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You are here: Norway & the United Nations The Big Issues Human Rights First day of Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
Some of the more than 2,000 indigenous participants at this year's Permanent Forum For Indigenous Issues. Photo: Norway UN Mission/Sigrun Agøy Engum.Some of the more than 2,000 indigenous participants at this year's Permanent Forum For Indigenous Issues. Photo: Norway UN Mission/Sigrun Agøy Engum

First day of Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

Last updated: 5/8/2012 // Hundreds of delegates assembled for the opening ceremony of the UN Permanent Forum for Indigenous Issues on May 7. Representatives of both the Government of Norway and the Sámi Parliament of Norway will follow proceedings during two week session.

This is the 11th time the forum comes together to discuss the challenges facing indigenous peoples around the world.

At the opening event, UN Deputy Secretary-General Asha Rose Migiro said stories of struggles and exploitation are still commonplace - change is overdue. Ms. Migiro encouraged everyone to "move towards the day when indigenous peoples are heard, listened to and empowered."

(text continues under the photos from the opening ceremony)

Almost 2,000 indigenous participants from all regions of the world are taking part in the two-week session, engaging with members of the Forum, Member States and UN agencies on advancing the rights and well-being of indigenous peoples, who number some 370 million worldwide.


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Norway - Mission to the UN

825 Third Avenue, 39th Floor
New York, N.Y. 10022-7584
(On the corner of 50th Street and Third Avenue)

Media contact: Marte Lerberg Kopstad, marte.kopstad@mfa.no / +1-646-642-9910

Phone: +1-646-430-7510

Fax: +1-646-430-7591

Calling from Norway: 23-95-45-00

Email: delun@mfa.no