On 23 April 2026, within the framework of the 25th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), the side event “25 Years Advancing Indigenous Peoples’ Rights: Impact, Lessons Learned, and Future of the Special Rapporteur’s Mandate” was held at the UN Headquarters in New York.
GENEVA – UN experts* today called on the Government of Tanzania to immediately publish the findings of two presidential commissions examining land-use dynamics and their sustainability and relocation policies in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), amid escalating concerns over the rights and future of Indigenous Peoples. “We are alarmed that these reports, commissioned in February 2025,… Read More »
GENEVA – Independent human rights experts* today urged Member States which are committed to prioritising human rights defenders and civil society space to stand in the upcoming elections for the Committee of Non-Governmental Organisations (the “NGO Committee”), a body of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Ahead of the April elections, they issued the following statement:… Read More »
GENEVA – UN experts* today expressed deep concern over credible reports of a rapid deterioration of civic space affecting Indigenous Peoples and human rights defenders in Ecuador. “Indigenous Peoples are essential to Ecuador’s stability and economic future. Authorities must urgently ensure accountability for any excessive use of force and acts of persecution, and create conditions… Read More »
Purpose: Seeking information in preparation of the upcoming country visit to Australia The Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples is seeking information in preparation of his upcoming country visit to Australia scheduled to take place from 2 to 13 November 2026. Deadline: 20 March 2026
GENEVA – UN experts* today urged States to ensure that any new regulations governing the deep seabed, including a code on mining, are firmly grounded in international law, including international human rights law, and implement the precautionary principle. “The deep seabed is not an industrial frontier, it is one of the most fragile and least… Read More »
Purpose: To inform the 2026 thematic report of the Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples, on demarcation, registration and titling of Indigenous Peoples’ lands, territories and resources, to be presented at the UN General Assembly.
The Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples is seeking information in preparation of his upcoming thematic report to the 63rd Session of the Human Rights Council. Deadline: 20 February 2026 Background The principles of “Recognition, Reparation, and Reconciliation” are foundational for the interpretation and application of the UN Declaration on the Rights of… Read More »
GENEVA – On the third anniversary of the enforced disappearance of Ricardo Lagunes and Antonio Díaz, UN experts* demanded immediate answers about the fate and whereabouts of the two Mexican human rights defenders. “Mexican authorities must comply with the State’s international obligations, including by investigating the enforced disappearance, proactively searching for them, determining their fate… Read More »
GENEVA – UN experts* today expressed grave concern about statements made by the President of the United States of America regarding Greenland, including suggestions that the territory should be placed under U.S. control and that force could be used to achieve such an outcome. “Assertions suggesting that a territory can be taken, controlled or ‘owned’ by… Read More »
GENEVA – Norway’s decision to halt the issuance of any deep-sea mining licences until at least the end of 2029 and to withhold all public funds for such activities – a move endorsed by the Parliament – marks a major advance for ocean protection, environmental integrity, cultural identity and human rights, UN experts* said today. “The… Read More »
GENEVA – Amid rising authoritarianism, deepening polarisation, growing intolerance, and mounting pressures on the multilateral system, Human Rights Day offers a vital moment to reaffirm our shared commitment to universal human rights, UN experts* said today. They issued a joint statement renewing their unwavering dedication to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and emphasising the… Read More »
The Special Rapporteur on the Indigenous Peoples Rights welcomes an additional key milestone in the protection of the rights of Indigenous Peoples: United Nations General Assembly proclaims 5 September of each year as The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Women and Girls. On 26 November 2025, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/80/10,… Read More »
GENEVA – UN experts today condemned a deadly attack against Guarani and Kaiowá Indigenous Peoples in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, while the 30th Conference of Parties (COP30) of the UN Climate Change Convention is underway in Belém, Brazil. The violent attack was reportedly carried out by armed individuals linked to private security forces… Read More »
Statement by UN Human Rights Experts* Belem, 18 November 2025 We salute and fully support the over 70 thousand people who marched peacefully in Belem last Saturday, to ask for climate justice and for the protection of human rights from climate harm of present and future generations, through meaningful outcomes of the 30th UN Climate… Read More »
