UN forum on indigenous issues opens 2016 session with focus on conflict, peace

The United Nations on Monday opened a two-week forum on the indigenous issues with a focus on the prevention of conflict and the promotion of rights of indigenous peoples in the conflict areas.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who said in a video message at the opening of the forum's 15th session, announced the launch of a plan to realize the full rights of indigenous peoples who are increasingly being drawn into conflicts over their lands and resources.

"I am pleased to send greetings to the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues," Ban said, referring to the UN's central coordinating body for matters relating to the concerns and rights of the world's indigenous peoples. "I welcome your focus on conflict, peace and resolution."

More than 1,000 indigenous participants from all regions of the world are expected to attend the annual two-week forum, this year held at UN Headquarters in New York on May 9-20.

The issues of peace and conflict, often relating to indigenous peoples' lands, territories and resources, and to their rights and distinct identities, will be at the forefront of this year's discussions.

"Lasting peace requires that indigenous peoples have access to cultural, social and economic justice," Ban said. "The 2014 World Conference on Indigenous Peoples called on the United Nations to ensure a coherent approach. In response, we have developed a System-Wide Action Plan, which we will launch today."

Noting that it is essential for the global community work as one to realize the full rights of indigenous peoples, Ban commended the President of the General Assembly for beginning consultations on the further participation of indigenous peoples at the United Nations.

"Member states are beginning implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, the Sendia Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Paris Agreement on climate change," he said. "We must ensure that indigenous peoples, including women, participate and benefit."

Following a ceremonial welcome by the traditional Chief of the Onondaga Nation, Todadaho Sid Hill, the opening session of the Forum is also set to feature remarks from Wu Hongbo, the UN under-secretary-general for economic and social affairs, UN General Assembly President Mogens Lykketoft and the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Vice President, Sven Jurgenson.

"Indigenous person" means native, original, first people and aboriginal. There are more than 370 million indigenous people in some 70 countries and regions worldwide.

The forum is an advisory body within the framework of the United Nations System that reports to ECOSOC.

The first indigenous to be elected to office at a United Nations meeting was Chief Ted Moses of the Grand Council of the Crees in Canada in 1989.

Source: XINHUA