Greenland: UN experts urge United States to respect international law and right to self-determination

By | January 14, 2026

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 »

UN experts commend Norway decision to postpone deep-sea mining licensing

By | December 15, 2025

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 »

UN experts call for safeguarding Special Procedures system as ‘indispensable pillar’ for human rights protection

By | December 9, 2025

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 »

General Assembly Adopts Resolution on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Women and Girls

By | November 26, 2025

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 »

UN experts condemn deadly attack on Guarani and Kaiowá Indigenous Peoples in Brazil

By | November 20, 2025

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 »

Indonesia must recognise Indigenous Peoples and consider them partners for national development: UN experts

By | November 4, 2025

GENEVA – UN experts* today expressed grave concern about Indonesia’s persistent lack of recognition of Indigenous Peoples, and the systemic human rights violations they face. “We call on Indonesia to formally recognise Indigenous Peoples and be open to engaging them as vital partners in shaping an inclusive, sustainable and rights-based national development,” the experts said. “Giving recognition… Read More »

Lands, territories and resources of Indigenous Peoples. Interim report to the General Assembly

By | October 13, 2025

The Special Rapporteur on the Indigenous Peoples rights, Albert Barume, presents his first annual report to the General Assembly, in compliance with Human Rights Council resolution 51/16. In the first part of the report sets out his activities since being appointed and taking up his functions in January 2025. In the second part of the… Read More »

UN expert calls for stronger protections for Indigenous Peoples in Botswana

By | September 12, 2025

GABORONE – Botswana must urgently address the continuing marginalisation of Indigenous Peoples, including the lack of constitutional recognition, forced relocation from ancestral lands and barriers to accessing justice, education and basic services, a UN expert said today, while acknowledging a marked and positive shift in government policy on the rights of the country’s indigenous communities.… Read More »

UN expert on Indigenous Peoples’ rights to visit Botswana

By | August 29, 2025

GENEVA (29 August 2025) – The UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples, Albert K Barume, will conduct an official visit to Botswana from 1 to 12 September 2025. The expert will examine a diverse range of issues affecting Indigenous Peoples, including the right to lands, territories and resources, administration of justice, equality… Read More »

Recognition of Indigenous Peoples. Report to the Human Rights Council. A/HRC/60/29

By | August 29, 2025

The first report of the Special Rapporteur, Albert K. Barume, presented to the Human Rights Council, offers a thematic analysis of the recognition of Indigenous Peoples at the global level, seeking to facilitate their understanding and adoption by States. Nearly 20 years after the UN Declaration, the lack of understanding of the expression “Indigenous Peoples”… Read More »

Keynote at the Global Indigenous Languages Summit, Ottawa 2025

By | August 18, 2025

Keynote Adress by the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Dr. Albert K. Barume Global Indigenous Languages Summit, Ottawa, 14th August, 2025   Distinguished delegates, Indigenous leaders, youth, colleagues, and friends, It is an honor to address this important and inspiring Global Summitt on a matter that goes to the very heart… Read More »

Indigenous Peoples and AI: Defending rights, shaping futures

By | August 8, 2025

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE WORLD’S INDIGENOUS PEOPLES 8 August 2025 GENEVA Indigenous Peoples and AI: Defending rights, shaping futures Statement by the Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples, Albert K. Barume Today, on the eve of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, we celebrate the enduring strength, wisdom, and cultural richness… Read More »

Call for Input: Country Visit to Botswana

By | July 15, 2025

Purpose: Seeking information in preparation of the upcoming country visit to Botswana Background The Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples is seeking information in preparation of his upcoming country visit to Botswana which will take place from 1 to 10 September 2025. Pursuant to his mandate established by the Human Rights Council, the… Read More »