UNSR James Anaya

15 May 2012. During the Eleventh Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, the Special Rapporteur presented his annual statement providing an overview of his activities in the past year. These activities included coordinated work with the Permanent Forum and Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the promotion of indigenous rights, the examination of specific allegations of human rights violations, country visits and studies, as well as his current findings and ongoing work related to his thematic study of the impacts of extractive industries operating on or near indigenous peoples' territories. The Rapporteur concluded with his observations on the theme of the Permanent Forum's Eleventh Session with regards to the ongoing effects of the doctrine of discovery.

See statement, here

Statement of the United Nations
Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, James Anaya,
upon conclusion of his visit to the United States

4 May 2012

Washington, D.C.– "In my capacity as United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, I am concluding my official visit to the United States of America, which I have been carrying out over the past twelve days. During my mission, I have held consultations with indigenous peoples, tribes, and nations in Washington, D.C.; Arizona; Alaska; Oregon; Washington State; South Dakota; and Oklahoma, both in Indian Country and in urban areas. I also had a series of meetings with representatives of the executive branch of the federal government and with state government officials. I regret that my efforts to meet with members of the U.S. Congress were unsuccessful, especially given the prominent role of Congress in defining the status and rights of indigenous peoples within the United States.

I would like to thank the U.S. Department of State and other parts of the government administration for the cooperation they have provided for the mission. I would also like to express my deep gratitude to representatives of indigenous nations and peoples whose assistance in planning and carrying out of this visit has been indispensible. I am honored to have been welcomed into their communities and am humbled by the hospitality I received. I am grateful that they shared their still vibrant cultures and stories, and also their concerns with me.

Washington / New York (4 May 2012) The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, James Anaya, today concluded his official visit to the United States of America, which was carried out from 23 April to 4 May. In completing his visit, the Special Rapporteur urged the United States to strengthen federal and state measures to address the significant issues affecting Native American, Alaska Native and Hawaiian peoples throughout in the country.

Special Rapporteur Anaya noted that "[c]ontinued and concerted measures are needed to develop new initiatives and reform existing ones, in consultation and in real partnership with indigenous peoples... with a goal towards strengthening indigenous peoples' own self-determination and decision-making over their affairs at all levels."

Mr. Anaya will provide detailed observations and recommendations regarding the visit in a report to the UN Human Rights Council at its forthcoming session.

See Press Release, here -  Check the full end-of-mission statement, here

GENEVA / NEW YORK (20 April 2012) – United Nations Special Rapporteur James Anaya will visit the United States of America from 23 April to 4 May 2012, to examine the situation of indigenous peoples in that country. This will be the first mission to the USA by an independent expert designated by the UN Human Rights Council to report on the rights of the indigenous peoples.

“I will examine the situation of the American Indian/Native American, Alaska Native and Hawaiian peoples against the background of the United States’ endorsement of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples,” Mr. Anaya said. “My visit aims at assessing how the standards of the Declaration are reflected in U.S. law and policy and identifying needed reforms and good practices.”

The Role of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
within the United Nations Human Rights System

A Handbook for Indigenous Leaders in the United States

 PDF Version  (5 MB)

GENEVA / NEW YORK (20 April 2012) – United Nations Special Rapporteur James Anaya will visit the United States of America from 23 April to 4 May 2012, to examine the situation of indigenous peoples in that country. This will be the first mission to the USA by an independent expert designated by the UN Human Rights Council to report on the rights of the indigenous peoples.“I will examine the situation of the American Indian/Native American, Alaska Native and Hawaiian peoples against the background of the United States’ endorsement of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples", Mr. Anaya said. “My visit aims at assessing how the standards of the Declaration are reflected in U.S. law and policy and identifying needed reforms and good practices.”

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Consultation in the Pacific Northwest

Monday, April 30, 2012
Portland, Oregon

Mr. James Anaya
Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

All Meetings are Open to the Public

*Please contact the following individuals to sign up to make a statement. Also, refer to the attachments to prepare your statements. For more information please go to the following website: http://www.unsr.jamesanaya.org/

Contact information

Melissa Clyde, Senior Program Director, National Indian Child Welfare Association
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Phone: (503) 222-4044 Ext. 129 or Cell phone (314) 489-3311

Kristen Potts, Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Phone: 503-249-5770 Ext. 2 or Cell phone: 503-504-2692

PDF Version

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights released the Joint Communications Report of Special Procedures Mandate Holders for communications sent between from 1 June 2011 and 30 November 2011, and replies received from Governments between 1 August 2011 and 31 January 2012. The report contains several 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 Israel, Thailand, Malaysia, Peru, United States of America, Mexico, Ethiopia, Bolivia, Finland, Canada, Guatemala, Chile, Costa Rica, China, France, and Brazil.
See the report here or go to the specific case.

UNITED NATIONS SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR on the RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
CONSULTATION at the ALASKA NATIVE HERITAGE CENTER

8800 Heritage Center Drive Anchorage, Alaska

APRIL 28, 2012 1:00PM to 5:00PM