A/HRC/33/68 22. The need for holistic and cross-sectoral approaches that integrate customary law and traditions was stressed, and some relevant examples shared. A considerable number of delegates reported legislative measures, such as the explicit recognition of the rights of indigenous people. 23. Some delegates pointed out that their gender equality plans and/or plans on violence against women included indigenous women. Numerous delegates considered empowering women through educational measures and capacity-building the best measure to address violence against indigenous women and girls, by programmes with non-formal education to ensure their literacy. Addressing the harm caused by colonization and dismantling patriarchal and racist attitudes, including through education, were mentioned as prerequisites to the elimination of violence against women. Some delegates stressed the importance of engaging men in efforts to prevent and address violence against women and girls, and offered examples of existing initiatives. It was repeatedly emphasized that women’s empowerment should be included in policies to eradicate gender-based violence and to ensure that indigenous women can act as agents of their own development, or to build their capacity for leading and managing natural resources. Programmes that involved the economic empowerment of indigenous women were also mentioned as effectively contributing to a reduction in violence. 24. A considerable number of delegates also reported concrete, ongoing efforts to support indigenous communities in ending violence against women and girls, including through prevention, early intervention for women at risk or service responses for those who had suffered violence. 25. With regard to health, some delegates expressed the need to make greater efforts to ensure access to health care, particularly sexual and reproductive health services, in rural and remote areas. Reporting on specific tools for prevention, one delegate referred to the adoption of safety packages for indigenous women to combat violence. In addition, the need to increase protection for indigenous human rights defenders was also considered a related matter of critical importance. 26. Numerous delegates highlighted their view that ensuring the accountability of perpetrators was a priority concern. In that respect, some delegates reported specific strategies to address violence against indigenous persons by using criminal provisions established to address violence against women, such as the criminalization of femicide. 27. One delegate reported on institutional steps to address this issue, such as the establishment of a national public inquiry into the numerous missing and murdered indigenous women and girls, while another delegate reported the creation of new government departments to coordinate different aspects of the response to violence against indigenous women and girls (such as with regard to education, risk assessment and initial response, legal process, and victim safety and support). 28. With regard to justice, the lack of criminal jurisdiction over non-indigenous perpetrators committing gender-based violence against certain groups of indigenous women was identified as a cause of impunity. To overcome this gap, some delegates emphasized that it was crucial to enact national laws by recognizing tribes, and to assign jurisdictional authority to prosecute non-indigenous offenders in tribal courts. Working with tribes to implement these laws in an effective manner was also considered important. 29. Lastly, concern was expressed at the overrepresentation of indigenous women in prisons around the world for minor offences. Delegates therefore called upon States to address this issue and that of violence and discrimination against incarcerated women, including by staff in prisons. 6