GENEVA (11 April 2014) – The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, James Anaya, today called on the owners of the Washington Redskins Football team, to consider "the hurtful reminder that the term 'redskins' represents of the long history of mistreatment of Native American people in the United States."
"While I am aware that there are some divergent views on this issue," the human rights expert said, "I urge the team owners to consider that the term 'redskin' for many is inextricably linked to a history of suffering and dispossession, and that it is understood to be a pejorative and disparaging term that fails to respect and honour the historical and cultural legacy of the Native Americans in the US."
In a 2012 report on the situation of indigenous peoples in the US, the Special Rapporteur likewise stressed that "the use of stereotypes obscures understanding of the reality of Native Americans today and instead help to keep alive racially discriminatory attitudes."
The Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, James Anaya, delivered a lecture on international human rights and indigenous peoples at a conference hosted by the Andean University Simón Bolivar and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, in La Paz, Bolivia while in La Paz from 25 to 27 March 2014. During his stay, the Special Rapporteur conducted informal meetings with representatives of indigenous peoples and the Government of Bolivia regarding key issues affecting indigenous peoples in the country, including issues related to the development of a law on consultation.
The Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, James Anaya, presents a series of observations and recommendations regarding the initiatives being carried out to expand the Camisea natural gas extraction project within Lote 88 in Cusco, Peru. The proposed expansion will potentially affect indigenous peoples living within and adjacent to Lote 88, including indigenous peoples in voluntary isolation or initial contact. The Special Rapporteur's observations were developed following exchanges of information with the Government of Peru, indigenous representatives, non-governmental organizations, and the Pluspetrol company, including during a visit to the country in December 2013. In the coming months, the Special Rapporteur will make public his full report on the situation of indigenous peoples in Peru in the context of extractive industries.
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has released the latest Joint Communications Report of the Special Procedures Mandate Holders for communications sent between 1 June and 30 November 2013 and replies received between 1 August 2013 and 31 January 2014. The report also includes responses received from communications sent prior to the report dates (A/HRC/25/74).
The report contains letters sent by the Special Rapporteur James Anaya and replies received from government concerning cases of alleged violations of the human rights of indigenous peoples. Communications sent and replies received during the reporting period are from Argentina, Bangladesh, Botswana, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, Honduras, India, Israel, Kenya, Nicaragua, Philippines, United Republic of Tanzania, and the United States of America. The Special Rapporteur also examined issues regarding the IAMGOLD Corporation and UNESCO's World Heritage Centre.
On 12 February 2014, the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples participated by videoconference in a discussion with indigenous peoples and organizations, members of civil society, and government officials regarding his report on the situation of indigenous peoples of Namibia(A/HRC/24/41/Add.1), which was made public in June 2013. The event was organized by the Indigenous Peoples of Africa Co-Coordinating Committee (IPACC), the Open Society of Southern Africa (Osisa), the Legal Assistance Centre of Namibia (LAC), and the Working Group of Indigenous Peoples in Southern Africa (WIMSA), and hosted by the United Nations country team in Windhoek.
On 3 February 2014, the Special Rapporteur gave the keynote speech at the indigenous panel entitled "Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources: What is at Stake for Indigenous Peoples?", which commenced the 26th session of the World Intellectual Property Organization Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore. In his statement, the Special Rapporteur provided an overview of the human rights principles regarding indigenous peoples that should guide the Intergovernmental Committee as it undertakes negotiations on the development an international legal instrument for the protection of traditional knowledge, traditional cultural expressions and genetic resources. Professor Anaya also offered comments on the Consolidated Document Relating to Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources (WIPO/GRTKF/IC/26/4), being discussed during the session.
USA (24 January 2014) - The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, James Anaya, today met with Leonard Peltier at the federal penitentiary located in Coleman, Florida where Mr. Peltier is incarcerated.
Mr. Peltier is an activist and leader in the American Indian Movement and was convicted in 1977 following the deaths of two Federal Bureau of Investigation agents during a clash on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. After a trial that has been criticized by many as involving numerous due process problems, Mr. Peltier was sentenced to two life sentences for murder, and has been denied parole on various occasions. Pleas for presidential consideration of clemency by notable individuals and institutions have not borne fruit.
In his 2012 report, "The situation of indigenous peoples in the United States of America", Professor Anaya recommended that measures of reconciliation with the country's indigenous peoples should include efforts to identify and heal particular sources of open wounds that they continue to experience, including new or renewed consideration for clemency for Leonard Peltier.
