U.N. Issues Its First Report On Indigenous Peoples

U.N. Issues Its First Report On Indigenous Peoples

Thursday, January 14, 2010 at 15:39

 

 

A greater commitment from countries and better access to education are being given as some of the remedies to human rights violations against Indigenous people.

 

A report commissioned by the United Nations looks at why First Peoples are behind their colonial neighbours, when it comes to overall health and well-being.

 

The publication was released today, and its authors say they hope it helps shape Indigenous policy around the world.

 

One of the chapters is devoted exclusively to the issue of human rights.

 

It says the gap that exists between Indigenous people and mainstream society is significant, and more oversight is needed to help reduce the frequency of things like dispossession of land.

 

The report says the most serious infractions are often directed against those Indigenous persons who defend their lands and territories.

 

The publication’s chapter on health finds that Indigenous people have generally poor access to state health systems around the world.

 

It says any successful plan to remedy this must involve a health system that includes both western and Indigenous practices.