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The Indigenous Caucus is shocked and outraged by the
actions of the United Nations, who today failed to adopt the most
important international instrument for the promotion and protection of
human rights for Indigenous Peoples. The Declaration on the Rights of
Indigenous Peoples, which represents more than 20 years of work within the
UN, constitutes the minimum standards for their survival, dignity and
well-being.
The newly created UN Human Rights Council, which is
the premier international body to deal with human rights, adopted the
Declaration in June of this year. The Declaration was one of the
substantial achievements of the Council. However, it was delivered a
huge blow today by African States, most of whom had chosen not to
participate throughout this standard-setting process. Africa took the lead
in blocking the adoption of the Declaration, which strategy was supported
and encouraged by New Zealand, Canada, Australia and the United
States.
It is clear that these actions are a politicization
of human rights that show complete disregard for the ongoing human rights
abuses suffered by Indigenous Peoples. This betrayal and injustice
severely impacts 370 million Indigenous people in all regions of the
world, who are among the most marginalized and vulnerable.
On May 24, 2002, Secretary General Kofi Annan, had
proclaimed that the world’s Indigenous Peoples "have a home at the United
Nations"
However, today’s vote by opposing
States clearly demonstrates that this is not the case.
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Indigenous
Peoples Caucus
At UN Headquarters, New York
Contacts:
Les Malezer, Chairperson, Indigenous Peoples Caucus -
+1 917 774 7346
Mattias Ahren, Arctic Caucus,
Indigenous Peoples - +47 47 379161
Grand Chief Ed
John, North American Caucus, Indigenous Peoples - +1 604 219 1705
Jennifer Tauli Corpuz, Asian Caucus, Indigenous
Peoples - +1 520 461 2042 |
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