Canada must sign UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

In the brouhaha over the proposal to change "all our sons command" in the national anthem, the media and most of us missed an important phrase in the Throne Speech where the government said it would take steps to endorse the UN Declaration on the Rights of the Indigenous Peoples  [2] “in a manner fully consistent with Canada’s Constitution and laws”..  Canada is one of the only countries left in the world that has refused to sign this historic document, which was adopted by the UN in 2007.   Below is a statement of most of the First Nations groups in Canada and their allies

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"Indigenous Peoples and human rights and faith based organizations welcome the announcement in the Speech from the Throne that the Canadian government is taking steps to endorse the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

We urge the government to embrace this vital human rights instrument without conditions or limitations.

The Declaration was overwhelmingly adopted by the UN General Assembly on September 13, 2007. At that time only Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United States voted against the Declaration.
 Australia has since reversed its position, and NZ and the US have indicated their positions are under review. We applaud Canada’s decision to join the growing global consensus of support for the Declaration.

The Declaration provides a principled and normative framework for partnership and reconciliation between states and Indigenous peoples.

Its adoption was heralded around the world by Indigenous Peoples, states, human rights organizations and the United Nations. Its provisions provide much needed guidance to governments, state institutions and society as a whole on how human rights laws and obligations can be best understood and applied to the distinct circumstances and the urgent needs of 370 million Indigenous People around the world.

We are concerned, however, as to what is intended by the government of Canada in stating that it will take steps to endorse the Declaration “in a manner fully consistent with Canada’s Constitution and laws”.  In previously opposing the Declaration, the government had claimed that there were unspecified and unsubstantiated incompatibilities between the Declaration and the Canadian Constitution. As affirmed in an open letter from more than 100 experts on Constitutional and international law aspects relating to Aboriginal rights in Canada,there is no contradiction between the Canadian Constitution and the Declaration.

Furthermore, human rights standards cannot merely condone or sustain the current practices and preferences of states, whether or not those practices and preferences are expressed in domestic law. To limit UN declarations in this way would defeat the purpose of having international standards, which are meant to inspire and guide improved protection for human rights, not simply reinforce the status quo.

To require the provisions of the Declaration to be interpreted in accordance with the constitution and laws of each state could serve to legitimize any existing injustices and discrimination in domestic situations. It would also undermine the principle of “universality” that applies to all human rights. 

Human rights are generally relative in nature so that the human rights of all are respected.   The Declaration reflects and builds upon international human rights standards.  It does not exist in a vacuum and allows for full consideration of relevant international and domestic law.

In interpreting human rights and related state obligations, domestic courts may choose to consider declarations and other international instruments. Such dynamic interaction between domestic and international law is well-established in Canada.

The Declaration is a living instrument that is broadly supported and has universal application.  It provides a crucial context and framework towards ensuring justice, as well as the dignity, security and well-being of Indigenous Peoples worldwide.

We encourage the government of Canada to work with Indigenous Peoples on a respectful process for the endorsement and implementation of the Declaration. We believe the statement announcing this change in position must be developed in genuine partnership, and in a way that honours the spirit and intent of the Declaration. Many Indigenous leaders in Canada were involved in the Declaration’s 20 plus years of development in the UN system and have much knowledge, insight and experience to share. We look forward to this happening in a timely manner and are prepared to assist in any way.

Assembly of First Nations

Assemblée des Premières nations du Québec et du Labrador Amnesty International Canada Amnistie internationale Canada francophone Canadian Friends Service Committee (Quakers) Chantier de l'économie sociale Chiefs of Ontario Confédération des Syndicats Nationaux - CSN Conseil central du Montréal métropolitain – CSN Fédération des femmes du Québec First Nations Summit Front d'action populaire en réaménagement urbain - FRAPRU Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee) Inuit Circumpolar Council (Canada) Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives Ligue des droits et libertés Native Women's Association of Canada Quebec Native Women / Femmes autochtones du Québec Regroupement des centres d'amitié autochtones du Québec Union of BC Indian Chiefs

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