Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
3.
The right to development
: Indigenous Peoples have the right to define and decide
on their own development priorities, including participation in the formulation,
implementation, and evaluation of plans and programs for national and regional
development that may affect them. Historically, Indigenous Peoples' lands have
been disproportionately affected by development activities because they often
contain valuable natural resources, including timber, minerals, biodiversity
resources, water, and oil, among others.
The full text of the Declaration that follows is structured according to these general
topics:
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Preamble.
The policy underlying the Declaration, particularly the section that
describes the “new relationship to the state.”
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Part 1. Fundamental Rights:
Non-discrimination, equality self-determination
(Articles 1- 3)
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Part 2. Life and Security
(Articles 4- 7)
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Part 3. Culture, Religion, and Language Laws
(Articles 8-13)
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Part 4. Education, Media, and Employment
(Articles 14-16)
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Part 5. Participation and Development
(Articles 17-24)
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Part 6. Land and Resources
(Articles 25-29)
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Part 7. Self-Government and Indigenous Peoples
(Articles 30-36)
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Part 8. Implementation
(Articles 37-42)
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Part 9. Minimum Standards
(Articles 43-46)
Many human rights advocates regard Article 3, the right of self-determination, as
the most significant feature of the Declaration, with all other rights supporting that
essential freedom.
The chapters that follow bring you a perspective on the struggles faced by
Indigenous Peoples today when mapping time, space, and their own bodies. The
information provided will show you how important it is for this Declaration to
be implemented worldwide. You will see these issues reflected in the narrative,
photographs, and drawings presented ahead. You will see in detail how the principles
and language of human rights have entered various ways of thinking and what has
happened to the color red.
Map-making activities in this topic point to the importance of understanding the
breadth of human rights instruments of protection, most notably the UN Declaration
on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Here's a quote that captures the spirit of this
topic:
Indigenous Peoples around the world have sought recognition of their identities,
their ways of life and their right to traditional lands, territories and natural resources;
yet throughout history, their rights have been violated. Indigenous Peoples are
arguably among the most disadvantaged and vulnerable groups of people in the
world today. The international community now recognizes that special measures are
required to protect the rights of the world's Indigenous Peoples.
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