Panel Discussion
Indigenous priorities for the post-2015 sustainable development agenda
Co-Chairs
- Ms. Patricia Balbuena Palacios, Viceministra de Interculturalidad
- Ms. Jannie Lasimbang, Secretary Director, Pengarah Urusetia
- Mr. Wu Hongbo, USG Department of Economic and Social Affairs
- Ms. Saudata Aboubacrine, Representative of the Africa Indigenous Region
- Mr. Albert Deterville, Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Summary of key issues raised:
We had a long list of speakers, but we managed to reach almost all, thanks to the speakers that stuck to the three minutes. I am going to present some bullet points. Among the aspects that are necessary, is the need to secure the adequate inclusion of indigenous peoples in the post 2015 agenda. The rights enshrined in UNDRIP should be the basis for their inclusion.
Indigenous peoples should participate actively in the development of programmes and the implementation of the post 2015 agenda at the national and international level.
Specific indicators on indigenous peoples should be included in the post 2015 agenda. It is not enough to add them in the list of vulnerable groups.
In order to achieve sustainable development it is imperative to be respectful of indigenous peoples development according to their own aspirations, and the need to be respectful of their cultures and identities.
The post 2015 agenda should reflect what Member States accorded in this WCIP, particularly what we have committed to in the outcome document, that is the need to respect indigenous peoples knowledge to sustain the environment and combat climate change.
It is also very important to recognize the rights to land, territories and resources; the right to self-determination and free prior and informed consent as some of the main pillars to achieve a sustainable development for indigenous peoples.
Participation of indigenous youth, women, persons with disabilities should be guaranteed in any process related to development.
The human rights based approach to development should be incorporated in the Post-2015 development agenda.
There are other points brought up by the speakers, including the need to develop specific indicators on indigenous people well being in post 2105 development agenda. It was pointed out by some speakers that the data with respect to indigenous peoples shows that they are lagging behind in many aspects and that it is necessary to take action to improve their situation. Development should be according to their own aspirations and needs.
Another point was that there cannot be development if indigenous peoples rights are not included. It is difficult to talk about indigenous peoples development, if on a daily basis, they become victims of displacement from their lands and territories.
