.shtml. The completed application forms should be sent to the Secretariat either by fax to: +1 514 288 6588, or by electronic mail as a scanned attachment to: secretariat@cbd.int, together with a recent Curriculum Vitae and an official letter of recommendation from the relevant organization addressed to the Executive Secretary of the CBD.

I look forward to the participation of your organization in the meeting and your continued contribution to the work of the Convention.

The full text of this notification is available on the CBD website at: http://www.cbd.int/doc/notifications/2011/ntf-2011-006-abs-icnp1-ilc-en.pdf

Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Ahmed Djoghlaf
Executive Secretary
Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity
United Nations Environment Programme
413 Saint-Jacques Street, Suite 800
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
H2Y 1N9

Tel: +1 514 288 2220
Fax: +1 514 288 6588
E-mail: secretariat@cbd.int
Web: http://www.cbd.int

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First meeting of the Ad Hoc Open-ended Intergovernmental Committee for the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing (ICNP 1), Montreal, Canada, 6-10 June 2011

PROVISIONAL AGENDA

1. Opening of the meeting.

2. Organizational matters.

3. Modalities of operation of the Access and Benefit-sharing Clearing-House.

4. Measures to assist in capacity-building, capacity development and strengthening of human capacities and institutional capacities in developing countries.

5. Measures to raise awareness of the importance of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge.

6. Cooperative procedures and institutional mechanisms to promote compliance with the Protocol and to address cases of non-compliance.

7. Other matters.

8. Adoption of the report.

9. Closure of the meeting.

Eighth Round Capacity Building Workshop for Indigenous and Local Communities, the Caribbean region

2010-12-30T17:46:00.000-08:00

The Secretary of Biodiversity in collaboration with the Network of Indigenous Women's Biodiversity (IWBN) from the Latin America and the Caribbean, thanks to the generous financial support from the Government of Spain, a regional capacity building workshop for indigenous and local community representatives on effective participation in CBD processes, with a specific focus on Article 8(j) and ABS .will be held in Georgetown, from 16-18 March 2011.

The workshop aims at building and strengthening capacity for indigenous and local community women in order to ensure their full and effective participation in CBD processes and also to grow and strengthen the number of indigenous and local community women who follow and are involved in CBD processes by enlarging networks and outreaching to new participants.

We are inviting interested indigenous and local community organizations from the countries of the Caribbean region to nominate representatives by sending to the Secretariat an expression of interest or nomination by means of an official letter of designation addressed to the attention of the Executive Secretary (fax +1 514 288 6588 or to email: secretariat@cbd.int with a recent curriculum vitae of the nominee by 15 January 2011, for consideration in the selection process.

Participants selected will be notified by mid-February. Successful applicants will be provided with economy air travel to and from Georgetown, and subsistence and accommodation costs during the event.

Source: CBD Secretariat

UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women Issues Annual Call for Proposals

2010-12-01T12:43:00.000-08:00

United Nations, New York — The United Nations Trust Fund to End Violence against Women (UN Trust Fund) today launched its annual global Call for Proposals for programmes that support country-level efforts to end violence against women and girls. The criteria, eligibility requirements and application guidelines are available at www.unifem.org/untfevaw. The deadline for application is 20 January 2011.

See: http://www.unifem.org/news_events/story_detail.php?StoryID=1191

Indigenous Peoples Caucus of the Greater Caribbean

Submission of views on the Draft Voluntary Guidelines

11th Indigenous Peoples Forum Opens at United Nations

Registration Process - Eleventh Session of the UNPFII

Fund for Gender Equality

OAS Meeting of Negotiations

Reminder: Call for submissions on indigenous peoples' languages and culture

UNPFII Eleventh Session // Undécima Sesión

International expert group meeting on combating violence against indigenous women and girls: article 22 of the United Nations Declaration on the Right

UN Headquarters, New York 18-20 January 2012

Documents

New guide for Indigenous Peoples on Conservation funding

Climate Investment Funds: Civil Society Observer Consultations and Selection Process

Senior Indigenous Fellow Position

UNPFII: information on registration / Foro Permanente: informaciÃ³n sobre acreditaciÃ³n / Instance permanente: informations sur l'inscription

Questionnaire for governments, indigenous peoples and organizations, NGOs, business enterprises and other interested parties

Suriname: UN expert calls for further dialogue on indigenous and tribal land issues

Tenth Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

16-27 May 2011 UN Headquarters, New York

Provisional agenda for the tenth session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

Pre-Registration

Implementation of the ‘new conservation paradigm’

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

Expert Meeting on the Modalities of Operation of the Access and Benefit-sharing Clearing-House

Deadline extended until January 23 to apply for the workshop: Capacity Building for Indigenous and Local Communities, of the Caribbean region.

Opening Statement of the Indigenous Peoples Caucus

Indigenous Peoples Meet in Washington DC to Discuss Rights Declaration

A Synopsis of the Indigenous Caucus of the Americas

First meeting of the Ad Hoc Open-ended Intergovernmental Committee for the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing

Eighth Round Capacity Building Workshop for Indigenous and Local Communities, the Caribbean region

UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women Issues Annual Call for Proposals

UN Headquarters, New York
18-20 January 2012

16-27 May 2011
UN Headquarters, New York

Provisional agenda for the tenth session of the Permanent Forum
on Indigenous Issues