Adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: 13 years later

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) was adopted by the General Assembly on 13 September 2007, with 144 countries voting in support, 4 voting against and 11 abstaining.

Thirteen years have passed since the UN Declaration was adopted by the General Assembly. Since then, the four countries voting against have reversed their position and now support the Declaration.

Today the Declaration is the most comprehensive international instrument on the rights of Indigenous Peoples. It establishes a universal framework of minimum standards for the survival, dignity and well-being of the Indigenous Peoples of the world and it elaborates on existing human rights standards and fundamental freedoms as they apply to the specific situation of Indigenous Peoples.

Some highlights of the Declaration

• Seventeen of the forty-five articles of the Declaration deal with Indigenous culture and how to protect and promote it, by respecting the direct input of Indigenous Peoples in decision-making, and allowing for resources, such as those for education in Indigenous languages and other areas.
• Fifteen of the forty-six articles of the Declaration are about Indigenous Peoples’ participation in all decisions that will affect their lives, including meaningful participation in a democratic polity.
• The Declaration confirms the right of Indigenous Peoples deprived of their means of subsistence and development are entitled to just and fair redress.
• Essentially, the Declaration outlaws discrimination against Indigenous Peoples, promotes their full and effective participation in all matters that concern them, as well as their right to  remain distinct and to pursue their own visions of economic and social development.

More information about the UN Declaration, click here >>> 

Mas información sobre la Declaración, aquí >>>

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