He stressed that the rights of indigenous nations have been violated throughout modern history.
“Their lands and territories were taken away and they were deprived of political and economic autonomy and even the rights to their own children. Their cultural and linguistic characteristics were denigrated and eradicated,” the UN chief emphasized.
He recalled that the international community already has the necessary tools, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Nations.
First of all, when reading this document, you should pay attention to:
Article 1
Indigenous nations have the right, collectively and individually, to fully enjoy all human rights and fundamental freedoms recognized in the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and international human rights law.
Article 3
Indigenous nations have the right to self-determination. Under this right, they freely establish their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development.
Article 4
Indigenous nations, in the exercise of their right to self-determination, have the right to autonomy or self-government in matters relating to their internal and local affairs, as well as the ways and means of financing their autonomous functions.
Article 8
1. Indigenous nations and their members have the right not to be subjected to forced assimilation or the destruction of their culture.
Article 11
1. Indigenous nations have the right to respect and revive their cultural traditions and customs.
Article 14
1. Indigenous nations have the right to establish and control their own educational systems and institutions that provide education in their native languages.
Article 26
1. Indigenous nations have the right to the lands, territories and resources that they have traditionally owned
