Indigenism: Native Peoples Renew Call for U.N. Recognition

"UNITED NATIONS, Jul 18 (IPS) - Leaders of the world's 370 million indigenous peoples are reiterating their calls for the 192-member U.N. General Assembly to recognise their sovereignty over ancestral lands and resources.

'It is now time for the General Assembly to adopt the declaration by vote, if necessary,' Les Malezer, chairman of the U.N.-based Indigenous Peoples Caucus, told reporters at a news conference Wednesday. The proposed declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples was due to be adopted by the General Assembly last year, but due to fierce objections from certain countries it was set aside for further negotiations.