GENEVA (24 August 2010) – The United Nations expert on indigenous people on Tuesday welcomed “important steps” made by the Government of the Russian Federation towards protecting the rights of the country’s indigenous peoples, while noting that “many indigenous people in Russia continue to face multiple impediments to the full enjoyment of their human rights, especially in certain regions.”

James Anaya, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people Anaya, made his comments while launching a report on an earlier visit to the Russian Federation. He stressed that “continuous and focused attention is necessary in order to accelerate positive trends,” including in such areas as economic development, education and language, and health, and pointed out that “human development indicators show that indigenous peoples are still often faring less well than other sectors of society.”

The UN expert praised the Government of the Russian Federation for showing commitment to improving the living conditions of indigenous peoples, advancing their cultures and participation in decision-making, and developing a comprehensive policy addressing indigenous peoples. Nonetheless, he said, implementation of the existing laws guaranteeing indigenous communities’ rights -- at both the federal and regional levels -- “remains a challenge that needs to be resolved.”

The report, which will be presented to the UN Human Rights Council in September 2010, raises particular concerns over indigenous peoples’ rights to land and natural resources and the need to ensure that laws concerning these issues are fully and consistently implemented throughout Russia. Anaya’s report also points to the need for indigenous peoples to be ensured adequate political representation at the municipal, regional and federal levels of government. “Indigenous people’s right to consultation in decisions affecting them must be fully respected,” the report said.