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 (10 September 2013) – The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, James Anaya, today called on the relevant state, federal and tribal authorities in the United States of America to take all necessary measures to ensure the wellbeing and human rights of 'Veronica,' an almost four year old Cherokee child at the center of a highly contentious custody dispute.
"Veronica's human rights as a child and as member of the Cherokee Nation, an indigenous people, should be fully and adequately considered in the ongoing judicial and administrative proceedings that will determine her future upbringing," Mr. Anaya stressed. "The individual and collective rights of all indigenous children, their families and indigenous peoples must be protected throughout the United States."
The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, James Anaya, has released his report on the situation of indigenous peoples in El Salvador and his report on his consultations with indigenous peoples in Asia. The Special Rapporteur previously issued his report on the situation of indigenous peoples in Namibia in June 2013. The Special Rapporteur will present the three reports to the UN Human Rights Council in September 2013 along with his annual report, which focuseson extractive industries and indigenous peoples, and his report on cases examined.
GENEVA (9 August 2013) – The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, James Anaya, today urged Governments worldwide to respect all agreements -new and old- with indigenous peoples to provide a basis for much needed reconciliation and overcome all obstacles to the full realization of indigenous peoples’ rights. “Full respect for treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements is a crucial element in advancing toward reconciliation with indigenous peoples,” the expert said on International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.
With respect to new treaties and agreements being developed, including in relation to extractive industries operating in or near indigenous lands, the UN expert underscored that these should be consistent with international standards concerning the rights of indigenous peoples, both in relation to indigenous participation in these processes as well as in terms of substantive outcomes. “In no instance should new treaties or agreements fall below or undermine the standards set forth in the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples or established in other international sources,” he said. “Broken treaties must become a thing of the past,” he stressed.
The annual thematic report of the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, which he will present to the Human Rights Council in September 2013,addresses issues related to extractive industries and implications that they have for the rights of indigenous peoples. In the report, the Special Rapporteur systematically sets forth a series of observations and recommendations regarding models of natural resource development, the obligations of States, the responsibilities of companies, consultation processes, and the principle of free, prior and informed consent to protect the rights of indigenous peoples, within the context of challenges posed by extractive industries on a global scale. These observations and recommendations build upon the Special Rapporteur'sprevious reports and draw on information gathered through country visits, seminars, written submission from various sources and independent research.
The Special Rapporteur invites indigenous peoples, governments, companies, and NGOs to an open dialogue on the report anditsrecommendations. To this end, the Special Rapporteur will conduct an on-line seminar on his website within the coming weeks and engage in an inter-active dialogue with interested parties in Geneva in September in connection with his presentation of the report to the Human Rights Council.
The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, James Anaya, concluded his official visit to Panama today. In his final statement upon concluding the mission, Mr. Anaya stated that indigenous peoples of the country are calling for greater recognition and protection of their territories and natural resources. During his visit, the Special Rapporteur also heard indigenous peoples throughout the country express concerns regarding a lack of respect and deference by State authorities towards decisions by indigenous authorities.
Mr. Anaya noted that "...it is necessary to consolidate and implement State public policies in favor of the rights of indigenous peoples in a manner that is coherent with international standards." The Special Rapporteur also stated that "... an important advancement for the recognition of the rights of indigenous peoples would be the ratification of International Labour Organization Convention No. 169 concerning Indigenous and Tribal Peoples in Independent Countries. Panama is one of the few countries in Latin America that has not yet ratified the Convention. Convention No. 169 is an instrument that compliments the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which was adopted in 2007 by the United Nations General Assembly with an affirmative vote by Panama."
GENEVA / PANAMA CITY (17 July 2013) - The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, James Anaya, will visit Panama from 19 to 26 July 2013, to study the situation of indigenous groups the country.
“I hope this visit will contribute to raising awareness of the concerns of indigenous peoples in Panama, including ngäbe bugle, guna, embera, wounaan, bri bri and naso people, concerns that are often ignored by the societies in which they live”, said Mr. Anaya, who visited the country in 2009 to assess the situation of indigenous communities affected by the Chan 75 hydroelectric project. In announcing his official mission to Panama, the UN independent expert expressed his desire to “get a better understanding of the views of indigenous peoples, representatives of the Government and other stakeholders on the advances and challenges that exist with regard to enjoyment of human rights of indigenous peoples in the country.”
