This also drew the attention of de Mello that last year before leaving for his mission told the members of the Commission and the other chairs of UN bodies dealing with Indigenous Peoples as well as the chair of the UNPFII and the SR. We all sent a message to the WG DDRIP to quickly move toward the fundamental objective in a few months time. This is important. We should underline this. The experience of Indigenous Peoples having some element of legal consistency would also be a point of reference in the UN. Indigenous Peoples did not participate in the fundamental human rights standards. They were not able to participate in the UN UDHR and the additional protocols. Therefore, efforts were made by NGOs so that government bodies would understand them and they are still waiting patiently. The possibility is that, in particular, Indigenous Peoples should have a second decade.

Clearly the objectives underlying the first decade still have to be achieved. The fact that we are speaking about alternatives is good. Alternatives to a decade are not a decade. It could be education programs. A decade replaced by a program would be a poor replacement. We have to be extremely careful to say there are alternatives. A decade has a program of action. It is quite clear that there are alternatives that have been put forward. When we speak of alternatives in any events, the first thing that comes in mind is a reduction in importance with how the UN will deal with Indigenous Peoples in the future. I think it is important to have it underlined. The authority to decide on alternatives must be open. Following this intervention, this is something we should address. There may be alternatives but we are aware that it might be a step backward. For my part, I too would like to highlight some interesting points that have occurred since last year in July.

The action of the HCHR has been important this year. Ideas about the survival have been important. The central body within the body is the reiteration of the decision to recommend to ECOSOC that a conclusion be adopted that defends the three bodies. It has to be repeated this conviction to work for HR. We could meet five working days as we always have done. We hope this year finally the ECOSOC will reach a definite decision to see if we shall survive or not. Also, in the case of the SR function. A number of visits were made in the region I am from and a favorable response. We have had three seminars since we separated last. In Madrid, we focused on the judicial system. I had the opportunity to follow your action as a judge in action in the Kanagaa people where you participated in a decision to give Indigenous Peoples power to participate in a case which Indigenous Peoples had against authority and you with majority of Canadian court that necessary funds be extended to Indigenous Peoples so they could exercise their day in court. You had an impact in the highest legal body of your country. A seminar was also held for follow-up to SR report on Treaties, Conventions. We also had a high quality seminar where the advisory group for the Voluntary Fund for the Decade recently concluded to evaluate results and recommendations made. I will conclude at this stage. I would like to conclude that ask all participants to cooperate with the chair. The time we have available cannot be extended. Our working meetings are 10 sessions. We have to limit ourselves. There is a list of speakers already open. I declare it open in cooperation with the secretariat.

We can see how much time we will have to allocate. We need great cooperation from my colleagues in this exercise. I suggest whenever possible we can have joint statements. I have concluded this statement and I would like to thank you Madame High Commissioner for your presence. In the shape of your presence, we will have more support for Indigenous Peoples. I know you have many demands of your time. I understand the reasons you might have to leave.