Testimony of D’Shane Barnett, Executive Director of the National Council of Urban Indian Health Before the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Oversight Hearing on Setting the Standard: Domestic Policy Implications United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Thursday, June 23, 2011
Authors: D'Shane Barnett
Publication Year: 2011
Last Updated: 2011-06-30 15:48:09
Journal: NCUIH
Keywords: UNDRIP, United Nations Declaration of Indigenous Rights, UN, United Nations Permanent Forum of Indigenous Issues, Indigenous Issues, Testimony, SCIA, Senate Committee of Indian Affairs
Abstract:
This Declaration provides opportunity for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities to speak in favor of an increased commitment to quality, culturally competent health care.
Since 2007, NCUIH has partaken in the United Nations Permanent Forum for Indigenous Issues (UNPFII); and has both fostered the inclusion of the Urban Native American in the Forums discussions and documents; as well as perspective requested the permanent presence of the US Department of State in the UNPFII annual sessions. NCUIH is, thus, pleased and applauds the Obama Administrations decision to endorse the Declaration. Likewise, we look forward to exploring ways that the UNDRIP can be utilized to increase the Governments commitment to eliminating health disparities, and to bring international attention to the rights and obligations owed to AI/AN people.
The UNDRIP provides the international legal basis for indigenous peoples to appeal to international organizations in case their rights are trespassed or violated. Additionally, it creates opportunities to build bridges and coordinate strategies where communities in different countries find common cause.
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