All UN Nations could support UN Declaration

A day after we agreed to the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the US - the only UN country yet to agree in principle to the declaration - has come out and said it is "pleased to announce that the United States has decided to review our position".

New Zealand to sign indigenous declaration

At the Maori and Parliament conference, we were told that the Government is on the way to endorsing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

This follows Australia's lead in accepting the guidelines for dealing with indigenous populations.

A week later Waatea News reports it.

Mr Key says New Zealand could follow the Rudd Government in Australia in belatedly accepting the guidelines for dealing with indigenous populations.

“Australia's sort of caveated its position. If New Zealand was to move, there would certainly be some caveats there. We’re working our way through it, and if we can get to a position where we can sign it I think that would be a good thing. It’s another step forward. It’s on the world stage. We’d be viewed in a slightly better way event though the ridiculous thing is we should be viewed a lot better than many of the countries who have signed it because we are actually walking the walk in this country when it comes to the rights of indigenous people.

Only New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the United States voted against the declaration in 2007.

Aussie government adopts UN Declaration on Indigenous Peoples

The Aussie Government has officially adopted the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) at ceremony in Parliament House. Australia was one of just four countries to vote against it in 2007, joining the United States, New Zealand and Canada.

Now, wonder if New Zealand will adopt UNDRIP and reverse its decision like Australia has done? Should it?

Though the Declaration is non-binding, NZ's endorsement would signal to the international community this country is serious about commitment to Indigenous Rights. So it has a political effect, not a legal effect.

Anyway I think this is a great video from Armand van Helden. Do you?