[MLE] UN finally adopts declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples
Dear MLE interest group,
There is progress from the United Nations General Assembly in stating the fundamental right for Indigenous People groups to have education in their mother tongue. See for details below.
Regards,
Karsten
Karsten van Riezen
Education Consultant, SIL Int.
SIL, South Asia Group.
________________________________________
From: Dave Pearson
Sent: Thursday, September 13, 2007 11:38 PM
Cc:
Subject: UN finally adopts declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples
The United Nations General Assembly has just adopted a non-binding declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples after 22 years of debate. The treaty sets down protections for the human rights of native peoples, and for their land and resources. It passed despite opposition from Australia , Canada , New Zealand and the United States
Among the many provisions Article 14 states “1. Indigenous peoples have the right to establish and control their educational systems and institutions providing education in their own languages, in a manner appropriate to their cultural methods of teaching and learning. 2. Indigenous individuals, particularly children, have the right to all levels and forms of education of the State without discrimination. 3. States shall, in conjunction with indigenous peoples, take effective measures, in order for indigenous individuals, particularly children, including those living outside their communities, to have access, when possible, to an education in their own culture and provided in their own language.”
BBC News article Declaration text