The General Assembly backed protections for the human rights of indigenous peoples, adopting a landmark declaration that brought to an end nearly 25 years of contentious negotiations over the rights of native people to protect their lands and resources, and to maintain their unique cultures and traditions.

13 September 2007

After decades of struggle, indigenous peoples' rights are finally recognized by states all over the world. Voting 144 in favor, 4 against with 11 abstentions, the UN General Assembly finally adopted the long-awaited UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in its 61st General Assembly.

This historic occasion marks a significant milestone in our struggle for our rights as distinct peoples and cultures

This Declaration sets the minimum international standards for the protection and promotion of the rights of indigenous peoples. "Therefore, existing and future laws, policies, and programs on indigenous peoples will have to be redesigned and shaped to be consistent with this standard."

VICTORIA TAULI-CORPUZ'S STATEMENT
Statement of Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, Chair of the U.N. Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues on the occasion of the adoption of the U.N. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. 61st. Session of the UN General Assembly, 13 September 2007.

"The challenge to ensure the respect, protection and fulfillment of Indigenous Peoples Rights has just begun. We foresee that there will be great difficulties in implementaing this Declaration because of lack of political will on the part of the governments, lack of resources and because of the vested interests of rich and powerful. However, we will be continuing good faith shown by States today who voted for the adoption of the Declaration. We will be counting on the United Nation System to help implement the Declaration".

"Effective implementation of the Declaration will be the test of commitment of States and the whole international community to protect, respect and fulfill indigenous peoples collective and individual human rights". See full text, pdf format.

More information

High Commissioner for Human Rights hails adoption of Declaration in Indigenous Rights
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour hailed today's adoption by the General Assembly of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples calling it "a triumph for justice and human dignity". Source OHCHR.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY ADOPTS DECLARATION ON RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
The General Assembly overwhelmingly backed protections for the human rights of indigenous peoples, adopting a landmark declaration that brought to an end nearly 25 years of contentious negotiations over the rights of native people to protect their lands and resources, and to maintain their unique cultures and traditions. Source: UN News.

Adoption of Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples: a historic moment for human rights
The Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people, Dr. Rodolfo Stavenhagen, issued the following statement on the occasion of the adoption of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples by the United Nations General Assembly on 13 September. Source: UNHCHR

UN victory for indigenous peoples
By Martin Khor
Last week the world’s 370 million indigenous peoples won a victory when the United Nations adopted a Declaration on Indigenous Peoples’ Rights, which recognizes their rights to land, resources and cultural traditions. Putting this Declaration into effect is the next challenge.
Source: Third World Network