FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: Human rights organizations condemn efforts to block vital human rights instrument

Public Statement – Nov. 30, 2006 – International human rights organizations are outraged and dismayed by the decision of the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly to defer adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The United Nations has missed a historic opportunity to fill a critical gap in international human rights protection. The Indigenous caucus said this action sends the message that the “UN affirms Indigenous Peoples are not equal to all other Peoples”. More...