Menu 
12th Session of Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) Opens in New York
24 May 2013
On May 20, 2013, the 12th session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues opened in the UN headquarters in New York. The total number of the world indigenous people comprises around 370 people. They live in more than 70 countries representing various languages and cultures.
Mr Abduraman Egiz, Deputy Head of the Department of Foreign Relations at Mejlis, Delegate of the Qurultay of Crimean Tatar People and Ms Ayla Bakkaly, Member of the Coordinating Council of the World Congress of Crimean Tatars represented the Mejlis of Crimean Tatar People.
The present session will mainly focus on the issues of culture, education and health of indigenous peoples.
“We must value, preserve and defend the rich heritage and system of values of indigenous peoples starting with education. One should understand the values and outlook of indigenous peoples better. One must involve them more actively into the process of the decision making on issues affecting their life,”- the address of Mr Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations to the participants of the Forum read.
The Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues was founded in 2000 by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in compliance with the recommendations of the Commission on Human Rights. It is made up of 16 experts. One half of the Forum’s members are appointed by the governments, another one is selected by the groups of indigenous peoples for a period of three years.
