Promoting the Rights of the Indigenous Peoples of the Americas

“The elimination of all forms of discrimination, especially gender, ethnic and race discrimination, as well as diverse forms of intolerance, the promotion and protection of human rights of indigenous peoples and migrants, and respect for ethnic, cultural and religious diversity in the Americas contribute to strengthening democracy and citizen participation.” Art. 9 of the Inter-American Democratic Charter

In coordinating matters related to indigenous peoples within the OAS General Secretariat, the Department of International Law adopted a Program of Action on Indigenous Peoples in the Americas in 2009 with the aim of “promoting and strengthening the participation of indigenous peoples in domestic and international decision-making processes, increasing the awareness of society in general regarding this topic, training indigenous peoples’ representatives in a range of areas that will allow the comprehensive development of their communities, and establishing indigenous issues as a cross-cutting theme in the Organization’s different projects and activities.”.

In addition, the Department participates in the process of negotiating a Draft American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Contact Us

Departament of international law
Secretariat for Legal Affairs (SLA)
Organization of American States
19th Street & Constitution Ave., N.W.
Washington, D.C., 20006
USA
Tel. + 1 202.458.6899
Fax + 1 202.458.3293
E-mail: dil@oas.org