Indigenous Peoples and Human Rights

September 9, 2007

UN set to adopt Native rights, Canada said to be opposed

UN set to adopt native rights declaration, Canada said to be opposed

Canadian Press (CP).OTTAWA (CP) — The United Nations is set to adopt a new Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People despite what critics say was aggressive opposition from Canada.The General Assembly is expected to adopt the declaration before the current session wraps up Sept. 17. Supporters say the declaration is a long overdue step toward limiting the abuse and murder of indigenous peoples around the world.Observers close to the process say Canada supported the declaration until soon after the Conservatives took power. They say the new government aligned itself with the U.S., Russia and Colombia in a well-financed bid to derail the declaration. The Conservatives say the document could undermine Canada's Constitution and harm existing land deals.Supporters say Canada's position makes no legal sense because the declaration is non-binding and would not override Canadian law. Read more:
http://censored-news.blogspot.com/2007/09/united-nations-set-to-adopt-native.html

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