Les Malezer: "I recorded a video of Jim Anaya during his recent visit to Australia. The video was an instructional video on the implementation of the UN Declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples. I have recently completed the edit and played the video on Friday at a FAIRA workshop on the implementation of the Declaration." (May 1, 2011)
THE MAIN POINT IN THE VIDEO
WHY IS THE DECLARATION AN IMPORTANT INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS STANDARD?
The declaration represents the aspirations of the world’s Indigenous Peoples
The declaration represents a consensus by the world community
The declaration represents a plan of action for States and Indigenous Peoples
It acknowledges Indigenous Peoples have been deprived of human rights over an extended period of time
WHY ARE HUMAN RIGHTS, AS SHOWN IN THIS DECLARATION, IMPORTANT TO INDIGENOUS PEOPLES?
Collective dimensions of human rights must be acknowledged
The right to equality does not have just an individual dimension
The declaration places rights in the context of experiences of Indigenous Peoples
WHAT CHALLENGES ARE YOU SEEING TO THE RIGHT OF SELF-DETERMINATION?
Government structures have historically been designed to exclude Indigenous Peoples
Administration of natural resources often excludes the rights of Indigenous Peoples
Powerful economic forces do control access to natural resources
HOW SHOULD STATES BE ORGANIZING TO IMPLEMENT THE DECLARATION?
Government agencies and officials need to be made aware of the declaration
Government agencies need to adapt their existing practices
Legislative reforms are needed
The declaration provides an opportunity for social education and reconciliation
HOW CAN INDIGENOUS PEOPLES GO ABOUT IMPLEMENTING THE DECLARATION?
Indigenous Peoples must be involved to implement the declaration
Indigenous Peoples must take stock of an fulfill their responsibilities
OTHER COMMENTS?
States can be complacent since adopting the declaration
Real action is needed on the ground
Indigenous Peoples need access to technical and financial assistance