HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL REVIEWS MANDATES OF EXPERTS ON SITUATION IN BURUNDI, RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE

The Human Rights Council this afternoon reviewed the mandates of the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Burundi and the Special Rapporteur on the human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people, as it continued with its process of review, rationalization and improvement of mandates.

In the context of the discussion on the mandate of Akich Okola, the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Burundi, Immaculée Nahayo, Minister of National Solidarity, Human Rights and Gender of Burundi, said Burundi welcomed the efforts of regional countries and the United Nations to help Burundi. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Human Rights Division had been of great help. The mandate of the Independent Expert was very important to Burundi. The support of the international community was still needed, and the extension of the Independent Expert’s mandate should continue for one year until he could help set up the national human rights bodies. Given the enormous challenges, the appeal of the Independent Expert for the international community to continue their efforts to help the strengthening of human rights in Burundi was endorsed.

In the debate on the mandate, delegations said the human rights situation was still fragile in a number of areas of Burundi, and deserved the continued attention of the international community. The Government of Burundi and the Human Rights Council should benefit from the perspective of an independent and human rights-focused international mechanism. The Independent Expert had accomplished a full analyses of the situation, and had also formulated balanced recommendations both for Burundi and for the international community, in particular with regards to technical assistance. The extension of the mandate was widely supported, thanks to the decision of the Government of Burundi to request this. The results secured to date were additional evidence of the progress made possible by cooperation in the field, and speakers hoped that these positive developments would be strengthened in the future.

In the discussion on the mandate of Rodolfo Stavenhagen, the Special Rapporteur on human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people, which started in the morning meeting, delegates said there was little doubt that the mandate had provided a substantial and valuable contribution, and its renewal was generally supported. The mandate had helped put focus on the situation of indigenous peoples in the work of human rights bodies, and had facilitated dialogue and understanding between indigenous peoples, States, and international organizations. The challenge before the international community now was to make sure that the indigenous peoples would in fact enjoy the rights recognised in the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

In his concluding remarks, Mr. Stavenhagen said he felt this marked a beginning and the adoption of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples by the General Assembly just a few days ago was the culmination of a lengthy joint endeavour by indigenous people and governments of the international community. On the main attainments of the mandate, he said there had been great progress. Almost no indigenous representatives were involved 25 years ago when early discussion began on the issue. Now, as a result of collective effort, there was recognition of indigenous people as full citizens with full rights and needs, in their own lands.

Speaking on the mandate of the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Burundi was Portugal on behalf of the European Union, Egypt on behalf of the African Group, Ghana, Switzerland, Canada, Netherlands, Zambia, France, Slovenia, Rwanda, Côte d’Ivoire, Uganda, Tanzania, Belgium, Greece, Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, Germany, and United Kingdom. The following non-governmental organizations also took the floor: International Federation for Human Rights Leagues and Association of World Citizens.

Speaking on the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people were the representatives of Egypt for the African Group, Russian Federation, Brazil, Bolivia, Portugal for the European Union, Peru, Switzerland, Mexico, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Canada, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Cuba, Panama, Chile, Venezuela, Argentina, Algeria, Norway, Ecuador and Guatemala. Also speaking were Indian Council of South America; International Indian Treaty Council; International Service for Human Rights; International Federation of Human Rights Leagues -FIDH (on behalf of World Organization against Torture); Human Rights Watch; and Association of World Citizens.

The next meeting of the Council will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday 27 September, when it is scheduled to take up its agenda items on follow-up to and implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, and technical assistance and capacity-building.

Review, Rationalization and Improvement of Mandate of Independent Expert on Human Rights in Burundi

Opening Statement

IMMACULEE NAHAYO, Minister of National Solidarity, Human Rights and Gender of Burundi, welcomed the fact that this topic was part of the Human Rights Council’s agenda. The Independent Expert for Burundi was thanked for his various missions and reports in the context of his mandate. In terms of security, peace and calm were reigning in Burundi, although there had been a few incidents in recent days. Other sporadic killings had been seen and initial investigations had shown that they were related to common crimes. The Government of Burundi condemned those killings.

