GENEVA (3 December 2021) – The UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, Francisco Cali-Tzay, will carry out an official country visit to Costa Rica from 6 to 17 December 2021. “I will study consultation processes established to seek the free, prior and informed consent of indigenous peoples before adopting and implementing legislative or administrative measures or projects affecting their lands, territories and resources,” Cali-Tzay said. “While in Costa Rica, I will also pay attention to concerns raised that indigenous rights defenders are being threatened and attacked.” The UN expert will examine a diverse range of issues affecting indigenous peoples, including self-governance, land rights, environment and climate change, human rights defenders, rights of indigenous women and children, indigenous people with disabilities and the impacts of COVID. Cali-Tzay will meet Government and State officials, indigenous organisations, civil society, academics and UN representatives. He will also visit several indigenous communities to receive information first-hand and discuss their priorities and concerns. The Special Rapporteur will hold a news conference to share his preliminary findings and recommendations at 10:00 on 17 December 2021 at the hotel Hilton Garden Inn San José La Sabana. Access to the conference is limited to accredited journalists, who must register in advance (see information below). The UN expert will present his final report to the Human Rights Council in September 2022. ENDS