WINDHOEK: The United Nations’ Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, James Anaya arrived in Namibia on Thursday to examine the situation of indigenous people here.

This is the first mission by an independent expert designated by the UN Human Rights Council to report on the rights of indigenous people in Namibia.

National Information Officer at the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) here, Anthea Basson told Nampa in a telephonic interview on Thursday that Anaya will carry out meetings with representatives of Government as well as various indigenous people and non-governmental organisations in the capital as well as in Tsumkwe, West Caprivi, Okaukuejo and Opuwo.

Anaya said in a media statement issued on Monday that indigenous peoples across the world experience the consequences of historical colonisation and the invasion of their territories, and thus face discrimination because of their distinct cultures, identities and ways of life.

“I will examine the situation of indigenous people in Namibia in, amongst others, the areas of land and resources; development; and social and economic rights, in light of relevant international standards, including those in the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which was adopted by the General Assembly in 2007 with an affirmative vote by Namibia,” he added.

Anaya is scheduled to leave Namibia next Friday.