UN: EU Statement on Explanation of vote on the amendments proposed in L.57/Rev.1 to the draft resolution on the Declaration on the Rights on Indigenous Peoples (L.18/Rev.1)

UNGA 61st Session; III Committee, Explanation of vote on the amendments proposed in L.57/Rev.1 to the draft resolution on the Declaration on the Rights on Indigenous Peoples (L.18/Rev.1)

Held by Mr. Janne Jokinen, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of Finland to the UN, on behalf of the European Union

New York, 28 November 2006

Mr Chairman,

The European Union has on several occasions expressed its support to the adoption of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, as recommended by the Human Rights Council.

The European Union considers the Declaration the best achievable outcome of a long lasting, thorough and open process of work, which included the governments and indigenous peoples on an equal footing. As underlines by the Human Rights Council, now is the time for this process to bring fruit by the adoption of the Declaration as it stands before us. We believe its adoption will advance the rights and ensure the continued development of indigenous peoples around the world. We therefore give our full support to the adoption of this Declaration without delay.

Mr Chairman,

Contrary to the recommendation of the Human Rights Council, the proposed amendments would pave way for a groundless delay in adopting this Declaration. Therefore, the European Union will vote against the amendments to draft resolution L.18/Rev.1 and strongly appeals to other delegations to do so as well.

Thank you, Mr Chairman.