Issued by the Indigenous Peoples' Caucus
October 18,
2006
1. The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples will be adopted
by the General Assembly during this session. Consistent with the promotion and
protection of human rights for all, it is in best interest of all States to support
the adoption of this historic Declaration.
2. For more than 20 years the
provisions of the Declaration were discussed in depth by Member States, Indigenous
Peoples, and other parties. No other United Nations document has ever been elaborated
with such full and democratic participation of all parties concerned. As a result
the Human Rights Council adopted the Declaration at its first historic session
on June 29, 2006.
3. The Declaration affirms that Indigenous Peoples make
a unique contribution to the diversity and richness of civilizations and cultures,
which constitutes the common heritage of humankind. The Declaration promotes and
enhances the plurality of societies. The 2005 World Summit Outcome document reaffirms
the commitment of the international community to adopt a final text of the UN
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as soon as possible. .
4.
The Declaration is of utmost importance to combat discrimination against Indigenous
Peoples created by more than five centuries of racism, marginalization and exclusion.
The Declaration explicitly encourages harmonious and cooperative relations between
States and Indigenous Peoples. Every provision of the Declaration will be interpreted
consistent with the principles of justice, democracy, and respect for human rights,
non-discrimination and good faith.
5. The Declaration is a reaffirmation
of the commitment of the international community to respect cultural diversity
and the right to be different.
6. The Declaration is based upon principles
of partnership, consultation and cooperation between Indigenous Peoples and States.
This is fully consistent with the theme of Second International Decade of the
World's Indigenous Peoples "Partnership for Action and Dignity" adopted
by the UN General Assembly in 2005.
7. The Declaration is an aspirational
human rights instrument of great value for all. It establishes a valuable framework
for resolving issues and achieving the common objectives of the international
community and the UN Charter.
8. The Declaration does not create new rights.
It elaborates upon existing international human rights standards and principles
as they apply to Indigenous Peoples.
9. The Declaration promotes equality
and non-discrimination for all. The Declaration is essential for the survival,
dignity and well-being of Indigenous Peoples of the world.
10. The Declaration
strengthens the international human rights system as a whole.
