The Indigenous World 2025: UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII)

Written on 25 April 2025. Posted in UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII)

The UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) is an expert body under the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Its mandate includes advising ECOSOC and UN agencies on Indigenous issues, raising awareness of these concerns, coordinating related activities across the UN system, and promoting the implementation and effectiveness of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

Established in 2000, the UNPFII comprises 16 independent experts serving three-year terms, with the possibility of one re-election or re-appointment. Eight members are nominated by governments and elected by ECOSOC based on the UN’s regional groupings, while the other eight are nominated by Indigenous Peoples’ organizations and appointed by the ECOSOC President. These represent seven socio-cultural regions globally, with one seat rotating among Asia, Africa, and Central and South America and the Caribbean.

The UNPFII addresses Indigenous Peoples’ issues across thematic areas such as culture, economic and social development, education, environment, health, and human rights. It convenes annually for 10 working days, offering a platform for direct dialogue among Indigenous Peoples, Forum members, Member States, the UN system, academics, NGOs, and other stakeholders. The Forum produces a report containing recommendations and draft decisions, which it submits to ECOSOC.

This article is part of the 39^th edition of The Indigenous World, a yearly overview produced by IWGIA that serves to document and report on the developments Indigenous Peoples have experienced. The photo above is of an Indigenous activist Funa-ay Claver, a Bontok Igorot, standing alongside Indigenous youth activists and others. They are protesting against the repressive laws and human rights violations suffered through the actions and projects of the Government of the Philippines and other actors against Indigenous Peoples at President Marcos Jr’s national address on 22 July 2024 in Quezon City, Philippines. The photo was taken by Katribu Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas and is the cover of The Indigenous World 2025 where this article is featured. Find The Indigenous World 2025 in full here

Twenty-third Session of the UNPFII

The UNPFII took place in-person from 15-26 April 2024.^[1] The special theme of the 23^rd session was “Enhancing Indigenous Peoples’ right to self-determination in the context of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: emphasizing the voices of Indigenous youth”.

The report of the session^[2] highlighted that the right to self-determination and autonomy is vital for empowering Indigenous Peoples politically, socially, culturally, and economically. It enables them to shape their future according to their values and norms. States must advance this right to help Indigenous Peoples safeguard and fully exercise their rights, including decision-making over their people, lands, territories, and resources, as outlined in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). The UNPFII urged Member States to prioritize Indigenous Peoples in decision-making processes that impact their communities, lands, territories, and resources. States must also uphold and promote this right in all laws, policies, programs, and funding decisions that affect Indigenous Peoples.

The UNPFII underscored the importance of Indigenous languages and cultural practices in self-determination, urging stronger measures to protect them from erosion and destruction. It highlighted the critical role of Indigenous women and elders in sustaining cultural traditions and called for mechanisms to empower Indigenous women and ensure their equal participation in decision-making. Additionally, the Forum expressed concern over the harmful effects of climate change and resource extraction on Indigenous lands, urging support for Indigenous-led initiatives to address these impacts and emphasizing the need for Indigenous self-governance in managing natural resources.

The UNPFII also emphasized the critical role of Indigenous youth in advancing self-determination, integrating Indigenous knowledge into policymaking, and addressing barriers such as discrimination, marginalization, and high suicide rates. It called for tailored educational and leadership programs, investments in bilingual and culturally-relevant education, and mechanisms to support Indigenous youth’s political participation. It also addressed threats to Indigenous Peoples in voluntary isolation, including dispossession, deforestation, and violence, and urged stronger protections and research efforts.

The UNPFII decided on the special theme of “Implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples within United Nations Member States and the United Nations system, including identifying good practices and addressing challenges” for their session in 2025. 

International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2024

The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is celebrated annually on 9 August. In 2024, the Department of Economic and Social Affairs organized a commemorative event with the theme: “Protecting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact”.^[3] Participants included Indigenous Peoples’ organizations, United Nations entities, Member States, civil society, relevant stakeholders, and the public. The event featured video messages from the UN Secretary-General and Chairperson of the UNPFII. This was followed by a panel discussion with six speakers and included a traditional opening ceremony.

