| As a nation that is proud of its multicultural identity stemming from its mixed indigenous
American, Hispanic, and African heritage, the Republic of Nicaragua strongly affirms and
defends the rights of indigenous peoples worldwide to express and promote their language,
history, and way of life. We recognize that indigenous peoples have been historically
marginalized, exploited, and deceived by colonial powers, most especially by the West. Many
indigenous peoples have had only limited access to healthcare and education in their
countries, have been robbed of their cultural traditions, and have had little political
representation. Hence, Nicaragua calls for the United Nations to develop an accountability
mechanism for signatories of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous
Peoples (UNDRIP) in order to encourage and assist member states who wish to strengthen
the relationship between their indigenous communities and their central government. We
express our hope that the General Assembly, through the earnest dialogue between its
participants, will pass a resolution designed
to encourage member states to establish equitable opportunities for indigenous
communities, such as more affordable healthcare and education, the recognition and
protection of tribal and communal lands, and economic development, to name just a few.
Nicaragua has not only signed onto the UNDRIP and the International Labour Organization's
1989 Indigenous and Tribal People's Convention, but also has created two autonomous
communities designed to protect the rights and culture of the country's indigenous
population on our Atlantic Coast. While we acknowledge that this approach might not suit
every country's needs or abilities, we strongly recommend that other countries follow
Nicaragua's example as it seeks to fight for the equal rights and opportunities of all peoples.
In the spirit of the great Nicaraguan revolutionary and
patriot, Augusto Sandino, we demand that justice be done for peoples and nations exploited
and weakened by more powerful states. |
