Statement
First intersessional meeting of the Human Rights Council on concrete ways to enhance the participation of Indigenous Peoples in the work of the Council.
Session 4 – Accreditation mechanism
19 July 2024
- The work and decisions of the mechanism should be based on the principles of the right of self-determination and self-identification.
- In line with Article 3 and 18 of the UNDRIP, an independent accreditation mechanism should be led by Indigenous Peoples from the seven socio-cultural regions.
- The procedures of the mechanism should be transparent and based on inclusivity and good governance.
- It should take decisions by simple majority that are final and not subject to validation by other bodies. Indigenous Peoples whose requests are rejected should be provided with the reasons for the rejection with an option to appeal.
- If States were to take part in this mechanism, they should not have veto power over decision-making.
- On the question whether to adapt existing UN mechanisms or to create new ones, in particular, we will listen to the views of indigenous representatives, including on whether the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples can play the role of accreditation mechanism as this body already exists and is regionally representative?
- The mechanism should build on good practices from existing accreditation mechanisms. The Arctic Council, where the Indigenous Peoples decides their own representation through a specific mechanism, could serve as a good practice.
- Further, the mechanism should be provided with the necessary resources and conduct its work in an efficient manner.