A/HRC/30/25
D.
Universal periodic review
73.
Issues concerning indigenous peoples were frequently addressed in the context of
the universal periodic review. During the reporting period, 42 countries were reviewed for
the second time during the nineteenth, twentieth and twenty-first sessions of the Working
Group on the Universal Periodic Review of the Human Rights Council. Recommendations
relating to indigenous peoples were made to a number of countries, in particular with regard
to harmonizing legislation with obligations under the ILO Indigenous and Tribal Peoples
Convention, 1989 (No. 169) and strengthening of the legal and institutional framework for
the protection and promotion of the rights of indigenous peoples. Calls were also made,
inter alia, to reinforce efforts to eliminate discrimination against indigenous peoples;
guarantee birth registration of all indigenous children; ensure access to education and health
services and to land and natural resources; and enhance cooperation and involvement of
indigenous peoples in decision-making.
74.
Examples of the above-mentioned recommendations included the adoption of a law
on the autonomous development of indigenous peoples in Costa Rica; special attention to
land rights of Pygmy peoples in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; efforts to eliminate
discrimination against indigenous women and girls in Nicaragua; and strategies to combat
discrimination against indigenous peoples and others in Norway.
IV. Conclusions
75.
The rights of indigenous peoples have remained a priority for the Office of the
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), as illustrated by its
actions in the country and regional contexts and its support to mechanisms of the
Human Rights Council and other intergovernmental bodies, as well as international
processes.
76.
The first ever World Conference on Indigenous Peoples, held in 2014, was a
landmark event in the advancement of indigenous peoples’ rights. It resulted in
commitments by Member States to enhance the implementation of the United Nations
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples through national action plans and
other measures in key areas ranging from violence against indigenous women to
addressing the impact of major development projects on indigenous peoples. It is
essential that Member States, in partnership with indigenous peoples and with
support from OHCHR and other United Nations partners, ensure robust follow-up to
these and other commitments contained the outcome document.
77.
During the period under review, OHCHR further expanded its work on
advancing the rights of indigenous peoples at the country level. Various capacitybuilding initiatives have revealed persistent obstacles to the exercise of the right to
consultation across sectors in some country contexts. The absence of consultation in
many instances has led to unfavourable outcomes for indigenous peoples. Even where
legal frameworks contain provisions on consultation and consent, multiple challenges
hinder their implementation, contrary to the provisions of the Declaration.
78.
The work of OHCHR across the globe, assessments by the Special Rapporteur
on the rights of indigenous peoples, concluding observations by the treaty bodies and
recommendations of other United Nations mechanisms reveal recurring patterns of
human rights concerns. Problematic areas include the recognition of indigenous
peoples and their self-determination with respect to autonomous governance; the
rights to lands, territories and resources; the absence of mechanisms for justice and
the adjudication of claims; inadequacies in legal frameworks; the absence of
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