A/HRC/24/51
has translated the Declaration into Te Reo Maori and has publicized the content and
significance of the Declaration. While different organizations that work in Peru have
produced some materials, there is no national campaign to provide understanding of the
Declaration.
76.
Some States expressed hesitation about directly promoting the Declaration and the
rights of indigenous peoples. Burkina Faso notes that its national cultural policy promotes
principles of respect, but does not indicate any measures to promote the rights of
indigenous peoples.
E.
Challenges in adopting measures and implementing strategies to attain
the goals of the Declaration
77.
One of the biggest challenges identified is the lack of awareness and knowledge of
the Declaration and other international instruments on the rights of indigenous peoples to
ensure the respect for these rights. One State indicated that this lack of knowledge is
exacerbated by a lack of larger civil society engagement in indigenous peoples’ rights.
Moreover, the rights of indigenous peoples are often not priorities.
78.
A few States indicated that a challenge they experienced was a lack of information
on how to implement the Declaration. In particular, there was an identified need to improve
mechanisms for dialogue and information exchange between the State and indigenous
peoples.
79.
One State cited the lack of definitional consensus on the meaning of terms such as
self-determination, sovereignty and free, prior and informed consent as an impediment to
the practical implementation of the Declaration.
80.
Another main challenge identified was the cost of implementing the Declaration and
the limited resources available to undertake this work. Specifically, the cost of land
demarcation and titling was identified. One State indicated that the remoteness of
indigenous communities poses challenges to access to and timely delivery of goods and
services, as well the inherent prohibitive costs in delivering these goods and services. In
addition, there are challenges in preserving and publishing State materials in all of the many
indigenous languages that may exist within a single State.
81.
Another challenge identified was the need for regional variances in implementation.
Specifically, each Government’s policies are not organized in the same manner. Moreover,
each indigenous people has its own history, culture, needs and perspectives.
82.
One State indicated that it is a challenge to develop national legislation. Further,
there is a need to incorporate and implement international commitments in public policies.
Also, one State expressed concern because there is a need to ensure that policies developed
for indigenous peoples also contribute to the development of the national society.
83.
One State indicated that it is a challenge to ensure consistency across states due to
the constitutional division of legislative powers between federal and state governments.
84.
A major challenge discussed was in relation to monitoring and enforcement of laws,
particularly mining and forestry laws. One State indicated that it is a challenge to prevent
unethical foreign researchers and non-governmental organizations from misappropriating
indigenous peoples’ intellectual property rights and traditional knowledge.
85.
Some States did not identify any challenges but rather reiterated the rights enjoyed
by indigenous peoples within the State.
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