(New York 15 – 17 January 2014) The Special Rapporteur discussed the importance of giving focused attention to sexual health and reproductive rights within the broader topic of indigenous health at the UN Permanent Forum – sponsored International Expert Group Meeting on the theme: "Sexual health and reproductive rights: article 21, 22(1), 23 and 24 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples" held in New York. The Special Rapporteur provided an opening statement discussing barriers indigenous peoples face in realizing their right to health, including inadequate access to health care, a lack of culturally appropriate health services and contamination of indigenous lands and natural resources.
GENEVA (13 January 2014) – A United Nations independent expert has urged the Government of Kenya "to ensure that the human rights of the Sengwer indigenous people are fully respected, in strict compliance with international standards protecting the rights of indigenous peoples."
The UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, James Anaya, expressed deep concern about reports that police are poised to forcibly evict Sengwer indigenous people from their homes in the Embobut Forest in the Cherangani hills, in western Kenya.
Lima. 13 December 2013 - The Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, James Anaya, provided his preliminary observations and recommendations at a press conference upon conclusion of his 7-day visit to Peru. During his time in the country, he carried out a series of meetings with Government representatives at the national and regional levels, and with representatives of indigenous peoples, civil society, and private companies, in Lima and other cities, as well as in indigenous areas and communities in the departments of Puno, Cusco, and Loreto.
"I am concluding my official visit to Peru, which began on the 6th of December. The purpose of this visit was to learn about the situation of the indigenous peoples in the country, including issues related to consultation, free, prior, and informed consent, and the effects of extractive industry activities on indigenous peoples in isolation and initial contact."
On December 2 – 4 2013, the Special Rapporteur participated in the second annual United Nations Forum on Business and Human Rights held in Geneva, Switzerland. The Forum provides an opportunity to advance the promotion and implementation of the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. During the event, Professor Anaya participated in a panel discussion on "Indigenous peoples and business operations – taking steps towards implementing the UN Guiding Principles" during which he discussed his 2013 report to the Human Rights Council on extractive industries and indigenous peoples (A/HRC/24/41).
On November 26 and 27 the Special Rapporteur participated in several events in Guatemala City organized by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Guatemala. He gave a speech on the need to adopt affirmative action measure to ensure equitable representation of women and indigenous persons in State institutions, before the Forum of Employment Commissions of Guatemala; he made a statement on the need to advance with the implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, at an event to celebrate the renewal of the OHCHR's Maya Program; he led a seminar for the Constitutional Court of Guatemala on the judicial application of international norms on the rights of indigenous peoples; and he met with indigenous authorities from throughout the country, among other activities.
The Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, James Anaya, will visit Peru from 6 to 13 December 2013 to analyze the situation of indigenous groups in the country, including issues related to consultation, free, prior and informed consent, and the effects of extractive industry activities on indigenous peoples in isolation and initial contact. During the visit, the Special Rapporteur plans to meet with Government officials, indigenous peoples and organizations, and other interested parties to discuss the situation and rights of indigenous peoples in Peru.
The Special Rapporteur is currently developing his agenda for the visit. When more information is available regarding the agenda of the Special Rapporteur, it will be published at the following web site: http://unsr.jamesanaya.org For information about opportunities to participate in meetings, please write to:
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. Please be aware that, due to the large volume of requests, we may not be able to accommodate all those interested in participating in meetings with the Special Rapporteur. However, written information for consideration may be sent at any time to:
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On 6 November 2013, the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples participated by videoconference in a seminar on business and human rights organized by the Coordination of Indigenous Organizations from the Brazilian Amazon. Indigenous leaders from various regions of Brazil attended the 3-day seminar in Brasilia to improve their capacity and knowledge regarding the human rights of indigenous peoples in the context of business activities, including agribusiness, hydroelectric, oil and gas ventures, and mining.
On 31 October 2013, the Special Rapporteur participated in a forum, organized by the Harvard Project on Indian Economic Development, on Major Development Projects On and Near Indian Lands: Best Practices in Tribal-Corporate Relations. The Forum brought together indigenous leaders from throughout the United States, business enterprises, and academic representatives to discuss partnerships and development of mining and other large-scale projects. During the event in Boulder, Colorado, the Special Rapporteur gave the keynote address, in which he discussed the conclusions and recommendations of his study on extractive industries and indigenous peoples.
Statement by James Anaya, Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples.World Conference of Indigenous Women Lima, Perú 28-30 October, 2013. Read full statement here
The Special Rapporteur presented his final report to the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly. It his statement, Professor Anaya discussed broadly his work methods and lessons learned throughout his mandate. He also touched upon factors that in his opinion debilitate commitment to and action by States and other actors to the human rights standards embodied in the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, drawing upon his experiences over the past years.
