> On April 8th 2010 the NCIV will organise an Expert Dialogue in The Hague

Most indigenous peoples today still have a way of life, which is closely connected to and dependent on their natural environment. Access to their land and resources is therefore essential for their survival and well-being. Given this close link between poverty and the loss of land and natural resources, realizing MDG7 (ensuring a sustainable livelihood) is of particular relevance to realize poverty reduction (MDG1) for indigenous peoples. The overall focus of the dialogue will therefore be on the challenges in achieving sustainable livelihoods (MDG7) in relation to reducing poverty (MDG1) for indigenous peoples.

Working with indigenous peoples on the MDGs requires a culturally sensitive approach based on respect for and inclusion of indigenous peoples’ world-views, perspectives, experiences, and concepts of development. In recent years, there has been a concerted process to define global indicators for indigenous peoples’ wellbeing and sustainable development. Indigenous perspectives on development with identity and culture will be a cross-cutting theme of the expert dialogue, while specific workshops will be organised on the following four topics:

1. Sectoral approach
2. Gender perspectives
3. Business and development
4. Capacity building

The Expert Dialogue is by invitation only, however please do contact us if you think your expertise is crucial for the success of the Expert Dialogue.

Contact: MSc. Paula van den Dool, paula.vandendool@nciv.net.

About NCIV

The Netherlands Centre for Indigenous Peoples (NCIV) is a NGO (non-governmental organisation) based in Amsterdam which has been supporting the promotion and protection of the rights of Indigenous Peoples world-wide since 1969.

Indigenous Peoples are the original inhabitants of distinct territories and are generally marginalized in relation to the dominant culture. These approximately 300 million people are among the poorest of the world. At the same time, they represent the rich diversity of the world's cultures and represent unique perspectives on society. In terms of environment, Indigenous Peoples are often the custodians of the biological diversity of the territories they inhabit.

In a growing international movement, Indigenous Peoples are organising themselves in order to secure the recognition for their rights. As a support group NCIV works to raise awareness and to assist them in their struggle. The main rights Indigenous Peoples seek are those related to the rights to their lands and natural resources, the right to the preservation of their cultures, the control over their intellectual property rights, and the right to the protection of indigenous knowledge, all of which are contingent upon the recognition and respect for their right to self-determination. Indigenous Peoples seek to be able to fully participate in decision-making processes on the local, national and international levels which concern their lives.

NCIV pays special attention to the role and position of Indigenous women, who are doubly marginalized, both as Indigenous People and as women. NCIV supports the collective and individual human rights of Indigenous Peoples as was determined in the Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. Further, NCIV dedicates itself to the awareness raising on Indigenous Peoples' issues in the Dutch society and beyond.