By LYN V. RAMO
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY — The selection process for the nomination of the IP expert representative for Asia to the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) has started, the Baguio-based Tebtebba Foundation said.

“The selection process for the Asia expert representative to the UNPFII is an important mechanism to ensure the open and democratic participation of as many organizations of indigenous peoples as possible,” said Tebtebba’s Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, also the current chair of UNPFII.

Tauli-Corpuz enjoins indigenous peoples’ organizations and institutions to participate fully and to reach out to as many organizations in their respective network.

She said advocate groups can also help by disseminating and assisting indigenous peoples’ organizations to participate in the process.

Joan Carling, the Secretary General of the Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP) is also in charge of accepting nominations for Nepal, Bangladesh, India, North East India, Pakistan, Burma and Thailand.

Tebtebba will receive nominations for the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Japan,
China, Taiwan and Vietnam. It has its offices at #1 Roman Ayson Rd., Baguio City with telephone nr. 444-77-03. # nordis.net