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 welcomed the appointment of his successor, Vicky Tauli-Corpuz, who will become the next Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples on 2 June 2014.
Additionally, he discussed aspects of the international indigenous rights movement that have been key to the progress it has made and that will continue to be important to bridge the gap between the recognition of indigenous peoples’ rights and the implementation of those rights. During the interactive dialogue following his statement Professor Anaya heard from a range of representatives of indigenous peoples and States, as well as from several members of the Permanent Forum.