The Indigenous World 2025: UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Written on 25 April 2025. Posted in UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

The Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is one of the 59 “Special Procedures” of the United Nations Human Rights Council. The Special Procedures are independent human rights experts with mandates to assess, report and advise on human rights from a thematic or country-specific perspective.

The Special Rapporteur has a mandate to promote the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and relevant international human rights instruments; to examine ways and means of overcoming existing obstacles to the full and effective protection of the rights of Indigenous Peoples; to promote best practices; to gather and exchange information from all relevant sources on violations of the human rights of Indigenous Peoples; and to formulate recommendations and proposals on measures and activities to prevent and remedy violations of those rights.^[1]

Mr. José Francisco Calí Tzay served as the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples from 1 May 2020 to 30 October 2024. He is a Maya Kaqchikel from Guatemala, and he was the first Indigenous person to serve as a member and president of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

On 9 November 2024, Dr. Albert Kwokwo Barume was appointed Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, assuming the mandate as of 1 January 2025. Albert Barume is from the Democratic Republic of Congo and a former Chairperson of the UN Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP), as well as former Expert on Indigenous Peoples’ issues for the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights. He is the first person from Africa to hold this mandate.

This article is part of the 39^th edition of The Indigenous World, a yearly overview produced by IWGIA that serves to document and report on the developments Indigenous Peoples have experienced. The photo above is of an Indigenous activist Funa-ay Claver, a Bontok Igorot, standing alongside Indigenous youth activists and others. They are protesting against the repressive laws and human rights violations suffered through the actions and projects of the Government of the Philippines and other actors against Indigenous Peoples at President Marcos Jr’s national address on 22 July 2024 in Quezon City, Philippines. The photo was taken by Katribu Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas and is the cover of The Indigenous World 2025 where this article is featured. Find The Indigenous World 2025 in full here

2024 thematic studies

Report on Indigenous persons with disabilities^[2] (A/HRC/57/47)

This report by the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, José Francisco Calí Tzay, examines the challenges faced by Indigenous persons with disabilities, emphasizing the compounded discrimination arising from their Indigenous identity and disability status, including racism, societal and cultural exclusion, and inadequate access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.

Indigenous persons with disabilities often face heightened discrimination due to structural racism and colonial legacies, which have disrupted traditional ways of life and imposed narratives that dismiss Indigenous perspectives on their health and capacities. The report underscores how inaccessible services and cultural misalignments exacerbate their marginalization, particularly in areas like access to healthcare and education, often physically remote, unaffordable, or culturally inappropriate.

The impacts of climate change and environmental degradation are acutely felt by Indigenous persons with disabilities, whose health and livelihoods are disproportionately affected. Extractive industries, pollution, and natural disasters exacerbate health challenges, leading to higher rates of impairments within Indigenous Peoples.

Indigenous women with disabilities are particularly vulnerable, facing increased risks of violence, limited access to education, and restricted healthcare. This is the result of intersectional discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, and disability.

Despite these challenges, the report identifies promising practices. It highlights Indigenous-led initiatives, State-supported programs, and community-driven solutions aimed at integrating culturally-appropriate services and fostering the empowerment of Indigenous persons with disabilities. Examples include inclusive education platforms, advocacy organizations, and policies that incorporate Indigenous perspectives into disability support systems.

The report concludes with recommendations for states, businesses, and international bodies. This comprehensive approach aims to uphold the rights of Indigenous persons with disabilities and ensure their full and effective participation in society. It calls for the collection of disaggregated data, the development of inclusive laws and policies, and the implementation of culturally-relevant health and education systems. It emphasizes the importance of securing the Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) of Indigenous Peoples in all decisions affecting their lives and lands. It also advocates for empowering Indigenous-led organizations and addressing the disproportionate impact of environmental degradation on these populations.

Report on mobile Indigenous Peoples^[3]

This report by the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, José Francisco Calí Tzay, examines the challenges faced by mobile Indigenous Peoples, including pastoralists, herders, hunter-gatherers, and sea-based communities, as well as Indigenous Peoples living in voluntary isolation and initial contact. It explores issues related to legal recognition, land rights, mobility, and the impact of armed conflict and environmental changes.

Mobile Indigenous Peoples maintain distinct lifestyles often dependent on movement across fragile ecosystems. They face systemic challenges due to the mislabeling of their lands as unproductive, exclusion from decision-making processes, and efforts to assimilate them into sedentary lifestyles. The report emphasizes the need for their legal recognition and the protection of their lands and resources to preserve their cultural identities and subsistence practices.

The report also highlights the unique vulnerabilities of Indigenous Peoples living in voluntary isolation and initial contact. These communities face threats from extractive industries, logging, and infrastructure projects. These disrupt their territories and increase risks of unwanted contact, which can lead to conflict or health crises.

Climate change poses significant threats to mobile Indigenous Peoples, by disrupting their traditional mobility patterns and access to resources. Conservation efforts and development projects often fail to include Indigenous perspectives, leading to forced evictions and the destruction of livelihoods. The report draws attention to exclusionary conservation practices and calls for recognition of Indigenous Peoples as stewards of biodiversity.

