By Erica Laster
Impunity Watch Reporter, North America

WASHINGTON, United States – United States President Barack Obama announced the decision of the United States to endorse The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) on Thursday.  Adopted by the United Nations in 2007, the Declaration recognizes the fundamental rights and freedoms which indigenous people in the world are entitled to, banning discrimination against them.  Over 300 representatives of the nations federally recognized tribes were in attendance during the announcement at the White House Tribal Nations Conference.

Obama expressed concern that “by virtue of the longstanding failure to tackle wrenching problems in Indian Country, it seemed as though you had to either abandon your heritage or accept a lesser lot in life; that there was no way to be a successful part of America and a proud Native American.”

Part of the treaty requires “free prior and informed consent” by Tribal nations before the government takes actions which significantly impact Native Americans.

The first drafts of the treaty were written over 30 years ago.  Robert Coulter, the current executive director of the Indian Law Resource Center, was part of the first versions drafted and recognized the Declarations endorsement as the first of many steps in ensuring justice for Native Americans.

Coulter indicated that, “To see the promise of the declaration become a reality, we must continue to fight for laws, policies and relationships that take into account the permanent presence of Indian nations in this country, and throughout the world.”

“Washington can’t – and shouldn’t – dictate a policy agenda for Indian Country.  Tribal nations do better when they make their own decisions,” President Obama stated.

An estimated 350 million people of indigenous background live in the world.  The United States is home to approximately two million of them.  A number of tribal leaders and rights advocates urged the U.S. to re-evaluate its policies toward Native Americans.  The last country to endorse the Declaration, the United States support was preceded by Canada in November, New Zealand in April and Australia in 2009.

For more information please visit:

Inter Press Service – U.S., Last Holdout On Native Rights Declaration, Reverses Stand – 17 December 2010

Amnesty USA Blog – President Obama Endorses the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples – 16 December 2010

United Nations Permanent Forum On Indigenous Issues – US Endorses Indigenous Declaration – 16 December 2010

By Erica Laster                                                                                                                       Impunity Watch Reporter, North America

GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala – Spanish authorities re-arrested Former Interior Minister Carlos Vielmann in Spain on Thursday for the second time this month.  Vielmann is wanted in connection with the execution of prisoners at El Pavon Prison in Guatemala, extrajudicial killings and the murder of case witnesses. Evidence suggests that the murders were not the result of a vicious gun battle, but a carefully staged execution. 

After Guatemalan authorities were unable to capture Vielmann, Spanish authorities arrested him on the basis of a Guatemalan warrant.  40 days later, authorities were forced to release him because of lack of an extradition request.

In 2006, 7 inmates were killed at El Pavon prison immediately preceding a raid where authorities were thought to have discovered corruption among inmates.  Authorities later discover that top officials and prison personnel were involved in illegal and illicit activities including drug trafficking and prostitution.  Guatemalan authorities are also seeking his arrest in connection with the killing of 3 escaped inmates located at El Infiernito prison in 2005.

The UN backed group, International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala, spearheaded the effort to bring down the former Interior Minister after discovering his involvement.  New photographic evidence shows Vielmann standing next to prison officials the day of the uprising.  Further photographic evidence shows that some prisoners were redressed and moved after being executed.

A report by the Guatemalan Human rights Ombudsman’s Office and new physical evidence tracks the fate of various inmates.  One inmate was shown shot to death with no bullet holes in his clothing, suggesting that he was shot while naked and redressed to cover the execution. 

“There are no super-citizens that are above the law,” says Francisco Dall’Anese, head of the International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala.  Vielmann was arraigned Thursday after turning himself into authorities, charged with murder, crimes against humanity and released on $132,000 bail.    

For more information, please visit:

CNN – Fugitive Guatemalan Official Re-arrested – 17 December 2010

CNN – Photos Provide Evidence In Guatemalan Killings Case, Officials Say – 15 December 2010

CNN – Spain Re-arrests Ex-Guatemalan Minister – 16 December 2010