Summary Note 17 (December 2024)
This Summary presents the discussions held during the 23rd session of the UNPFII, April 15 to 26, 2024.
To be a Docip volunteer involves putting one’s skills at the service of indigenous delegates during their participation in the UN arena.
The United Nations Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples, established in December 1985 (General Assembly resolution 40/131), is designed to provide financial assistance to indigenous representatives so that they can participate in UN conferences. It exists thanks to voluntary contributions from Governments, NGOs, and public and/or private entities. Initially, it was created to support participation in the Working Group on Indigenous Populations of the Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights. However, over the years its mandate has been extended to other conferences/meetings for Indigenous Peoples, including the following:
The Fund is managed, in accordance with the UN's financial management, by the Secretary-General, assisted by a Board of Directors consisting of five members with relevant experience on indigenous issues. They are appointed by the Secretary-General for a renewable term of three years, and they serve in their individual capacity. Below is the list of the five current members for the period from 1 January 2015 - 31 December 2017:
On the Fund's website you will find relevant UN documents, the criteria for selection of beneficiaries, application forms and deadlines, and a list of contributions already received.
Contact information:
United Nations Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples
High Commissioner for Human Rights
CH-1211 Geneva 10 - Switzerland
Tel.: + 41 22 928 9737 / 9314
Fax: + 41 22 928 9010
E-mail: IndigenousFunds(at)ohchr.org
This Fund is available via the organization IWGIA (International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs), which has been active on the international stage for the cause of Indigenous Peoples' rights since 1968. IWGIA set up the Human Rights Fund for Indigenous Peoples (HRFIP) to facilitate their participation in the UN arena. For more information visit the organization's official website.
The WIPO Voluntary Fund for Accredited Indigenous and Local Communities was established in October 2005 by the Member States of WIPO. The objective is to facilitate the participation of indigenous and local communities in the work of the Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore (IGC). Only representatives of local or indigenous communities already accredited with the IGC may apply for financial support from this Fund. On the WIPO website you will find information on the IGC accreditation procedure, as well as details about the Fund’s objectives, rules and operations. You will also find forms for grant applications.
Contact information:
Traditional Knowledge Division
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
34, chemin des Colombettes
1211 Geneva 20 / Switzerland
Fax: + 41 22 338 8120
E-mail: grtkf(at)WIPO.int
