This program is an introduction to The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples which was created to address the unique situation of indigenous peoples around the world. While drafting was begun in 1983, the Declaration was not passed until September 13, 2007. Affecting the over 370 million indigenous peoples around the world, it is a complex document, little known outside the world of indigenous studies. 143 countries voted in favor of the Declaration with only 4 negative votes (Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States). As reflected in the new Library of Congress law classification "KI," for works dealing with indigenous peoples in the western hemisphere, it is a detailed area of law. This program will provide both domestic and international law researchers with an opportunity to learn more about issues concerning indigenous land rights, the environment, climate change, obligations of states, as well as resources on the drafting history and subsequent developments.
For more information about this FCIL-SIS-produced program, click
here.