Summit of the Future

The Summit of the Future,^[4] held from 22-23 September, was aimed at addressing global governance challenges, strengthening international cooperation, and restoring trust in the multilateral system. Key outcomes included the adoption of the Pact for the Future,^[5] which incorporates the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration for Future Generations. These frameworks emphasize integrating Indigenous Peoples' knowledge, rights, and participation into global efforts to address challenges and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Key points related to Indigenous Peoples:

• Pact for the Future:

• Action 32: Commitment to protect and enhance Indigenous, traditional, and local knowledge.
• Action 56: Adapting science, technology, and innovation to local and Indigenous contexts with free, prior, and informed consent.
• Actions 55 and 83: Strengthening partnerships across governments, parliaments, and various sectors, including Indigenous Peoples, to address emerging challenges.

• Global Digital Compact:

• Commitment to tailored capacity-building and meaningful engagement of Indigenous Peoples in digital programs by 2030.

• Declaration on Future Generations:

• Recognition and protection of Indigenous rights, territories, ecosystems, traditions, and institutions while ensuring their full participation in decisions affecting their rights.

The Summit highlighted Indigenous Peoples as crucial actors in achieving global goals due to their ancestral knowledge, sustainable practices, and role in preserving ecosystems and biodiversity. It stressed the need to include Indigenous perspectives in the post-2030 Agenda in order to address future risks and opportunities effectively.

Expert Group Meeting (EGM) - The rights of Indigenous Peoples, including those in voluntary isolation and initial contact, in the context of the extraction of critical minerals

At its 23^rd session, held from 15-26 April 2024, the UNPFII recommended that the Economic and Social Council authorize a three-day international expert group meeting on the theme “The Rights of Indigenous Peoples, including those in voluntary isolation and initial contact, in the context of the extraction of critical minerals”. The Council endorsed this theme through Decision 2024/332 and requested that the outcomes of the meeting be reported to the UNPFII at its 24^th session.

The meeting, held virtually from 2-4 December 2024, was organized by the Indigenous Peoples and Development Branch /Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (IPDB/SPFII) of the Division for Inclusive Social Development within the Department of Economic and Social Affairs.^[6] It brought together members of the UNPFII, Indigenous and non-indigenous experts, as well as participants from Indigenous Peoples’ organizations, academia, non-governmental organizations, intergovernmental organizations, and observers.

Experts at the meeting noted that the extraction of critical minerals poses significant, multifaceted challenges for Indigenous Peoples, especially those in voluntary isolation or initial contact. These activities often result in environmental damage, land dispossession, human rights violations, and harm to cultural, spiritual, and social systems. The consequences exacerbate social and economic inequalities, disrupt livelihoods, and threaten global sustainability. A truly just transition to renewable energy requires centering and respecting Indigenous Peoples and their rights.

Key recommendations included:

• Regulations and Support for Indigenous Women in Mining:

• Implement strict regulations and education campaigns to reduce mercury exposure, particularly in artisanal and small-scale mining.
• Provide Indigenous women with protective equipment, training, and safer mercury-free alternatives.

• Engagement in International Mechanisms:

• Urge the Minamata Convention on Mercury to create mechanisms ensuring Indigenous participation and establish a permanent ad hoc Indigenous committee within the Forum on Business and Human Rights.
• Strengthen UNODC collaboration with Indigenous Peoples in order to combat environmental crimes through participatory strategies.

• Inclusive Multistakeholder Platforms:

• Facilitate UN-led forums where Indigenous Peoples, states, corporations, and organizations can discuss and address the impacts of critical mineral extraction.
• Develop actionable solutions informed by Indigenous knowledge and priorities.

These recommendations emphasize the safeguarding of Indigenous rights and a fostering of meaningful participation in order to mitigate the adverse effects of mineral extraction and promote a just green energy transition.

