1. This is the first report being submitted by Mr Rodolfo Stavenhagen, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people, to the General Assembly. During the period of his mandate, the Special Rapporteur submitted three reports to the Commission on Human Rights: E/CN. 4/2002/97 and Add. 1, E/CN. 4/2003/90 and Add. 1-3 and E/CN. 4/2004/80 and Add. 1-4/Corr. 1. The report includes the main topics considered by the Special Rapporteur during the first three years of his mandate, which he took up in June 2001.

2. This report covers the activities carried out during the period 11 August 2001–10 August 2004. It underscores certain issues of concern which, in the Special Rapporteur’s view, require urgent and immediate attention. Owing to space constraints and in order to avoid needless duplication, reference will be made where necessary to previous reports on the issue where the questions raised are dealt with at length.