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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;
November 28, 2006 Statement of the Indian Law Resource Center regarding the delay in adoption of the UN's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Several African nations, led by Namibia, were successful today in their bid to delay the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples at a meeting of the Third Committee of the General Assembly. Namibia sponsored a resolution asking for a delay in its adoption possibly until next September. The resolution was adopted by a majority vote. Concerns were expressed in the Third Committee about the right of self-determination for indigenous peoples. Concerns also were expressed about the lack of a definition of who is indigenous, and that this could lead to uncertainty and instability within African nations. These concerns have been discussed for years, but most of the African countries did not take part in those discussions. “We are very disappointed that the Declaration will not be immediately adopted. But we understand that there are concerns because this is a very serious declaration of rights,” said Robert “Tim” Coulter, executive director of the Indian Law Resource Center in Helena, Mont. and one of the original authors of the declaration. “The Indian Law Resource Center is prepared to continue fighting for adoption of the Declaration, and we believe that the concerns expressed by Namibia and other countries can be resolved so that the Declaration can be adopted within the coming year without weakening indigenous peoples’ rights,” he said. “It is especially important that consultations about the Declaration in the coming months include indigenous representatives, especially representatives of indigenous governments. This is a crucial time for representatives of indigenous governments to join the process to win adoption of the Declaration,” Coulter said. “We must continue the work of persuading states to respect our rights and to adopt the strongest possible Declaration,” he added. ### For more information, call 406/449-2006 or email vtaliman@indianlaw.org Indian Law Resource Center Centro de Recursos Juridicos para los Pueblos Indigenas 602 North Ewing Street Helena, Montana 59601 (406) 449-2006 Fax (406) 449-2031 Email mt@indianlaw.org