• Tuesday, May 17, 2011
• Inter Press Service

There are still gaps between what we recommend and what happens in reality, Dr. Mirna Cunningham, chair of the UN Permanent Forum of Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), told reporters Monday.

'There are many really important issues this year to discuss, but for me the most important thing at this session is, that we define, how we find mechanisms to implement our recommendations', she told IPS after the briefing.

Cunningham, an indigenous Miskito from Nicaragua and former member of the national assembly of Nicaragua, was elected as chair of the tenth session of the UNPFII, which takes place from 16 to 27 May at UN Headquarters in New York.

More than 1.300 delegates are expected to attend this meeting with its special regional focus on indigenous peoples of the Central and South America and the Caribbean. 'The UNPFII is an important body for indigenous peoples, because it brings government, UN agencies and indigenous people’s delegates together,' Cunningham said.

One of the main tasks of this year’s session will be to review the recommendations the UNPFII has made during earlier nine sessions. Additionally, will focus on the implementation of UNPFII recommendations concerning economic and social development, the environment and free, prior and informed consent.

Altogether the UNPFII made almost 300 recommendations in its previous sessions. About half of these recommendations have been implemented. 'But this year also new themes are on the agenda,' Cunningham said, adding, 'A very important topic will be indigenous peoples’ right to water.'

Indigenous peoples’ right to water does not only mean free access to safe drinking water. Water is also an important part of indigenous peoples’ spirituality and traditions. However their right to water is not adequately recognized yet in national laws and policies.

The UNPFII will also discuss opportunities relating to the Rio Plus 20 process and to evaluate how this concept relates to the worldview of indigenous people and their development.

Another important issue during the current session will be to consider how indigenous languages can be kept alive. 'Every two weeks, one indigenous language dies', said Edward John. He is an indigenous leader from Canada, where in only a few years, he said, at least three indigenous languages will be left to die, from approximately 50.

© Inter Press Service (2011) — All Rights Reserved. Original source: Inter Press Service

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