A/HRC/30/54 16. Peru stated that it did not have a national plan, but in 2010 it established the Ministry of Culture, which included a Vice-Ministry for Intercultural Affairs. The ViceMinistry was directly responsible for implementing specialized policies for indigenous peoples and technical assistance, in coordination with the pertinent public entities, based on dialogue with indigenous peoples’ organizations. It was also in charge of administering territorial reserves established for indigenous peoples in voluntary isolation or initial contact. 17. Although Colombia did not have an overarching national implementation strategy, its response focused on its national laws and policies to promote and protect the rights of indigenous peoples in the areas of health and education. 18. Burundi noted that it had developed policies and strategies to improve the living conditions of the Batwa people, particularly in the areas of land, health and education. 19. A similar question was posed to indigenous peoples: “Do you have an overarching action plan or strategy to achieve the ends of the Declaration? If yes, please provide details about the implementation strategy, including how indigenous peoples have been involved. If not, are there any plans to develop one?” 20. Most indigenous peoples’ organizations reported on a lack of national strategies or plans of action to achieve the ends of the Declaration. Responses from indigenous peoples highlighted the fact that the Declaration should be seen as an instrument of action for national policies that ensure the promotion and protection of indigenous peoples’ rights. B. Self-determination and autonomy 21. The questionnaire posed the following question to States and indigenous peoples: “Have specific legislative, policy, or administrative measures relating to self-determination and autonomy been adopted in your country? If yes, please provide details. If not, please outline any plans to develop legislative, policy or administrative measures in this area.” 22. The importance of self-determination has been highlighted throughout the Expert Mechanism’s work, including in its studies on access to justice (see A/HRC/24/50 and A/HRC/27/65) and participation in decision-making (see A/HRC/18/42 and A/HRC/21/55). The Expert Mechanism has repeatedly maintained that self-determination is an essential element for the fulfilment of other rights. 23. In their replies to the questionnaire, some States noted that they were party to international instruments that recognized the right of self-determination, which formed part of their domestic law. 24. Denmark and the Government of Greenland referred to the Act on Greenland SelfGovernment, which came into force in October 2009. The Act recognized that the people of Greenland were a people pursuant to international law, with the right to self-determination. 25. Paraguay’s Constitution recognized the existence of indigenous peoples, including their right to preserve and develop their ethnic identity, their political and legal systems, as well as communal ownership of land in sufficient quantity and quality to preserve and develop their particular way of life. The Guatemalan Constitution also recognized specific ethnic groups, including the Maya people, respecting and promoting their way of life, customs, traditions, languages and use of traditional dress. 26. In Australia, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Recognition Act of 2013 recognized Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as the first peoples of Australia. The Prime Minister remained committed to holding a referendum to recognize Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Constitution by 2017. 5