The Harper government continues to prevent the UN special rapporteur on Indigenous peoples from visiting Canada.

James Anaya, the special rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous peoples, says the federal government continues to ignore his year-old request to visit Canada to investigate the “human rights situation of Indigenous peoples,” according to a Feb. 20 letter he sent to the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC).

“I have communicated with the government of Canada to request its consent for me to conduct an official visit to the country to examine and report on the human rights situation of Indigenous peoples there,” writes Anaya, in the letter. “I initially made the request in February of 2012 and am still awaiting a response from the government.”

Anaya has written the federal government at least three times requesting permission to visit the country.

Anaya says in the letter that Canada has issued “a standing invitation” to special rapporteurs that hold mandates from the UN Human Rights Council, but he can’t enter the country on an official visit without the formal consent of Ottawa that would include an agreement on dates and terms of the visit.

Anaya says he will find a way to meet with First Nations leaders through unofficial channels if the government continues to ignore his request.

“If I do not receive a positive response from the government in the coming months, I can explore ways of meeting with First Nations leaders from Canada outside the context of an official visit,” writes Anaya.

Anaya’s letter came in response to an invitation from Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, president of the UBCIC.

[link to aptn.ca]