16 Years of the UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Sixteen years ago this week, the United Nations witnessed a historic moment that would reshape the landscape of Indigenous rights across the globe. On September 13, 2007, the UN General Assembly took a monumental step by adopting the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Let's revisit this pivotal event.

UNDRIP garnered support from an overwhelming majority of 144 states, while only four countries (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States) voted against it.

In the years that followed, those four countries that initially opposed the declaration underwent a significant change in their stance, now offering their support to the UN Declaration.

This declaration establishes a universal framework of minimum standards for the survival, dignity, and well-being of the Indigenous Peoples of the world. It elaborates on existing human rights standards and fundamental freedoms, applying them to the specific situation of Indigenous Peoples.

The road to the adoption of the UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was marked by long-standing advocacy and resilience from Indigenous Peoples worldwide. Their unwavering determination was the driving force behind the eventual realization of this historic declaration.

Here are some of the key provisions of UNDRIP:

• Right to self-determination: Indigenous Peoples have the right to freely determine their political status and pursue their economic, social, and cultural development.

• Land and resource rights: Indigenous Peoples have the right to their ancestral lands, territories, and resources. They have the right to be consulted and participate in decisions that affect their lands and resources.

• Cultural preservation: Indigenous Peoples have the right to their cultures and languages. They have the right to protect and promote their cultural heritage and traditions.

• Free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC): Indigenous Peoples have the right to give or withhold their consent before any project or development that affects their lands or resources.

• Non-discrimination: Indigenous Peoples have the right to be free from discrimination. They have the right to participate fully and effectively in all matters that concern them.

The adoption of UNDRIP was a major step forward for the recognition and protection of Indigenous rights. However, there is still much work to be done to ensure its full implementation. We must continue to advocate for the rights of Indigenous Peoples and ensure that they have a seat at the table in all decision-making processes that affect them.

Together, we can build a world where Indigenous Peoples can live in dignity, peace, and security.