21 October 2013: UN Member States called for stronger implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), during discussions in the UN General Assembly’s (UNGA) Third Committee discussions of social, humanitarian and cultural issues.

Speaking on 21 October 2013, at UN Headquarters in New York, US, James Anaya, Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, presented his final report (A/68/317) and briefed Member States on activities undertaken during his time of service. He said he gave particular emphasis to building constructive dialogue between indigenous peoples and others, particularly on human rights issues and extractive industries operating in or near indigenous peoples’ territories. He expressed concern that UNDRIP is often seen as being non-binding and aspirational in nature, saying that “States should aspire to implement it.”

UN representatives and several delegates stressed that greater awareness of human rights should underpin a renewed push for implementation. A message from Wu Hongbo, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs and Coordinator of the Second International Decade of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, called for greater attention to the situation of indigenous women, who face “triple discrimination” on the basis of their indigenous identity, gender and economic status. Several delegates called on Member States to ensure adequate consultation with indigenous peoples on policies and services in areas affecting them, such as health, education and access to justice. The EU noted the importance of indigenous issues and peoples in relation to the elaboration of the post-2015 development agenda, and called on the UN to address the gap between the Declaration and its implementation.

The UN Human Rights Council appointed Anaya as Special Rapporteur in 2008, under the HRC’s Special Procedures.

At a press conference the same day, Paul Kanyinke Sena, Chair of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (PFII), called on governments around the world to address issues concerning land, natural resources and extractive industries in territories populated by indigenous peoples, so as to ensure their rights and privileges. [Meeting Summary] [Report of the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples] [Mandate of Special Rapporteur] [UN Press Release] [Press Conference Summary]