Introduction I Universal Declaration I Transformation I Standard Setting I Living Law - Article 42

The implementation of human rights based actions enshrined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

In this section of Dialogue Between Nations, we focus upon the Politics of Transformation and new relationships: relationships built upon mutual respect amongst all those who are willing to engage, and be engaged in transparent dialogue. This is a dialogue based upon the implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. It is a dialogue between Indigenous Peoples, representatives of their nations, communities and organizations and representatives of nation states as well as international agencies, all of whom need to find a way to share solutions in the same landscape of risk: this tumultuous world in which all of us live. This dialogue appears to be emerging beyond already complex indigenous government to nation state relations. Indigenous leaders and community organizers around the world are setting an agenda that puts free, prior and informed consent on the table with corporations, multilateral banks, local industry and judicial systems. There are three important factors to be considered: the terms of engagement and of course, is anyone out there really listening to the Indigenous voice? And finally, how much of any new relationship is predicated on self-interest and accountability? Until recently, many nation states have neither respected nor appreciated the presence of Indigenous Peoples within their boundaries and their communities. One simple observation is that States fear the empowerment of Indigenous Peoples. Most policies of integration have been based upon killing the Indian in the child, a process of assimilation that instead of producing self-sufficient balanced individuals and communities, has created even deeper wounds.

Dr. Rodolfo Stavenhagen Former UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of Indigenous People

“The shift”, as the esteemed Dr. Stavenhagen, former UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of Indigenous Peoples, suggests, “is a challenge for the re-design of the Nation State with the full inclusion of Indigenous Peoples as rightsholders. While such a methodology remains to be developed, the outcome would strengthen the fabric and social, economic and cultural reality of human interaction and future beneficiaries. No one, neither Indigenous Peoples, nor States, nor all of their citizens can afford to isolate one another in the years that lie ahead.”

Eusebio Loreto Julio Nahua President, Consejo Indígena Permanente A.C. Mexico President of the World Council of Indigenous Peoples 2008 – 2012

WE INVITE YOU TO BE IN THE GLOBAL DIALOGUE

POLITICS OF TRANSFORMATION

Introduction I Universal Declaration I Transformation I Standard Setting I Living Law - Article 42

S I T E   M A P        M A P A   D E L   S I T I O dbn@dialoguebetweennations.com Copyright Natalie Drache 1999