A/HRC/12/32 page 21 83. Mr. Henriksen concluded by saying that the debate also indicated that one of the main concerns or problems seems to be related to the fact that indigenous peoples often have limited opportunities to determine priorities for their own development and to effectively participate in decision-making processes affecting their rights and lives. VI. ADOPTION OF THE REPORT AND PROPOSALS 84. At its last meeting, the Expert Mechanism adopted the operative parts of the report on its second session, which include the following: a study on the right of indigenous peoples to education; five proposals to be submitted to the Human Rights Council; and one proposal addressed to the United Nations specialized agencies. The agreement and proposals are contained in section II above of the present report. All proposals were adopted by consensus by the members of the Expert Mechanism. 85. Proposal 1 relates to a possible thematic study on indigenous peoples’ right to participate in decision-making. In presenting the proposal, the Chairperson-Rapporteur said that although the Expert Mechanism notes that the Human Rights Council would be considering the thematic focus for the next session of the Expert Mechanism in 2010, the Mechanism considers that the acceptance of such a theme would coincide with the priorities and interest of indigenous peoples. Participation in decision-making is a key issue that was raised by many delegates in the course of the session. The elaboration by the Expert Mechanism of the scope and challenges of the right to participation, while using the Declaration as a framework, would be an important contribution to the work of the Council. 86. Proposal 2 relates to human rights institutions and mechanisms. In presenting the proposal, the Chairperson-Rapporteur said that human rights institutions at the national and regional levels have a crucial role to play in promoting and protecting indigenous peoples’ rights. Due to the complexity of such rights, it may be important for States to consider the establishment of specific national institutions on indigenous peoples’ rights. 87. Proposal 3 relates to the Human Rights Council’s consideration of indigenous peoples’ rights during its sessions. In presenting the proposal, the Chairperson-Rapporteur specified that it offers suggestions for better focus on the rights of indigenous peoples during Human Rights Council sessions. 88. Proposal 4 concerns the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Populations. In presenting the proposal, the Chairperson-Rapporteur underscored that it is a follow-up proposal from the first session (see A/HRC/10/56), which reiterates the Expert Mechanism’s view that indigenous peoples’ participation in the Human Rights Council and in the work of United Nations treaty bodies is crucial. 89. Proposal 5 relates to the outcome document of the Durban Review Conference. In presenting the proposal, the Chairperson-Rapporteur submitted that as a follow-up to the request to the Expert Mechanism to undertake a review of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, and to submit recommendations as contributions to the outcome of the Durban Review Conference, contained in Human Rights Council resolution 9/7. She recalled that at its first session, the Expert Mechanism adopted its proposal 2 on the rights of indigenous peoples which was submitted to the Preparatory Committee of the Durban Review Conference.