10 December 2004
First International Decade of the World's Indigenous People comes to an end
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma said the end of the first International Decade of the World's Indigenous People today (10 December) is a timely occasion to reflect on the progress made on Indigenous issues during the last decade and an appropriate juncture to recommit to the challenges that lay ahead.
The Commissioner said that the announcement of the first Decade in 1994 was a significant milestone in the international recognition of the rights of Indigenous peoples.
"There have been significant advances during the Decade, most notably the establishment of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and the appointment of the Special Rapporteur on Indigenous issues, as well as better mechanisms for engagement of Indigenous peoples in the UN system," said Mr Calma.
These are discussed in the review of the Decade by the Social Justice Commissioner available at:
However, the Commissioner said unfortunately not all the main aims of the Decade have been met and many Indigenous groups internationally have expressed their disappointment at the rate of progress.
"In particular, one aim was the finalisation of the Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the development and furthering of international standards on Indigenous rights. However, the final meeting of the Draft Declaration held last week in Geneva did not reach a consensus, despite significant progress in the September and December sessions of the Working Group," Mr Calma said.
As a result, the Chairman of the Working Group on the Declaration will be recommending a one year extension to the process, which will decided by the UN Commission on Human Rights in April next year.
The UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly have recommended that a second International Decade of the World's Indigenous People be proclaimed to build on the progress to date and to address the lack of progress in other areas. This is subject to a UN General Assembly Resolution, which is expected to be considered shortly.
"I am very confident and hopeful that the second Decade will be proclaimed," the Commissioner said. Indigenous groups also have expectations for the second Decade and will be seeking to ensure that there is an emphasis on implementation and ongoing monitoring (involving Indigenous peoples) as the Decade progresses."
Media contact: Paul Oliver 02 9284 9677 or 0408 469 347
Last updated 10 December 2004.
