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154. One challenge raised was “attempts by a few persons and NGOs to undermine
the land titling and demarcation process by advising Indigenous peoples to claim more
lands than they traditionally occupy, reject the process of titling and demarcation and
or to make no request for such demarcation”. Such frustration indicates that a tension
may exist between States and indigenous peoples and non-governmental organizations
on the best approach to achieving the goals of the Declaration. Again, additional
information by States on how to work through these differences to promote harmonious
relations would greatly assist other States to continue to work towards implementation.
C.
Indigenous peoples, indigenous peoples’ organizations and nongovernmental organizations
155. Many indigenous peoples’ organizations detailed their approaches, which
included activities at all levels, for attaining the goals of the Declaration. Most of the
responding indigenous organizations were engaged in at least one of the following
activities: advocacy; capacity-building, including by developing and disseminating
resources and conducting training on the Declaration for communities, indigenous
peoples and public authorities; conducting research regarding indigenous concerns; and
translating the Declaration into indigenous languages.
156. Very few organizations proposed overarching national-level strategies.
However, some indigenous peoples’ organizations are focused mainly on thematic
issues and, as mentioned by many organizations, their institutional activities are
generally limited due to a lack of financial resources and to deficiencies regarding the
will of States to cooperate with indigenous peoples. Some organizations tend to
develop articulated activities on both the national and international levels to maximize
the impact of their strategies with respect to State implementation of the Declaration.
157. Most of the responding indigenous peoples’ organizations reported the
integration of the Declaration’s spirit and standards within their internal guidelines,
practices and activities. Several also noted that they are disposed to participate in local
or national public processes when established in cooperation and good faith with
indigenous peoples and organizations. Nevertheless, several alleged reluctance on the
part of States to engage adequately or at all with indigenous peoples in matters that had
impacts on them.
158. Most organizations reported a lack of attention from the States in considering
the Declaration and indigenous peoples’ rights, a lack of understanding of the
Declaration’s status and legal value in domestic legal systems and a lack of public
support for indigenous peoples. All these concerns prevent the full implementation of
the Declaration.
159. Relevant best practices cited included asking United Nations mechanisms to
better assist indigenous peoples in advancing implementation strategies. Nationally
and locally, efforts, on the part of both States and indigenous peoples, were needed to
raise awareness regarding the Declaration.
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