Advancing Indigenous Peoples’ rights at EMRIP19
The 19th session of the United Nations Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP), held in Geneva from 13 to 17 July 2026, addressed both emerging challenges, long-standing protection gaps, and opportunities for advancing the Indigenous Peoples’ rights
GANHRI and members of its Caucus on Indigenous Peoples contributed to the session, notably on the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) and the approaching 20th anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
AI: a human rights issue for Indigenous Peoples
AI increasingly shapes decisions that affect Indigenous Peoples’ lives, including in public services, healthcare, environmental management, education, policing, and border governance. Yet many AI systems continue to be developed without the meaningful participation of Indigenous Peoples, creating risks of discrimination, digital exclusion, and loss of control over Indigenous knowledge and data.
Speaking as panellist in the discussion on “Indigenous Peoples and Artificial Intelligence,” Commissioner Faydah M. Dumarpa of the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines highlighted that AI systems must be developed and governed in accordance with international human rights standards, including UNDRIP.
Key concerns include algorithmic bias linked to the underrepresentation of Indigenous languages, identities, and realities in datasets; the potential misuse of Indigenous knowledge without Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC); and the expansion of surveillance technologies affecting Indigenous communities. Persistent digital inequalities further limit Indigenous Peoples’ ability to shape th technologies that affect them.
At the same time, AI can offer real opportunities when developed through inclusive and rights-based approaches. Digital technologies can support Indigenous language revitalisation, improve access to services in remote communities, and contribute to climate adaptation efforts by strengthening the visibility and use of Indigenous knowledge systems.
From consultation to co-design
Panellists shared examples of Indigenous-led initiatives using digital tools to preserve languages, develop educational resources, and support community-driven innovation.
A clear message emerged from the discussions: Indigenous Peoples should not only be consulted after technologies are developed, but should actively participate in their design, governance, and implementation. Respect for FPIC, protection of Indigenous data sovereignty, and investment in Indigenous digital capacity are essential to ensuring that AI supports self-determination rather than reinforce existing inequalities.
Twenty years of UNDRIP: real progress, persistent gaps
Ahead of the 20th anniversary of UNDRIP, the session also took stock of two decades of implementation. Representing GANHRI and the Caucus in the discussion on “Preparing for twenty years of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples,” Deputy Ombudsperson Astrid Vega of the Human Rights Ombudsman’s Office of Guatemala reflected on the progress achieved since the Declaration’s adoption in 2007, while recognising significant gaps remain at the national level.
Persistent challenges include the effective implementation of FPIC, meaningful participation in decision-making processes, and the recognition and protection of Indigenous Peoples’ rights to lands, territories, and resources.
Strengthening Indigenous-led data systems is equally important, ensuring that information on Indigenous Peoples’ rights is collected, governed, and used in ways that respect Indigenous data sovereignty. Positive practices from different contexts show that progress is possible when Indigenous Peoples are meaningfully involved in governance processes, including through co-management arrangements and policies aligned with UNDRIP.
The role of NHRIs
Throughout the session, GANHRI highlighted the critical role of NHRIs in supporting the implementation of Indigenous Peoples’ rights: monitoring compliance, advocating for legal and policy reform, engaging with both States and Indigenous Peoples, strengthening accountability mechanisms, and contributing to international human rights reporting processes.
As discussions continue ahead of the 20th anniversary of UNDRIP, one principle must guide the way forward: Indigenous Peoples are not only rights holders, but equal partners in shaping the decisions, policies, and systems that affect their communities and futures.
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Editorial note: The GANHRI Caucus on Indigenous Peoples’ rights is composed of 22 members from all four regions and meets online quarterly, in February, April, July, and October. NHRIs interested in the work of the Caucus are invited to contact GANHRI Head Office. The Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP) is a subsidiary expert body of the Human Rights council, providing thematic expertise and advice on the rights of Indigenous Peoples. Recordings of the sessions can be accessed via UN Web TV.