Through resolution 27/13, the Human Rights Council requested the Expert Mechanism to carry out a study on the promotion and protection of the rights of indigenous peoples with respect to their cultural heritage, including through their participation in political and public life, to be presented to the Council at its 30th session (September 2015).
The study benefited significantly from submissions (listed below) and the presentations made at the Expert Seminar on Indigenous Peoples’ Rights with respect to their Cultural Heritage (Rovaniemi, Finland, 26 and 27 February 2015), organized by OHCHR and the University of Lapland. The Seminar also provided an opportunity for exchange among academics, practitioners and other experts on issues related to the cultural heritage of indigenous peoples.
Summary
This study offers a comprehensive analytical overview of the international legal framework and jurisprudence regarding the rights of indigenous peoples with respect to their cultural heritage, and addresses some of the specific issues for indigenous peoples when it comes to cultural heritage.
The study concludes with Expert Mechanism advice No. 8 on the cultural heritage of indigenous peoples.