UN Adopts Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

What Happened?

The fight for Indigenous recognition at the international level began long before the United Nations existed. In 1920, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy sought membership in the League of Nations, but their application was ignored. Still, Indigenous leaders kept pressing for global recognition.

Momentum grew in 1974 when representatives from nearly 100 Indigenous nations across the Americas formed the International Indian Treaty Council. Their work helped push the UN to create forums where Indigenous voices could be heard, especially on human rights and land issues.

In 1982, the UN established a Working Group on Indigenous Populations. This group spent years gathering testimony, drafting language, and pushing governments to recognize Indigenous rights—an uphill battle against centuries of colonization and discrimination.

The drafting process stretched across decades. Core issues like the right to self-determination and control of natural resources slowed progress, as many states feared it might weaken their authority or disrupt economic interests tied to Indigenous lands.

Finally, on September 13, 2007, the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The vote was overwhelming: 144 in favor, 11 abstentions, and only four countries against—Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States.

UNDRIP affirms that Indigenous peoples have the right to maintain their cultures, languages, and institutions; to participate fully in decisions affecting their lives; and to remain distinct from the societies around them without being forced to assimilate.

Though it does not carry the force of law, UNDRIP serves as a guiding framework—a moral and political tool to challenge discrimination and demand accountability when Indigenous rights are violated.

Over time, even the four countries that voted against adoption changed course. Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States all reversed their positions, eventually endorsing UNDRIP and acknowledging its importance.

The declaration is often described as a watershed because it sets minimum standards for the survival, dignity, and well-being of Indigenous peoples worldwide. It confirmed that Indigenous rights are human rights, not optional extras.

Today, UNDRIP continues to shape debates over land rights, cultural preservation, and political participation. It stands as both a symbol of how far Indigenous advocacy has come and a reminder of the ongoing work still needed to ensure justice and equality.

Why It Matters

UNDRIP is more than a declaration—it is a recognition that Indigenous peoples have always had the right to their cultures, lands, and ways of life. It challenges nations to rethink their histories of colonization and oppression, and to build futures rooted in dignity, justice, and respect. While the work is unfinished, this document remains a milestone in the global struggle for human rights.