The UN human rights system and indigenous peoples

Slides:



Advertisements
Similar presentations
CIVIL & POLITICAL RIGHTS
Advertisements

International Human Rights Machinery: Overview of the UN Human Rights System Ben Schokman Lawyer Human Rights Law Resource Centre Ltd
Bringing International Law Home: A Guide for Australian NGOs on the UN Human Rights System Teena Balgi Kingsford Legal Centre Ben Schokman Human Rights.
Right to an Effective Remedy:
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples (UNDRIP)
International Law: Unit 6 Human Rights Mr. Morrison Fall 2005.
Human Rights Advocacy “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
The UN System and Human Right: Conventional mechanisms Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
By Ursula Siegfried Coordinator NGO Welcome Desk The United Nations Human Rights Mechanisms IARF Workshop.
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
INTRODUCING PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS 21 November 2011 Barbro Svedberg.
Human Rights 101 Key Concepts and History Oklahoma City, Oklahoma October 19, 2012 Co-Hosted by USHRN Member, IITC.
The International Human Rights Treaty System
Concepts, Principles and Legal Framework Presentation by: Dr. Joseph Foumbi Consultant.
Non-Discrimination and Gender Equality Ideas, Principles and Best Practice on Working from a Human Rights Based Approach Utilizing the International, Regional.
Human rights and HRBA In the context of local governance and decentralization Louise Nylin Human Rights Specialist Bratislava Regional Center Joint CoP.
HUMAN RIGHTS AND U.N. SYSTEM Raminder Dhiman, MBA-IB.
Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Presentation  December 3, 2001  Human Rights Center.
Women’s Human Rights Alliance Introduction Here. UN System Treaty Based Human Rights Treaties -Treaty Based Committees Office of the High Commissioner.
OT 5.1 At the end of this session, you should be able to u explain the main sources of human rights law and the main human rights instruments u name some.
© 2006 Human Rights of the Child Federal Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Austria.
The UPR within the context of the UN Human Rights System.
Beyond Litigation: Working with Special Rapporteurs, Treaty Bodies and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights Lauren Bartlett Research & Training.
Using UN human rights mechanisms RESEARCH PROJECT
Trade Union Training on Social Security and Social Protection INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL LABOUR STANDARDS Turin, 5 May 2004.
5 September 2007Maria Lundberg, NCHR1 JUR 5710 Institutions and Procedures UN Treaty bodies.
Your name The ILO, International Labour Standards and Supervisory Mechanisms Presented by Cerilyn A. Pastolero Project Coordinator, ILO Manila Presented.
International HR Law International HR Law Historical development Historical development Institutional framework Institutional framework Principal instruments.
THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR STANDARDS SYSTEM
United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights The individual complaints procedure under the treaty bodies.
INTRODUCTION TO THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR STANDARDS (ILS) SYSTEM Trade Union Training on Occupational Safety, health and the Environment, with Special Attention.
Indigenous and Tribal Peoples | | Supervision of ILO Conventions.
Trade Union Training on Economic and Financial Analyses of Enterprises INTERNATIONAL LABOUR STANDARDS: PROCEDURES AND SUPERVISION Turin, 9 August 2005.
Human Rights Council GENEVA. IIW UN Representative for HUMAN RIGTHS COMMITTEE GENEVA.
International Human Rights The International Bill of Human Rights Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) International Covenant on Economic,
Uniting Nations by Learning Together UPR as a process of accountability Regional Governance Week Social Accountability in a Changing Region Cairo,
ILS/FPR PROGRAMME, ITC ILO TURIN THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR STANDARDS (ILS) SYSTEM A GENERAL INTRODUCTION FOR TRADE UNIONS.
© International Training Centre of the ILO Training Centre of the ILO 1 International Labour Standards (ILS) and their.
Presentation to the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation 9 May 2012 The Roles of Parliament in the Implementation of Human Rights.
Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy (MNE Declaration) Multinational enterprises and social policy.
HUMAN RIGHTS LAW Ahmed T. Ghandour.. CHAPTER 3. THE UNITED NATIONS & HUMAN RIGHTS II: OTHER INSTRUMENTS & PROCEDURES.
International Coordinating Committee of National Human Rights Institutes (ICC): Mandates and Structure 1.
© International Training Centre of the ILO International Labour Standards and the ILO Supervisory System: tools to defend workers’ rights Geneva,
International Human Rights Mechanisms: An NGO Perspective Ben Schokman June
HUMAN RIGHTS: 1 LAST MEETING  Last meeting we have discussed the following topics:  1. The course description.  2. The course goals.  3. Human rights.
1 Shadow Letter on Brazil’s Excess Maternal Mortality Submitted to the Human Rights Committee, the official treaty monitoring body of the International.
Dr.T.S.N.Sastry Prof & Head, Dept.IPR TNDALU Chennai 28 United Nations And the Human Rights Mechanism.
Introduction to the UN human rights system UN TRAINING FOR TRANS ACTIVISTS SEPTEMBER 2015.
UN Human Rights System. The System The UN Human rights system consists mainly of two main types of bodies: Charter-based bodies Treaty-based bodies.
Turin International Labour Standards System Monique Cloutier.
ILO … 187 states together to promote economic growth, social justice and human rights related to labour in all its aspects, all over the world ILO Decent.
ASEAN and Human Rights …an Introduction
Decent Work flash movie
The UN and Human Rights.
International Human Rights Law
INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS MECHANISMS:
Protection of Human Rights: Treaty Body System
At the end of this session, you should be able to
The International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families.
FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHTS A MULTILEVEL SYSTEM OF PROTECTION
Right to an Effective Remedy:
Overview of the International Human Rights System
ILO Supervisory system and the fight against forced labour
International Training Centre of the ILO
International Training Centre of the ILO
Right to an Effective Remedy:
Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure (New York, 19 December 2011) The Hague, 4 June 2012 Legal.
International Training Centre of the ILO
International Training Centre of the ILO
International Law Sources Binding Force
Presentation transcript:

