On 20 May 2014 Professor James Anaya made his final presentation, in his capacity as Special Rapporteur, to the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues at its annual session in New York. In his statement he reported on his activities over the past year, including his reports on visits to Canada, Panama and Peru, and he… Read More »
[Geneva, 12 May 2014] The Special Rapporteur releases today his reports on the situation of indigenous peoples in Panama, Canada and Peru. Each of these reports is based on research and information gathered by the Special Rapporteur, including during visits to these countries in July, October and December 2013, respectively. The report on Peru focuses… Read More »
Geneva (8 May 2014) – Today the Human Rights Council appointed Ms. Vicky Tauli-Corpuz to the mandate of Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples. Professor Anaya, the current Special Rapporteur said, “I warmly congratulate Ms. Tauli-Corpuz and am confident she will do excellent work as the new Special Rapporteur“. Ms. Tauli-Corpuz, who is… Read More »
The Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, James Anaya, visited Chile from 14 to 16 April 2014 to give a lecture on the duty of the State to consult with indigenous peoples during a conference organized by the Universidad Diego Portales. He also made a keynote speech during a meeting of various business… Read More »
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… Read More »
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.… Read More »
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… Read More »
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… Read More »
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… Read More »
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… Read More »
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… Read More »
(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… Read More »
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… Read More »
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… Read More »
GENEVA / LIMA. The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, James Anaya, will visit Peru from 6 to 13 December 2013 to study the situation of indigenous peoples in the country . The mission of Mr. Anaya will focus specifically on the impact of extractive industries on the rights of indigenous… Read More »
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… Read More »
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… Read More »
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.… Read More »
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… Read More »
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… Read More »
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… Read More »
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,… Read More »
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… Read More »
A discussion of the report of the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples: EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRIES AND INDIGENOUS PEOPLES A side event during the 24th session of the Human Rights Council James Anaya, the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, will present his report to the Human Rights Council on extractive industries… Read More »
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… Read More »
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.… Read More »
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,… Read More »
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… Read More »
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… Read More »
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… Read More »