A/HRC/15/35 G. Participation in establishing alternative organizations 93. To overcome obstacles to meaningful participation in formalized State-driven mechanisms, many indigenous peoples have formed local, regional or international nonpolitical associations to advocate their interests. Indeed, in countries where indigenous peoples have been excluded from formal processes, these organizations have played an important role in representing indigenous peoples and making collective decisions about social, cultural and religious life.68 94. Such structures often provide links between indigenous groups by forming alliances and represent a range of diverse and varied interests and peoples. These organizations have also used their collaborative positions to discuss common challenges, and speak out collectively on fundamental issues that affect them.69 Organizations have worked crossborder, and have drafted international agreements regarding issues affecting them.70 95. Nevertheless, gaining recognition from States is still a significant challenge, since these organizations are often overlooked or excluded from formal decision-making processes.71 H. Participation in regional and international forums and processes 96. Indigenous peoples have also been participating actively in international mechanisms in order to achieve greater protection of their rights. Relevant United Nations agencies, treaty bodies and other international mechanisms have enabled direct participation of indigenous peoples at the highest levels.72 Another example is the Arctic Council, an intergovernmental organization where indigenous Arctic peoples and organizations have status as “permanent participants”. The category of permanent participants provides for active participation and consultation with the indigenous representatives within the Arctic Council structure.73 It is noted, however, that the ILO does not allow indigenous peoples to participate directly in their conferences, despite repeated calls for this by a number of United Nations bodies.74 97. An appropriate goal is the full and direct participation of indigenous peoples in all international processes on matters that particularly concern them. These include biodiversity and climate change negotiations, since they often have a disproportionate impact on indigenous peoples and their territories. However, consistent financial and administrative support is needed to ensure that indigenous peoples maintain appropriate participation in international bodies. I. Other issues and challenges 98. While a number of positive steps have been taken regarding indigenous participation in external decision-making processes, progress is not uniform and still requires serious 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 22 Submission by Krishna Bhattachan (Nepal). Submission by First Nations Summit (Canada). ILO, International Labour Standards Department, Indigenous and Tribal Peoples’ Rights in Practice: A Guide to ILO Convention No. 169 (Geneva, 2009), pp. 164-171. Submission by the National Indian Youth Council (United States of America). Submissions by UNDP, ILO and the secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity. www.arctic-council.org. Official Records of the Economic and Social Council, Supplement No. 23, Report on the eighth session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (E/2009/43/ E/C.19/2009/14).