On April 24, the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the UN gave an intervention during the Sixteenth Session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues on item 8, dedicated to the theme of the “Tenth Anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: Measures taken to implement the Declaration.”

In its statement, the Holy See mentioned Pope Francis’ advocacy for indigenous peoples’ rights to development and to their identity. The Holy See said there is a need to harmonize the cultural and social development of indigenous peoples alongside their economic development. The prior and informed consent of affected indigenous peoples should be secured in all situations that could impact their culture and ancestral lands. The full participation of indigenous peoples should be promoted at local and national levels, the Holy See added. Moreover, their sense of responsibility, love for the gift of the earth and their sense of community and intergenerational solidarity should be considered examples for all peoples.

The statement can be found here.