Indigenous peoples have been able, after decades of political struggle, to obtain a more prominent presence in the higher-level bodies within the United Nations universal human rights protection system. During this seminar we will discuss the impact and limitations of the work of independent indigenous international experts, such as the mandate of the UN Special Rapport of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Expert Mechanism of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP) as knowledge/ontological knowledge brokers or diplomats within the UN human rights system.
Guiding questions are: What have been the main obstacles, success factors and lessons learned in procuring an international norm-making space which recognises counter-hegemonic human rights views? To what extent have international indigenous knowledge brokers been able to overcome knowledge and ontological conflicts about human/rights? What kinds of tools, mechanisms and strategies have been useful for navigating between different and competing legal realities?

Panel:
Vicky Tauli-Corpus, UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (Kankanaey Igorot, Philippines)
Anne Nuorgam, Chair of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (Sami, Finland)
Moderator: Patricia Borraz (independent consultant)