A/HRC/27/64
Mr. Gregoire indicated that the topics for the round-table discussions had not yet been
finalized.
44.
The Expert Mechanism returned to agenda item 3 upon the release of the zero draft.
While the availability of the zero draft was commended, many of the observers taking the
floor emphasized that they had only had a limited time to examine the document and, as
such, could only provide preliminary observations.
45.
Indigenous observers referred in a positive way to certain elements of the zero draft
but also issued numerous calls for its further strengthening. In that respect, the importance
of the forthcoming consultations was emphasized.
46.
Many participants referred to the Alta outcome document, stressing the importance
of annexing it to the outcome document. Concerns were raised about the lack of inclusion
of some proposals contained in the Alta outcome document in the zero draft. The examples
given included the lack of explicit language on the proposed supervisory mechanism of the
Declaration, although there was an important reference to the request by the General
Assembly to seek guidance from the Human Rights Council to improve implementation of
the Declaration. The proposals for a new high-level representative to be appointed by the
Secretary-General also prompted interest, and the importance of a reference to treaty bodies
was highlighted.
47.
Indigenous observers stated that some provisions of the zero draft were already
covered by relevant articles of the Declaration. They also expressed their concern over the
fact that, after 18 August 2014, the process may be transferred into an intergovernmental
context, which could potentially exclude indigenous peoples. They emphasized that the full
participation of indigenous peoples should be continued at all stages. They supported the
proclamation of the Third International Decade of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, with its
goal of international cooperation for the implementation of the Declaration.
48.
Indigenous participants identified the importance of using the outcome document to
advance indigenous peoples’ rights. At a parallel level, it was noted that such an
advancement must be reflected in the post-2015 development agenda.
49.
The Global Indigenous Youth Caucus called for stronger language in terms of the
commitments by States, in order to reflect stronger commitment to following through on
the outcome document, with the aim of further implementing the Declaration and the rights
of indigenous peoples contained therein.
50.
In sum, there was a clear consensus for ensuring that the World Conference and its
outcome document provided a firm commitment to the standards of the Declaration,
without any backsliding in respect of the standards that it contains. Observers also stressed
that the outcome document should be endorsed by consensus.
51.
Mr. Gregoire joined the session once again via videoconference after the zero draft
of the outcome document had been released and the participants and experts had had an
opportunity to discuss it. Mr. Tsykarev provided a summary of those discussions to
Mr. Gregoire, who identified the importance of conveying perspectives on the zero draft at
the upcoming consultations on 16 July and 18 August 2014. Mr. Tsykarev thanked
Mr. Gregoire and the advisors to the President of the General Assembly for their hard work
and commitment to ensure that the World Conference results in an outcome document that
makes a concrete contribution to the implementation of the Declaration.
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