E/CN.4/2005/88 page 6 6. The situation of indigenous children is a source of serious concern and is taking on alarming proportions in some countries, as in the case of forced recruitment of indigenous children and adolescents in armed conflict zones; the widespread practice of child labour among indigenous children in response to poverty and extreme poverty; problems of access to education, especially for indigenous girls; the lack of education adapted to indigenous cultures and traditions; and the extreme vulnerability of all indigenous youth to trafficking in persons. 7. During the period under review, the Special Rapporteur received requests for observations from various human rights treaty and non-treaty bodies concerning issues of considerable interest to indigenous communities, such as the rights of indigenous children and the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. The Special Rapporteur also participated in meetings and conferences at various academic institutions around the world relating to different aspects of his mandate. 8. On Human Rights Day (10 December) the Special Rapporteur, together with 27 independent experts of the Commission, including representatives of the Secretary-General, other special rapporteurs and independent experts, issued a statement in which they called on the international community to, inter alia, pay special attention to deficiencies in the protection of the human rights of indigenous peoples during the Second International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People. In their statement the Commission’s experts expressed, inter alia, their concern at the serious human rights violations being suffered by indigenous people the world over, the difficult situation of indigenous women and children in the face of such violations, and the obstacles that prevented indigenous people from enjoying their economic, social and cultural rights. 9. As the first Decade of the World’s Indigenous People draws to a close it must be acknowledged that, regretfully, the States members of the Commission and indigenous peoples have not succeeded in reaching a consensus that would lead to the adoption of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Given the high expectations placed in the draft text of the declaration when it was submitted by the Sub-Commission 10 years ago, the Special Rapporteur believes that it would be unfortunate if such a consensus were not reached at the outset of the Second Decade, and takes this opportunity to appeal to States members of the Commission to redouble their efforts, in consultation with indigenous peoples, based on an expressed political will, with a view to finding a satisfactory solution to this impasse that will lead to a strengthening and a broadening of human rights. 10. The Special Rapporteur has continued to maintain contacts with numerous indigenous and human rights organizations around the world and to strengthen cooperation with United Nations bodies and agencies. He is especially grateful to the Governments, indigenous peoples’ organizations, United Nations bodies, research institutions and concerned individuals who responded positively to his appeal for information. 11. During the past year the Special Rapporteur received invitations from a number of Governments to participate in a wide range of activities. Merely by way of example, the Government of Spain sent the Special Rapporteur a copy of the draft Strategy for Cooperation with Indigenous Peoples of the Spanish Cooperation Agency for study and possible comments. The draft recognizes such key aspects of the promotion and protection of the human rights of indigenous peoples as respect for their identity and implementation of their own development