A/73/176 typically relating to culture, education, languages, justice, health and the like. Further guidance is needed on what the right to self-government and autonomy in “local and internal affairs” entails. Cultural values and good governance 89. Documenting the unique cultural values that guide indigenous governance systems could provide a better understanding of and respect for how they operate, for instance in terms of obtaining consent and dealing with conflict within indigenous communities. The assessment should also look at internal governance, including with regard to the representation of women and other minority groups in indigenous governance systems. Pathways to self-governance 90. On the basis of lessons learned from processes in which indigenous peoples and States have worked together to recognize and advance indigenous peoples ’ right to self-governance, a future study could help to document steps towards increased self-governance. A fundamental first step towards that would be the recognition of indigenous peoples and their own institutions and organizations. Such recognition would include repealing restrictive legislation and reducing bureaucratic registration processes, which often remain a challenge. Rights to lands, territories and resources and to free, prior and informed consent 91. The right to self-government finds concrete expression in how indigenous peoples are able to truly decide on their own priorities with regard to the use and management of their lands, territories and resources. This includes how they are consulted and how their free, prior and informed consent is obtained when projects and policies affecting their lands, territories and resources are made. This remains an area of key concern for the Special Rapporteur, and more needs to be done to safeguard indigenous peoples’ rights to their lands, territories and resources and to ensure adequate consultation and consent, including the facilitation of indigenous participation in defining agreed “consultation on consultation” processes. Coping with external pressures 92. A better understanding is needed of the impact of external factors, such as land encroachments, economic development projects, climate change and the criminalization of indigenous peoples, on indigenous governance systems. IV. Concluding remarks 93. Indigenous governance systems have proven resilient for centuries, representing indigenous peoples and making decisions on their behalf in line with their cultures, values and traditions. They still play an essential role in the lives of millions of indigenous peoples around the world and are crucial factors in ensuring the rights of indigenous peoples, in particular to self-determination and self-identified development. 94. Indigenous governance systems have often proven to be better than external actors in providing services to and ensuring the well-being and rights of indigenous peoples. Furthermore, they contribute to conflict reduction, climate adaptation, conservation and protection of nature, culturally appropriate social services, economic progress and many other positive outcomes. 22/23 18-11856