E/CN.4/2002/97 page 4 discrimination and marginalization, particularly involving women and children, is a persistent problem. Indigenous peoples are especially vulnerable in situations of civil conflict and violence. Some cases are referred to in this report, others are further documented in the addendum. While debates continue over questions of a definition of indigenous people, the Special Rapporteur notes that the right of indigenous persons and peoples to self-definition is the most accepted form of identification consistent with a human rights approach. During the first few months of his mandate the Special Rapporteur has begun to receive information from various sources regarding the alleged violation of human rights of indigenous communities and peoples. While numerous allegations involve the rights of indigenous individuals, the general pattern refers to indigenous collectivities, whether local communities, tribes, or specific peoples. The rights invoked in these complaints and communications relate to the issues mentioned in the preceding paragraphs. The report provides a synthetic survey of a sample of cases, which are documented in more detail in the addendum. The Special Rapporteur is still not clear as to the most efficient way of processing such communications, the number of which is expected to increase, and he would appreciate guidance from the Commission on this issue. The last section of the report sets out a provisional programme of the Special Rapporteur’s future activities. It includes a list of seven major topics that, in his judgement, deserve special scrutiny and analysis, and suggests some methods for obtaining and handling information, including the use of questionnaires and schedules, and in situ visits. In his oral presentation of the report to the Commission, the Special Rapporteur expects to expand on some of the topics, which, due to limitations of space, are not adequately covered in this document.