Ferrero-Waldner on International Day of the World's Indigenous People

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On the occasion of the International Day of the World's Indigenous People, 9 August 2005, Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner said:

"On behalf of the European Commission I wish to send a message of support and solidarity to indigenous people across the globe. The International Day of the World's Indigenous People is a day for celebrating the cultural diversity and enormous contribution to humanity of the indigenous peoples of the world.

It is also an opportunity for the European Commission to renew its commitment to promoting their rights. Unfortunately, discrimination against indigenous peoples and minorities continues. We have made progress in introducing legislative changes and affirmative action, but we must ensure that attitudes change too. Only by turning principles into practice can we guarantee effective protection of their rights.

We also believe that active cooperation with indigenous peoples is essential for poverty elimination, sustainable development, human rights and democracy. We respect their cultural identities and choices in shaping the social, economic and cultural development of their communities. The European Commission strives to empower indigenous peoples and integrate their concerns into our policies, programmes and projects.

Much has been achieved in recent years, but much still remains to be done. We must all work hard to put an end to discrimination - not only in principle, but must importantly in practice. To protect the rights of all members of society, attitudes must change. On behalf of the European Commission I pledge to uphold the values of tolerance, equality and individual freedoms for the benefit of indigenous peoples everywhere."

See also:
http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/external_relations/human_rights/ip/docs.htm

| Arriba |

• EU Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner on International Day of the World's Indigenous People (9/8/2006)
• EC Statement - Programme of activities for the International Decade of the World's Indigenous People, 1995-2004 (22/10/2004)