Indigenous Peoples as New Citizens of the World

Abstract

After 20 years of diplomatic negotiations, the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in September 2007. While the declaration is a major step forward in the recognition of the rights of indigenous peoples in the world, the evidence shows that previously approved international agreements and national legislation on indigenous human rights have not been adequately implemented and are routinely violated. In Latin America, indigenous peoples continue to experience discrimination in interpersonal relations, in the distribution of socially valued goods, and in the institutional provision of social services. To become an effective factor of change, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples requires stronger efforts for compliance by national states. Indigenous movements, civil society organizations, and international protection mechanisms such as human rights committees and other monitoring bodies must become more effective in making governments accountable.