The Future Working Relationship between the Permanent Forum, the Special Rapporteur and the Working Group on Indigenous Populations

United Nations Working Group on Indigenous Populations, Twentieth Session, July 22 - 26, 2002

Statement by Observer Delegation of Canada, on Agenda Item: 4 (c)

"The Future Working Relationship between the Permanent Forum, the Special Rapporteur and the Working Group on Indigenous Populations"

Delivered by John Sinclair
Senior Assistant Deputy Minister
Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development
Government of Canada

Geneva, 24 July, 2002

The Government of Canada welcomes this opportunity to speak on agenda item 4c and, by extension, on agenda item 4a.

There are, within the UN system, an unprecedented number of organizations and initiatives, all dedicated in one way or another to promoting and protecting the rights and interests of indigenous individuals and peoples around the world.

Our shared challenge is to determine how best to use these mechanisms and processes, such that there are clear roles and responsibilities, harmonization of mandates and organizational missions, to promote effectiveness and minimize duplication of activities. This will result in a total positive impact on indigenous rights and interests that will be more than the sum of the individual initiatives.

Canada recognizes the extraordinary achievements and the undeniable value of the contributions which the Working Group on Indigenous Populations has had in terms of putting indigenous issues on the agenda of the world community. We also acknowledge that the WGIP has given birth to most of the major new initiatives on indigenous issues in the UN system which hold such great promise.

Canada also is encouraged by the comprehensive and credible first report of the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of Indigenous People, and looks forward to the important contribution that his work will make to the consideration of indigenous rights at the Commission on Human Rights.

With respect to the first meeting of the Permanent Forum, Canada agrees with the assessment, made at the outset of this session, that it was a "resounding success". Canada is deeply committed to supporting the work of the Permanent Forum, especially in terms of its role in building the partnership among indigenous peoples, states, and the UN system, as well as co-ordinating the involvement of United Nations system in indigenous issues.

Canada is committed, as well, to continuing its involvement in the Working Group on the Draft Declaration, an undertaking of profound importance.

Canada looks forward to learning the views of the Members of the Subcommission on the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights on how the Subcommission can continue to contribute to advancing the indigenous agenda.

These are the questions in front of all of us, Mr. Chairman. How best to educate the world community on the challenges facing indigenous peoples? How best to bring to bear the full and effective force of United Nations specialized organizations on indigenous needs and priorities? How best to set standards that will guide and inform the conduct of observer states, international institutions, non-governmental organizations and indigenous communities? How best to harmonize the mandates and missions of those organizations, including this Working Group?

In closing, Canada would like to repeat what it said during the first meeting of the Permanent Forum, and I quote: "Consistent with ECOSOC decisions establishing the Permanent Forum, a review will be conducted of all existing mechanisms, procedures and programmes within the United Nations concerning indigenous issues. The Secretary General can be assured of Canada's cooperation in such a review"