Rights of Indigenous Peoples

On Thursday the UN adopted the Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which outlines their rights and outlaws discrimination against them. Although the declaration was overwhelmingly supported, it was opposed by some notable countries, namely Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States.



There's a good summary of the declaration, and the reasons that various countries voted against it, in the Wikipedia. The Australian position should be rectified soon, as the opposition have vowed to ratify it if they win government, which pollsters believe will happen this year. Canada's position has also been criticised by their opposition.