Indigenous Peoples have long campaigned for recognition of their
unique place in the world. Now, after 25 years, their basic rights
have been agreed with the acceptance of the Declaration on the Rights
of Indigenous Peoples by the UN General Assembly on 13 September.

Most of the world's remaining natural resources - including minerals,
fresh water and potential energy sources - are to be found within
Indigenous Peoples´ territories. For the first time, this
declaration provides internationally accepted standards for
Indigenous Peoples; giving them a say in regard to the use and
protection of resources over which they have traditionally been
custodians.

In adopting this non-binding declaration protecting the human, land
and resource rights of the world´s 370 million Indigenous people, 143
countries voted in favour. Sadly, four countries voted against;
Canada, New Zealand, the United States and Australia.

For more information see
www.ohchr.org/english/issues/indigenous/declaration.htm and
www.iwgia.org/sw248.asp.