E/2013/43
E/C.19/2013/25
community organization for safe spaces and low-threshold health services,
respecting non-discrimination, in particular where discrimination based on ethnicity,
gender and sexual orientation is concerned. The United Nations system, in particular
the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund
(UNICEF), should emphasize the provision of mental health services, with
particular efforts to address suicide among indigenous youth.
9.
The Permanent Forum requests WHO, in cooperation with indigenous health
providers, to conduct a study on the prevalence and causes of suicide among
indigenous youth and on efforts being made, including culture-based approaches, to
prevent suicide and promote mental health and wellness. The Forum recommends
that the Inter-Agency Support Group on Indigenous Peoples’ Issues and WHO
organize an expert group meeting to review policies and best practices with regard
to engaging indigenous youth on the prevention of suicide.
10. To draw more attention to diabetes and other non communicable diseases, the
Permanent Forum recommends that WHO, the Pan American Health Organization
(PAHO) and Governments develop action plans to improve access by indigenous
peoples living with diabetes to health prevention and care of diabetes and
non-communicable diseases. The Forum urges States to establish or reinforce
community-based health programmes that empower and educate indigenous women
and children to prevent and overcome diabetes and non communicable diseases.
11. The Permanent Forum requests WHO and PAHO to undertake a global study
jointly with relevant indigenous peoples’ institutions and indigenous health experts
on the situation of indigenous peoples living with diabetes and non-communicable
diseases to establish the international evidence base needed. The results of the study
can be presented at the fourteenth session of the Forum and in appropriate processes
within WHO and PAHO. Furthermore, the Forum calls upon the World Diabetes
Foundation and the International Diabetes Federation to provide financial and
technical assistance to WHO, PAHO and identified indigenous institutions that will
conduct the study.
12. The Permanent Forum calls for heightened attention to be paid to diabetes and
other non communicable diseases by WHO, PAHO and States, including at the
World Conference on Indigenous Peoples, to be held in 2014, and calls upon these
parties to discuss issues relating to indigenous health and formulate an action plan
with particular focus on improving prevention and access to the care of diabetes and
non-communicable diseases.
Education
13. Indigenous peoples who maintain their cultural practices and lifestyles on the
basis of their traditional knowledge, vision of the world and spirituality are
confronted by educational systems that have little regard for indigenous cultures,
indigenous languages and indigenous knowledge. In addition, evidence confirms
that the most poor and indigenous peoples receive the poorest quality of education.
It is well established that improved education outcomes have a positive impact on
the well-being of indigenous peoples and contribute to better socioeconomic
conditions. Access to high-quality education will better ensure the knowledge and
skills necessary for improved quality of life.
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