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International: Indigeneous peoples call for global ban on uranium mining
February 2007
Rising price of uranium has caused renewed pressure on indigenous lands and a general lack of political power in indigenous communities makes them easy marks for dangerous uranium mining and dumping projects. Indigenous peoples from around the world now calls for a global ban on uranium mining on native lands.
 Read the article
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International: World Bank and Governments asked to ensure human rights in extractive sector
February 2007
Civil society groups and organizations across the globe that participated in the just ended World Social Forum in Nairobi Kenya have asked the World Bank to implement the original recommendations of the Extractive Industries Review report which includes the need to secure the free, prior and informed consent of indigenous peoples.
Read the article
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International: Human Rights Council discusses rights of indigenous peoples March 2007
During the on-going 4th session of the Human Rights Council, the rights of indigenous peoples are discussed and the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people presented his annual report.
Read more
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International: Indigenous Caucus urges General Assembly President to encourage states to adopt the Declaration without further amendments
August 2007
In a letter addressed to the President of the UN General Assembly, the International Indigenous Peoples' Caucus calls for direct steps to be taken towards final adoption of the UN Declaration on Indigenous Peoples' Rights. In particular, it is highlighted that the integrity of the Declaration should be protected and no further amendments be made.
Read the Indigenous Peoples' Caucus' letter to the GA President (PDF)
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International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples
August 9, 2007
August 9 is celebrated every year as the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples. The date marks the day of the first meeting, in 1982, of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations of the Subcommission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights. The commemoration of the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples offers the world community an opportunity to reiterate the principles of respect for human rights enshrined in the UN Charter and to protect indigenous peoples' fundamental rights and guarantee them equal treatment.
Read the Chair of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues' message
Read the joint message by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Special Rapporteur urging states to adopt the Declaration on Indigenous Rights
Read the UN Secretary General's message on the need to act with urgency on the issues of the world's indigenous peoples
Read the message from the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (pdf)
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IWGIA appeals to UN member states to adopt the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
August 2007
IWGIA strongly appeals to all members of the UN to adopt the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in the General Assembly vote in September 2007. Adoption of the Declaration is a historic opportunity to recognize and protect the rights of indigenous peoples who have suffered injustices for centuries, whose cultures have gradually been undermined and extinguished, and whose voices have never been heard. Adoption of the Declaration will make a significant contribution to the advancement, promotion and protection of human rights for all.
Read IWGIA's appeal (pdf)
Read more about the Declaration on this website
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International: IP Caucus endorses adoption of Declaration with nine amendments
September 2007
The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples will be considered by the United Nations General Assembly, before the end of its 61st session, most probably the vote will take place on Thursday September 13, 2007. The Steering Committee of the international Indigenous Peoples' Caucus has been informed and presented with an agreement negotiated between the Africa Group of States and the Co-sponsoring States for adoption of the Declaration including nine amendments. On behalf of indigenous peoples in all regions of the world, and after consultations in a broad global network of indigenous peoples' organizations, the Steering Committee of the global Indigenous Peoples' Caucus has decided to endorse adoption of the Declaration including the nine amendments.
Read Indigenous Peoples' Caucus statement from September 4, 2007 (pdf)
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International: UN General Assembly adopts the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
September 2007
With an overwhelming majority of 143 votes in favour, only 4 negative votes cast (Canada, Australia, New Zealand, United States) and 11 abstentions, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples on September 13, 2007. The Declaration has been negotiated through more than 20 years between nation-states and Indigenous Peoples. Les Malezer, Chair of the Global Indigenous Peoples' Caucus, welcomed the adoption of the Declaration in a statement to the General Assembly: "The Declaration does not represent solely the viewpoint of the United Nations, nor does it represent solely the viewpoint of the Indigenous Peoples. It is a Declaration which combines our views and interests and which sets the framework for the future. It is a tool for peace and justice, based upon mutual recognition and mutual respect."
Read the IWGIA update on the adoption of the Declaration (pdf)
Read the statement of the International Indigenous Peoples' Caucus' (pdf)
Read the statement of the Chair of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (pdf)
Read the statement of the UN Secretary General (pdf)
Read the statement of UN Special Rapporteur Rodolfo Stavenhagen (web link)
Read the joint NGO statement on the adoption of the Declaration (pdf)
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