The 19th Session of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP) will take place July 13-17, 2026, at the United Nations Palais des Nations in Geneva. The Implementation Project team is available to answer questions, provide support with registration, and share tips for meaningful participation at declaration@narf.org.
Background Information on EMRIP
The Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP) provides expert advice to the UN Human Rights Council and supports Member States, Indigenous Peoples, and others in implementing the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples by conducting studies, accepting country engagements, and recommending measures to protect Indigenous Peoples’ rights. EMRIP consists of seven independent experts and holds annual sessions involving representatives from States, Indigenous Peoples, academia, Indigenous and intergovernmental organizations to discuss human rights issues.
Participation
American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians have been active in EMRIP since its inception. Additional details for the 2026 Annual Session can be found on the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights website, including the Provisional Program of Work, documents of the session, information about signing up for the list of speakers, and the process to request to host a side event during the session. The broad focus of EMRIP’s annual session is advising the Human Rights Council in Geneva about Indigenous Peoples’ rights. Key topics for this year’s session include (1) Updates on recent country engagements, (2) Rights of Indigenous Peoples in conflict and post-conflict situations, (3) International decade of Indigenous languages, (4) Rights of Indigenous Peoples and Artificial Intelligence, and (5) Indigenous Peoples’ enhanced participation in the UN.
Registration
Registration to participate is open from April 1 until July 3, 2026, through the Indico online platform, and requires an Accreditation Letter of nomination from the organization or Indigenous Nation that you represent explaining briefly how participating in the EMRIP may benefit the work of the organization or Indigenous Nation. To register, visit the EMRIP’s 19th Session Registration Page. The Registration Instructions are a great resource for more information about the Accreditation Letter and registering to participate. A confirmation of registration is emailed to you once your registration is approved. Applicants in need of a letter to support their visa application should get it from the organization sponsoring their travel and accommodation.