United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
The United Nations General Assembly Declaration calls for member states, the
states already enjoying the benefits of the declaration, to respect the full human
rights of persecuted indigenous minorities (and majorities in the case of
Morocco) including the rights to "self-determination", "self-government",
and "nationality".
The Declaration
affirms that "all
doctrines, policies and practices based on or advocating superiority of peoples
or individuals on the basis of national origin or racial, religious, ethnic or
cultural differences are racist,
scientifically false, legally invalid, morally condemnable and socially unjust".
The Declaration of course is not a legally binding document under international law; but it does however "represent the dynamic development of international legal norms [and all that] and it reflects the [recommended] commitment of the UN's member states to move [on] in certain [future] directions". Needless to say, the UN "hopes" the declaration will set an "international standard", a kind of precedent, for the treatment of indigenous peoples, the ancient humans who brought all of us onto this earth, and for "thank you" the offspring kill them, in so many ways.
The Declaration of course is not a legally binding document under international law; but it does however "represent the dynamic development of international legal norms [and all that] and it reflects the [recommended] commitment of the UN's member states to move [on] in certain [future] directions". Needless to say, the UN "hopes" the declaration will set an "international standard", a kind of precedent, for the treatment of indigenous peoples, the ancient humans who brought all of us onto this earth, and for "thank you" the offspring kill them, in so many ways.
The first "resolution
1/2 " was passed on the 29th of June 2006; but it was not until the 13th
of September 2007 that the resolution was voted on during the General Assembly's
61st regular session. Some countries were not happy with the implications. 143 countries voted in favour, four
against, 11 abstained, and 34 were absent. The four countries that voted against the Declaration are: United States,
Australia, Canada and New Zealand. However, all four countries have moved to endorse the declaration.
The declaration affirms that "indigenous peoples are equal to all
other peoples, while recognizing the right of all peoples to be different, to
consider themselves different, and to be respected as such".
The Declaration is hoped to "enhance harmonious and cooperative relations
between the State and indigenous peoples, based on principles
of justice, democracy, respect for human rights, non-discrimination and
good faith."
"Indigenous peoples have the right to the full enjoyment, as a collective
or as individuals, of all human rights and fundamental freedoms as recognized
in the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
and international human rights law."
Article 2:
"Indigenous peoples and individuals are free and equal to all other peoples
and individuals and have the right to be free from any kind of discrimination,
in the exercise of their rights, in particular that based on their indigenous
origin or identity."
Article 3:
"Indigenous peoples have the right to self-determination. By virtue of that
right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic,
social and cultural development."
Article 4:
"Indigenous peoples, in exercising their right to self-determination,
have the right to autonomy or self-government in
matters relating to their internal and local affairs, as well as ways and means
for financing their autonomous functions."
Article 5:
"Indigenous peoples have the right to maintain and strengthen their distinct political, legal, economic, social and cultural institutions, while retaining their right to participate fully, if they so choose, in the political, economic, social and cultural life of the State."
Article 6:
"Every indigenous individual has the right to a nationality".
Article 7:
"1. Indigenous individuals have the rights to life, physical and mental integrity, liberty and security of person."
"2. Indigenous peoples have the collective right to live in freedom, peace
and security as distinct peoples and shall not be subjected to any act
of genocide or any other act of violence, including forcibly removing children
of the group to another group."
Article 8:
"1. Indigenous peoples and individuals have the right not
to be subjected to forced assimilation or destruction of their culture."
Article 9:
"Indigenous peoples and individuals have the right
to belong to an indigenous community or nation, in accordance with the
traditions and customs of the community or nation concerned. No discrimination
of any kind may arise from the exercise of such a right."
Download the full United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples:
http://www.temehu.com/imazighen/berberdownloads/UN-declaration-on-the-rights-of-indigenous-people.pdf
