Fifth Session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. Statement by IIED, Andes (Peru) and Call of the Earth

Joint Statement on behalf of IIED, Andes (Peru) and Call of the Earth, a group of indigenous experts, addressing the issue of Human Rights and the protection of indigenous bio-cultural heritage, which is essential to improve the wellbeing of indigenous peoples. Trade agreements of the WTO and the proliferation of Free trade agreements are accelerating the privatisation and commercial use of indigenous knowledge and resources. While a number of UN agencies are developing valuable policy and standards to protect traditional knowledge, each agency is addressing a particular component of indigenous heritage. The fragmentation of indigenous heritage and rights over heritage is a major threat to its continued existence.