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April 20, 2010

New Zealand Signs UN Declaration of Indigenous Rights
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New Zealand has become one of the last holdout countries to ratify the
UN declaration of indigenous rights, leaving only the US and Canada in
opposition. New Zealand cabinet member Pita Sharples announced the move
on Monday.

Pita Sharples: “I come with humble heart to celebrate the Declaration of
the Rights of Indigenous People. The New Zealand government has long
discussed this matter and has recently decided to support it.”

The UN General Assembly passed the sweeping declaration granting native
peoples the “right to self-determination” in 2007 with an overwhelming
143 votes in favor. New Zealand was one of only four countries to vote
against the declaration, along with the US, Australia and Canada.
Australia has also reversed its position.