A/HRC/21/52
measures, plans and programmes that existed to engage indigenous peoples in resource
development.
28.
Mr. Morales Morales noted specific measures taken by States to engage with
indigenous peoples regarding resource extraction processes, and offered examples of
difficulties experienced by indigenous peoples in Latin American countries in the context
of resource development. He noted the opportunity for collaborative efforts among the
Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, the Permanent Forum on
Indigenous Issues and the Expert Mechanism to address concerns associated with the
exploitation of natural resources.
29.
Ms. Lasimbang expressed her appreciation for interventions relating to free, prior
and informed consent, as well as her concern about the lack of mechanisms available to
address conflicts between indigenous peoples and States or industries in relation to
extractive projects. She further expressed concern about the lack of extractive industry
engagement in the United Nations bodies addressing indigenous peoples’ issues and the
practice of some States of leaving consultation with indigenous peoples to industry rather
than engaging in, and taking responsibility for, direct consultations. Ms. Lasimbang also
stated that the Expert Mechanism continued to be deeply concerned about the serious
impacts that resulted from the lack of recognition of indigenous peoples’ rights in relation
to extractive industries, particularly mining.
30.
Ms. Lasimbang made reference to the Expert Mechanism’s study on lessons learned
and challenges to achieving the right of indigenous peoples to education (A/HRC/12/33)
and noted the ongoing need for sustained funding to develop culturally appropriate
curricula and to support the realization of indigenous peoples’ right to education.
31.
Regarding the Expert Mechanism’s study on lessons learned and challenges to
achieve the right of indigenous peoples to education, the Chairperson-Rapporteur made
reference to a report entitled: Nurturing the Learning Spirit of First Nation Students: The
Report of the National Panel on First Nation Elementary and Secondary Education for
Students on Reserve, an outcome of collaboration between the Government of Canada and
the Assembly of First Nations. He submitted the full report for the Expert Mechanism’s
consideration.
32.
Some observers also spoke to the Expert Mechanism’s study on lessons learned and
challenges to achieve the right of indigenous peoples to education, outlining challenges and
good practices.
VI. Study on the role of languages and culture in the promotion
and protection of the rights and identity of indigenous
peoples
33.
Former member and Chairperson-Rapporteur of the Expert Mechanism Mr.
Bambanze presented the final report of the Expert Mechanism on the study on the role of
languages and culture in the promotion and protection of the rights and identity of
indigenous peoples (A/HRC/EMRIP/2012/3 and Corr.1).
34.
Mr. Bambanze noted that the right of indigenous peoples to languages and cultures
was a facet of the right to self-determination and mentioned positive examples of the
promotion and revitalization of indigenous peoples’ languages and cultures. He also
reflected on indigenous peoples’ negative experiences of assimilationist policies, which, in
some cases, were carried over to the present day. Mr. Bambanze encouraged active efforts
to revitalize languages and cultural practices and to recognize that cultures were alive.
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