United Nations Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples The annual session of the United Nations Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP) took place in July 2017 and included development of the EMRIP working methods under its revised mandate, and a thematic focus on business and indigenous people’s rights. The Commission’s contributions to the session of the EMRIP included: a submission to the EMRIP’s thematic study; several interventions during the session and participation in panel discussion. Outgoing Indigenous Rights Commissioner Karen Johansen also featured in a video statement produced by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to mark the 10th anniversary of the UNDRIP. The Commission further contributed to the work of the EMRIP through participation at an expert workshop held in February, including by providing detailed comments on the EMRIP’s proposed working methods. In December, the Commission provided a submission to a thematic study undertaken by the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII). The study was on the issue of indigenous people’s rights to lands, territories and resources. The Commission continued to encourage and promote Mäori participation in the EMRIP, UNPFII and other international human rights processes, including through a community workshop, by disseminating information and providing advice. The success of these activities was reflected in subsequent engagement by stakeholders in those human rights processes. Rights of disabled persons The Commission became the chair for the Independent Monitoring Mechanism (IMM) of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The IMM met with the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities by video conference, during which the Committee commended the IMM for its submissions and input into the shadow report for New Zealand’s 2nd Periodic Review under the CRPD. All of the IMM’s priority issues were subsequently reflected in the Committee’s list of issues prior to reporting. Implementing the CRPD Two representatives from the Commission attended the 11th Conference of State Parties (COSP) on the CRPD to discuss its implementation around the world. The Disability Rights Commissioner participated on panels focused on the meaningful participation of disabled persons in the implementation of the CRPD. The Commissioner also moderated a side session on data hosted by New Zealand and Canada. Later, she made an intervention during the general debate about the importance of changing attitudes around the world towards disability as a key to meaningful implementation of the CRPD. 30 Human Rights Commission