The recommendations stress the importance of adopting policies to secure land tenure, ensure the right to FPIC, and address the impact of climate change and green transitions on Indigenous territories. International cooperation and the inclusion of Indigenous Peoples in decision-making processes are essential for safeguarding their rights.

Country visit: Colombia^[4]

The Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, José Francisco Calí Tzay, visited Colombia from 5-15 March 2024, at the invitation of the government. He presented his findings in his country visit report to the Human Rights Council, during its 57^th Session, in September 2024.

The report highlights significant progress in legal recognition, the inclusion of an ethnic chapter in the 2016 Peace Agreement and the adoption of the National Development Plan 2022–2026, which includes Indigenous priorities. However, implementation of these frameworks remains slow, and Indigenous Peoples continue to face threats from armed groups, forced displacement, environmental degradation, and inadequate access to culturally-appropriate public services.

Particular attention is given to Indigenous Peoples at risk of physical and cultural extinction, including smaller groups and those living in voluntary isolation. Challenges include land rights violations, lack of consultation on development projects, and the adverse impacts of climate change and extractive industries. The report also discusses issues faced by Indigenous women and LGBTI+ individuals, who encounter intersectional discrimination and violence.

Recommendations include enacting laws to guarantee Indigenous rights, implementing peace agreement provisions, ensuring FPIC for projects affecting Indigenous territories, and strengthening mechanisms for the protection and participation of Indigenous Peoples and leaders. The report underscores the need for culturally-sensitive approaches to public policy and development to preserve Indigenous heritage and to promote sustainable and inclusive progress.

Communications and press releases

During 2024, the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, José Francisco Calí Tzay, jointly with other mandate holders of the Human Rights Council, sent 90 communications^[5] to Member States and other actors in response to information received on alleged violations of the human rights of Indigenous Peoples. These communications on cases are included in the special procedures’ joint communications report, submitted to the UN Human Rights Council, and publicly available online in the special procedures communications database.^[6]

As an example, in communications sent to Nicaragua and five non-state actors, from March 2024, the Special Rapporteur and other mandate holders expressed concern over the information received in relation to alleged violations of the rights of Indigenous Peoples, including the rights to land, territory and resources, consultation and FPIC, upon the adoption and implementation of the “Bio-CLIMA” reforestation project.^[7] Similarly, in communications sent to Nepal, China, the Republic of Korea and 17 non-state actors, in June 2024, the Special Rapporteur joined various mandate holders in expressing concern at the allegations of serious, ongoing threats of displacement of the Indigenous Peoples and violations of their human rights due to the construction of the Kathmandu-Terai/Madhesh Fast Track Road Project.^[8]

During 2024, in conjunction with other mandate holders, the Special Rapporteur also issued a number of press releases on cases of urgency or special relevance.^[9] For example, he publicly warned against legal reforms that threatened the right to the lands, territories and resources of Indigenous Peoples and voiced concern about development projects impacting Indigenous Peoples’ rights. He issued three different press releases concerning situations affecting Indigenous Peoples or individuals in the context of electoral processes. The Special Rapporteur also issued warnings at the use of anti-terrorism laws against Indigenous Peoples, as well as at the persecution suffered by Indigenous Peoples’ Human Rights Defenders.

Collaboration with UN specialized entities, regional human rights bodies and other activities

The Special Rapporteur continued to strengthen the mandate’s collaboration with the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) and the UN Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP). In January 2024, he participated in the international Expert Group Meeting (EGM) organized by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) on the theme “Indigenous Peoples in a Greening Economy,” held in Boulder, Colorado, USA.

In February 2024, the Special Rapporteur, EMRIP, and UNPFII co-organized a workshop in Rome, Italy, to foster constructive dialogue among UN mechanisms on Indigenous Peoples’ rights, Indigenous representatives, and UN agencies. The workshop served as a platform to exchange perspectives on the risks associated with integrating Indigenous Peoples’ rights with groups that do not hold the same legal status under international law. It culminated in the adoption of an outcome document containing key recommendations for action.^[10]

The Special Rapporteur also actively engaged in the annual sessions and coordination meetings of UNPFII and EMPRIP, holding bilateral discussions with Indigenous delegations and government representatives on issues relevant to his mandate.

Continuing his commitment to advancing Indigenous Peoples' rights and implementation of the UNDRIP, the Special Rapporteur engaged with the broader UN system in various impactful ways. In January 2024, he participated in the Expert Workshop on Recognizing and Respecting Indigenous Peoples’ Heritage Values in World Heritage Sites, held in Geneva and organized by the International Indigenous Peoples Forum on World Heritage (IIPFWH). He collaborated with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) providing feedback on the Core Human Rights Principles for Private Conservation Organizations and Funders. In June 2024, he provided technical support on terminology to the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) at the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). In August 2024, he took part in an event on Business, Human Rights and Indigenous Peoples organized by the OHCHR in Costa Rica. He also participated in strategic and collaboration meetings with other relevant agencies, including the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), World Bank, International Labour Organization (ILO), UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and FAO.