The UN human rights system and indigenous peoples Treaty and charter bodies

This presentation will cover: Charter bodies Human Rights Council Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of Indigenous people Treaty bodies Seven main UN human rights treaties that are of particular relevance for indigenous peoples

UN Human Rights system The UN human rights system is composed primarily of two kinds of bodies: Charter-based bodies, including the Human Rights Council and its subsidiary mechanisms and thematic mandate holder (e.g. the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of Indigenous People Treaty bodies - created under the international human rights treaties and made up of independent experts mandated to monitor States parties' compliance with their treaty obligations.

Charter bodies: The Human Rights Council (HRC) and its subsidiary bodies/mechanisms The HRC was established in 2006, replacing the Human Rights Commission. It is a subsidiary organ of the General Assembly.

HRC Mandate: Promote human rights education and learning as well as advisory services, technical assistance and capacity-building; Serve as a forum for dialogue on thematic issues on all human rights; Make recommendations to the General Assembly for the further development of international law in the field of human rights; Promote the full implementation of human rights obligations undertaken by States and follow-up to the goals and commitments emanating from United Nations conferences and summits; and Undertake a Universal Periodic Review (UPR), of the fulfilment by each State of its human rights obligations and commitments.

Functioning & Decision Making Regular Sessions - It has 3 sessions per year (total of 10 weeks) - March (4 weeks) - Member states have 5 minutes to speak, observers have 3 minutes. Special Sessions - These are meetings focusing on one specific and/or urgent human rights situation/violation. They are held in the same way as normal sessions. - Members try to adopt resolution by consensus, if they cannot reach an agreement, they go to a vote. Main action of the Council: Pass resolutions or decisions. Create a special procedure, by mandating an expert or a group of experts to address human rights violations.

The HRC and indigenous peoples Adopted the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (before it was passed to the General Assembly) Extended the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous peoples Created the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Indigenous participation Indigenous peoples’ organizations can attend the sessions of the Human Rights Council if their organizations have consultative status with ECOSOC or if they are accredited by such organizations. They can also provide information through organizations that have ECOSOC status

The Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Mandate To provide the Human Rights Council with thematic expertise on the rights of indigenous peoples mainly through studies and research-based advice; To suggest proposals to the HRC for its consideration and approval; and To report annually to the HRC

Working Methodology Five independent experts meet annually for up to five days. Determines its own methods of work, but does not adopt resolutions or decisions. Sessions are open to the participation of observers, such as States, UN agencies, NGOs and others.

