United Nations
General Assembly
A/HRC/21/47/Add.1
Distr.: General
30 August 2012
Original: English
Human Rights Council
Twenty-first session
Agenda item 3
Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil,
political, economic, social and cultural rights,
including the right to development
Report of the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous
peoples, James Anaya
Addendum
The situation of indigenous peoples in the United States of America*
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Summary
In this report the Special Rapporteur examines the human rights situation of
indigenous peoples in the United States, on the basis of research and information gathered,
including during a visit to the country from 23 April to 4 May 2012. During his mission,
the Special Rapporteur held consultations with United States officials as well as with
indigenous peoples, tribes, and nations in Washington, D.C., Arizona, Alaska, Oregon,
Washington state; South Dakota and Oklahoma, both in Indian country and in urban areas.
Appendices I and II to this report include, respectively, summaries of information provided
by the Government and of information submitted by indigenous peoples, organizations and
individuals in connection with the mission.
The Special Rapporteur concludes that indigenous peoples in the United States –
including American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian peoples – constitute
vibrant communities that have contributed greatly to the life of the country; yet they face
significant challenges that are related to widespread historical wrongs, including broken
treaties and acts of oppression, and misguided government policies, that today manifest
themselves in various indicators of disadvantage and impediments to the exercise of their
individual and collective rights.
*
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GE.12-16270
The summary of the present report is circulated in all official languages. The report itself,
which is annexed to the summary, is circulated in the language of submission only.
Late submission.