Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples

Introduction

Indigenous peoples across the world experience the consequences of historical colonization and invasion of their territories, and face discrimination because of their distinct cultures, identities and ways of life. In recent decades, the international community has given special attention to the human rights situations of indigenous peoples, as shown by the adoption of international standards and guidelines, as well as by the establishment of institutions and bodies that specifically target these peoples’ concerns. The rights of indigenous peoples are further promoted by international and regional human rights mechanisms. (See Indigenous Peoples).

In this context, the Commission on Human Rights decided to appoint in 2001 a Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, as part of the system of thematic Special Procedures. The Special Rapporteur’s mandate was renewed by the Commission on Human Rights in 2004, and by the Human Rights Council in 2007. (See Mandate).

In the fulfillment of his mandate, the Special Rapporteur:

• Promotes good practices, including new laws, government programs, and constructive agreements between indigenous peoples and states, to implement international standards concerning the rights of indigenous peoples (See Promotion of good practices);

• Reports on the overall human rights situations of indigenous peoples in selected countries (See Country reports);

• Addresses specific cases of alleged violations of the rights of indigenous peoples through communications with Governments and others (See Communications);

• Conducts or contributes to thematic studies on topics of special importance regarding the promotion and protection of the rights of indigenous peoples (See Thematic studies).

The Special Rapporteur undertakes efforts to follow-up on the recommendations included in his or his predecessor’s reports in relation to the foregoing areas of work (See Follow-up of recommendations). Additionally, he reports annually on his activities to the Human Rights Council (See Annual reports).

Latest news:

More press releases and statements

Highlights

Updates on the visit of the Special Rapporteur to the United States from 23 April to 4 May NEW! 

Meetings with the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples during the eleventh session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

Latest reports

Report of the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples
Summary of activities
Extractive industries operating within or near indigenous territories
A/HRC/18/35

Communications report 2011
A/HRC/18/35/Add.1

The situation of the Sami people in the Sápmi region of Norway, Sweden and Finland
A/HRC/18/35/Add.2

Observaciones sobre la situación de los derechos de los pueblos indígenas de Guatemala en relación con los proyectos extractivos y otro tipo de proyectos, en sus territorios
A/HRC/18/35/Add.3

The situation of Maori people in New Zealand
A/HRC/18/35/Add.4

The situation of indigenous peoples in the Republic of Congo
A/HRC/18/35/Add.5 

The situation of Kanak people in New Caledonia, Republic of France
A/HRC/18/35/Add.6 (AUV)

Measures needed to secure indigenous and tribal peoples’ land and related rights in Suriname
A/HRC/18/35/Add.7

La situación de los pueblos indígenas afectados por el proyecto hidroeléctrico El Diquís en Costa Rica
A/HRC/18/35/Add.8  

Special Rapporteur:

Prof. S. James Anaya,
United States of America (2008-)

Former Special Rapporteur:

Dr. Rodolfo Stavenhagen,
Mexico (2001-2008)