Prof. S. James Anaya, Special Rapporteur - 2008-2011 The Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of Indigenous Peoples Established by the Commission on Human Rights in 2001. Mandate renewed by the Human Rights Council in 2007. Prof. S. James Anaya, Special Rapporteur - 2008-2011

Functions: To examine ways of overcoming obstacles to the protection of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people and to identify, exchange and promote best practices To gather, request, receive and exchange information and communications on alleged violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous peoples 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 To work in close cooperation with other special procedures and subsidiary organs of the Human Rights Council, relevant UN bodies, the treaty bodies, and human rights regional organizations

In the fulfilment of his mandate, the Special Rapporteur: Presents annual reports on particular topics or situations of special importance Undertakes country visits Exchanges information with Governments concerning alleged violations of the rights of indigenous peoples Undertakes activities to follow-up on the recommendations included in his reports

Communications Urgent appeals In cases of imminent danger of violations of the rights of indigenous individuals and communities The intention is to ensure that the appropriate State authorities are informed as quickly as possible of the circumstances so that they can intervene or prevent human rights violations Allegation letters If violations have already occurred or the situation is of a less urgent character and the impact on the victim can no longer change.

ILO’s Contribution to the work of the Special Rapporteur The ILO provides information on the situation of indigenous peoples in the countries that the Special Rapporteur visits, and on the various themes examined by the Rapporteur. The ILO responds to specific country recommendations by the Special Rapporteur

Human Rights Treaties & Treaty Bodies There are seven major international human rights treaties that deal with civil and political rights, economic and social rights, racial discrimination, torture, gender discrimination, children's rights and migrant workers. By ratifying the treaties, States subscribe to these standards and commit themselves to implementing the rights at the national level. The treaty bodies are committees of independent experts that monitor implementation of the treaties by States parties.

HUMAN RIGHTS TREATIES AND THEIR SUPERVISORY BODIES HUMAN RIGHTS TREATY NAME OF SUPERVISORY BODY /TREATY BODIES The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) The Human Rights Committee (HRC) The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights The International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD) The Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination The Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) The Committee Against Torture The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) The Committee on the Rights of the Child International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families Committee on Migrant Workers

Functions of the Committees Consider the reports of states and issue Concluding Observations, which refer both to positive aspects of a State's implementation of the treaty and areas where further action needs to be taken Consider individual complaints and communications. Depending on the treaty in question, this may be through the inquiry procedure, the examination of inter-state complaints and the examination of individual complaints. General comments. Each of the treaty bodies publishes its interpretation of the provisions it monitors in the form of general comments (CERD and CEDAW use the term ‘general recommendations’).

The Treaty Bodies and the ILO International labour standards and UN human rights treaties are complementary and mutually-reinforcing. The Treaty Bodies take into account international labour standards and comments made by the ILO‘s supervisory bodies, often through reports and information provided by the ILO. In some instances, the ratification of specific ILO Conventions has been recommended (e.g. ILO Convention No. 169 by CERD). The ILO Committee of Experts follows the work of the treaty bodies and takes their comments into consideration, particularly in the areas of child labour, forced labour and discrimination.

Treaty Bodies’ Concluding Observations on Indigenous Peoples in relation to ILO Convention No. 169 General Comment on Article 27 of the ICCPR of the Human Rights Committee states that: Culture manifests itself in many forms, including a particular way of life associated with the use of land resources, especially in the case of indigenous peoples. That right may include such traditional activities as fishing or hunting(…) General Comment No. 23 of the Human Rights Committee stated that: “Indigenous communities must have effective participation in decisions that affect the community (...)”. And in some individual cases the Committee has also affirmed that when taking action that might infringe with indigenous peoples’ rights, states have to consult indigenous peoples The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) in its concluding observations on Colombia (paragraph 33) urged “the State party to ensure that indigenous peoples participate in decisions affecting their lives.” CERD in its General Comment XXIII pointed out that States have to “ensure that members of indigenous peoples have equal rights in respect of effective participation in public life and that no decisions directly relating to their rights and interests are taken without their informed consent.” Numerous concluding observations of the treaty bodies, in particular the CERD, have addressed indigenous issues in specific countries and recommended the ratification of ILO Convention No. 169.