This presentation has been prepared to inform the public and Iwi/hapu of the visit of UN Special Rapporteur James Anaya to Aotearoa. He is travelling the country during the week of 18 July 2010 on a fact-finding mission that focuses on Indigenous Rights in Aotearoa. He will report to the UN and our government with his findings and make strong recommendations.
Must be invited by the State – he can make a request to States that they invite him Gather information from: govts. indigenous people/s and communities, organisations Formulate: recommendations and proposals on measures/activities to prevent and remedy violations Work closely: special rapporteurs, special reps, working groups and independent experts of Commission on HR etc To examine ways and means of overcoming existing obstacles to the full and effective protection of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people, in conformity with his/her mandate, and to identify, exchange and promote best practices; (b) To gather, request, receive and exchange information and communications from all relevant sources, including Governments, indigenous people and their communities and organizations, on alleged violations of their human rights and fundamental freedoms; (c) To formulate recommendations and proposals on appropriate measures and activities to prevent and remedy violations of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people; (d) To work in close cooperation, while avoiding unnecessary duplication, with other special procedures and subsidiary organs of the Human Rights Council, relevant United Nations bodies, the treaty bodies, and human rights regional organizations;
SR’s are appointed for a term of three years. Upon hearing a specific complaint around violations of indigenous rights, a government can be “encouraged” to invite SR to their State. Official UN Mandate for this role asks for SR to take special consideration of indigenous women and children.
Will give the government a debrief shortly following his visit (not so govt can request change but to get comment followed by a full report 1-2 months later. No enforcement measures!
seeks to actively engage with ‘real people’ who will share their stories.
Need to take advantage of his time, offering clear views around culture integrity and impacts of racism, discrimination, human rights breaches – in keeping with the global community of indigenous peoples (which is very much at a basic survival level for other indigenous peoples). Various ways of getting the message across, including the images and heartfelt occasions that will leave lasting impressions of who M āori are and what are the experiences.