Arctic Peoples

by Clive Tesar

The United Nations has overwhelmingly passed a Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Declaration, more than 20 years in the making, passed by a vote of 143 in favour, four against, and eleven abstaining.

Of the eight Arctic states, the United States and Canada voted against the declaration, while Russia abstained. Denmark and Finland were among a large group of countries that sponsored the Declaration.

The passing of the Declaration was called a “Day of Joy” for Indigenous Peoples by Aqqaluk Lynge, representing Inuit Circumpolar Council – Greenland. Lynge added, “Now it’s time to look at the future and see how we can protect the rights of the Indigenous Peoples and using this Declaration, for the further development of Indigenous Peoples and away from marginalization into being part of the development of the whole world.”

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The Coordinating Council is a Board comprised of 34 regional RAIPON chapters and meets twice a year. The most recent meeting was held on November 25, 2006.

During the meeting, Pavel Sulyandziga, First Vice-President of RAIPON reported on the work of the Permanent Forum. The Board proposed that Mr. Sulyandziga include in the agenda the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation’s meeting issues concerning the Indigenous Peoples’ problems. The Council also discussed the idea of holding the seminar in one of the regions of Russia with participation from the UN Permanent Forum members. The information has been offered on the special seminar on the preparation of the World Report on the State of the Indigenous Peoples which take place in Salekhard on December 1-2, 2006. RAIPON will create an expert group to draft its part of the report. More information will be available in the coming days.
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On November 23-24 RAIPON held a round table discussion on the Ratification of the International Labour Organization Convention (No. 169) concerning Indigenous and Tribal Peoples in Independent Countries in the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation. The first day was given to the representatives of governments and Indigenous Peoples of Norway, Denmark and Guatemala to share their experiences in the realization of the convention status and the submission of the reports to the ILO.

The second day was dedicated to the analysis of the Russian legislation with regard to the provisions of the ILO Convention, discussions and final recommendations.

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by Clive Tesar

A United Nations declaration affirming the rights of the world’s Indigenous Peoples has been set aside for further consultation. The declaration, which has been in negotiation for more than 20 years, was delayed after a resolution put forward by Namibia was backed by other African countries. Of the Arctic states, Canada and Russia voted in favour of Namibia’s resolution, while the United States abstained. Finland, speaking on behalf of the European Union, spoke against it, calling the move a “groundless delay”. Denmark, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden all joined Finland in voting against the delay.

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The AAC’s most recent newsletter is now available at Arctic Athabaskan Council Newsletter.

For those who wish to regularly receive the Arctic Athabaskan Council newsletter please contact:

Cindy Dickson
Executive Director
Arctic Athabaskan Council
cindy.dickson@cyfn.net

Arctic Council Ministerial meeting" id="image75" title="Indigenous Leaders at the Arctic Council Ministerial meeting" src="http://www.arcticpeoples.org/wp-content/uploads/2006/10/pp_salekhard.jpg" />

At the Arctic Council Ministerial meeting in [GP:Salekhard], Russia, Indigenous Leaders from the circumpolar Arctic region delivered strong messages to the Arctic Council .

Watch the statements here in their original languages. Russian/English transcripts will be added later.

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Interview with Chief Gary Harrison, International Chair of the Arctic Athabaskan Council , on Yamal regional TV during the ongoing Arctic Council SAO-meeting in [GP:Salekhard], Russia.

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Press release from Saami Council and Finland’s Sámi Central Organization

The Government of Finland misjudged its position on Sámi issues when it became a member of the new UN Human Rights Council last spring.  On May 9, 2006, Finland was elected to the Council based on its freely given commitment to propose to its parliament, during 2006, legislation to remove all obstacles to Finland’s ratification of the ILO Convention No. 169 concerning Indigenous and Tribal Peoples in Independent Countries, dealing with the unresolved rights of the Sámi over land, resources and livelihood.

So far, Finland has not fulfilled its commitment to the UN, and, thus, is treading on Sámi human rights.  A proposal of legislation, prepared by ministries in June 2006, has not been acted upon. In September, this year, the member of the Finnish Government has publicly announced that the government is not going to submit the Draft Government Bill to the Parliament.
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by Clive Tesar

The United Nations Human Rights Council has adopted a Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This is an important milestone in the recognition of the rights of Indigenous Peoples. The United Nations has been working on this draft of the document for more than twenty years.

Only three of the Arctic Council nations have a seat on the Human Rights Council; Canada, Finland, and Russia. Thirty countries voted in favour of the declaration, including Finland, and twelve abstained. Canada and Russia were the only countries on the Council to vote against the declaration.

The adoption of the declaration by the Human Rights Council is a significant move, but it is not the end of the process. The document will now go to the United Nations General Assembly, where all of the states will have a vote.

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