Abstract:

Indigenous peoples’ issues are extremely diverse and will be encountered in thematic areas ranging from traditional knowledge to ICT for development, from bilingual education to conflict resolution, from decentralization to climate change. Given the UN mandate to promote a human rights–based approach (HRBA), taking into account the particular circumstances but also acknowledging the specific, internationally recognized rights of indigenous peoples, many of which were developed through UN mechanisms, there is an expectation that UN staff should be well aware of these issues. The term “issues” is used in this instance as an umbrella term for indigenous peoples’ rights, interests, special livelihood circumstances and living conditions, different perspectives and aspirations for developmental goals, particular methods and mechanisms for engagement, traditional authority structures and governance systems, and other factors affecting their chances and choices needed to achieve the goal of sustainable human development along with maintenance of their collective identity