HL Deb 31 October 1996 vol 575 cc25-6WA
The Earl of Sandwich

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they intend to defend the rights of indigenous peoples, as laid down in the draft declaration currently under discussion at the United Nations Human Rights Commission in Geneva.

Baroness Chalker of Wallasey

We attach importance to the early adoption by the United Nations of an effective declaration to help protect the rights of indigenous people worldwide. We participate in the UN's Working Group tasked with producing a declaration and contribute constructively to the drafting of a suitable text.