Report Of The Expert Mechanism On The Rights Of Indigenous Peoples On Its Second Session: Full Report

The Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples held its second session from 10 to 14 August 2009. All five members of the Expert Mechanism were present. Participants in the session included: representatives of States, United Nations bodies and specialized agencies, non-governmental organizations, academics and a large number of indigenous peoples. The participation of some of the indigenous peoples was funded through the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Populations.

The Expert Mechanism held a discussion on the draft study on lessons learned and challenges to achieve the implementation of the right of indigenous peoples to education, in order to finalize the study. It also held a discussion on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, addressing (a) the implementation of the Declaration at the regional and national levels, and (b) specific provisions in the Declaration identifying remedies for infringements of rights (rights to adjudication, remedies, repatriation, redress and compensation).

The Expert Mechanism adopted the study on the right of indigenous peoples to education and adopted six proposals. Five of the proposals are addressed to the Human Rights Council and relate to the following topics: a suggested thematic study on indigenous peoples’ right to participate in decision-making; human rights institutions and mechanisms; consideration of indigenous peoples’ rights during the Human Rights Council sessions; the Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Populations; and follow-up to the Durban Review Conference. The sixth proposal related to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and was addressed to United Nations specialized agencies.

Tags: United Nations  EMRIP  human rights