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United Nations General Assembly --- "International Decade of the World's Indigenous People" [1994] AboriginalLawB 20; (1994) 3(67) Aboriginal Law Bulletin 19


Something Big Coming Up
International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People

Resolution adopted on the reports of the Third Committee - 21 December 1993

The General Assembly,

1. Proclaims the International Decade of the World's Indigenous People, commencing on 10 December 1994, the period from 1 January to 9 December 1994 to be set aside for planning for the Decade in partnership with indigenous people;

2. Decides that the goal of the Decade should be the strengthening of international cooperation for the solution of problems faced by indigenous people in areas such as human rights, the environment, development, education and health;

3. Also decides that, beginning in the first year of the Decade, one day every year shall be observed as the International Day of Indigenous People;

4. Requests the Commission on Human Rights, at its fiftieth session, to invite the Working Group on Indigenous Populations to identify at its next session an appropriate day for this purpose;

5. Requests the Secretary-General to appoint the Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights as the Coordinator of the Decade;

6. Requests the Coordinator to coordinate the programme of activities for the Decade in full collaboration and consultation with Governments, competent bodies, the International Labour Organisation and other specialised agencies of the United Nations, and indigenous and non-government organisations;

7. Requests competent United Nations bodies and specialised agencies to designate focal points for coordination with the Centre for Human Rights of activities related to the Decade;

8. Invites Governments to ensure that activities and objectives for the Decade are planned and implemented on the basis of full consultation and collaboration with indigenous people;

9. Requests specialised agencies, regional commissions and other organisations of the United Nations system to consider with Governments and in partnership with indigenous people how they can contribute to the success of the Decade, and to transmit their recommendations to the Economic and Social Council.

The Role of ATSIC in the International Decade

The resolution for the International Decade as proclaimed above was supported by Australia. In its resolution, the UN placed a strong emphasis on consultation and collaboration with indigenous peoples. It also acknowledged the significance of the International Year of the World's Indigenous People in raising awareness of the contribution of, and problems faced by, indigenous people throughout the world. The establishment of a more permanent forum for indigenous people in the framework of an international decade was decided in light of the diversity of cultures and forms of social organisation involved.

ATSIC has accepted an invitation from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to take on a leadership role on behalf of indigenous peoples for the planning and management of the Decade. The first meeting of the Australian indigenous Non-Government Organisations, involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and focussing on the themes and purposes of the Decade, was held in March 1994, and initiates a series of planning measures towards the International Decade.

In May, a meeting of Asia/Pacific region Non-Government Organisations will be hosted by ATSIC, and will discuss regional issues in relation to the Decade Programme of Activities.

On July 20-22 there will be a meeting (called by the Commission on Human Rights) to evaluate the International Year of Indigenous People and consider activities for the Decade. A detailed plan of action and funding plans will be elaborated.

Later in July the Working Group on Indigenous Populations will meet to discuss the Decade and International Plan of Action together. Finally, on 10 December, the Decade will be launched at the UN Headquarters in New York.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples can contribute towards the planning of this Decade by contacting their local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, Regional and Commissioners of ATSIC, and the International Issues and Human Rights Section of ATSIC with ideas and comments on the Decade.


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