Following his statement, the SpecialRapporteur participated in an interactive dialogue with States present, during which he elaborated further on his views regarding the character and legal implications of the Declaration.
Ottawa. 15 October 2013. "I am now concluding my visit to Canada in my capacity as United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples. Over the last nine days I have met with federal and provincial government authorities, and with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis leaders, organizations and individuals in several parts of the country. In addition to being in Ottawa, my meetings have taken me to various places, including indigenous territories, in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Québec."
GENEVA (3 October 2013) – United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, James Anaya, will visit Canada from 7 to 15 October 2013 to examine the situation of indigenous peoples in the country. This visit follows up a mission to Canada by the previous Special Rapporteur in 2004. “I will be looking at the issues faced by First Nations, Inuit and Métis people in Canada”, the human rights expert said, “including in relation to matters of reconciliation, governance and self-government; lands and resources; and health, education and economic development.” Announcing his first visit to Canada as UN Special Rapporteur, Mr. Anaya emphasized that the mission “aims at assessing the human rights concern of indigenous peoples in light of international standards to which Canada has committed, and at identifying good practices in Canadian law and policy as well as needed reforms.”
The Special Rapporteur, who visits the country at the invitation of the Government and indigenous peoples, will travel to remote communities and urban areas in the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. In these areas, he will hold discussions and consultations with indigenous peoples and their representatives and meet with federal and provincial government officials.
At the end of the seven-day mission, on 15 October 2013, Mr. Anaya will hold a press conference, from 2 to 3 pm at the National Press Theatre, located on the first floor of the National Press Building, in Ottawa, Ontario.Following the visit, the Special Rapporteur will prepare and make public a report on the visit’s findings, which will be presented to the UN Human Rights Council in September 2014.
7 October - Ontario: Meetings with government and indigenous representatives
8 October - Ontario: Meetings with government and indigenous representatives
9 October - Quebec: Meetings with government and indigenous representatives
10 October - British Columbia: For information about opportunities to participate in meetings in Vancouver please write to:
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11 October - Alberta: For information about opportunities to participate in meetings in the Edmonton area please write to:
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12 October - Manitoba: For information about opportunities to participate in meetings in Winnipeg please write to:
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13 October - Saskatchewan: For information about opportunities to participate in meetings in Southern Saskatchewan, please write to:
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14 October - Ontario: For information about opportunities to participate in meetings in Ottawa, please write to:
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15 October - Ontario: Press conference from 2 to 3 PM, National Press Theatre, Ottawa
Please be aware that, due to the large volume of requests, we will not be able to respond to all inquiries individually and not all of those interested may be able to participate in meetings. However, written information for consideration may be sent at any time to
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From 20 to 25 September 2013, the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples travelled to South Africa and Kenya, where he participated in trainings and workshops and met informally with representatives of indigenous peoples.
On 20 September, he gave a presentation at a course on indigenous peoples' rights at the University of Pretoria, during which he presented on United Nations mechanisms related to indigenous peoples rights and on extractive industries and indigenous peoples.On 23 September, the Special Rapporteur facilitated a workshop hosted by the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights regarding implementation of the Commission's principle decision regarding indigenous peoples, the Endorois decision.
While in Kenya, the Special Rapporteur also met informally with representatives of the Endorois, Ogiek and Maasai people in their traditional lands.
The Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, James Anaya, presented his sixth and final annual report to the United Nations Human Rights Council, at its 24th session in Geneva, Switzerland.
The Special Rapporteur presented his thematic report on extractive industries and indigenous peoples (A/HRC/24/41), as well his reports on the situation of indigenous peoples in Namibia (A/HRC/24/41/Add.1) and El Salvador (A/HRC/24/41/Add.2); his report on his consultation on the situation of indigenous peoples in Asia (A/HRC/24/41/Add.3); his report on communications sent, replies received and follow up (A/HRC/24/41/Add.4); and his index on reports he has developed throughout his mandate, divided by theme and geographical region (A/HRC/24/41/Add.5).
Following his presentation and the subsequent interactive dialogue, the Special Rapporteur held a side event, during which he discussed in detail his final report on extractive industries and indigenous peoples and answered questions from participants.
See webcast of presentation to the Human Rights Council and interactive dialogue here. See statement here
Special Rapporteur on Rights of Indigenous Peoples and
Chairperson of Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Present Reports. Human Rights Council, 18 September 2013.
