A/HRC/30/54 of achieving respect for all cultures and peoples in the country, and promoting harmonious intercultural relations and participation in democratic processes. 35. Denmark and the Government of Greenland responded that the Government of Greenland was democratically elected and that all members of the Parliament and Government were of Inuit descent. 36. Although some States did not have specific legislation, they indicated that processes were underway to develop consultation protocols. For example, Paraguay and Peru had been developing consultation protocols in consultation with indigenous organizations. 37. France reported that the successive adoption of laws on New Caledonia (1999) and French Polynesia (2004) had allowed for significant progress in the full and effective participation of indigenous peoples in decisions that directly or indirectly affect them. The degree of autonomy was greater with each successive law. In French Guiana, it was decided to create a consultation council of Amerindians and Bushinenge. 38. Colombia made reference to the special circumscription for the election of senators and representatives from indigenous communities, which was enshrined in the Constitution. Colombia also highlighted the Mesa Permanente de Concertación (Permanent Commission for Dialogue), which facilitated dialogue between indigenous peoples and the State on all administrative and legislative measures that may affect them. Indigenous peoples were participating in this mechanism through five umbrella organizations. 39. Other States highlighted the general democratic processes as providing opportunities for indigenous peoples to participate in decision-making. Burundi, for example, highlighted the ways in which the national electoral system provided representation to the Batwa people. 40. In terms of responses from indigenous peoples, the Saami Parliament of Finland reported that there were no provisions in Finnish law requiring free, prior and informed consent. However, a proposed Amendment Act of the Saami Parliament would require authorities to conduct bona fide negotiations seeking agreement with the Saami Parliament concerning significant measures affecting the Saami homeland of the status of the Saami people. 41. Asociación Kunas Unidos por Napguana indicated that due to the special status of the Guna Yala region, the State had to consult the Kuna people prior to implementing large projects within their lands. In that regard, the Kuna Congress had rejected several projects because they threatened the integrity of their territory. They stressed, however, that in other indigenous regions of Panama, those consultation processes had not been respected, in particular in the lands of the Ngäbe-Buglé and Naso peoples. 42. The Teemashane Community Development Trust responded that, in Botswana, indigenous peoples were only consulted insofar as consultations on a particular issue were carried out through traditional meetings or village gatherings. However, this system did not favour the views of indigenous peoples. Rather, it was usually the dominant society’s views and opinions that informed decisions. D. Cultures and languages 43. The questionnaire posed the following question to States and indigenous peoples: “Have specific legislative, policy, or administrative measures been adopted to implement rights relating to cultures and languages? If yes, please provide details. If not, please outline any plans to develop legislative, policy or administrative measures in this area.” 7