DRAFT RESOLUTION

PROPOSED AMERICAN DECLARATION ON THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS POPULATIONS

(Considered at the March 25, 1999, meeting of the Committee on Juridical and Political Affairs)

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY,

Recalling its resolutions AG/RES. 1022 (XIX-O/89), AG/RES. 1479 (XXVII-O/97), and AG/RES. 1549 (XXVIII-O/98);

Convinced that the adoption of a declaration on the rights of indigenous populations will enhance the recognition, promotion, and protection of the rights of those populations, and will contribute to the development of pertinent activities by the Organization of American States in this area;

Expressing its gratitude for the contributions of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, the Inter-American Juridical Committee, and the Inter-American Indian Institute in preparing a proposed declaration on the rights of indigenous populations;

Considering that, in accordance with resolution AG/RES. 1549 (XXVIII-O/98), the Meeting of Government Experts to Examine the Proposed American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Populations was held at OAS headquarters from February 10 to 12, 1999;

Having examined the report of the Permanent Council on the Proposed American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Populations (AG/doc. /99), in keeping with resolution AG/RES. 1546 (XXVIII-O/98); and

Bearing in mind that, despite the progress made, the Meeting of Government Experts was unable to complete its work aimed at the adoption of a declaration during this session, pursuant to the aforementioned resolution AG/RES. 1549 (XXVIII-O/98),

1. Decides to establish a working group of the Permanent Council to continue consideration of the Proposed American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Populations.

2. Invites the Working Group to take account of the observations and comments of the member states and of the various organs, agencies, and entities of the inter-American system as it pursues this mandate.

3. Also invites the Working Group to provide for appropriate participation in its efforts by representatives of indigenous communities, so that their observations and suggestions may be considered.

4. Requests the Inter-American Indian Institute to provide the necessary advisory services to the Working Group and to prepare, at the earliest possible date, a report on the actions taken by other international organizations to promote the rights of indigenous populations.

5. Requests the General Secretariat and the organs, agencies, and entities of the inter-American system to provide any assistance required by the Working Group, which shall hold an initial meeting before the end of this year.

6. Also requests the Inter-American Juridical Committee to continue to provide legal opinions to the Working Group in relation to the proposed Declaration.

7. Requests the Permanent Council to present to the General Assembly, at its thirtieth regular session, a progress report on the activities entrusted to the Working Group.