Evolving New International Laws From the Fourth World: The Covenant on the Rights of Indigenous Nations

Abstract

After seventeen years of discussions, meetings and negotiations, the Covenant on the Rights of Indigenous Nations was initialed in Geneva, Switzerland on 28 July 1994 by representatives of indigenous nations. By virtue of this agreement, the new International Covenant is now and will remain open for ratification, for at least the next twelve months, by the world's more than 5000 indigenous nations. If the Covenant is ratified by thirty (30) indigenous nations, it will become new international law. Ratification of the new law will mean that indigenous nations will have accepted their full responsibility for the conduct of relations between themselves and their conduct in relations with states. Provisions of the new Covenant include: * measures concerning genocide against indigenous nations, * the maintenance of cultural and biological diversity, * protection of the lands and territories, * protection of the intellectual property, and * procedures for resolving disputes through negotiation of treaties."