Indigenous Peoples World Conference

The WCIP logo (x)

Today kicked off the first-ever two day United Nations event known as the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples. The UN site describes this conference as "an opportunity to share perspectives and best practices on the realization of the rights of indigenous peoples, including pursuing the objectives of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples" and will consist of  "two plenary meetings, three interactive round-table discussions and one interactive panel discussion." The Declaration, adopted in September of 2007, sets out to protect the right of indigenous peoples and allow them autonomy in maintaining their cultures and pursing their aspirations. UNDRIP deals with a plethora of issues specific to indigenous people such as discrimination, employment, health, education, participation in government, development, multicultural democracy, decentralization and tribal lands. The Declaration, like the Conference, asks that national governments work alongside natives. 

Sources
Indigenous Peoples World Conference
The World Conference on Indigenous Peoples