Indigenous rights declaration universally endorsed
OHCHR release, 23 December 2010
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND: The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has issued a release underscoring that the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples has now received universal backing from the international community, with the US being the last UN Member State to endorse it. By adopting the Declaration, States have committed to recognizing indigenous peoples rights under international law, with the right to be respected as distinct peoples and the right to determine their own development according to their culture, priorities, and customary laws. While endorsing the Declaration, the US has expressed its own understanding of the right to self determination, and on free, prior and informed consent. The endorsement has sparked many reactions among indigenous rights circles globally. Read the release …
