United Nations announces Second International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People

The following summary has been adapted from the ABC Message Stick media release, 5 January 2005 (view media release)

Just days after the end of the first International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People in December 2004, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly announced the Second International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People would commence on 1 January 2005 .

In declaring the Second Decade, the UN noted the deep concerns expressed by the Commission on Human Rights about:

• the precarious economic and social situation that Indigenous people continue to endure in many parts of the world;
• persistent violations of their human rights; and
• the urgent need to recognise, promote and protect more effectively their rights and freedoms.

The importance of consultation and cooperation with Indigenous people in planning and implementing the program of activities for the Second Decade, was highlighted.

The UN acknowledged also the achievements of the first Decade, including:

• establishment of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues;
• appointment of a Special Rapporteur for Indigenous issues;
• creation of a voluntary fund to assist Indigenous participation in UN fora;
• development of an Indigenous Fellowship program; and
• the contributions made by the Permanent Forum, the Working Group on Indigenous Populations and the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of Indigenous people.

The goal of the Second Decade is to further strengthen international cooperation to solve problems faced by Indigenous people in areas such as culture, education, health, human rights, the environment and social and economic development, through action-oriented programs and specific projects, increased technical assistance and relevant standard-setting activities.