Other activities

In January 2024, he presented expert testimony before the Colombian Constitutional Court in case T-9.312.858 on “Climate Change Management, Indigenous Peoples' Rights, and Impact Assessment in REDD+ Projects.” In February 2024, he participated in a high-level dialogue involving the International Working Group on Indigenous Peoples Living in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact (GTI-PIACI), international organizations, Indigenous organizations, and the Colombian State to promote an international technical assistance network supporting policies for the protection of the rights of Indigenous Peoples in voluntary isolation and initial contact. In August 2024, the Special Rapporteur took part in a conference organized by the Organization of American States (OAS) on the role of Indigenous Peoples in protecting the environment.

In 2024, he undertook academic visits to Mexico, Colombia, New Zealand, the Philippines, and Costa Rica, engaging in meaningful exchanges with various Indigenous Peoples, government authorities, and representatives of the international community.

Additionally, the Special Rapporteur delivered speeches at over 65 workshops and conferences organized by international organizations, Indigenous Peoples, NGOs, and academic institutions in 13 different countries. He also provided technical assistance to corporations to help align their policies with the UNDRIP and human rights standards. For instance, he participated in meetings with the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) to provide feedback on their position statement on Indigenous Peoples and with the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) to offer guidance on their approach to protecting Indigenous Peoples' human rights.

Seánna Howard and Elisa Marchi are based at the University of Arizona, Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy Program. Francisco Alfonzo and Lilia Petrosyan work on the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples at the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Email to contact the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples:
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This article is part of the 39^th edition of The Indigenous World, a yearly overview produced by IWGIA that serves to document and report on the developments Indigenous Peoples have experienced. The photo above is of an Indigenous activist Funa-ay Claver, a Bontok Igorot, standing alongside Indigenous youth activists and others. They are protesting against the repressive laws and human rights violations suffered through the actions and projects of the Government of the Philippines and other actors against Indigenous Peoples at President Marcos Jr’s national address on 22 July 2024 in Quezon City, Philippines. The photo was taken by Katribu Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas and is the cover of The Indigenous World 2025 where this article is featured. Find The Indigenous World 2025 in full here

Notes and references

^[1] UN Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner. “Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples.” https://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/IPeoples/SRIndigenousPeoples/ Pages/SRIPeoplesIndex.aspx  

^[2] UN Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner. “A/HRC/57/47: Indigenous persons with disabilities - Report of the Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples, José Francisco Calí Tzay.” 22 July 2024. https://www.ohchr.org/en/documents/thematic-reports/ahrc5747-indigenous-persons-disabilities-report-special-rapporteur

^[3] UN Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner. “A/79/160: Report of the Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples, José Francisco Calí Tzay - Mobile Indigenous Peoples.” 16 July 2024. https://www.ohchr.org/en/documents/thematic-reports/a79160-report-special-rapporteur-rights-indigenous-peoples-jose

^[4] UN Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner. “A/HRC/57/47/Add.1: Visita a Colombia - Informe del Relator Especial sobre los derechos de los Pueblos Indigenas - Versión anticipada no editada.” 26 September 2024. https://www.ohchr.org/es/documents/country-reports/ahrc5747add1-visita-colombia-informe-del-relator-especial-sobre-los

^[5] UN Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner. “What are communications?” https://www.ohchr.org/en/special-procedures-human-rights-council/what-are-communications

^[6] UN Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner. “Communication report and search.” https://spcommreports.ohchr.org/

^[7] UN Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner. “Mandatos del Grupo de Trabajo de Expertos sobre los Afrodescendientes; del Grupo de Trabajo sobre la cuestión de los derechos humanos y las empresas transnacionales y otras empresas; del Relator Especial sobre la cuestión de las obligaciones de derechos humanos relacionadas con el disfrute de un medio ambiente sin riesgos, limpio, saludable y sostenible y del Relator Especial sobre los derechos de los Pueblos Indígenas.” AL NIC 1/2024. 1 March 2024. https://spcommreports.ohchr.org/TMResultsBase/DownLoadPublicCommunicationFile?gId=28763

^[8] UN Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner. “Mandates of the Working Group on the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises; the Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights; the Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living, and on the right to non-discrimination in this context and the Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples.” AL NPL 1/2024. 25 June 2024. https://spcommreports.ohchr.org/TMResultsBase/DownLoadPublicCommunicationFile?gId=28833

^[9] See the UN Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner news page here: https://www.ohchr.org/en/latest

^[10] UN Human Rights Special Procedures. “Outcome Document.” 26-28 February 2024. https://social.desa.un.org/sites/default/files/Outcome%20document_Rome%20Meeting%20UN%20Mechanisms%20Indigenous%20Peoples'%20rights.pdf

Tags: Global governance, Human rights, International Processes