Rights of Indigenous Peoples A/RES/79/159 life of the State; and ensure their right to participation in decision-making in matters which would affect their rights, as determined by law and in accordance with international human rights obligations, Reiterating that the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic was one of the greatest global challenges, and noting with deep concern its impact on individuals and groups of society, in particular Indigenous Peoples, on loss of life, health, mental health and well-being, and the enjoyment of human rights, and across all spheres of society, including on livelihoods, food security and nutrition, and education, the exacerbation of poverty and hunger, and disruption to economies, trade, societies and environments, and that these effects disproportionately impact poor, vulnerable and marginalized segments of the population, as well as women and girls, Recognizing the need for science, technology and innovation to be adapted and made relevant to Indigenous Peoples, in line with the principle of free, prior and informed consent, fostering synergies between science and technology and Indigenous knowledge, systems, practices and capacities, Expressing deep concern about the rise in discrimination, hate speech, stigmatization, racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, including against Indigenous Peoples exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and stressing the need to counter them, in a manner consistent with international human rights law, as part of the responses to COVID-19 and other health emergencies, Condemning the cases of threats, harassment, reprisals and murder of Indigenous Peoples, in particular women and girls, and persons with disabilities, often with impunity, as well as land invasions, arbitrary forced evictions and other abusive practices, Condemning also the increase of cases of intimidation, harassment and reprisals against Indigenous human rights defenders and Indigenous leaders, including Indigenous women, as well as Indigenous Peoples’ representatives attending United Nations meetings and United Nations mandate holders working on the rights of Indigenous Peoples, and expressing its concern at the practice of some countries, including those hosting meetings on Indigenous issues, of intentionally or in a discriminatory manner delaying or denying entry visas to United Nations mandate holders or Indigenous Peoples’ representatives, or applying additional travel restrictions to them that interfere, inter alia, with their ability to participate in or return from such meetings, Bearing in mind the policy instruments in the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration 16 for Member States to draw on, including to respond to the needs of migrants who face situations of vulnerability, including Indigenous Peoples, Noting the importance to Indigenous women and girls of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989 (No. 169), of the International Labour Organization, 17 Taking note with appreciation of the agreed conclusions of the sixty-third session of the Commission on the Status of Women, 18 in which Governments at all levels and as appropriate, with the relevant entities of the United Nations system and international and regional organizations, within their respective mandates and bearing in mind national priorities, were urged to promote and protect the rights of Indigenous women and girls, including those living in rural and remote areas, by addressing the __________________ Resolution 73/195, annex. United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 1650, No. 28383. 18 See Official Records of the Economic and Social Council, 2019, Supplement No. 7 (E/2019/27), chap. I, sect. A. 16 17 24-24152 3/15