27 May 1988

16th plenary meeting

Proposal to proclaim an international year of the world's indigenous populations

The Economic and Social Council,

Recalling its resolution 1982/34 of 7 May 1982, in which it authorized the establishment of a working group on indigenous populations with the mandate to review developments pertaining to the promotion and protection of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous populations, giving special attention to the evolution of standards,

Recalling also its resolution 1986/34 of 23 May 1986,

Noting that the Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities, in its resolution 1987/16 of 2 September 1987, endorsed the recommendation that the Working Group on Indigenous Populations should make every effort to complete a draft declaration on indigenous rights as soon as possible,

Conscious of the continuing struggle of indigenous populations throughout the world to enjoy their inalienable human rights and fundamental freedoms,

Recommends that the General Assembly should, at an appropriate time, proclaim an international year of the world's indigenous populations.