Anastasia Chukhman Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Geneva, 29 November 2011, Fourth Forum on Minority Issues Guaranteeing the rights of minority women, Agenda item 2 International and regional human rights mechanisms, and recent global initiatives relating to the rights of women belonging to minorities Dear Chairman of the Forum, Dear participants of the meeting, Thank you for the opportunity to speak on the item 2 of the agenda and to share [information about] the work on the guarantees of the rights of indigenous women performed by the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. First of all, I would like to say a few words about the Expert Mechanism. This body of the UN system of human rights was established in 2007 and performs its functions effectively. The Expert Mechanism’s mandate foresees giving assistance to the Human Rights Council in the preparation of case studies in the field of the rights of indigenous peoples, in accordance with the Council's requests. It is equally important that the Expert Mechanism can also submit proposals, subject to the Council’s consideration and approval, within the scope of the Council's activities. At the same time, the Expert Mechanism is not entitled to review new standards, consider the situation of indigenous peoples in the countries or admit complaints. In its work, the Expert Mechanism is cooperating closely with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous peoples, [and] the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.