Ms. Nahayo said that the fact that the police forces were not always equipped to help deal with the surges of violence was regretted. The authorities had confiscated weapons from people with no weapon permits. The fact that there were children among the FNL was regretted. The situation of human rights had developed on certain burning issues. Cases were dealt with and were under review. Prisoners acquitted had been released. However the Government had noted recent cases of people violating state security. The Independent Expert had encouraged that the Government speedily implement the peace accord. A national preparatory commission had been established on this matter. In terms of the human rights institutions, the President had established a national human rights institution. The Government had ensured revision of the penal court. A proposal to abolish the death penalty had been reviewed.

Ms. Nahayo welcomed the efforts of regional countries and the United Nations to help Burundi. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Human Rights Division had been of great help. The mandate of the Independent Expert had been very important to Burundi. The support of the international community was still needed and the extension of the Independent Expert’s mandate should continue for one year until he could help set up the national bodies of human rights. Given the enormous challenges, the appeal of the Independent Expert for the international community to continue their efforts to help the strengthening of human rights in Burundi was endorsed.

Interactive Dialogue on Mandate of Independent Expert on Human Rights in Burundi

CARLOS PEREIRA MARQUES (Portugal), speaking on behalf of the European Union, said the important work of the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Burundi must continue. The human rights situation was still fragile in a number of areas of the country and deserved the continued attention of the international community. The Government of Burundi and the Human rights Council should benefit from the perspective of an independent and human rights-focused international mechanism, and the delegation expressed hope that the mandate would be renewed without a vote.

AMR ROSHDY (Egypt), speaking on behalf of the African Group, said the African Group had always been of the view that dialogue and cooperation were not only the best means possible to address human rights issues, but also the only means possible if success was to be achieved. At the same time, the African Group had always emphasized the necessity of respecting the views of the concerned country in this regard. It was with these two concerns in mind, and out of respect to the decision and sovereignty of the Government of Burundi, that the African Group had decided not to oppose the renewal of the mandate of the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Burundi, and stood ready to extend its full and unconditional support to the Government and people of Burundi in their struggle to achieve progress and prosperity.

PAUL ARYENE (Ghana) congratulated the Government of Burundi for its demonstrated commitment toward improvement of the human rights situation in their country. An improvement of the mandate could only go in the positive direction. It was only through objectivity that the Council would achieve the promotion of human rights throughout the world. The international community should give its full support to Burundi.

MURIEL BERSET KOHEN (Switzerland) said Switzerland supported the request for renewal of the mandate of the Independent Expert. Switzerland encouraged dialogue between the Government of Burundi and the opposition movement. The fight against impunity was of special importance, and a mechanism for transitional justice should be speeded up.

TERRY CORMIER (Canada) said Canada was grateful to the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Burundi for his efforts and the work done to understand the situation in Burundi. It was a dialogue such as that with the Minister from Burundi that brought hope to the Council, and that enjoyment of human rights would take place in the country. That Burundi wished to extend the mandate of the Independent Expert should encourage all Member States to support the renewal by consensus.

JORIS GEEVEN (Netherlands) said that the Independent Expert had given valuable advice to Burundi. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights had carried out excellent work. The situation in Burundi remained fragile. More could be done to ensure peace and security. The mandate of the Independent Expert should be extended for another year. Advice and analysis by the Independent Expert should complement other human rights work in the country. The draft resolution that Burundi’s delegation had presented was welcomed. The views of the concerned countries should be accepted without a vote.

SINDISO KANKASA (Zambia) said Zambia supported the renewal of the mandate and respected Burundi’s position on the matter, but the discontinuation or renewal of mandates, thematic or country-specific, should be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Zambia therefore co-sponsored the draft resolution on the continuation of the mandate of the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Burundi.

JACQUES PELLET (France) said France viewed the mandate of the Independent Expert positively, and there were already positive results which should be continued. The quality of the relationships that the Independent Expert had established with the various interlocutors in the country should be emphasised. The mandate of the Independent Expert, the role in the field of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the results secured were additional evidence of the progress made possible by cooperation in the field. The mandate of the Independent Expert should be supported. It was hoped that positive developments would be strengthened in the future.

EVA TOMIC (Slovenia) welcomed the constructive engagement of Burundi’s Government. Slovenia appreciated the work carried out, including by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and welcomed the emerging agreement on the prolongation of the Independent Expert’s work.

ALPHONSE KAYITAYIRE (Rwanda) said Burundi had demanded an extension of the mandate for one year to allow further input from his expertise in developing capacity building proposals in the human rights field. Rwanda welcomed these positive results, which would help Burundi’s Government to deal with its human rights situation and assist national reconstruction and recovery.

