UNSR James Anaya

Despite government programs aimed at improving the economic conditions of the Basarwa (San) and other indigenous peoples in Botswana, these peoples continue to suffer disadvantage, concludes a report by Special Rapportuer James Anaya. Government programs in Botswana should be better adapted to advance the rights of disadvantaged indigenous peoples in accordance with contemporary international standards, he says. See Press Release and Report.

The State of Colombia has devoted significant attention to indigenous issues and to the development of plans and proposals to address the recommendations of the former Special Rapporteur, but indigenous peoples in the country continue to face serious problems which have not been addressed with the urgency that the gravity of the situation merits, says Special Rapporteur James Anaya in a report following a visit to the country to examine progress made after his predecessor's visit there. See Press Release and Report.

Following up to an earlier visit to the country, Special Rapporteur James Anaya visited Ecuador from 7 to 9 December 2009 to participate in an initiative to develop legislation to recognize indigenous justice systems and to examine the implementation of constitutional protections of indigenous rights. See Press Release.

Implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples would both bring historical justice to that too-often ignored segment of humanity and develop stronger democratic, multicultural societies, the Special Rapporteur on indigenous issues told the Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) of the UN General Assembly. See Press Release and Report.

"I am impressed by the several initiatives by the Government of the Russian Federation and regional governments to address the concerns of the country’s small-numbered indigenous peoples," stated James Anaya, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people, as he concluded his visit to Russia. "Significant challenges remain, however, to consolidate and effectively implement these initiatives for the benefit of these indigenous peoples," he added. He also noted that indigenous peoples in many places continue to suffer from poverty, unemployment, and related social ills, and face impediments to their access to traditional economic activities and effective participation in the decisions affecting them. See Press Release.

Following an visit to Peru to examine the events of Bagua, Peru in June 2009, Special Rapporteur James Anaya issued a report with several recommendations to clarify the facts surrounding the events and to address the underlying problems related to shortcoming in the protections for the rights of indigenous peoples. See Press Release issued at the conclusion of the visit and Report.

A report by Special Rapporteur James Anaya done after an on site visit to Panama finds significant flaws in the government’s authorization for the dam and the ongoing construction project. He calls for a new process of dialogue with the affected communities to obtain their agreement on the terms of the project and for measures to ensure respect for their land and other human rights. See Report.

Special Rapporteur James Anaya attended the title-granting ceremony in Awas Tingni. Read his commentary on the event.

After his visit to the country, Special Rapporteur James Anaya noted that Nepal’s government has achieved some positive developments in improving the human rights of Nepal's indigenous peoples, but that a number of concerns related to a history of discrimination against the Adivasi Janajati remain. See Press Release issued at the conclusion of the visit and Report.

"Despite advances, exercise of the right to self-determination for indigenous peoples – that is, real control of their own lives and lands – is still a major challenge for Brazil." This was the main observation of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people, S. James Anaya, as he concluded a 12-day visit to Brazil. See Press Release issued at the conclusion of the visit and Report.