About IWGIAThe Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
In September 2010, the Human Rights Council renewed the mandate of the Special Rapporteur for a period of three years, and in doing so changed the title of the mandate from “Special Rapporteur on the situation of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people” to “Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples” (A/HRC/15/14).
The Council’s resolution reaffirms and reinforces the Special Rapporteur’s mandate as described in previous resolutions of the Commission on Human Rights, in areas such as the Special Rapporteur’s official visits, communications, and annual reporting.
The Council’s resolution further includes a number of important innovations in relationship to previous resolutions, including the following:
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The resolution entrusts the Special Rapporteur with the follow-up of the recently adopted UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, along with other relevant international standards.
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The resolution invites the Special Rapporteur to work in close cooperation with the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, and to participate in its annual session.
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The resolution invites the Special Rapporteur to identify, exchange and promote best practices in the promotion and protection of the rights of indigenous peoples.
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The resolution calls the Special Rapporteur to pay a particular attention to the situation of indigenous women and children, and to apply a gender perspective in his/her work.
