Indigeneous Communities
and Crime Prevention: News

Canada's Policy on Crime Prevention through Social Development for Métis, Inuit and First Nations Communities On and Off Reserve (2003)

In the fall of 2003, The National Crime Prevention Strategy (NCPS) is about to release a policy document entitled "Policy on Crime Prevention Through Social Development for Métis, Inuit and First Nations Communities On and Off Reserve". This policy document is intended for people working with Aboriginal communities, community members and policy makers and outlines the National Strategy's direction with respect to developing an implementing crime prevention initiatives in Aboriginal communities. The goal of the National Strategy in this area is to support work that reduces crime and victimization in Aboriginal communities and that advance the field of knowledge and practice.

This policy document will be available on-line via
the NCPS website address at: www.prevention.gc.ca

The Second Session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

The Second Session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues was held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, from 12 to 23 May, 2003. The forum brought attention to the need to foster and nurture indigenous peoples and their cultures within an increasingly globalized world. The theme of "Indigenous Children and Youth" focused discussion on issues pertaining to policies, practices, and recommended actions that would ensure the physical and mental health of future generations of indigenous peoples.

As described on their website, "the Forum is the first official United Nations body where indigenous voices nominated by indigenous peoples can be heard as members." Attendees arrived from across the globe to participate in the ten-day summit. Indigenous-nominated members attending this meeting represented people from Togo, Canada, Norway, the Russian Federation, Nepal, the U.S., and Peru. Government-nominated members represented the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Russian Federation, Japan, Canada, Guatemala, Mexico, Denmark, and China.

In addition to developing recommendations for action pertaining to the conference theme, Forum members seek to "raise awareness, promote the integration and coordination of activities relating to indigenous issues within the United Nations system, and prepare and disseminate information on indigenous issues." Highlights of the conference included debates on several topics such as: educating youth about their own cultures and languages; the risks posed by alcohol, drugs, and pollutants to the health of indigenous peoples; the importance of compensation for damage to indigenous land and resources; the need to preserve indigenous languages and sacred sites; and the adoption of a draft.

More information: www.un.org/esa/socdev/pfii

Discussion Day on the Rights of Indigenous Children

The Committee on the Rights of the Child devoted its day of general discussion to the theme of the rights of indigenous children. It took place in Geneva, Switzerland, on Friday, 19 September 2003. Representatives of non-governmental organizations, including indigenous organizations and youth groups, UN programs and agencies and governments attending the Committee meeting as well as other interested individuals and organizations participated in the meeting.

The objective of the discussion day was to foster a deeper understanding of the contents and implications of the Convention on the Rights of the Child as they relate to indigenous children and to facilitate the exchange of information and experiences in order to assist the Committee in addressing the rights of indigenous children during the examination of State Party reports. The focus of the general discussion was on questions of non-discrimination and cultural specificity. The working groups discussed racism and xenophobia and discrimination in accessing services as well as discrimination when indigenous children come into contact with law enforcement officials or the justice system; the right to identity and the right to education.

More information:

The Committee on the Rights of the Child: www.unhchr.ch/html/menu2/6/crc/

Documents submitted for the Discussion Day: www.crin.org/docs/resources/treaties/crc.34/Discussion.htm

Recommendations of the Discussion Day:
www.unhchr.ch/html/menu2/6/crc/doc/days