A/HRC/10/56 page 2 Summary The Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples held its first session from 1 to 3 October 2008. The session was attended by the five members of the Expert Mechanism, representatives of States, United Nations bodies and specialized agencies, academics and a large number of indigenous peoples and non-governmental organizations, including participants supported by the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Populations. The Expert Mechanism held a discussion on the implementation of Human Rights Council resolution 6/36 entitled “Expert Mechanism on the rights of indigenous peoples”, including consideration of thematic expertise. It also held a discussion on issues related to the study on lessons learned and challenges to achieve the implementation of the rights of indigenous peoples to education, as requested by the Council in its resolution 9/7. Pursuant to that resolution, the Expert Mechanism also undertook a review of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action for the purpose of submitting recommendations as contributions to the outcome of the Durban Review Conference. The Expert Mechanism adopted the report of the session as well as five proposals for consideration and approval by the Council. The proposals relate to the issues of organization of work; the Durban Review Conference; the right of indigenous peoples to education; participation of indigenous peoples; and coordination with other United Nations bodies and mandates. The Expert Mechanism proposes specifically that the Council authorize the Expert Mechanism to meet for five working days in 2009. It also proposes that the Council approve two additional days for the members to meet prior to the session to make preparations. Moreover, the Expert Mechanism proposes that the Council approve a two-day technical workshop/review to finalize the study on the rights of indigenous peoples to education. It further proposes that the Chairperson-Rapporteur be invited to participate in the Durban Review Conference in April 2009 and that the Chairperson-Rapporteur or a designated member of the Expert Mechanism be invited to the session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.