Dimapur, September 21 (MExN): India voted for the UN Indigenous peoples’ declaration even while first-countries like the United States, Australia, Canada and New Zealand voted against the same. The for-vote demonstrates the “positive attitude” of the sub-continent towards indigenous peoples.
“The Government of India needs to be congratulated for voting in favor of the declaration” the Asian Indigenous Peoples Pact Foundation stated in a message received here. It acknowledged the “positive attitude” stating that India’s Indigenous Peoples should take this opportunity to thank the Government of India and engage in meaningful dialogue with the Government to further the cause of Indigenous Peoples
“The very fact that 144 countries voted in favor of the Declaration suggests the unique role played by the Indigenous Peoples in their respective countries” AIPPF’s chairman Dr. S Debbarma stated in the message. However, implementation has yet to define the declaration in all its fundamental tenets.
Although there are hiccups with regard to the use of the nomenclature ‘Indigenous Peoples’ by the Indian Government, voting in favor of the declaration shows India’s positive attitude towards the Indigenous Peoples and also the recognition of the contribution made by them, the AIPPF stated.
The foundation regretted that the USA, Australia, Canada and New Zealand voted against the declaration in spite of the fact that Indigenous people have positively contributed in the nation-building process in these countries. “11 countries which have abstained from voting have undermined the cause of the Indigenous Peoples” the chairman asserted.
Still there remains much to be done, according to the AIPPF. ”The declaration will remain only as a declaration if attempts are not made by countries towards the implementation of the declaration. Before we make final conclusions we need to wait and watch how the countries who have voted in favor of the declaration implements the various provisions included in the declaration” the foundation advised” it added while joining the Indigenous Peoples around the world in celebrating the UN declaration.
