An International Workshop on Extractive Industries, Indigenous Peoples and Human Rights organized by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, in cooperation with the Russian Association of Indigenous Peoples of the North and Far East (RAIPON) and supported by the Government of the Russian Federation, was held at the Public Chamber, Moscow, on 3 and 4 December 2008. The purpose of the workshop was to bring together representatives of companies and indigenous communities to reflect and make proposals on issues such as consultation, benefit-sharing and dispute resolution involving indigenous peoples impacted by extractive industry activities.

The participants included representatives from several major companies in the Russian Federation including Gazprom, Rushydro and others, as well as international companies, such as ValeInco, Shell and Brtitish Gas. The workshop focused on good company practices from Canada, New Caledonia, South Africa and the Russian Federation but also heard about other examples of successful cooperation between companies and indigenous communities. The OHCHR is planning to continue its work with extractive industry and indigenous peoples to elaborate a framework that can be used to promote cooperative relations and successful agreements respectful of indigenous peoples' rights.