AIATSIS CEO Craig Ritchie.
The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) CEO, Craig Ritchie, will lead the Australian Government delegation to the tenth session of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP), 10 to 14 July 2017, in Geneva, Switzerland.
Established by the UN Human Rights Council in 2007, EMRIP provides the Human Rights Council with expertise and advice on the rights of Indigenous peoples as set out in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and can assist Member States in achieving those rights.
AIATSIS Council Member Geoffrey Winters said it was an honour that an AIATSIS representative was leading this year’s delegation.
“Craig’s appointment is an acknowledgement of the esteem in which both he and the Institute are held, and of the vital role AIATSIS plays in providing advice to the Commonwealth on the situation and status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and heritage,” said Mr Winters.
“I wish Craig all the best and know he will represent Australia, AIATSIS and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with pride and diligence on such a significant occasion.”
This year’s agenda will ensure a busy week for delegates with some of the items including;
A new mandate of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: activities and methods of work;
Interactive dialogue with national human rights institutions, regional human rights institutions and similar mechanisms; and
Future work of the Expert Mechanism, including focus of the next annual study.
See the full agenda on the EMRIP website.
EMRIP studies and advice place special emphasis on the participation of Indigenous peoples themselves in decisions that affect them.
EMRIP holds an annual session, usually in July, in which representatives from states, Indigenous peoples, Indigenous peoples’ organisations, civil society, inter-governmental organisations and academia take part.
Media enquiries
Commesmedia@aiatsis.gov.au or 02 6246 1605