In the present report, the Special Rapporteur on the implications for human rights of the environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes, Marcos Orellana, examines the negative implications of toxic and hazardous substances on indigenous peoples’ enjoyment of human rights. Mining, oil and gas exploration and extraction, spraying of toxic pesticides, dumping of hazardous wastes, and military activities have appalling effects on the rights of indigenous peoples. Every aspect of indigenous peoples’ lives is affected by the contamination of their bodies, lands, waters, food, wildlife and plants. The Special Rapporteur puts forward recommendations aimed at addressing the adverse consequences of toxic substances on indigenous peoples, including how legal instruments on chemicals and wastes should be interpreted in the light of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.