Primitive Peoples and Tribal Cultures

HC Deb 15 May 1972 vol 837 cc4-5W

42. Mr. Peter Archer

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will initiate discussions at the United Nations with a view to the adoption of an international convention on the protection of primitive peoples and tribal cultures.

Mr. Godber

This problem is of great concern to Her Majesty's Government and we were very pleased when the United Nations Economic and Social Council adopted unanimously in 1971 a resolution authorising the Sub-Commission on the Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities to make a complete and comprehensive study of the problem and to suggest the necessary national and international measures for eliminating such discrimination. We consider that this study is a necessary preliminary step before the question of a convention can be discussed.