Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental
freedoms of indigenous people

Submitting information to the Special Rapporteur

The communications sent by the Special Rapporteur rely, to an important extend, on the information provided by NGOs and indigenous organizations. It is therefore very important that this information be the most accurate, updated and specific as possible.

This information should include a detailed description of the circumstances of the alleged violation. It should be brief and precise (1-2 pages may suffice), and may be accompanied by annexes providing written or graphic evidence of the case.

The quality and level of information provided is crucial in ensuring the Special Rapporteur’s prompt intervention in a given case, as incomplete information will require further investigation and may delay consideration of the case.

Any additional information about the case should be made available to the Special Rapporteur, as it may provide grounds for the Special Rapporteur’s intervention or to follow-up on a previous communication sent to the Government concerned.

Required information

When and Where. Date, time and precise location of the incident (Country, region, municipality, area).

Victim(s). Name, number and full details on the location of the individual(s), people or community that has been or at risk as result of alleged fact.

What happened. Detailed circumstances of the alleged violation. If an initial event leads to others, please describe them chronologically. In case of general measures such as national legislation or policies, indicate their stage of development and how indigenous peoples have or will be affected by them.

Perpetrator(s). Information on who allegedly committed the violation. If known, an explanation of the reasons why they are suspected of being responsible and whether they have any relation with national authorities.

Action taken by national authorities: Has the matter been reported to the national administrative or judicial authorities? If applicable, what actions have been taken by the relevant authorities to remedy the situation?

Action taken before international bodies: Has any legal action been initiated before international or regional human rights mechanisms? What is the state of development of these actions?

Source: Name and full address of the organization or individual(s) submitting the information. The details about the person or the organization submitting the information is essential in case the Rapporteur would need clarification or further information on the case. This information is always kept confidential.

Contact information

Information addressed to the Special Rapporteur should be sent by mail, fax or e-mail to:

Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights
and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people
c/o OHCHR-UNOG
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
Palais Wilson
1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland
Email: indigenous@ohchr.org
Fax: +41 - 22 917 90 06
Tel. + 41 - 22 917 94 07