History of the UNPFII and the IAITPTF

The IAITPTF and all members of the International Coordinating Committee of the IAITPTF have been closely and strongly involved in the process of lobbying for the establishment of the Forum. Mr Parshuram Tamang, Coordinator of the South Asia Region, is a sitting member of the Permanent Forum.

International Workshop on Methodologies Regarding Free, Prior and Informed Consent and Indigenous Peoples, New York, 17 - 19 January 2005

The Workshop on "Methodologies regarding free prior and informed consent and indigenous peoples" was convened in accordance with Economic and Social Council decision 2004/287, following a recommendation of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues at its third session. The principle of free, prior and informed consent was identified as a major challenge by the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues at its first, second and third sessions. In response to the Council's decision the Workshop was held from 17 to 19 January 2005 .

The Workshop was attended by 67 experts from the United Nations system and other intergovernmental organizations, Governments and indigenous organizations. The Workshop examined the international and domestic instruments and practices relevant to the principle of free, prior and informed consent, heard examples of the application of the principle, identified challenges and made recommendations about free, prior and informed consent and indigenous peoples.

In its conclusions and recommendations, the Workshop identifies elements of a common understanding of free, prior and informed consent, and indigenous peoples, promotes better methodologies regarding free prior and informed consent and indigenous peoples for the consideration of the Permanent Forum at its Fourth Session.
[Excerpt from the full report]

IV Session of the UNPFII

The forth session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues was held in May, 2005, in New York.