Switzerland to host first session

Room XIX of the Palais des Nations, at the United Nations Office in Geneva, Switzerland will play host to the first session of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (the Expert Mechanism) taking place from October 1 to 3.
The Expert Mechanism is a creation of the Human Rights Council (HRC), and its mandate is to assist the HRC in providing thematic expertise on the rights of Indigenous peoples.
The primary focus will be on studies and research based advice, however the Expert Mechanism is permitted to suggest proposals to the HRC for its consideration and approval.
While the Expert Mechanism will not put forth resolutions and decisions, it will determine its own methods of work.
Based on a large and extensive criterion, five experts were chosen in accordance with a resolution created in June 2007. The experts will serve a term of three years with an option for one more term.
For the first session, the Expert Mechanism will assemble for three days, and the meetings will be a mixture of public and private discussions. In the years following, the sessions may last up to five days.
Furthermore, a Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of Indigenous Peoples, and a member of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues will be invited to attend and contribute in the annual meeting. The meeting can be attended by Indigenous Peoples organizations and non-governmental organizations whose aims and purposes coincide with that of the Charter of the United Nations.
The meeting will also be open to: United Nations mechanisms, bodies and specialized agencies, funds and programmes; Intergovernmental organizations, regional organizations and mechanisms in the field of human rights; National Human Rights Institutions and other relevant national bodies; Academics and experts on Indigenous issues and non-governmental organizations in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council.
The Expert Mechanism will receive technical and financial assistance from the Secretary-General and the United Nations High Commissioner, and the High Commissioner will act as the Secretariat of the Expert Mechanism.
For more information on this session, visit, www.ohchr.org.