| 2007 13 Sep |
The General Assembly of the United Nations adopted the resolution entitled United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. [United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples]
The vote was passed by a majority of 144 states in favour, 4 votes against (Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States) and 11 abstentions (Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burundi, Colombia, Georgia, Kenya, Nigeria, Russian Federation, Samoa and Ukraine).
Since that time, the four countries voting against have reversed their position and now support the Declaration. [Division for Social Policy and Development Indigenous Peoples website]
In November 2010, Canada issued a Statement of Support endorsing the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
In November 2015, the Prime Minister of Canada asked the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs and other ministers, in the mandate letters, to implement the declaration.
In May 2016, the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs announced Canada was now a full supporter, without qualification, of the declaration.
For an Historical Overview of the resolution see Division for Social Policy and Development Indigenous Peoples website.
The text of the Resolution A/RES/61/295 has been published in an "Adolescent-Friendly Version of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples".
In a CBC news story published 15 January2024 it was revealed that Canada and Australia had conspired to create a government-friendly UNDRIP substitute in 2002-2003. See a 2002 Australian Cabinet document related to the issue of the drafting of a separate proposal to change the existing document. On the 10th of May, 2016 the Canadian government announced its full support of the Declaration and commitment to adopt and implement it in accordance with the Canadian Constitution.
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United Nations; United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; Indigenous people; New York, USA |
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Canada