A/HRC/12/32
page 2
Summary
The Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples held its second session
from 10 to 14 August 2009. All five members of the Expert Mechanism were present.
Participants in the session included: representatives of States, United Nations bodies and
specialized agencies, non-governmental organizations, academics and a large number of
indigenous peoples. The participation of some of the indigenous peoples was funded through
the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Populations.
The Expert Mechanism held a discussion on the draft study on lessons learned and
challenges to achieve the implementation of the right of indigenous peoples to education, in
order to finalize the study. It also held a discussion on the United Nations Declaration on the
Rights of Indigenous Peoples, addressing (a) the implementation of the Declaration at the
regional and national levels, and (b) specific provisions in the Declaration identifying remedies
for infringements of rights (rights to adjudication, remedies, repatriation, redress and
compensation).
The Expert Mechanism adopted the study on the right of indigenous peoples to education
and adopted six proposals. Five of the proposals are addressed to the Human Rights Council and
relate to the following topics: a suggested thematic study on indigenous peoples’ right to
participate in decision-making; human rights institutions and mechanisms; consideration of
indigenous peoples’ rights during the Human Rights Council sessions; the Voluntary Fund for
Indigenous Populations; and follow-up to the Durban Review Conference. The sixth proposal
related to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and was
addressed to United Nations specialized agencies.