Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

“When the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues met at the United Nations for the first time in May 2002, it was an historical moment for many who had worked for years to make the Forum a reality. As they had long sought, indigenous peoples were able to speak for themselves in a new way, to present their views as full-fledged members of a United Nations body.

The Forum is an accomplishment built on the efforts of successive generations of indigenous peoples – begun as early as 1924 at the League of Nations, and continuing, since the 1970s, through the decades of partnership with the United Nations.

Why was the Forum established?

The Permanent Forum was created by United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), by it’s resolution 2000/22, to:
Discuss indigenous issues within the Council’s mandate, including economic and social development, culture and environment, education, health and human rights.

Provide expert advice and recommendations to the council and to programmes, funds and agencies of the United Nations; and
Raise awareness about indigenous issues, and help to integrate and coordinate activities in the UN system.

United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues”