A/HRC/21/24 indigenous peoples was being considered, meaning that only a limited number of people contributed to the discussions. C. Functional advantages of indigenous peoples’ participation in the United Nations 12. The advantages of participation by non-State actors in the United Nations are well recognized by the United Nations and more widely. In the report of the Panel of Eminent Persons on United Nations–Civil Society Relations (A/58/817), the Chair of the Panel described constructive engagement with civil society as a necessity. 13. The participation of indigenous peoples in the United Nations would address, in a practical way, their frequent marginalization and exclusion from decision-making processes on matters that affect them. As mentioned in the introduction to the present report, such participation is also called for in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, as endorsed by the General Assembly, and explained in greater detail by the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Indigenous peoples are best placed to authoritatively advise on their situation and the most appropriate methods to tackle the challenges that they face. Issues relevant to indigenous peoples are often addressed in general United Nations forums, beyond the bodies specifically focused on indigenous peoples. The participation of indigenous peoples’ organizations in the United Nations that has been possible to date has facilitated the strengthening of cooperation between States and indigenous peoples in a peaceful and constructive fashion. III. Existing procedural rules regulating indigenous peoples’ participation in United Nations bodies focused especially on indigenous peoples’ issues A. Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues 14. The Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues was established by the Economic and Social Council in its resolution 2000/22. The Permanent Forum consists of 16 members, who serve in their personal capacity as independent experts on indigenous issues. Eight are nominated by Governments and elected by the Economic and Social Council, and eight are appointed by the President of the Council on the basis of selection processes undertaken by indigenous peoples in the seven indigenous-identified social and cultural regions of the world, to give broad representation to the world’s indigenous peoples. The regions are Africa; Asia; Central and South America and the Caribbean; the Arctic; Central and Eastern Europe, the Russian Federation, Central Asia and Transcaucasia; North America; and the Pacific, with one additional seat rotating among Africa, Asia, and Central and South America and the Caribbean. The Permanent Forum has a mandate to discuss indigenous issues within the purview of the Council relating to economic and social development, culture, the environment, education, health and human rights. Accordingly, the Permanent Forum will: (a) Provide expert advice and recommendations on indigenous issues to the Council, and to programmes, funds and agencies of the United Nations through the Council; (b) Raise awareness and promote the integration and coordination of activities related to indigenous issues within the United Nations system; (c) 6 Prepare and disseminate information on indigenous issues.