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Sunray at the United Nations

SUNRAY AT THE UNITED NATIONS

Sunray is a non-governmental organization (NGO) in association with the Department of Public Information (DPI) of the United Nations. Sunray was first accredited as a DPI/NGO in August 1992 and has been active in the areas of indigenous people, women, human rights, environment and sustainable development. We have been involved with the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples at UN Headquarters in New York for the past 10 years and the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues since its beginning 9 years ago also at UN Headquarters in New York.

Sunray continues to support the international community through its presence at the UN and with the NGO community. Working on the NGO Committee on the United Nations International Decade of the World's Indigenous Peoples, our goals are to educate both indigenous and non-indigenous societies about Indigenous peoples, their history, culture, language, rights, aspirations and contemporary issues of concern. The Committee focuses on supporting the Programme of Activities of the Second Decade of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and educating the international community about the concerns and issues facing Indigenous Peoples.

Topics of Interest

UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

The United Nations passed the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples on September 13, 2007 after more than two decades of consultation and dialogue among governments and indigenous peoples from all regions. This was an historic achievement for the more than 370 million indigenous peoples worldwide. Treaty rights, land rights and self-determination of indigenous peoples are recognized internationally with this adoption. 144 states (countries) voted in support of the Declaration, 4 voted against (U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand) and 11 abstained (Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burundi, Columbia, Georgia, Kenya, Nigeria, Russian Federation, Samoa and Ukraine). Since its adoption Australia had reversed its position and now endorses the Declaration. Colombia and Samoa have also reversed their positions and indicated their support for the Declaration. The Declaration has been translated into many languages including numerous indigenous languages.

See this link for an update, indicating that three of the four countries voting against -- Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, have reversed their opposition or are in the process of doing so.

For more information: www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii; www.treatycouncil.org

Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

The Permanent Forum is made up of 8 indigenous experts and 8 government representatives elected by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Its mandate is to focus on indigenous aspects of economic, social, health, education, environment, human rights and development. It also works to raise awareness and promote the integration and coordination of activities related to indigenous issues. They report and make recommendations directly to the ECOSOC Council.

Sunray through the NGO Committee on the United Nations International Decade of the World's Indigenous Peoples has facilitated special events and initiatives for this 2 week session since its beginning 9 years ago. There is a session April 19 - 30, 2010 at UN Headquarters in New York. The special theme is Indigenous Peoples: development with culture and identity: Article 3 and 32 of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

For more information: www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii

International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples

On August 9 annually, at United Nations Headquarters in New York, the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples is celebrated with traditional indigenous ceremonies, performances by indigenous musicians and panels and workshops on various topics. We have helped to organize this event with the Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues for the past 9 years.

For more information: www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii

Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights and
Fundamental Freedoms for Indigenous People

The Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights and Fundamentals Freedoms of Indigenous People is Professor James Anaya (USA). The role of the Special Rapporteur is to report on overall human rights situations of indigenous peoples in selected countries, addresses specific cases of alleged violations of the rights of indigenous peoples through communication with governments and other indigenous peoples

For more information: indigenous@ohchr.org

The Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is a new UN mechanism on the rights of indigenous peoples. It was created by the Human Rights Council in 2007. It assists the Human Rights Council in the implementation of its mandate be making proposals to the Council. Issues include the UN Study on Treaties, the Study on Permanent Sovereignty over Natural Resources, the Study on Indigenous Peoples' Cultural Heritage and others. The Expert Mechanism will consist of 5 independent experts. Nominations may be submitted by indigenous organizations as well as states.

For more information: indigenous@ohchr.org

The NGO Committee on the United Nations International Decade of the World’s Indigenous Peoples meets once a month on the 4th Thursday of the month at or near the UN.

All are welcome.

Sandra Sheridan,
Sunray UN Representative
Sunray International Office
277 Hudson Terrace Piermont, NY 10968
845.365.1537

Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

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