UN Indigenous forum continues talks on collective rights

Saami and Inuit members of the Arctic Caucus at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues stand outside the UN building. (PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SAAMI COUNCIL)

Members of the Arctic caucus listen to debates and statements made during the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, which take place in the UN’s general assembly hall. (PHOTO COURTESY OF SARAH JANCKE)

A huge screen set up in the UN broadcasts the statement of Min. Carolyn Bennett about Canada’s support for the UNDRIP in taken by Aili Keskitalo. the president of the Saami Parliament of Norway.

On the second day of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Peoples, speakers continued to take stock of progress made implementing the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, a UN press release said.

In a formal announcement that drew a standing ovation, Carolyn Bennett, Canada’s minister for Indigenous and Northern Affairs, confirmed that Canada is now a full supporter of the UNDRIP “wiithout qualifications.”

Bennett had said May 9 that the federal government would lift its permanent objector status to UNDRIP.

Canada is among only a few countries to incorporate Indigenous peoples’ rights in its constitution, under Section 35, the part of Canada’s constitution that recognizes and affirms Aboriginal rights, she said.

With UNDRIP’s adoption, Canada would “breathe life” into that section, she said.

Bennett said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had stated in mandate letters to ministers that no relationship was more important than the relationship with indigenous peoples, based on recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership, calling the UNDRIP “the result of indigenous peoples’ long struggles for recognition, marking a monumental shift to protect their rights, culture, language and dignity worldwide.”

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s recommendations have shed light on the dark history of residential schools and informed path forward for righting historical wrongs, she said.

“All Canadians must now embark on that journey,” she said.

The UNDRIP, adopted in 2007, recognizes the basic human rights of Indigenous peoples, including their right to self-determination, lands and languages. Although not legally binding, the document is considered a key tool in helping Indigenous groups fight discrimination and marginalization in their home countries.

Canada initially opposed the declaration. Stephen Harper’s Conservative government later endorsed the UNDRIP, but described the declaration as an “aspirational” document only.

Representatives of many governments, intergovernmental organizations and indigenous groups took part in the first general debate of the forum’s 15th session on May 10.

Speakers urged the forum to monitor and ensure implementation of the UNDRIP, calling on governments to repeal oppressive laws and practices that encroach on the fundamental rights of indigenous communities and peoples.

Kerri Nuku, from the New Zealand Nurses Organization, said Māori have equal rights to health and acknowledged their right to good health included physical, cultural and spiritual well-being.

But there are gaps in life expectancy between Māori and non-Māori peoples, she said.

Having a Māori health workforce would be essential to a long-term strategy for improving outcomes, she said.

Yet, the nursing workforce does not reflect the community it served, and there would be a shortage of 50,000 Māori nurses by 2035, Nuku said.

The forum continues May 11.