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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;
UNITED NATIONS Press Release Statement by UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous People, on the General Assembly's decision not to adopt the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples 4 December 2006 The Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of Indigenous People, Rodolfo Stavenhagen, is concerned about the recent decision of the General Assembly to adjourn consideration of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. It is disappointing that the General Assembly missed the opportunity to assert its principled support of this important human rights instrument on the occasion of this year's Human Rights Day, and as a major contribution to the world's human rights. The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was adopted by the Human Rights Council, the United Nations' main human rights authority, during its first session in June 2006. The Declaration is the result of many years of discussion and negotiation among the states members of the Human Rights Commission, with the active participation of representatives of the world's indigenous peoples. It is now incumbent upon the Human Rights Council to reaffirm its commitment in promoting and protecting the dignity, survival and well-being of the millions of indigenous people around the world whose rights have long been ignored and neglected, when not actually breached in practice. Indigenous people expect the Human Rights Council as well as the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and other UN agencies, to continue promoting the provisions of the Declaration for the protection of the human rights of their members and communities. Much can be done over the next few years, and in the current restructuring of the Council's mechanisms a space must be found to ensure the continuing participation of indigenous representatives in debates concerning the application of international human rights standards to the particular circumstances of indigenous peoples. The Special Rapporteur hopes that the General Assembly may reconsider its position and adopt the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples at the earliest possible moment.