Special Rapporteur: lecture in Bolivia on international human rights and indigenous peoples
On 25 March the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, James Anaya, delivered a lecture on international human rights and indigenous peoples at a conference hosted by the Andean University Simón Bolivar and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, in La Paz. During his presentation, Anaya addressed the objectives of consultation and consent mechanisms.
He highlighted that the process of consultation instrumentalises the right to self-determination and participation of indigenous peoples; while consent is the aim behind consultations. Anaya concluded his participation by emphasizing the responsibilities indigenous peoples have in the context of consultations. "I think indigenous peoples have the responsibility to listen to the States’ proposals, clearly define their representative authorities and ensure their technical capacity to be a part of the dialogue," he said. During his stay, the Special Rapporteur conducted informal meetings with representatives of indigenous peoples and the Government of Bolivia regarding key issues affecting indigenous peoples in the country, including issues related to the development of a law on consultation. Here you can watch his presentation at the conference (Spanish):
