[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 109 (Thursday, July 22, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1406]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE HOUSE OF 
  REPRESENTATIVES THAT THE UNITED STATES PROMOTE RESPECT FOR AND FULL 
APPLICATION OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE UNITED NATIONS DECLARATION ON THE 
         RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES, CONSISTENT WITH U.S. LAW

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                       HON. ENI F.H. FALEOMAVAEGA

                           of american samoa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 22, 2010

  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce a 
resolution for the United States to promote respect for and full 
application of the provisions of the United Nations Declaration on the 
Rights of Indigenous Peoples, consistent with U.S. law.
  That Declaration is a landmark instrument outlining the rights of the 
world's 370 million indigenous peoples in 70 countries. A non-binding 
text comparable to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the 
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples sets out the individual 
and collective rights of indigenous peoples, as well as their rights to 
culture, identity, language, employment, health and education.
  The United States was one of only four member states of the United 
Nations to vote against the declaration in 2007, while 143 voted in 
favor. Three of the four states who initially voted against it have 
already reversed their opposition to the Declaration or are in the 
process of doing so. Meanwhile, the U.S. Government has launched a 
formal review of the Declaration to determine whether the United States 
will change its stance.
  Today, indigenous peoples face disproportionate discrimination, 
inadequate health care, violent crime, poverty, unemployment and 
environmental degradation even as they struggle to maintain their own 
institutions, cultures and traditions.
  The United States has taken great steps to improve the condition of 
indigenous peoples, including hosting a historic meeting of nearly 500 
tribal leaders last year and President Obama's issuance of an Executive 
Order on Consultation and Coordination with Tribal Governments. Yet, as 
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice has said, ``far more 
must be done--at home and abroad--to tackle'' the challenges facing 
indigenous peoples.
  The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples provides an 
important framework for addressing indigenous issues globally. To 
further U.S. leadership in improving the conditions faced by indigenous 
people, the United States should promote respect for and full 
application of the provisions of the Declaration as soon as possible.
  I urge all my colleagues to join me and Representatives Ellison, 
Barbara Lee, Christensen, Grijalva, Hastings, Delahunt, Honda, John 
Lewis and George Miller in supporting this resolution and moving it 
toward speedy adoption.

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