- The 23rd session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues began on April 15 in New York.
- It emphasises the critical need to hasten the identification and preservation of Indigenous Territories (ITs) worldwide.
About the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII):
| Details | |
| What is it? | One of three UN bodies mandated to deal specifically with indigenous peoples’ issues.Others are-The Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Special Rapporteur on Indigenous Peoples. |
| Formation | 28 July 2000 |
| Headquarters | New York, USA |
| Parent Organization | United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) |
| Membership | 16 independent experts serve three-year terms, eight chosen by member countries and eight directly nominated by indigenous organisations.Countries: Finland, Nepal, Chad, Australia, Colombia, Bolivia, United States, Russia, China, Ecuador, Burundi, Denmark, Mexico, Namibia, Estonia, and one more rotating seat. |
| Mandate | Provide expert advice and recommendations on indigenous issues to the Council, UN programmes, funding, and agencies via ECOSOC.Raise awareness and support the integration of indigenous concerns within the UN system.Prepare and share information about indigenous issues. |
| Secretariat | Established by the General Assembly in 2002.Based in New York, within the Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD) of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). |
Source: https://www.un.org/development/desa/indigenouspeoples/about-us/permanent-forum-on-indigenous-issues.html