Canada votes 'no' as UN native rights declaration passes

[marmar]

The Harper government is sounding more and more Bush-esque. My Canadian friends: We've already been down this road - stop it now before it's too late!!!:scared:


from CBC News:


Canada votes 'no' as UN native rights declaration passes
Last Updated: Thursday, September 13, 2007 | 4:07 PM ET
CBC News

The international community has adopted the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, despite high-profile opposition from Canada and three other countries.

The non-binding declaration, which sets out global human rights standards for indigenous populations, was easily approved Thursday by the UN General Assembly in New York — with only Canada, New Zealand, the United States and Australia dissenting. Eleven countries abstained.

In his address to the General Assembly before the vote, Canada's UN ambassador, John McNee, said Canada had "significant concerns" over the declaration's wording on provisions addressing lands and resources, as well as another article calling on states to obtain prior informed consent with indigenous groups before enacting new laws or administrative measures.

Article 26 of the UN declaration states: "Indigenous peoples have the right to the lands, territories and resources which they have traditionally owned, occupied or otherwise used or acquired." .......(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2007/09/13/canada-indigenous.html