The UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations, whose work was discontinued, has been replaced by the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, as has been confirmed by a UN Human Rights Council (UN HRC) resolution adopted on 14 December 2007. The mandate of this mechanism is to function as a subsidiary body to the UN HRC offering specific expertise to the Council with regards to the rights of indigenous peoples. In particular where it concerns thematic issues, the mechanism will heavily rely on studies and research-based advice. However, within the scope of the Council, the expert mechanism may also suggest proposals to the UN HRC for its consideration.

Five experts are assigned to sit on the Expert Mechanism of whom many have an indigenous background or in lieu thereof have vast knowledge on indigenous issues. For the first term, the experts appointed are:

• Ms. Catherine Odimba Kombe (Congo)
• Ms. Jannie Lasimbang (Malaysia)
• Mr. John Henrikson (Norway)
• Mr. José Carlos Morales Morales (Costa Rica)
• Mr. José Mencio Molintas (Philippines)

In line with its mandate, the Expert Mechanism will meet annually, three days in the first year, but up to five days thereafter. These sessions are foreseen to be a combination of public and private meetings. The first meeting of the Expert Mechanism is scheduled to be held in Geneva, Switzerland from 1 to 3 October 2008.