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developed in light of the fact that numerous indigenous individuals go to the annual
meetings of the Permanent Forum and the Expert Mechanism with complaints about
specific situations, although neither mechanism has a mandate to follow up with the
Governments concerned. The Special Rapporteur has typically held some 20 to
30 individual meetings during each of the annual sessions, and he follows up on
many of the cases received in accordance with his communications procedure. He
hopes that the next Special Rapporteur will be able to continue this practice and that
the Secretariat will continue to provide support in this regard.
47. Another central aspect of collaboration between the Special Rapporteur, the
Permanent Forum and the Expert Mechanism has centred around the development of
thematic studies. The Special Rapporteur has provided comments on the diverse
studies of these mechanisms, drawing from the various aspects of his work as
Special Rapporteur. The three mechanisms collaborated in each other’s examination
of the issue of extractive industries affecting indigenous peoples, striving to avoid
duplication and to ensure that the work is mutually reinforcing.
2.
Coordination with other United Nations human rights mechanisms, institutions
and processes
48. The Special Rapporteur has, on a continual basis, collaborated with other
United Nations human rights mechanisms and institutions in relation to various
issues related to the protection and promotion of the human rights of indigenous
peoples, including specific cases of allegations of violations. Most notably, the
Special Rapporteur has coordinated with other special procedures mandate holders
of the Human Rights Council in their review of cases, country situations, and
thematic issues of mutual concern.
49. In addition, the Special Rapporteur has, on occasion, coordinated with United
Nations human rights treaty bodies, especially the Committee on the Elimination of
Racial Discrimination and the Human Rights Committee. This coordination has
taken place both in relation to these bodies’ periodic review of countries and in their
examination of specific cases — with the Committee on the Elimination of Racial
Discrimination, under its urgent action and early warning procedure, and with the
Human Rights Committee, under the communications procedure established under
its first Optional Protocol. In regard to some countries or cases being reviewed by
United Nations treaty bodies, the Special Rapporteur, via the Secretariat, has been
able to share information gathered during on-site country visits and advise on his
observations and recommendations.
50. The recommendations of the Special Rapporteur with respect to specific
country situations have also been raised during the Human Rights Council’s
universal periodic review mechanism. Through coordination with the Secretariat,
the Special Rapporteur has highlighted particular issues of concern regarding
countries under review, drawing from his examination of specific cases and country
situations. His observations and recommendations have been reflected in the
compilation of United Nations materials prepared by OHCHR, submitted to Member
States.
51. However, in general, more could be done, including within the Secretariat and
among the experts, to coordinate and share information. There is still a significant
level of duplication among the various human rights bodies and some inconsistent
recommendations. For their part, indigenous peoples and others working on their
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