GENEVA (11 April 2014) – The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, James Anaya, today called on the owners of the Washington Redskins Football team, to consider "the hurtful reminder that the term 'redskins' represents of the long history of mistreatment of Native American people in the United States."
The Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, James Anaya, delivered a lecture on international human rights and indigenous peoples at a conference hosted by the Andean University Simón Bolivar and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, in La Paz, Bolivia while in La Paz from 25 to 27 March 2014. During his stay, the Special Rapporteur conducted informal meetings with representatives of indigenous peoples and the Government of Bolivia regarding key issues affecting indigenous peoples in the country, including issues related to the development of a law on consultation.
The Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, James Anaya, presents a series of observations and recommendations regarding the initiatives being carried out to expand the Camisea natural gas extraction project within Lote 88 in Cusco, Peru. The proposed expansion will potentially affect indigenous peoples living within and adjacent to Lote 88, including indigenous peoples in voluntary isolation or initial contact. The Special Rapporteur's observations were developed following exchanges of information with the Government of Peru, indigenous representatives, non-governmental organizations, and the Pluspetrol company, including during a visit to the country in December 2013. In the coming months, the Special Rapporteur will make public his full report on the situation of indigenous peoples in Peru in the context of extractive industries.
On 12 February 2014, the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples participated by videoconference in a discussion with indigenous peoples and organizations, members of civil society, and government officials regarding his report on the situation of indigenous peoples of Namibia(
On 3 February 2014, the Special Rapporteur gave the keynote speech at the indigenous panel entitled "Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources: What is at Stake for Indigenous Peoples?", which commenced the 26th session of the 
USA (24 January 2014) - The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, James Anaya, today met with Leonard Peltier at the federal penitentiary located in Coleman, Florida where Mr. Peltier is incarcerated.
(New York 15 – 17 January 2014) The Special Rapporteur discussed the importance of giving focused attention to sexual health and reproductive rights within the broader topic of indigenous health at the UN Permanent Forum – sponsored International Expert Group Meeting on the theme: "
GENEVA (13 January 2014) – A United Nations independent expert has urged the Government of Kenya "to ensure that the human rights of the Sengwer indigenous people are fully respected, in strict compliance with international standards protecting the rights of indigenous peoples."
On December 2 – 4 2013, the Special Rapporteur participated in the 
On November 26 and 27 the Special Rapporteur participated in several events in Guatemala City organized by the Office of the
The Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, James Anaya, will visit Peru from 6 to 13 December 2013 to analyze the situation of indigenous groups in the country, including issues related to consultation, free, prior and informed consent, and the effects of extractive industry activities on indigenous peoples in isolation and initial contact. During the visit, the Special Rapporteur plans to meet with Government officials, indigenous peoples and organizations, and other interested parties to discuss the situation and rights of indigenous peoples in Peru.
On 6 November 2013, the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples participated by videoconference in a seminar on business and human rights organized by the 
On 31 October 2013, the Special Rapporteur participated in a forum, organized by the
The Special Rapporteur presented his final report to the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly. It his statement, Professor Anaya discussed broadly his work methods and lessons learned throughout his mandate. He also touched upon factors that in his opinion debilitate commitment to and action by States and other actors to the human rights standards embodied in the 
Ottawa. 15 October 2013. "I am now concluding my visit to Canada in my capacity as United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples. Over the last nine days I have met with federal and provincial government authorities, and with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis leaders, organizations and individuals in several parts of the country. In addition to being in Ottawa, my meetings have taken me to various places, including indigenous territories, in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Québec."
GENEVA (3 October 2013) – United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, James Anaya, will visit Canada from 7 to 15 October 2013 to examine the situation of indigenous peoples in the country. This visit follows up a mission to Canada by the previous Special Rapporteur in 2004. “I will be looking at the issues faced by First Nations, Inuit and Métis people in Canada”, the human rights expert said, “including in relation to matters of reconciliation, governance and self-government; lands and resources; and health, education and economic development.” Announcing his first visit to Canada as UN Special Rapporteur, Mr. Anaya emphasized that the mission “aims at assessing the human rights concern of indigenous peoples in light of international standards to which Canada has committed, and at identifying good practices in Canadian law and policy as well as needed reforms.”
From 20 to 25 September 2013, the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples travelled to South Africa and Kenya, where he participated in trainings and workshops and met informally with representatives of indigenous peoples.
The Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, James Anaya, presented his sixth and final annual report to the United Nations Human Rights Council, at its 24th session in Geneva, Switzerland.