During his seven-day visit, the Special Rapporteur will meet with Government officials and representatives of indigenous peoples in Panama City and will travel to the indigenous territories of Ngäbe Bugle, Guna Yala and Embera Wounaan.
From 8 to12 July 2013, the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, James Anaya, participated in the sixth session of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the last session in which he will participate prior to the end of his mandate in April 2014. The Special Rapporteur spoke at the opening panel, during which he discussed his coordination with the Expert Mechanism and provided comments related to the Expert Mechanism’s study on access to justice.
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has release the latest Joint Communications Report of the Special Procedures Mandate Holders for communications sent between 1 December 2012 and 28 February 2013 and replies received between 1 February and 30 April 2013.
The report contains letters sent by the Special Rapporteur James Anaya and replies received from governments concerning cases of alleged violations of the human rights of indigenous peoples. Cases examined by the Special Rapporteur reflected in the report are from Argentina, Bangladesh, Botswana, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, Philippines, Russia Federation, and the United States of America.
On 27 May 2013, the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples delivered a keynote address at the inaugural conference of the World Indigenous Network, in Darwin, Australia. In his presentation he addressed the advances and ongoing challenges worldwide for implementation of the internationally recognized rights of indigenous peoples, especially in the context of land and natural resource conservation programs.
See the conference Program here, and see Videos here. Media coverage here
From 20 to 22 May 2013, the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples participated in the twelfth session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York. During his time at the Forum, the Special Rapporteur held parallel meetings with numerous indigenous representatives, who presented documentation regarding cases of alleged violations of their human rights. In his statement to the Permanent Forum, the Special Rapporteur provided updates on the activities he has carried out throughout the year, and some comments relevant to the mandate of the Permanent Forum to provide expert advice on indigenous issues to the programmes, funds and agencies of the United Nations.
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.
GENEVA (10 September 2013) – The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, James Anaya, today called on the relevant state, federal and tribal authorities in the United States of America to take all necessary measures to ensure the wellbeing and human rights of 'Veronica,' an almost four year old Cherokee child at the center of a highly contentious custody dispute.
The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, James Anaya, has released his report on the situation of indigenous peoples in
GENEVA (9 August 2013) – The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, James Anaya, today urged Governments worldwide to respect all agreements -new and old- with indigenous peoples to provide a basis for much needed reconciliation and overcome all obstacles to the full realization of indigenous peoples’ rights. 
The annual thematic report of the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, which he will present to the Human Rights Council in September 2013,addresses issues related to extractive industries and implications that they have for the rights of indigenous peoples. In the report, the Special Rapporteur systematically sets forth a series of observations and recommendations regarding models of natural resource development, the obligations of States, the responsibilities of companies, consultation processes, and the principle of free, prior and informed consent to protect the rights of indigenous peoples, within the context of challenges posed by extractive industries on a global scale. These observations and recommendations build upon the Special Rapporteur'sprevious reports and draw on information gathered through country visits, seminars, written submission from various sources and independent research.
The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, James Anaya, concluded his official visit to Panama today. In his final statement upon concluding the mission, Mr. Anaya stated that indigenous peoples of the country are calling for greater recognition and protection of their territories and natural resources. During his visit, the Special Rapporteur also heard indigenous peoples throughout the country express concerns regarding a lack of respect and deference by State authorities towards decisions by indigenous authorities.
GENEVA / PANAMA CITY (17 July 2013) - The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, James Anaya, will visit Panama from 19 to 26 July 2013, to study the situation of indigenous groups the country.
From 8 to12 July 2013, the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, James Anaya, participated in the sixth session of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the last session in which he will participate prior to the end of his mandate in April 2014. The Special Rapporteur 
On 27 May 2013, the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples delivered a keynote address at the inaugural conference of the World Indigenous Network, in Darwin, Australia. In his presentation he addressed the advances and ongoing challenges worldwide for implementation of the internationally recognized rights of indigenous peoples, especially in the context of land and natural resource conservation programs.
From 20 to 22 May 2013, the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples participated in the twelfth session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York. During his time at the Forum, the Special Rapporteur held parallel meetings with numerous indigenous representatives, who presented documentation regarding cases of alleged violations of their human rights. In his statement to the Permanent Forum, the Special Rapporteur provided updates on the activities he has carried out throughout the year, and some comments relevant to the mandate of the Permanent Forum to provide expert advice on indigenous issues to the programmes, funds and agencies of the United Nations.
