United Nations and Indigenous Peoples in Developing Countries An Evolving Partnership

As indigenous peoples continue to gain more space in the UN system, the real challenge is ensuring the full recognition, respect, protection and exercise of their rights at all levels—and especially at the grassroots level. The UN system therefore needs to put into action its commitment in making the UN a “home” for indigenous peoples.

In this context, the present review of the evolving part- nership between the UN system and indigenous peoples in developing countries constitutes a very important contribution, as it provides an overview of how the UN agencies, funds and programmes are incorporating and addressing indigenous peoples in their strategic interventions and programmes. It is a very informative and insightful report that highlights the gains, challenges and key recommendations on how these bodies can be more responsive and contribute in the achievement of the aspirations of indigenous peoples, thereby strengthening our partnership.

This report is also very useful in moving forward with the Outcome Document of the UN High Level Plenary Meeting, known as the UN World Conference on Indigenous Peoples (WCIP), especially in relation to the development of a UN System-Wide Action Plan to promote indigenous peoples rights.