KABLAN PORQUET (Côte d’Ivoire) said the request of Burundi to extend the mandate should be supported. The approach of the Government was welcomed as clear evidence which that Government was attaching to human rights issues. The United Nations system should support this by strengthening its technical assistance to Burundi.

JUSTINIAN M. KATEERA (Uganda) congratulated the Government of Burundi on the progress made. The fact that human rights violations were often a product of failures in the political process was recognized. The decision to seek an extension of the mandate was understood. The renewed mandate should mobilise the resources necessary to support the peace process and in building the institutional capacity of the country.

MATHEW MWAIMU (Tanzania) said there were good indicators that Burundi was now at peace and had returned to calm. However, there was a long way to go in strengthening existing mechanisms and building new ones to secure peace, human rights and development. Tanzania hoped the Independent Expert would also provide input into the Great Lakes Region Conference in Bujumbura, and its work towards peace and democracy.

NATHALIE RONDEUX (Belgium) said the Independent Expert was thanked for the considerable work that he had accomplished in the implementation of his mandate, as well as for his contribution to the efforts of Burundi to improve the situation of human rights in the country. The Independent Expert had carried out a full analyses of the situation, and had also formulated balanced recommendations both for Burundi and for the international community, in particular with regards to technical assistance. Belgium was in favour of the renewal of the mandate, which had proved its added value, and therefore should be renewed. It was important that the international community continue to support Burundi in order to improve the situation of human rights, which remained fragile. That Burundi itself urged the renewal of the mandate was added proof of the value of the mandate.

MICHEL CHRISTOS DIAMESSIS (Greece) said that Greece supported the position of the Burundi Government and hoped the Council would accept the extension of the mandate of the Independent Expert.

LIBERE BARARUNYERETSE, of Organisation internationale de la francophonie, said countries in post-crisis situations deserved support and solidarity. The Government of Burundi had requested continuation of the mandate of the Independent Expert and the International Organisation of the Francophonie urged the Human Rights Council to adopt the resolution on extension of the mandate without a vote.

ANKE KONRAD (Germany) said the presence of the Minister of Burundi showed the commitment of that country to human rights and to cooperate with the Council. The constructive approach taken by the Government in that regard was appreciated. The objective assessment of the human rights situation in Burundi as presented by the Minister was applauded. The Government of Burundi should build on the momentum created by the mandate in concert with the national authorities, and also with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

ROBERT DIXON (United Kingdom) considered that the Special Rapporteur had made very important contributions with positive results to assist Burundi. The call of Burundi’s Government for the extension of the mandate was welcomed. It was trusted that this could be adopted without a vote. The Special Rapporteur’s approach had been exemplary. It was an example of how Special Procedures should work.

AMR ROSHDY (Egypt), speaking on behalf of the African Group, said in response to some comments by speakers who thanked the African Group for supporting the renewal of the mandate of the Independent Expert, that the African Group had decided not to oppose the continuation of the mandate and this was different from actively supporting it.

PIERRE MPONIMPA, of International Federation of Human Rights Leagues (FIDH), on behalf of World Organization against Torture, said there was an institutional crisis continuing in Burundi, with delays which contributed to insecurity there. The report of the Independent Expert was vital, making it possible for the international community to be aware of the human rights situation in the country. His early warnings and follow-up in the context of a dialogue with the Government was primordial. The Council should condemn human rights violations, and the international community should reinforce its support to the reforms in human rights in Burundi by deploying assistance and technical cooperation programmes.

JULIE DE RIVERO, of Human Rights Watch, said that the last six months had been the occasion for serious concerns regarding the human rights situation in Burundi due in part to the non-implementation of the ceasefire and the fact that the NFL had abandoned the joint commission for ceasefire. This had endangered the ceasefire. The spirit of cooperation of the Government to assess the challenges was welcomed. The Government’s appeal to renew the mandate was supported.

GENEVIEVE JOURDAN, of Association of World Citizens, underlined the courage with which the Minister from Burundi had spoken about the difficulties which Burundi faced in its reconstruction process. Among the challenges she outlined was the need to fight corruption, to deal with returning refugees, and to work on the issue of elections. She had asked countries and friends of Burundi to help. The active support of the Independent Expert was important to strengthen human rights mechanisms and it was hoped that States could provide assistance in the form of medical personnel. Technical assistance provided by the United Nations family should also continue.


