The UNO Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples James Anaya stood up for the Sami of Norway. He stated his point during the conference on the issues of indigenous peoples in Kirkenes, Norway, on February 9^th.

According to J. Anaya, an integral part of work of the UNO special rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples is to keep track of information on the problems of these ethnic groups and take measures, if their rights are violated.

 “I receive information of this kind almost every day from all the corners of the world, - stated the special rapporteur. – I carefully study it and assume that I am able to influence the situation. If I see that my participation is helpful, I redirect the information to the United Nations Human Rights Council and take measures myself.”

As an example, J. Anaya mentioned an application he has recently got from the Sami of Norway. “The Parliament of Norway discussed the legislative acts, ratification of which would imply that all the further resolutions, effective on the territories inhabited by the Sami, would be passed without consulting the Sami Parliament. I worked on this issue directly with the Government of Norway, sent a letter of my concern there and followed the development of the situation. To my satisfaction, these resolutions will not be passed. These suggestions appeared to reflect the interests of only a small group of citizens,”- he concluded.