The United Nations Non-Governmental Liaison Service (UN-NGLS) is an inter-agency programme of the United Nations mandated to promote and develop constructive relations between the United Nations and civil society organizations.

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UN-Civil Society Engagement

NGLS publication on the UN engagement with people’s movements

"As this publication demonstrates, there is a continuing need for creating spaces for constructive dialogue and mutual cooperation, with the full participation of indigenous peoples in the decisions that affect them. This is essential not only in the context of UN activities but also at the local, national and regional levels. This publication showcases a number of initiatives to this end, which could be duplicated and further supported in order to ensure the full realization of indigenous peoples’ rights in the twenty first century.”

Prof. James Anaya
United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of
the Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of Indigenous People

Civil society interaction with the United Nations (UN) system has increased significantly over the past 15 years. So far, the majority of these relations have been with non-governmental organizations of various kinds, including humanitarian and development NGOs, advocacy groups and faith-based organizations.

As Strengthening Dialogue: UN Experience with Small Farmer Organizations and Indigenous Peoples demonstrates, there is room to explore better interaction with some other sectors of civil society, especially small-scale farmers, rural women, indigenous peoples, slum dwellers and other constituencies who still have limited access to global decision-making forums. The UN needs the direct input of these people’s movements in order to ensure that the policies it adopts and the programmes it implements incorporate the insights and proposals of those they are intended to support. Engaging them is particularly relevant in a moment in which global challenges have emerged with force – climate change, energy, water, food – which cannot be addressed by Member State governments alone.

The study focuses on two specific cases: small farmer organizations and indigenous peoples. It looks at concrete examples of interaction at both the global and country levels that can provide valuable lessons for strengthening future engagement.

Strengthening Dialogue suggests a core set of principles and practices, and some specific initiatives that could be undertaken in order to enhance this engagement. It highlights some of the potential benefits of closer engagement, examines the obstacles that need to be addressed, and notes the distinct challenges of cooperation at the country level.

The objectif of the publication is to heighten awareness and increase debate, both within UN circles and, between the UN system and people’s movements, about the principles and practices of meaningful engagement. It suggest next steps and encourages action on its recommendations.

Methodology

The project adopted a participatory approach aimed at building dialogue among selected people’s organizations and indigenous peoples, and UN system entities as an integral part of the inquiry. It draws from case studies as well as nearly one hundred interviews with representatives of UN entities, from operational officers to senior managers, and representatives of small farmers and indigenous peoples.

In November 2008, a working seminar in New York brought together members of small farmer platforms and indigenous peoples and representatives of the UN system entities around the table to react to the issues and proposals which had emerged from the interviews and encounters and to build better mutual understanding. In June 2009, the emerging results of the project were discussed with and enriched by the network of UN system civil society liaison officers at a meeting held in Geneva.

How to get a copy

Hardcopies in English are available and can be ordered from NGLS: ngls@un.org

The publication is available in French and Spanish

Access the publication by clicking here