Concluding Remarks

IMMACULEE NAHAYO, , Minister of National Solidarity, Human Rights and Gender of Burundi, in concluding remarks, said that she had noted with appreciation the various expressions of support addressed to the Government of Burundi. Burundi could affirm its resolve to press on, to achieve respect for human rights, and called on the international community, as others had emphasised, to continue to respond to the need to support Burundi in its efforts to ensure good governance, and to emphasise the human rights machinery. With regards to refugees, those coming home were returnees, and they were a matter of concern for the Ministry. The machinery ensured that the returnees were welcomed home, and were able to take their places in the communities in Burundi, and resettle in dignity. With support from the international community, Burundi would be able to meet that challenge.

Review, Rationalization and Improvement of Mandate of Special Rapporteur on Human Rights of Indigenous People

Interactive Debate on Review of Mandate of Special Rapporteur on Human Rights of Indigenous People

OMAR SHALABY (Egypt), speaking on behalf of the African Group, said there was little doubt that the mandate of Rodolfo Stavenhagen, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people, had provided a substantial and valuable contribution to the human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people. The recent adoption of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples would provide a new and comprehensive framework for the Special Rapporteur in his work. It required the continuation of the mandate with a view to promoting implementation of the Declaration. The African Group would have preferred to discuss the review of the mandate before a resolution was presented. However, delegations had adopted a good approach regarding the review of the mandate and a focused resolution, flexibility in amending the mandate, holding informal consultations, and accommodating the various proposals presented by participating delegations. The methodology should be followed in all mandate reviews. The three-phase approach ultimately was logical and sought to ensure proper and in-depth review of mandates. This principle had been adhered to by the main sponsors.

ALEXEY AKZHIGITOV (Russian Federation) said the protection of the rights of indigenous peoples was one of the priority issues of internal and external policy of the Russian Federation. Russia supported the mandate of Rodolfo Stavenhagen, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people. His meticulous and balanced approach to the performance of his functions was appreciated. The basic rule in the protection and promotion of human rights was a matter for States. The Special Rapporteur should continue his constructive dialogue with States. The adoption of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples gave him a new task, in the form of comprehensive implementation and clarification of the provisions of that text. His future work should be carried out along with appliance of the Code of Conduct.

SERGIO ABREU E LIMA FLORENCIO (Brazil) said that six years had elapsed since the creation of the Special Procedure on indigenous people. Despite the positive trends, the quest for improving the protection of their rights still required commitment and dedication. Twelve per cent of Brazil’s territory had been legally demarcated as indigenous land. Brazil had extensively collaborated in the Working Group and had approved the work of the Council in this context. The mandate of the Special Rapporteur had helped to promote and strengthen the rights of indigenous people. The continuation of that Special Procedure was supported.

ANGELICA NAVARRO LLANOS (Bolivia) said the mandate was important not only for the support it had in the Council but also because of the support indigenous communities had given to it. Bolivia was going through a second phase of independence from internal decolonization. Bolivia wanted to suggest that the next Special Rapporteur should be of indigenous origin. This would add to his objective experience and facilitate problems of understanding issues facing other indigenous communities around the world.

CARLOS PEREIRA MARQUES (Portugal), speaking on behalf of the European Union, said the European Union strongly supported the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people. The mandate had helped put focus on the situation of indigenous peoples in the work of human rights bodies, and had facilitated dialogue and understanding between indigenous peoples, States, and international organizations. The challenge before the international community now was to make sure that the indigenous peoples would in fact enjoy the rights recognised in the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Declaration would be important for the work of the Special Rapporteur, and the mandate holder should play an important role in promoting its implementation.

CARLOS CHOCANO (Peru) said that since the appointment of the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of indigenous people, his mandate had become a key reference for the protection of the rights of indigenous people. It was an important basis complementing the work of others. It was an important source for other countries. But it was an uncompleted work. There was an implementation gap and the written standards had to be put into practice. The challenge for improving the living conditions of indigenous people was a task for which the Special Rapporteur was essential. The mandate should be extended.

ANH THU DUONG (Switzerland) said the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was an important step in the promotion and protection of their fundamental rights. Switzerland hoped to see the Declaration implemented by States. It was important to maintain the mandate of the Special Rapporteur as a way of promoting the entry into force of the Declaration.

