A/HRC/21/24
that participation of other relevant organizations of indigenous people, in addition to nongovernmental organizations in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council,
should be in accordance with the relevant provisions of Economic and Social Council
resolution 1296 (XLIV) and the procedures set out in the annex to the resolution, and
invited such organizations to submit applications as soon as possible.
27.
In the annex to resolution 1995/32, the accreditation procedure for organizations of
indigenous people not in consultative status with Economic and Social Council was set out.
That procedure was effectively endorsed by the Council and managed by OHCHR. In
practice, States rarely objected to the participation of indigenous peoples’ representatives in
the Working Group and the process enabled indigenous peoples and States to work together
constructively to elaborate the draft declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples.
E.
United Nations Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Populations
28.
The United Nations Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Populations was established in
1985 by the General Assembly in its resolution 40/131 to assist representatives of
indigenous communities and organizations to participate in the deliberations of the
Working Group on Indigenous Populations by providing them with financial assistance,
funded by means of voluntary contributions from Governments, non-governmental
organizations and other private or public entities. The Fund has since been expanded to
facilitate the participation of representatives of indigenous peoples’ organizations in the
Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (by resolution 56/140), the Expert Mechanism on
the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (by resolution 63/161) and the Human Rights Council and
human rights treaty bodies (by resolution 65/198).
29.
The beneficiaries of the Fund are selected by a board of trustees, which comprises
five individuals with experience in indigenous issues, appointed by the Secretary-General,
who serve in their personal capacity. At least one member is required to be a representative
of a widely recognized indigenous peoples’ organization.
30.
The selection of indigenous beneficiaries is based on several criteria, including that
they be representatives of indigenous peoples’ organizations and communities.3 The
Board’s recommendations are approved by the United Nations High Commissioner for
Human Rights on behalf of the Secretary-General.
IV. Existing procedural rules regulating participation in United
Nations bodies generally
31.
The rules of procedure of various United Nations organs and their subsidiary bodies,
in addition to those of international conferences convened under the auspices of the General
Assembly, outline the modalities of participation. Accordingly, the rules of participation
vary depending on the body in question.
32.
Rules regulating the participation by non-State actors in United Nations bodies of
most relevance to indigenous peoples are set out below.
3
See www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/IPeoples/IPeoplesFund/Pages/criteria.aspx.
9
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