Key recommendations for protecting Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact (PIACI):

1. Central Principles:
   • Uphold human rights, environmental sustainability, and health in extractive industries, prioritizing PIACI protection.
2. Territorial Protection:
   • Safeguard PIACI territories, prevent forced contact, and legally recognize their lands.
   • Declare PIACI territories as permanently protected, prohibiting all extractive activities.
   • Include “biocultural territorial corridors” in national development plans and create “buffer zones” around PIACI territories.
3. Legal and Policy Measures:
   • Establish territories as no-mining zones.
   • Form working groups to define PIACI and PICI territories with cultural sensitivity and no-contact principles.
   • Integrate critical mineral exploration studies to mitigate risks to Indigenous lands.
4. Collaboration and Governance:
   • Convene high-level meetings among governments, Indigenous Peoples, and international bodies to harmonize protection policies and protocols.
   • Engage UN forums to address PIACI rights and develop collaborative solutions.
5. Community Involvement:
   • Respect self-determination, involving Indigenous Peoples in protection measures and ensuring they are informed in their own languages.
6. Health and Safety:
   • Tailor health care to PIACI needs, respecting cultural practices and safeguarding their territories.
   • Prepare contingency plans for contact situations and health crises, such as outbreaks of illness.
7. Monitoring and Enforcement:
   • Develop safeguards and monitoring systems with Indigenous participation.
   • Ensure that national and international mechanisms uphold protections and address challenges effectively.

This framework aims to preserve PIACI's autonomy, cultural heritage, and well-being while balancing environmental and developmental priorities.

Members of the UNPFII – 2023-2025

The members of the UNPFII from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2025 are as follows: Mr. Vital Bambanze (Burundi), Ms Tove Søvndahl Gant (Denmark), Mr. Ali Hajilari (Islamic Republic of Iran), Mr. Keith M. Harper (United States of America), Ms Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim (Chad), Ms Aluki Kotierk (Canada), Ms Li Nan (China), Mr. Suleiman Mamutov (Ukraine), Mr. Bornface Museke Mate (Namibia), Ms Hannah McGlade (Australia), Mr. Darío José Mejía Montalvo (Colombia), Ms Naw Ei Ei Min (Myanmar), Ms Hanieh Moghani (Islamic Republic of Iran), Mr. Rodrigo Eduardo Paillalef Monnard (Chile), Mr. Geoffrey Roth (United States), Ms Valentina Vyacheslavovna Sovkina (Russian Federation). More information on the members can be found online.^[7]

This article was written by the Indigenous Peoples and Development Branch/Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (IPDB/SPFII).

Notes and references

^[1] UNPFII Twenty-Third Session: 15-26 April 2024. Accessed 8 January 2025. https://social.desa.un.org/issues/indigenous-peoples/unpfii/23rd-session

^[2] United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. Report on the twenty-third session. New York: United Nations, 2024. Accessed 7 January 2025. https://undocs.org/E/2024/43

^[3] United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs Indigenous Peoples. International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2024. Accessed 7 January 2025. https://social.desa.un.org/issues/indigenous-peoples/events/international-day-of-the-worlds-indigenous-peoples-2024

^[4] Summit of the Future: Our Common Agenda, 2024. United Nations. Accessed 8 January 2025. https://www.un.org/en/summit-of-the-future

^[5] Summit of the Future Outcome Documents, September 2024. Accessed 8 January 2025. https://www.un.org/sites/un2.un.org/files/sotf-pact_for_the_future_adopted.pdf

^[6] EGM: The Rights of Indigenous Peoples, including those in voluntary isolation and initial contact in the context of the extraction of critical minerals, 2024. Accessed 8 January 2025. https://social.desa.un.org/issues/indigenous-peoples/events/egm-2024

^[7] United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. Membership of Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. Accessed 7 January 2025. https://social.desa.un.org/issues/indigenous-peoples/unpfii/current-unpfii-members

Tags: Global governance, Cultural Integrity