GANHRI promotes NHRIs’ role in Indigenous Peoples’ rights implementation at UN Expert Mechanism

The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), through its head office, members of its Caucus on Indigenous Peoples’ Rights, and member national human rights institutions (NHRIs) will participate in the 18th session of the UN Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP) in Geneva from 14 to 18 July.

GANHRI will deliver a statement under item 8 of the agenda focusing on the role of national and regional human rights institutions in achieving the ends of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). The Norwegian National Human Rights Institution, serving as co-convener of GANHRI Caucus, will deliver the remarks on behalf of the global alliance.

The statement will highlight innovative practices from Caucus members worldwide in advancing UNDRIP implementation, reflecting the collective experience and commitment of NHRIs in this area.

Established in 2024, the GANHRI Caucus on Indigenous Peoples’ Rights creates a platform for cooperation among NHRIs engaged in promoting Indigenous Peoples’ rights. The Caucus facilitates knowledge exchange, identifies capacity-building opportunities, coordinates joint activities, and enables collective participation in international forums such as EMRIP and the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

NHRIs are uniquely positioned to advance UNDRIP implementation within their respective states. Operating with formal and functional independence under the Paris Principles, these institutions monitor human rights situations, provide policy advice to governments, deliver education programs, and engage with international human rights mechanisms.

Caucus members have taken various approaches including establishing offices in Indigenous territories, appointing Indigenous representatives to governing bodies, conducting rights assessments against UNDRIP standards, and responding to threats to Indigenous Peoples’ rights from development projects.

The participation in EMRIP’s 18th session reinforces GANHRI’s commitment to bridging domestic and international accountability efforts. NHRIs regularly submit reports to UN treaty bodies and special rapporteurs, helping ensure that international guidance reaches national governments and translates into policy reforms.

Editorial notes:

Created in 2024, 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.

The Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples serves as the Human Rights Council’s subsidiary expert body, providing thematic expertise and advice on Indigenous Peoples’ rights. The 18th session will address various aspects of Indigenous Peoples’ rights protection and promotion, with particular focus on the role of national and regional institutions in achieving UNDRIP objectives.