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Human Rights

First Anniversary of Obama Endorsing the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Date: 12/14/2011

One year ago, on December 15, 2011, President Barack Obama announced that the United States would “lend its support” to the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. “The aspiration it affirms,” he said, “including the respect for the institutions and rich cultures of Native peoples, are one we must always seek to fulfill.” 

September 13: Fourth Anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Date: 09/13/2011

In the shadow of the tenth anniversary of September 11, 2001, many people failed to recognize another significant event. Four years ago, on September 13, 2007, the United Nations General Assembly signed into existence the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). 

Canada Endorses the UN Declaration On The Rights Of Indigenous Peoples

Date: 11/13/2010

On November 12th the government of Canada finally formally endorsed the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The government's official statement falls far short of actual endorsement, however, emphasizing that the declaration "does not reflect customary international law nor change Canadian laws" and further emphasizing Canada's objection to most of the major rights spelled out in the declaration.

Campaign Update - Kenya: First Peoples Worldwide Joins Samburu Rights Campaign

Date: 01/09/2012

First Peoples Worldwide announced a grant of $7,000 that will enable Samburu leaders to train community members in human rights law and prepare them to more effectively defend their rights. See their press release below summarizing the urgent human rights crisis that has developed over the last few months, and please consider how you may support the Samburu

Campaign Update- Kenya: Police, Courts Rank as Most Corrupt Institutions in Kenya

Date: 12/09/2011

A report by the Transparency International released Thursday ranks Kenya 154 out of 182 countries that were surveyed on the Corruption Perception Index.  Their overall score improved only a fraction of a percent from last year, despite a zero-tolerance campaign by the current government administration in Kenya.

Voice of Conscience: Mick Dodson’s Place Amidst Australia’s Unfinished Business

Mick Dodson has held wide-ranging positions since becoming the first Indigenous Australian to receive a law degree in 1974, most recently serving as Reconciliation Australia’s co-chair and Pacific region representative to the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. He directs the National Centre for Indigenous Studies at Australian National University, and is currently a visiting professor at Harvard University. In 2009, he received the Australian of the Year award in recognition of his contributions to Indigenous Australians and his country.

Campaign Update – Kenya: Elders and Livestock Released

Date: 12/01/2011

Two Samburu elders who were beaten and arrested during a week of police violence against the Samburu people in Laikipia, Kenya, have been released. Police also released the Samburu people’s cows, goats, and sheep that survived last week’s police round-up and impoundment.  Samburu people report, however, that many of their animals were lost in the bush during the chaotic police round-up or possibly attacked by wild animals. Police were also seen roasting and eating some of the livestock.

Radio Movement Declares Bill 4044 Anti-Democratic

Date: 11/08/2011

It has been over two years since the Community Radio Bill 4087 was introduced to the Guatemalan Congress in August, 2009, with a promise from President Alvaro Colom to give special priority to the bill, which would reform the current tele-communications law to include the category of community radio as a legitimate use of radio frequencies.

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