LUIS ALFONSO DE ALBA (Mexico) said tribute should be paid to the role that the Special Rapporteur had played since 2001 in promoting dialogue and causes benefiting indigenous peoples, contributing to the protection and promotion of their human rights. Dr. Stavenhagen’s work in this field should continue in the outstanding way in which he had carried it out over the past six years. The next Special Rapporteur would for purposes of reference have the work and progress made by Dr. Stavenhagen. The Council could learn from the methodology suggested by Egypt for the refining of the future mandates, and the commitments that the Council had made in that regard.

ALICIA MARTIN GALLEGOS (Nicaragua) said that Nicaragua had a varied population and even if progress had been made in national legislation, much remained to be done for those poor communities. Yesterday, the President had presented a proposal to the General Assembly in New York to help recovery from Hurricane Félix. The Autonomous Council of the Caribbean Coast had solely elaborated the proposal.

OZO NWOBU (Nigeria) said the United Nations had repeatedly worked to address indigenous issues over the last decades. Nigeria was concerned about the marginalization of and discrimination against indigenous peoples worldwide. But there was no acceptable definition of the term indigenous peoples, and there was confusion with the issue of and concept of minorities. Pre-invasion or pre-colonial identity had been highlighted by previous experts. Nigeria wished to see a clearer definition of the term and added that the work of the mandate should be integrated into the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

NADIA STUEWER (Canada) said Canada very much supported the continuation of this important Special Procedure. Addressing indigenous human rights issues was an essential and important element of the work that needed to be undertaken by the Council, and the vast majority of the activities outlined in the resolution should be part of the renewed mandate. Canada had voted against the recent adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples at the General Assembly. The Declaration had no legal effect in Canada, and its provisions did not represent customary international law, and it was therefore inappropriate for the Special Rapporteur to promote the implementation of this Declaration with respect to Canada. Canada was committed to strong mechanisms within the United Nations to address indigenous human rights issues, and would continue to take effective action, at home and abroad, to protect and promote the rights of indigenous peoples, based on its existing human rights obligations and commitments.

ERLINDA F. BASILIO (Philippines) said the Philippines supported the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples which was recently adopted by the General Assembly. The Government of the Philippines was dedicated to the protection of indigenous people in the country as well as worldwide and fully supported the continuation of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur.

DONG-HEE CHANG (Republic of Korea) said the continuous decline of the resources and reduction of land and territory of indigenous peoples was worrisome. The problems and challenges faced by indigenous peoples stemmed from deep historical and structural causes. The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples would be an impetus for international efforts to address issues concerning 370 million indigenous people worldwide. The Council should take responsibility towards renewing steps to protecting these communities and the mandate of the Special Rapporteur should be extended.

RODOLFO REYES RODRIGUEZ (Cuba) said Cuba welcomed the recent adoption of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Cuba joined with those who paid tribute to the work of Dr. Stavenhagen on the rights of indigenous peoples. Unfortunately, the indigenous peoples of Cuba were exterminated during colonisation. Cuba was committed to their cause, in order to extend historic injustice to correct these wrongs, and also to help those who were still marginalized. This was part of the history of the Americas, and many still failed to understand this. In other regions, the perception of this whole matter did not correspond to the vision of reality of the indigenous peoples. It was important to continue to make headway so that the protection and promotion of the rights of indigenous peoples could be supported. The Council should support the extension of this mandate for three years, in particular because of the marked need for justice.

LUZ LESCURE (Panama) noted the importance of the topic of indigenous peoples in Panama, due to its cultural diversity. It was a sensitive topic in certain countries, but political will was helping in those matters. Panama agreed that there was a need for independent mechanisms to report violations of the rights of indigenous people. The need to promote constructive dialogue and to strengthen it was also noted. Interactive dialogue was welcomed and the Council was urged the to renew the mandate of the Special Rapporteur.

EDUARDO CHIHUAILAF (Chile) said the restoration of democracy in Chile was based on recognising multi-cultural and multi-ethnic values. Chilean Governments had worked to guarantee indigenous rights and Chile had voted for the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and presented Convention 169 to the Senate with a view to ratification. The mandate of the Special Rapporteur had been helpful in gathering information on violations against indigenous peoples. The delegation of Chile supported the extension of the mandate.

