Report of the Working Group on Indigenous Populations.

1985/21. Report of the Working Group on Indigenous Populations[1]68

The Commission on Human Rights, Mindful that one of the purposes of the United Nations as embodied in the Charter is to achieve international co-operation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural or humanitarian character, and in promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion, Recalling Economic and Social Council resolution 1982/34 of 7 May 1982, authorizing the establishment annually of a working group on indigenous populations with the mandate to review developments pertaining to the promotion and protection of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous populations, giving special attention to the evolution of standards concerning the rights of indigenous populations, Bearing in mind that such standards must be developed on the basis of the diverse realities of indigenous populations in all parts of the world, Recalling further its resolution 1984/32 of 12 March 1984 regarding discrimination against indigenous populations, Recalling also resolution 1984/35 B of 30 August 1984 of the Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities, whereby the Sub-Commission endorsed the plan of action drawn up by the Working Group for its future work, Having examined the report[2]69 of the Working Group on its third session, held from 30 July to 6 August 1984, Conscious that, in various situations, indigenous populations are unable to enjoy their inalienable human rights and fundamental freedoms, Determined to do everything possible to promote the enjoyment of the rights of indigenous populations, Noting that the Programme of Action for the Second Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination[3]70 enumerates certain basic rights of indigenous populations and acknowledges the role of the Working Group,

1. Expresses its appreciation to the Sub-Commission's Working Group on Indigenous Populations for its valuable work, and recognizes the need for a continued broad approach and flexible methods of work;

2. Further expresses its appreciation for the active and constructive participation in the work of the Working Group of observers of Governments, specialized agencies, non-governmental organizations and, in particular, organizations of indigenous peoples;

3. Urges the Working Group to intensify its efforts, in carrying out its Plan of Action, to develop international standards based on a continued and comprehensive review of developments pertaining to the promotion and protection of the human rights of indigenous populations and of the situations and aspirations of indigenous populations throughout the world;

4. Recognizes the importance of ensuring adequate dissemination of information about the activities of the Working Group, in particular to indigenous populations, in order to encourage the widest possible participation in its work;

5. Requests the Secretary-General to give all necessary assistance to the Working Group in discharging its tasks.

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[1]68 Adopted at the 51st meeting, on 11 March 1985, without a vote. See chap. XIX. [2]69 E/CN.4/Sub.2/1984/21. [3]70 General Assembly resolution 38/14 , annex.