UN experts welcome Australia’s endorsement of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

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3 April 2009

GENEVA -- Representatives of the three United Nations Mechanisms with specific mandates regarding the rights of indigenous peoples welcomed that Australia today joined the ranks of States endorsing the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people, Mr. James Anaya, the Chairperson-Rapporteur of the UN Expert Mechanism of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Mr. John Henriksen, and the Chairperson of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, Ms. Victoria Tauli-Corpuz issued the following joint statement welcoming Australia’s support to the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples:

“The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was adopted by the UN General Assembly by an overwhelming majority of Member States in September 2007, with only four States voting against. We are pleased that Australia, as one of the four States originally voting against the adoption of the Declaration, today joins the ranks of States supporting the principles and rights enshrined in the Declaration.

The rights recognized in the Declaration constitute the minimum standards for the survival, dignity and well-being of the indigenous peoples of the world. The Government of Australia’s endorsement of the Declaration is of crucial importance as it strengthens the international consensus on indigenous peoples’ rights. The main challenge for Member States is to ensure that the Declaration is implemented at national and regional levels, in consultation and cooperation with indigenous peoples, including through the adoption of appropriate policies and legislation. We all stand ready to contribute to the operationalization of the Declaration within our respective mandates.”

James Anaya
UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people

John Henriksen
Chairperson-Rapporteur of the UN Expert Mechanism of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Victoria Tauli-Corpuz
Chairperson of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issue