28th plenary meeting

7 May 1982

Study of the problem of discrimination against indigenous populations

The Economic and Social Council,

Recalling its resolution 1589 (L) of 21 May 1971, resolutions 22 (XXXVII) of 10 March 1981 and 1982/19 of 10 March 1982 of the Commission on Human Rights and resolutions 8 (XXIV) of 18 August 1971, 5 (XXXIII) of 10 September 1980 and 2 (XXXIV) of 8 September 1981 of the Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities,

Recognizing the urgent need to promote and to protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous populations,

Bearing in mind the concerns expressed in this regard at the World Conference to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination in 1978,

Believing that special attention should be given to appropriate avenues of recourse at the national, regional and international levels in order to advance the promotion and protection of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous populations,

Mindful of the conclusions of the Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities and of the Commission on Human Rights that the plight of indigenous peoples is of a serious and pressing nature and that special measures are urgently needed to promote and protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous populations,

1. Authorizes the Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities to establish annually a working group on indigenous populations which shall meet for up to five working days before the annual sessions of the Sub-Commission in order to review developments pertaining to the promotion and protection of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous populations, including information requested by the Secretary-General annually from Governments, specialized agencies, regional intergovernmental organizations and non-governmental organizations in consultative status, particularly those of indigenous peoples, to analyse such materials, and to submit its conclusions to the Sub-Commission bearing in mind the report of the Special Rapporteur of the Sub-Commission;

2. Decides that the Working Group shall give special attention to the evolution of standards concerning the rights of indigenous populations, taking account of both the similarities and the differences in the situations and aspirations of indigenous populations throughout the world;

3. Requests the Secretary-General to assist the working group on indigenous populations and make all necessary arrangements to enable it to carry out its functions.