UN TO HOLD EXPERT SEMINAR ON INDIGENOUS LAND RIGHTS AND CLAIMS IN WHITEHORSE, CANADA, 24-28 MARCH
Press Release
HR/4293
UN TO HOLD EXPERT SEMINAR ON INDIGENOUS LAND RIGHTS AND CLAIMS IN WHITEHORSE, CANADA, 24-28 MARCH
19960305 GENEVA, 1 March (UN Information Service) -- The United Nations Centre for Human Rights in Geneva will hold an expert seminar on practical experiences regarding indigenous land rights and claims in Whitehorse, Canada, from 24 to 28 March, to mark the International Decade of the World's Indigenous People.Land, along with natural resources, represents a vital part of the indigenous economy and constitutes the spiritual basis of indigenous culture. Recently, some governments and indigenous organizations have entered into negotiations and reached agreement on measures to demarcate and protect indigenous lands and provide rights of access, ownership or use of natural resources.
The seminar discussions will focus on three major themes: the negotiating process and legal arrangements for demarcating and titling indigenous lands; opportunities for economic development and arrangements for sharing resources; and the role of the United Nations system in supporting indigenous land rights and development through training and technical cooperation.
Participants will include experts from governments, indigenous organizations, United Nations specialized agencies and other specialists with first-hand experience. Approximately 50 people are expected to participate at the invitation of the United Nations. There will also be a number of indigenous, non-governmental and academic observers attending.
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