UN-backed seminar on indigenous peoples aims to protect their rights

A United Nations-backed seminar on the relationship between States and indigenous peoples opened in Geneva today with a call to learn from history in a bid to elaborate new treaties to safeguard their rights.

Addressing the expert gathering, the Acting UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Bertrand Ramcharan, noted that agreements – often unwritten – have traditionally established a wide range of rights concerning land and resources. Known as “historic treaties,” these accords are viewed by many indigenous people as the basis for their claims.

Citing recent studies, Mr. Ramcharan said that across the globe, States and indigenous peoples have concluded treaties which are often “passed on through the elders to future generations.”

He stressed the need to understand the oral character of these treaties, and pointed out that honouring them “has been described as a sacred undertaking.”

Mr. Ramcharan asked the participants to consider what lessons can be drawn from historic treaty-making in order to elaborate new accords between States and indigenous peoples. He also suggested that experts explore how disputes are currently being handled in different countries.

Above all, the Acting High Commissioner said participants should examine what the UN system can do to help States seeking to establish negotiated legal arrangements with their indigenous peoples.