UN Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples is a human rights milestone Commentary
UN Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples is a human rights milestone
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Paul Mulindwa [Africa project officer, Minority Rights Group International (Africa Office)]: "The coming into force of this declaration [PDF] supports the protection and promotion of human rights of indigenous peoples in the world. It is a landmark declaration that brought to an end nearly 25 years of debatable discussions over the rights of indigenous and minority peoples, to protect their lands and resources, and to maintain their unique cultures and traditions wherever they are located. This not only fulfills article 27 of ICCPR but also enables its clear implementation.

The adoption of this declaration is also taking another major step forward towards the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all. It is also actively demonstrating the General Assembly's important role in setting international standards, representing the dynamic development of international legal norms and it reflects the commitment of the UN's member states to move in certain directions; it can be described as setting "an important standard for the treatment of indigenous peoples, a tool towards eliminating human rights violations against over 370 million indigenous people and assisting them in combating discrimination and marginalization" [UN FAQ].

The Declaration sets out the individual and collective rights of indigenous peoples, as well as their rights to culture, identity, language, employment, health, education and other issues. It also emphasizes the rights of indigenous peoples to maintain and strengthen their own institutions, cultures and traditions, and to pursue their development in keeping with their own needs and aspiration. It prohibits discrimination against indigenous peoples, and it promotes their full and effective participation in all matters that concern them and their right to remain distinct and to pursue their own visions of economic and social development. It calls for the protection and promotion of their cultural identities, and accentuates their right to pursue development in keeping with their own needs and aspirations. In general, it is a declaration that has helped various stakeholders to advocate for the rights of minorities through engagement with governments and political leaders."

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