What is the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples?

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (the Declaration) is a comprehensive international human rights instrument on the rights of Indigenous peoples around the world.

Through 46 articles, it affirms and sets out a broad range of collective and individual rights that constitute the minimum standards to protect the rights of Indigenous peoples and to contribute to their survival, dignity and well-being.

These include rights related to:

• Self-determination and self-government
• Equality and non-discrimination
• Culture and language
• Identity
• Religion and spirituality
• Lands, territories and resources
• Environment
• Indigenous institutions and legal systems
• Health
• Education
• Community

The Declaration also affirms the need to respect and promote the rights of Indigenous peoples set out in treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements.

The Declaration is the result of almost 25 years of work and collaboration between UN member states and Indigenous peoples from around the world. Indigenous leaders from Canada played a significant role in its development, including drafting and negotiating.

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