A/HRC/12/33
page 23
102. As disaggregated data on Government spending in education for indigenous peoples are
often limited and difficult to obtain, it can be a challenge to convince States to invest more in this
sector. There is a need for States to conduct a study to measure outcomes of Government
spending, such as the number of teachers, infrastructure and equipment.
F. Institutionalization of educational services
103. The institutionalization of education services invariably leads to its standardization. The
prescribed concept and definition of schools that do not fit into indigenous cultures and
conceptual framework and the standard service delivery and specifications of school buildings
are also problematic, especially in remote areas where indigenous peoples seek to obtain
recognition for the establishment of learning centres in the absence of State educational services.
104. The diversity of indigenous peoples means that education for indigenous peoples cannot
conform to a single model. Education models, such as traditional ways of learning and teaching,
distance learning, adult education and curricula adapted to the community’s need should be
accepted.
105. The Expert Mechanism concurs with the recommendation of the Special Rapporteur that
courses on indigenous peoples be broadened at all levels of national education, with an
anti-racist, multicultural focus that reflects respect for cultural and ethnic diversity and, in
particular, gender equality.34
106. The lack of well-trained, culturally competent teachers was identified as a serious problem
in several reports and submissions received.44 Recruitment and deployment of teachers need to
be reformed so that an adequate number of teachers from the community can be selected and
trained. In this regard, the assistance of teachers’ unions and community leaders should be
sought.
107. There is also a scarcity of indigenous language experts and documentations, particularly in
Africa and Asia, and a lack of effective teaching methods of indigenous knowledge and skills,
which are still largely transferred through oral tradition. An effort to harness experiences and
skills in traditional education would be an important step in advancing and achieving the
implementation of the right of indigenous peoples to education.
G. Governance and creating appropriate curriculum
108. The lack of participation by indigenous peoples in the planning, programming and
implementation of existing curriculum poses a major challenge.34 Discrimination and prejudice
against indigenous peoples can be combated by including indigenous representatives and
44
Eighth and ninth meetings of the Joint Expert Group UNESCO (CR)/ECOSOC (CESCR) on
the monitoring of the right to education and on the inclusive dimensions of the right to education,
UNESCO (2008), and E/CN.4/2005/88.