The 10th Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) was held from 16 to 28 May 2011 in New York at the United Nations Head Quarters. The Chairperson of the WGIP, Commissioner Musa Ngary Bitaye, participated in this meeting from 16 to 21 of May 2011 and made a statement under the Human Rights item of the agenda. The Chairperson also submitted the report of the WGIP regarding the implementation of the recommendations of the UNPFII in relation to Economic and Social Development; Environment; and Free, Prior and Informed Consent.
On the sidelines of the UNPFII, the Chairperson met with the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, H.E. Professor James Anaya, on 20 May 2011 and discussed issues of common interest and future collaboration. During the meeting the Chairperson gave to the Special Rapporeur a copy of the new video film of the WGIP on indigenous peoples entitled “A Question of Justice: The Rights of Indigenous People in Africa”. He also invited the Special Rapporteur to attend the next meeting of the WGIP and the opening session of the 50th Ordinary Session of the African Commission.
