James Anaya facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
S. James Anaya
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Anaya in Kuala Lumpur, March 2013
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| 16th Dean of the University of Colorado Law School | |
| In office August 8, 2016 – June 30, 2021 |
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| Preceded by | Phil Weiser |
| Succeeded by | Lolita Buckner |
| Personal details | |
| Education | University of New Mexico (BA) Harvard Law School (JD) |
Stephen James Anaya is an American lawyer who has done a lot to help people. He was the 16th Dean, or head, of the University of Colorado Law School in Boulder. Before that, he taught about human rights at the University of Arizona.
In 2008, the United Nations chose him for a special job. He became the Special Rapporteur for indigenous people. This means he worked to protect the rights and freedoms of native groups around the world. He was also chosen to be part of the American Philosophical Society in 2019.
Contents
What is James Anaya's Background?
His Education and Early Career
James Anaya studied at the University of New Mexico, where he earned his first degree in 1980. He then went to Harvard Law School and became a lawyer in 1983.
He teaches and writes about important topics. These include international human rights, which are basic rights for everyone. He also focuses on constitutional law and issues important to indigenous communities.
Helping Indigenous Groups Worldwide
Mr. Anaya has worked as an advisor for many groups and governments. He helps them understand and protect human rights, especially for indigenous people. He has also represented native groups in North and Central America. He helped them in important court cases.
One famous case was Awas Tingni v. Nicaragua. In this case, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights agreed that indigenous people have rights to their traditional lands. This was a big step forward in international law. He also led a team that helped the Maya people in Belize. They won a case that confirmed their land rights.
Leading the University of Colorado Law School
On April 13, 2016, James Anaya was chosen to be the Dean of the University of Colorado Boulder Law School. He started this job on August 8, 2016. He worked as the Dean until June 30, 2021. Even after stepping down as Dean, he continues to be a respected teacher there.
James Anaya has family roots from the Apache and Purépecha communities.
What Has James Anaya Written?
Important Books and Articles
James Anaya has written many important books and articles about law and human rights. These writings help others learn about these topics.
- International Human Rights: Problems of Law, Policy, and Practice (4th ed. 2006): This book is about international human rights. He wrote it with other experts.
- The Protection of Indigenous Peoples' Rights Over Lands and Natural Resources Under the Inter-American Human Rights System (2001): This article discusses how indigenous people's land rights are protected by international law.
- The Native Hawaiian People and International Human Rights Law: Toward a Remedy for Past and Continuing Wrongs (1994): This piece looks at the rights of Native Hawaiian people.
- A Contemporary Definition of the International Norm of Self-Determination (1993): This article talks about the idea of self-determination for groups of people.
You can find a full list of his academic writings up to 2009 on the University of Arizona website.
See also
In Spanish: James Anaya para niños
