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tension may exist between States, indigenous peoples and NGOs 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.
B.
Indigenous peoples, indigenous peoples’ organizations and nongovernmental organizations
169. Many indigenous peoples’ organizations detailed their approaches, which
included activities at all levels, for attaining the goals of the Declaration. Most of the
indigenous organizations which responded to the questionnaire 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.
170. Very few organizations proposed overarching strategies at the national level.
However, some indigenous peoples’ organizations were focused mainly on thematic
issues and, as mentioned by many organizations, their institutional activities were
generally limited due to a lack of financial resources and to a lack of will of States to
cooperate with indigenous peoples. Some organizations had, however, developed
articulated activities at both the national and international levels to maximize the
impact of their strategies with respect to implementation of the Declaration by the
State.
171. Most of the organizations that responded reported the integration of the spirit
and standards of the Declaration within their internal guidelines, practices and
activities. Several also noted that they were 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 on matters that had an impact on
them.
172. Most organizations reported a lack of attention from States in considering the
Declaration and the rights of indigenous peoples, a lack of understanding of the status
and legal value in domestic legal systems of the Declaration and a lack of public
support for indigenous peoples. All these concerns prevented the full implementation
of the Declaration.
173. Relevant best practices cited included asking United Nations mechanisms to
assist indigenous peoples better 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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