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The US to review position on Indigenous Declaration
The US administration announced Tuesday that it will review its position regarding the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
The Declaration, which sets out the human rights of Indigenous Peoples, was adopted in September 2007 by the UN General Assembly with an overwhelming majority of 143 votes in favour. Only Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United States voted against it at the time. On Monday, New Zealand declared its support for the Declaration.
The US Ambassador to the UN, Susan Rice, told the UN Forum on Indigenous Issues that President Obama will be conducting a formal review of the Declaration and the US position on it in consultation with Indigenous tribes.
"We recognize that, for many around the world, this Declaration provides a framework for addressing indigenous issues. During President Obama's first year in office, tribal leaders encouraged the United States to reexamine its position on the Declaration-an important recommendation that directly complements our commitment to work together with the international community on the many challenges that indigenous peoples face."
Ambassador Rice said more must be done to tackle the challenges faced by indigenous people, including disproportionate poverty, unemployment, environmental degradation, poor health, crime and discrimination.
Bissera Kostova, UN Radio.
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