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.
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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