ENZO BITETTO GAVILANES (Venezuela) said it was essential to support the system of Special Procedures. This was an opportunity to evaluate the work done over the years. Venezuela gave particular importance to the work on the rights of indigenous peoples both nationally and internationally. It was committed to ensuring that all the rights of indigenous peoples were enshrined. The work of the Special Rapporteur on indigenous issues had been of prime importance, allowing their rights to be protected and promoted at a wide range of levels. Venezuela supported renewal of the Special Rapporteur’s mandate, and wished to co-sponsor the draft resolution on this matter.

SEBASTIAN ROSALES (Argentina) said that Argentina felt that in the process of reviewing its institutional building, Special Procedures should be strengthened. Argentina was politically promoting the rights of indigenous people in the country. This mandate should be kept in the Special Procedures.

MOHAMMED BESSEDIK (Algeria) said Algeria was pleased at the adoption of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as this would be a framework for action suited to treating indigenous problems. Guatemala and Mexico had adopted a positive approach in working on their resolution. Algeria reiterated its call to the co-authors of other resolutions to follow the same respectful approach towards separating traditional resolutions on thematic issues from resolutions adopted by the Council under the framework of revision and improvement of mandates.

VEBJORN HEINES (Norway) said Norway strongly supported the mandate, and Dr. Stavenhagen had been instrumental in promoting a constructive dialogue between Governments, indigenous peoples and other relevant parties on the rights of indigenous peoples. Norway was particularly grateful for his efforts to highlight the difference between written legislation on indigenous people’s rights, and the real implementation of the said rights. Several of the reports called for stronger participation by representatives of indigenous peoples in national decision-making processes and legislative work. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples provided the Special Rapporteur with a new moral and political force, and the mandate merited its renewal and strengthening by the Council.

JUAN HOLGUIN (Ecuador) said Ecuador completely supported the renewal of the Special Rapporteur’s mandate. Ecuador had historically supported indigenous rights. The Special Rapporteur had provided an example by his impartiality. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples that was recently adopted offered a fresh dimension to this issue. The new office holder should be an indigenous person.

RONALD BARNES, of Indian Council of South America, said the right to self determination could not be reduced in scope as may be construed by the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. All peoples had a right to self determination and by virtue of that right they should freely determine their political status and pursue their own economic and cultural development. All peoples may for their own ends freely dispose of their natural wealth.

CLAIRE CHARTERS, of International Indian Treaty Council, said the Special Rapporteur had carried out his work to a high standard, engaging with both States and indigenous peoples. The mandate of the Special Rapporteur had been constructively improved in the proposed resolution, including means for overcoming obstacles to the full enjoyment of human rights, and to take into account the gender perspective. The mention of promoting the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was also welcome. The title of the Special Rapporteur should be updated to reflect now-acceptable language.

CHRIS SIDOTI, of International Service for Human Rights, said it was important to continue the work of the Special Rapporteur. Extending the work of the Working Group was also important. The Special Rapporteur had helped in identifying topics linked to specific groups. The renewal of the mandate was important. The new mandate holder should focus on the implementation and promotion of the recently adopted Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. It was an opportunity to focus on the rights contained in the Declaration with a political force to it.


Concluding Remarks

RODOLFO STAVENHAGEN, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people, responding, said he was gratified to hear the delegations lend support to renewal of the mandate. He felt this marked a beginning and the adoption of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples by the General Assembly just a few days ago was the culmination of a lengthy joint endeavor by indigenous people and governments of the international community. On the main attainments of the mandate, he said there had been great progress. Almost no indigenous representatives were involved 25 years ago when early discussion began on the issue. Now, as a result of collective effort, there was recognition of indigenous people as full citizens with full rights and needs, in their own lands. The next Rapporteur would have to address the challenges that lay ahead, but promotion of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples would be one of the essential duties of the mandate holder and the Human Rights Council.

CARLOS RAMIRO MARTINEZ ALVARADO (Guatemala), speaking in concluding remarks on the discussion, said that Guatemala had simply acted in the interest of the Council’s objectives, in concert with the relevant resolution. The work of Dr. Stavenhagen was excellent. His experience and knowledge, as well as his availability for dialogue both with indigenous peoples and States had been essential for the development of the mandate. At the end of the week, the Council would have before it a clear situation, by which it was hoped that the mandate of the Special Rapporteur would be renewed. The review of the mandate should be finalised at this session, so the Special Rapporteur could continue his work, and begin other tasks.


For use of the information media; not an official record

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