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9 October 2007

UN DECLARATION ON THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES A SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE 

Indigenous Peoples have long campaigned for recognition of their unique place in the world. Now, after 25 years, their basic rights have been agreed with the acceptance of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples by the UN General Assembly on 13th September.

Most of the world's remaining natural resources – including minerals, fresh water and potential energy sources – are to be found within Indigenous Peoples’ territories. For the first time, this declaration provides internationally accepted standards for Indigenous Peoples; giving them a say in regard to the use and protection of resources over which they have traditionally been custodians.

In adopting this non-binding declaration protecting the human, land and resource rights of the world’s 370 million Indigenous people, 143 countries voted in favour. Sadly, four countries voted against; Canada, New Zealand, the United States and Australia.

The decision was welcomed as a significant milestone in the struggle for justice for indigenous people in this country by organizations in Australia such as ANTaR

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