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February 29, 2016
Maori to review UN’s indigenous outreach
Waatea Team
Posted On February 29, 2016
Indigenous law expert Claire Charters from Ngati Whakaue, Tuwharetoa, Nga Puhi and Tainui has been appointed to a group looking at the participation of indigenous peoples at the United Nations.
Dr Charters is the Associate Dean for Equity and Maori at the University of Auckland’s law faculty.
Her PhD thesis examined the legitimacy of indigenous peoples’ norms under international law.
She was appointed along with Professor James Anaya, the former UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples, to help UN General Assembly president Mogens Lykketoft with the review.
Government representatives from Ghana and Finland are also on the team.
The International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs says appointing indigenous experts on an equal footing with governmental representative is an important step in implementing the UN’s commitment that indigenous peoples should fully participate in its decision-making processes.
It says Mr Lykketoft has made an excellent choice based on the expertise, experience and the talent of the internationally recognised indigenous experts.
Copyright © 2016, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com
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