The International Expert Workshop on Recognizing and Respecting Indigenous Peoples’ Heritage Values in World Heritage Sites took place in Geneva, Switzerland, from 17 to 19 January 2024. The workshop brought together over 50 participants, including Indigenous representatives from across the world, experts in heritage conservation and Indigenous rights, representatives of States Parties, UNESCO, and the World Heritage Advisory Bodies.
The workshop was convened in response to growing recognition that Indigenous Peoples’ cultural and spiritual connections to their lands, territories and waters are often overlooked or inadequately reflected in the implementation of the World Heritage Convention. It provided a dedicated space to reflect on challenges, share good practices, and propose concrete steps for ensuring that Indigenous Peoples’ heritage values and rights are effectively respected and upheld within the World Heritage system.
Key themes addressed included:
- The importance of Indigenous Peoples’ participation in all stages of World Heritage processes
- The need to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC)
- Reform of nomination, evaluation, and monitoring procedures
- Recognition of Indigenous knowledge systems and cultural frameworks
- Development and use of culturally appropriate guidance documents
- Alignment of World Heritage practices with international human rights standards
The workshop concluded with the adoption of a set of Recommendations and a Roadmap for Action, developed through collaborative dialogue and consensus. These outcomes aim to guide future actions by States Parties, UNESCO, the Advisory Bodies and other actors, and to ensure that Indigenous Peoples’ voices, values, and rights are at the heart of World Heritage processes.
You can access the full outcome document in English, French, and Spanish via the links below:
[Download Outcome Document – English]
[Télécharger le document final – Français]
[Descargar el documento final – Español]
