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include options for the isolation of sick members of the community, as well as a
communication tree, clearly identifying the counterparts within the local and
regional governments with which they will coordinate or collaborate. They should
designate individuals within the community as focal points for implementation.
97. Indigenous peoples are encouraged to share information with State
authorities and independent institutions such as national human rights
institutions on the public health and human rights situation they face during the
pandemic, provided that such authorities reciprocate and respect the continuing
right of indigenous peoples to control their information. Indigenous peoples are
also encouraged to share their good practices and traditional knowledge to
inform solutions for the wider society.
98. States should update pandemic contingency plans and laws and ensure that
such plans include specific measures and dedicated funding for indigenous
peoples, and identify specific proactive communication channels, such as a
directory with contact information for chiefs and other leaders, including in
urban areas.144 States should also rely on indigenous knowledge to inform their
overall responses.
99. To respect the rights to self-determination and self-governance, States and
indigenous communities should prepare forward-looking tailored health-care
and prevention protocols and virus containment measures, on the basis of
transparent and accountable two-way consultation with representatives of
indigenous authorities and organizations. Any emergency or unplanned State
measures that could have an impact on the rights of indigenous peoples must
first receive their free prior and informed consent, if necessary with the
assistance of intercultural facilitators to explain the necessity and impact of the
measures. The specific situation of indigenous peoples living in voluntary
isolation must be taken into account, and planning may involve collaboration
with other non-isolated indigenous communities in the area.
100. Data on indigenous women, children, elders, persons with disabilities and
lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex and two-spirit persons in
the health-care system should be systematically collected and analysed to identify
and address any discrimination in the impact of measures or in access to health
care, recognizing the potentially differing experiences of indigenous peoples
living in urban settings, indigenous communities (including in voluntary
isolation and in initial contact) and mixed settings.
101. Indigenous peoples in urban and rural settings should receive timely and
accurate information on care and prevention during the pandemic, as well as,
for instance, on support services for victims of gender-based violence during any
periods of confinement, in accessible languages and formats (radio, social media,
easy-read) that have been identified by the communities. States should also fund
indigenous peoples’ own initiatives in this regard.
102. Health-care protocols and preventive measures applicable to indigenous
peoples should take into account their distinctive concepts of health, including
their traditional medicine. They should be jointly developed and delivered by
State health institutions and indigenous health systems that complement each
other. Where distinct indigenous health structures do not exist, States should
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20-09737
See Sandra del Pino and Alex Camacho, “Considerations on indigenous peoples, Afro descendants, and other ethnic groups during the COVID-19 pandemic” (Pan American Health
Organization, 2020).
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