Mr. Chair,
Twenty years after the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, this landmark instrument has become one of the greatest achievements in the history of the United Nations and one of the most significant advances in the struggle to uphold the rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The Declaration enshrined fundamental rights for Indigenous Peoples, including the right to self-determination; the right to maintain and strengthen their identities, cultures, languages and institutions; the right to their lands, territories and resources; the right to participate in decision-making on matters affecting them; and the right to free, prior and informed consent.
It also established a universal framework for promoting respect, dignity, equality and non-discrimination for Indigenous Peoples.
The provisions of the Declaration have progressively been incorporated into a number of national constitutions and have contributed to the progressive development of domestic legislation and public policies relating to Indigenous Peoples.
Much has been achieved, but much remains to be done.
The persistence of unacceptable phenomena, such as discrimination, dispossession, and the denial of Indigenous Peoples’ rights to their ancestral lands, territories and resources—including in developed countries—only confirms the need to continue advancing the implementation of the Declaration at all levels.
Mr. Chair,
Cuba’s steadfast commitment to the Declaration also honours the legacy of the distinguished Cuban jurist, diplomat and academic Miguel Alfonso Martínez, who devoted an important part of his professional life to advancing the just cause of Indigenous Peoples.
As Chair of the United Nations Working Group on Indigenous Populations—the principal body that led the process towards the Declaration—Professor Miguel Alfonso tirelessly advocated for the codification of universal minimum standards for the dignity, well-being, and the individual and collective rights of Indigenous Peoples worldwide.
The adoption of the Declaration, after more than two decades of negotiations between Governments and representatives of Indigenous Peoples, was a triumph of justice.
Cuba proposes the organization of a commemorative thematic panel during the 66th session of the Human Rights Council to mark the twentieth anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Such an event would contribute to assessing the progress achieved, identifying the remaining challenges, and promoting the exchange of good practices for the full realization of the rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Thank you,