Despite positive developments in the human rights considerations, most indigenous people in the world continually face impairments to fully enjoy their individual human rights. Indigenous people are more likely to have poor health and education services if they get any. Economic development in most cases sidestep indigenous communities with most governments not giving them no considerations in regards to their needs. With the decision making processes in regards to policies being insufficient to their needs, there is a development of disputes and conflicts with the majority threatening their way of life. 1
Due to these obstacles, and to ensure the implementation of their human rights, there was a need for a development of international standards to help protect the indigenous communities. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of indigenous Peoples offers protection at an international level. Indigenous communities are considered disadvantaged and vulnerable with at least 370 million of them in 90 countries. The historical significance of the declaration is more defined because of their unique and distinguishing culture and histories. Their connection to their traditional values, lands and environment has them at an advantage to maintaining a historical legacy over generations.
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Uses and Strengths
The declaration apart from protecting the indigenous people provides an insight into the abuse and methodical discrimination that indigenous people face across several countries. Historically, indigenous communities have received no attention from the majorities within their countries and internationally. While this trend still holds ground in some countries, the international declaration offers them an opportunity to have a voice it shows the progress of their contribution in the international community. In addition to that, with no definite definition of who indigenous people are, the declaration offers a more inclusive look into who they are without offering a strict classification.
From a historical research point of view, the declaration offers governments a look into their policy making strategies. In regards to the indigenous people who are a minority in most of the countries they inhibit, these policies do not offer a voice to them. The international declaration requires that measures are taken to protect indigenous people and their children from exploitation. Similarly, the declaration offers a look into the development and a constantly evolving culture of human rights. The indigenous group offering a look into the development of these rights to include those considered a minority. It showcases the struggle that minority communities face to having their voices heard. The non-signatories to the document such as Australia, Canada, the United States and New Zealand is a testament to this struggle. The four countries arguing that signing on to this would undermine their sovereign power.
Limitations
The document can be used to help develop a deeper understanding to the general idea of culture, not only with the indigenous people but with how the majority interact and relate to the culture. The declaration however does not define culture, however, it offers a conversation starter in regards to individual rights. Rights that are not limited to a certain people within society while setting aside others. Further research into the need for consultation and the inclusion of everyone within the exception of minority groups.
Study shows that for people engaged deeply into their culture, development of policies that relate to these people must have an acknowledgement of their culture. 1 The reason why there is a need for the development of rights for indigenous people is due to their unique identity. Therefore one of the major weaknesses of the declaration is the fact the unique character or rather the culture that makes them unique is not included in the articulation of their rights.
Bibliography
"United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples". 2008. http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/documents/DRIPS_en.pdf.
