E/2026/43 E/C.19/2026/6 Organization Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989 (No. 169), have advanced recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ rights, major challenges remain. These include the lack of legal recognition of Indigenous Peoples, insufficient implementation of free, prior and informed consent, continued dispossession of lands, territories and resources, and environmental degradation affecting traditional lands. 49. The Permanent Forum expresses its grave concern about the erosion and backsliding of existing protections of Indigenous Peoples’ rights, which have resulted in increased reprisals, acts of intimidation and threats against, and rates of incarceration of Indigenous Peoples for peacefully defending their lands, territories and resources, including Indigenous leaders and Indigenous human rights defenders. 50. The Forum emphasizes that Indigenous women and girls suffer disproportionately from the physical and mental health impacts of extractive activities and environmental contamination and are systematically excluded from climate-related decision‑making. 51. The Permanent Forum condemns the continued killings, intimidation, reprisals and criminalization of Indigenous Peoples, including Indigenous leaders and Indigenous human rights defenders, in violation of articles 7 and 8 of the Declaration. The Forum reiterates that the protection of Indigenous leaders and Indigenous human rights defenders is essential for Indigenous Peoples to exercise their rights under the Declaration. 52. The Permanent Forum reiterates with concern that the Russian Federation’s ongoing war against Ukraine continues to severely impact Indigenous Peoples in the region. 53. The Permanent Forum expresses concern over reports of intimidation and detention of Indigenous Peoples, including Indigenous leaders and Indigenous human rights defenders, in the Russian Federation and elsewhere, especially those involved in the work of the United Nations system. 54. The Permanent Forum calls for strengthened coordination among States, United Nations entities and Indigenous Peoples to ensure the full and effective implementation of the Declaration, in line with its articles 38 and 41. The Forum emphasizes that meaningful participation of Indigenous Peoples in decision-making processes, including sustained engagement with United Nations mechanisms, is essential to translating commitments into concrete outcomes. It further underscores the need for adequate and sustained resources to support the distinct mandates of the Special Rapporteur, the Expert Mechanism and the Forum, as well as to enable Indigenous-led initiatives at all levels, consistent with article 39 of the Declaration. Recommendations for the United Nations entities and Member States 55. The Permanent Forum calls on the Economic and Social Council, including the Ad Hoc Working Group on Mandate Implementation Review, to affirm and protect, by 2026, the distinct and complementary mandates of the Forum, the Expert Mechanism and the Special Rapporteur, ensuring that they remain separate, adequately resourced mechanisms. It underscores that dedicated United Nations platforms are essential to reflect Indigenous Peoples’ specific rights, knowledge systems, institutions and priorities across the United Nations system, and requests reporting to the Council by 2027 on measures taken. 56. The Permanent Forum reiterates its recommendation that Member States fully align national legislation and administrative decision‑making processes with the right of Indigenous Peoples to free, prior and informed consent, consistent with the Declaration. It emphasizes that consultation is not a substitute for consent and self‑determination. The Forum further calls on Member States and United Nations 26-06676 11/24