New Zealand supports the UN Declaration

New Zealand supports the UN Declaration

By Valerie Taliman, Today correspondent

Story Published: Apr 19, 2010

NEW YORK – On the opening day of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, New Zealand made a surprise announcement that it has changed its position and is now supporting the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Following opening statements by the UN secretary general and a traditional welcoming and prayer by the Maori delegation, Minister of Maori Affairs Dr. Pita Sharples addressed the General Assembly and more than 1,000 indigenous delegates.

“In September 2007, 143 countries voted in favor of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. New Zealand was one of the countries that voted against it. Today, New Zealand changes its position. We are pleased to express our support of the Declaration,” he said.

The General Assembly chamber erupted in applause and a standing ovation at this reversal. When the Declaration was adopted Sept. 13, 2007, only four nations opposed it – Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States. Since then, Australia has adopted it and Canada has indicated it is moving toward support.

Now only the United States remains opposed to the adoption of the Declaration, an important human rights mechanism that sets minimum standards for protections of indigenous peoples.

However, in an unprecedented development, the United States announced it is sending a 20-member delegation to the UNPFII led by UN Ambassador Susan Rice. Under the Bush administration, the State Department sent only one or two interns.

More coming. …