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	International Human Rights Day press releases Human Rights Day would have been celebrated - PFII UN's human rights record challenged AOS caucus calls for progress on self-determination Caucus appeals to Russian President General Assembly missed opportunity - Stavenhagen IPACC quotes African Charter on Rights Namibia slammed for killing UN rights resolution Civil society organisations condemn delay on Declaration UNGA fails to bring hope to Indigenous Peoples Tonatierra defends right of self-determination Defenders of human rights must support indigenous rights States are acting irresponsibly - NWAC Canada accused of disgraceful, disgusting conduct at UN ILRC continue fight to adopt Declaration Africa denies Saami and Inuit rights to self-determination Third Committee defers action on indigenous declaration Key UN committee delays action on declaration download the press kit on the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples	General Assembly President, HE Madame Sheika Heya Rashed Al Khalifa, receives greetings from Indigenous delegate, Jose Carlos Morales. The President listened to requests that the Indigenous Peoples be acknowledged in the General Assembly when the Declaration is formally adopted. USEFUL LINKS for more information on the Declaration Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights Documentation Centre for Indigenous Peoples Tebtebba Foundation International Indian Treaty Council American Indian Law Alliance International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs Rights and Democracy Amnesty International, Canada University of Minnesota Human Rights Library MEDIA KIT (Download Kit) Letter to States by Special Rapporteur & Chair of PFII Letter to States by Indigenous Peoples Caucus Letter to States by Ambassadors to UN Ten Key Points Declaration (download) How States voted in the Human Rights Council UN PRESS CONFERENCE 13 October 2006 View Webcast Video - 42 minutes This media conference occurred at the UN on 13 October 2006 to discuss the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples including its history, significance and current status. H.E. Mr Enrique Berruga, Permanent Representative of Mexico; Mr Aqqaluk Lynge Chairperson Innuit Circumpolar Conference Mr Kent Lebsock Executive Director American Indian Law Alliance Ms Elsa Stamatopoulou Chief, Secretariat, UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues;
Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, Union of BC Indian Chiefs, (250) 490-5314 Colin Braker, First Nations Summit, (604) 926-9903 or (604) 328-4094 Heather Gillies, BC Assembly of First Nations, (604) 837-6908 November 28, 2006 First Nations Leadership Council Troubled By Today's Vote at the United Nations Inaction on Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Inexcusable Coast Salish Territory/Vancouver BC - After two decades of discussion and development, the slow pace of approval of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples came to a halt today at the current session of the UN General Assembly in New York. A resolution put forward by the Namibian delegation - in effect, a non-action motion on the Declaration - was supported by a majority with 82 Nation States voting in favour, 67 Nation States voting not in favour and 25 Nation States abstaining. Grand Chief Ed John, First Nations Summit Executive member, who is in New York on behalf of the Assembly of First Nations and working with the Indigenous Peoples' Caucus, stated "Today is a very sad day for the United Nations and a very serious setback for the integrity of the newly formed Human Rights Council who urged the General Assembly to formally adopt this historic document. It now appears that the most likely outcome will be that the United Nations never formally adopts the Declaration. This is a remarkable and bizarre development." "Canada was positioned to play a significant role in supporting the Declaration but Canada chose to actively oppose the Declaration as a member of the Human Rights Council and at the General Assembly," commented BC Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief Shawn Atleo. "We share the deep frustration of all those who worked long and hard to get the Declaration to this point. We sincerely hope that the Declaration is not lost and that we can find a way in which to revitalize this important work." Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, stated "Canada no longer enjoys a 'blue beret' reputation at the United Nations. Canada's disgraceful and disgusting conduct against Indigenous People at both the national and international levels is being noted. It is simply shameful that as a Council member of the Human Rights Council, Canada pretends to espouse the highest standards and protection of Human Rights. It is those countries who have lived with the ravages of colonialism now speak for continuing colonialism for all Indigenous Peoples." The Declaration was adopted by the UN Human Rights Council this past June and was recommended for adoption by the General Assembly. Canada was one of few countries to vote against the Declaration in June. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, Union of BC Indian Chiefs, (250) 490-5314 Colin Braker, First Nations Summit, (604) 926-9903 or (604) 328-4094 Heather Gillies, BC Assembly of First Nations, (604) 837-6908