Cristina Blanco, PhD researcher in international human rights law, presented at a workshop organised by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Between 21-22 October 2019, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) held a workshop on regional arrangements for the promotion and protection of human rights, following Human Rights Council resolution 34/17.

The workshop aimed to develop proposals for enhancing cooperation between international and regional human rights mechanisms in combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.

Cristina’s presentation focused on the relationship between the Inter-American Human Rights System and other international human rights systems, in regards to discrimination against indigenous peoples in the American region, with a particular emphasis on their economic and social rights.

Although human rights systems have made valuable contributions to this regard, there are also some areas that can be strengthened. This includes the greater reference and cross-fertilisation among systems, especially in matters of collective property; more standards and recommendations – both in numbers and specificity – on discrimination against indigenous peoples in the economic and social spheres; greater harmonisation in key standards such as the right to prior consultation and consent in contexts of extractive activities; and a broad look at the different forms of racism including a preventive approach to institutional discrimination based on an intercultural approach and attention to discrimination in interpersonal relationships.