Latest Developments on the UN Declaration for the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

The International Indigenous Women's Forum (FIMI by its acronym in Spanish) wants to inform you about the latest developments on the UN Declaration for the Rights of Indigenous Peoples during the 61st Session of the UN General Assembly.

On September 13th, the United Nations General Assembly will discuss on whether to vote to adopt the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which would serve as an integral international human rights instrument for Indigenous women, men and youth around the world. The Declaration specifies consultations, cooperation, or partnership between Indigenous Peoples and states, which would allow Indigenous women to strengthen their advocacy in local, national and international arenas. The adoption of the Declaration would allow Indigenous women and their families to infuse local human rights struggles with the power of international law and hold their governments accountable to international human rights standards.

Thus, in these weeks leading up to September 13th, FIMI intends to supplement its work for the rights of Indigenous women and children by actively promoting the adoption of the Declaration by the UN General Assembly. The adoption of the Declaration would be a landmark achievement for Indigenous women in particular because it would force international bodies like the UN, states, and regional institutions and organization to recognize and acknowledge the unique human rights struggles Indigenous women and girls face.

Below you will find an update report from the caucus Steering Committee as well as the latest (and apparently final) amendments which were completed by the co-sponsors group (primarily Mexico, Peru and Guatemala) with the African group countries to try to reach an agreement on language which they feel will secure the adoption when and if the vote at the GA happens on September 13th without further amendments.

For more information, please email fimi@madre.org.

International Indigenous Women's Forum

Links:
Steering Committee Report
Declaration with amendments