Source: http://webcast.un.org/ramgen/conferences/hrc2006/four/hrc070315am-eng.rm?start=00:45:04&end=00:48:14

Human Rights Council, Fourth Session
March 15, 2007
Report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights- Interactive Dialogue


International Indian Treaty Council

Mr. President, indigenous peoples from all regions of the world recognize the important progress of the working group established by the Council pursuant to General Assembly Resolution 6251 of 15 March 2006 entitled “Human Rights Council.”  In examining the Human Rights Commission and its mechanisms we call the attention of this Council to the Working Group on Indigenous Population of the subcommission.  The working group on indigenous populations had some failings and some successes.  This Council should pale on its successes.  

One of the greatest contributions to the United Nations system was that indigenous peoples without ___ status could participate in its session.  This allows national NGOs and indigenous peoples from all regions of the world to advise the United Nations Human Rights systems about the state of indigenous human rights directly under expert studies and reports to the commission.

Mr. Chairman, the Global Caucus of Indigenous People reaffirm its support for the work of the special rapporteur as well as the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights and we reiterate the importance of their roles in upholding the human rights of indigenous peoples.  Just to mention some of the recommendation- the UN Human Rights Council established a Permanent Expert Group on Indigenous Peoples Human Rights made up of two experts from a state member of the council, two special rapporteurs, and two indigenous experts nominated by indigenous peoples, and selected in a process to be determined by the council. The work of the Permanent Expert Group on Indigenous People’s Human Rights would be coordinated by the Human Rights Council in collaboration with the Office of the High Commissioner in accordance with the instructions of the Council.

Participation of indigenous people in the Permanent Expert Group on Indigenous People’s Human Rights will be on the same basis as participation in the Working Group on Indigenous Populations and the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

Mr. Chairman, finally the International Indian Treaty Council understands that the Permanent Forum on Indigenous issues as a body directly under the Economic and Social Council cannot begin to completely address the human rights of indigenous peoples.  Its mandate encompasses the entire mandate of the ECOSOC, not only human rights.  Its mandate does not include the conduct of its studies in the field of human rights not to work in the standard setting with regards to indigenous peoples.  Its capacity to respond to critical human rights situations is very limited.  Work on the field of human rights must be coordinated by the Human Rights Council, the body entrusted by the United Nations with this mandate and focus.  Assisting the Council with the monumental task would be the role of the proposed Human Rights Council Working Group on Indigenous Peoples.

Mr. Chairman, we look forward to providing our support and assistance to the Council and its members as active participants in this process.  For all our relations, thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.