A/RES/73/156 Rights of indigenous peoples Taking note of the report of the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, 12 noting with concern her findings with regard to attacks against indigenous human rights defenders and her reflections on available prevention and protection measures, and calling upon all States to consider the recommendations contained in the report, Taking note with appreciation of the decision of the Human Rights Council, in its resolution 39/13, that the theme of the annual half-day panel discussion on the rights of indigenous peoples to be held during the forty-fifth session of the Council will be on the protection of indigenous human rights defenders, Recognizing the importance of free, prior and informed consent, as outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Recognizing also the value and the diversity of the cultures and the form of social organization of indigenous peoples and their holistic traditional knowledge of their lands, natural resources and environment, Recognizing further the importance of traditional sustainable agricultural practices, including traditional seed supply systems, as well as acces s to credit and other financial services, markets, secure land tenure, health care and health -care services, social services, education, training, knowledge and appropriate and affordable technologies, including efficient irrigation, the reuse of treated w astewater and water harvesting and storage for indigenous peoples and others living in rural areas, Recognizing the importance of facilitating indigenous peoples’ livelihoods, which may be achieved by, inter alia, the recognition of their traditions, adeq uate public policies and economic empowerment, Recognizing also that the economic empowerment, inclusion and development of indigenous peoples, including through the establishment of indigenous -owned businesses, can enable them to improve their social, cultural, civil and political engagement, achieve greater economic independence and build more sustainable and resilient communities, and noting the contribution of indigenous peoples to the broader economy, Concerned about the extreme disadvantages that indigenous peoples have typically faced across a range of social and economic indicators and about the impediments to their full enjoyment of their rights, Stressing the need to pay particular attention to the rights and special needs of indigenous women, children, youth, older persons and persons with disabilities, as set out in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, including in the process of protecting and promoting their equal access to justice, Taking note with appreciation of resolution 72/128 of 7 December 2017, entitled “Observer status for the Fund for the Development of the Indigenous Peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean in the General Assembly”, in which the General Assembly decided to invite the Fund to participate in the sessions and the work of the Assembly in the capacity of observer, 1. Notes with appreciation the work of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, takes note of the report of the Special Rapporteur, 13 and encourages all Governments to respond favourably to her requests for visits; __________________ 12 13 4/8 A/HRC/39/17. A/73/176. 18-22251