SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR ON HUMAN RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES ENDS VISIT TO CANADA

4 June 2004

The Special Rapporteur of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people, Rodolfo Stavenhagen, concludes today in Ottawa his official visit to Canada undertaken at the invitation of the Government.

With this visit, which started on 21 May, Mr. Stavenhagen aimed to gain a better understanding of the situation aboriginal peoples in Canada. Several key issues were addressed during the course of the mission, including the situation of the economic and social rights of aboriginal peoples. The Special Rapporteur was informed, among other issues, about the high rates of diabetes among the aboriginal population and the above-average number of suicides among aboriginal youth. He also received reports on special concerns regarding educational challenges for First Nations. Education is a primary focus of the Special Rapporteur’s activities this year.

Mr. Stavenhagen also discussed the challenges aboriginal peoples face in protecting effectively their rights and their identity in the country, in particular aboriginal women. Along with relevant parties in the country, including Government officials at the federal and provincial levels, indigenous chiefs and individuals, Mr. Stavenhagen, analyzed the situation of modern agreements between the Government and the various groups, as well as the initiatives taken in the resolution of longstanding land claims in the country. Indeed, land and resources rights of aboriginal peoples continue to be essential for the complete enjoyment of their human rights.

During his mission, the Special Rapporteur visited communities and held meetings in Halifax, Sydney, Montreal, James Bay, Barriere Lake, Nunavut, Quebec, Winnipeg and the capital Ottawa. Among others, Mr. Stavenhagen met with representatives from First Nations such as the M’ikmaq, Mohawk and Cree as well as with representatives from the Innuit, Innu, and Metis communities. The Special Rapporteur held meetings with academics in Ottawa and Winnipeg who addressed issues of increasing concern such as the challenges facing disabled aboriginal peoples in their communities and in urban areas.

The Special Rapporteur will present the findings of his mission in a report to be submitted to the Commission on Human Rights. Mr. Stavenhagen has been Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous peoples since 2001.

For further information, contact the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Geneva: tel. +41 22 917. 94. 13.