E/2025/43 E/C.19/2025/8 Nations, as set out below, will be implemented to the extent possible within the context of the approved programme of work of the relevant entities. Discussion on the theme “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” (item 3) 4. Gradual progress, characterized by advancements and ongoing challenges, has been made on the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Many States have integrated the principles contained in the Declaration into their legal frameworks, promoting self-determination, land rights and cultural heritage protection. These efforts reflect a growing commitment to aligning domestic policies with international standards on Indigenous Peoples’ rights. United Nations initiatives, such as the system-wide action plan for ensuring a coherent approach to achieving the ends of the Declaration and the call to action of the United Nations System Chief Executives Board for Coordination set out in “Building an inclusive, sustainable and resilient future with Indigenous Peoples: a call to action”, have further advanced the integration of the Declaration into institutional practices, fostering greater coherence and accountability. 5. However, significant barriers persist. Indigenous Peoples often face systemic discrimination, exclusion from decision-making and threats to their lands and territories due to, inter alia, development without free, prior and informed consent, extractive industries, armed conflict and climate change. Free, prior and informed consent is a cornerstone of the Declaration and is frequently disregarded, exacerbating conflict and marginalization. Political will remains uneven, leading to inconsistent implementation and enforcement of the rights of Indigenous Peoples. 6. Addressing these challenges requires stronger political commitment, capacity building and genuine partnerships with Indigenous Peoples. Enhancing legal protections, ensuring access to justice and incorporating Indigenous knowledge into environmental and development strategies are critical. Good practices, such as participatory governance, culturally appropriate education and inclusive policymaking, offer replicable solutions. Continued advocacy, monitoring and international collaboration are vital to closing the gap between aspiration and reality. 7. The Permanent Forum welcomes the study entitled “Evaluating institutional structures to improve the health and wellness of Indigenous Peoples globally: the Indigenous determinants of health measurement instrument” (E/C.19/2025/5) and recommends that Member States and United Nations entities adopt the instrument with a view to prioritizing cultural safety, upholding the principles of the Declaration and accurately measuring the Indigenous determinants of health. 8. ⁠T he Permanent Forum urges all Member States that have not formally recognized Indigenous Peoples within their territories to do so, in law and practice, under the term “Indigenous Peoples”. Recognition must go beyond symbolic acknowledgement and encompass concrete measures to uphold their individual and collective rights in accordance with the Declaration. 9. The Permanent Forum emphasizes the urgent need to fully implement the Declaration across the United Nations. Key recommendations include adopting the Indigenous determinants of health evaluation instrument, increasing Indigenous Peoples’ participation in decision-making and eliminating structural barriers, violence and discrimination, in particular against Indigenous two-spirit peoples. All United Nations reports, mechanisms and processes must fully reflect the experiences and rights of Indigenous two-spirit peoples. Furthermore, the Forum calls for Indigenous 25-07572 5/23