“Ensuring Indigenous Peoples’ health, particularly in the context of conflict,” is the theme of the 25th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII). The forum will be held on the Northeast Indigenous territory of the great Turtle Island, also known as North America, from 20 April — 1 May 2026, at UN Headquarters in New York.
“Many people have said that Indigenous Peoples are myths of the past, ruins that have died. But the Indigenous community is full of vitality and has a course and a future. It has much wisdom and richness to contribute.”
UNPFII, established on 28 July 2000, by resolution 2000/22, is a high-level advisory body to the UN Economic and Social Council. Its mandate encompasses addressing Indigenous issues related to economic and social development, culture, the environment, education, health, and human rights.
On 13 September 2007, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. A specfic mandate of the UNPFII is to promote respect and full implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). UNDRIP underwent the longest period of debate and negotiation than any other human rights instrument.
Learn more about the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.