UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP)
UNDRIP is an international human rights instrument, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in
September 2007. It sets minimum standards for the survival, dignity and well-being of Indigenous peoples
throughout the world. In 2021, Canada passed the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous
Peoples Act, which provides direction for the Government of Canada to implement the Declaration in
consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples.
The UNDRIP includes 46 articles that speak about rights to:
• Land
• Culture and language
• Self-determination
• Non-discriminatory or oppressive practices
• Protection of elders, women and children
• Right to survive and develop
• Liberty and freedom
• Participate in any decision that affects Indigenous peoples
Articles 21 and 22 specifically reference that attention shall be paid to the continuing improvement of the
social and economic conditions as they pertain to the special needs of elders, women, youth and children.
It also references that the ‘State’, in conjunction with Indigenous peoples, take measures to ensure
Indigenous women and children are afforded special protections.
