E/CN.4/2005/88/Add.3 page 21 IV. CONCLUSIONS 84. Canada’s will to address the human rights challenges faced by Aboriginal peoples is expressed through a wide array of programmes and projects designed to close the human rights protection gap and to significantly improve the living standards as well as the human and social development indicators of Aboriginal people within the foreseeable future. 85. Despite the progress already achieved, Aboriginal people are justifiably concerned about continuing inequalities in the attainment of economic and social rights, as well as the slow pace of effective recognition of their constitutional Aboriginal and treaty rights, and the concomitant redistribution of lands and resources that will be required to bring about sustainable economies and socio-political development. 86. Priority attention must be given to the persistent disparities between Aboriginal people and other Canadians as reflected in higher poverty rates and lower than average health, educational, housing and welfare services for Aboriginal people, which continue to be among the most pressing issues facing Aboriginal people. 87. Whereas certain indicators point to some progress in new job openings, unemployment rates among Aboriginal people are alarmingly high and are not being addressed adequately in the current economic climate. It is encouraging that economic development opportunities are opening up for numerous Aboriginal communities, but employment is still severely limited on most First Nation reserves, as well as for Inuit, Métis and the urban Aboriginal populations. 88. Aboriginal people are disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system, where complaints about discrimination abound. A number of positive Aboriginal justice initiatives have been undertaken at the federal, provincial and local levels, but it is not clear as yet how far and how successful such policies have actually been. 89. Aboriginal education does not receive the resources it requires at the federal and provincial levels, resulting in high drop-out rates, low educational attainment and low quality schooling for Aboriginal students. Aboriginal cultures are not yet adequately represented in educational resources and the national curriculum, despite Canada’s proven track record in multicultural education. 90. The specific needs of Aboriginal women have been neglected for too long. Matrimonial real property regulations continue to affect First Nation women on reserves unfairly, requiring legal reforms. Suicide rates, prostitution and child welfare issues are of particular concern among urban Aboriginals as well as on reserves. 91. The ambiguity surrounding the current status of Aboriginal rights in the country has led to controversial disputes and litigation in the courts, particularly concerning land rights. Recent land claims and self-government agreements aim at certainty and predictability, but the inclusion of clauses in land claims agreements requiring Aboriginal