UN expert mechanism to discuss Indigenous Peoples’ rights in conflict and AI
The Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples will meet in Geneva from 13 to 17 July 2026, with conflict situations, AI and Indigenous participation in the UN on the agenda.
The United Nations Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples will hold its 19th session from 13 to 17 July 2026 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.
The Expert Mechanism (EMRIP), is a subsidiary body of the Human Rights Council made up of seven independent experts. It provides advice and thematic expertise on the rights of Indigenous Peoples and supports implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
At the session, EMRIP will present a study on the rights of Indigenous Peoples in conflict and post-conflict situations. It will also hold a panel discussion on AI and the rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Human Rights Council President Sidharto R. Suryodipuro will speak at the opening on 13 July. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk will deliver welcoming remarks on 15 July.
The session will also include an interactive dialogue with the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Albert K. Barume, the UN Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples and members of UN treaty bodies.
Other discussions will focus on strengthening Indigenous Peoples’ participation in the United Nations, preparations for the 20th anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the International Decade of Indigenous Languages and EMRIP’s future work.
Public meetings will be webcast live and available in the six official UN languages.
