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create a hierarchy among populations within the State and thus does not explicitly consider
the Declaration when devising new laws and policies.
D.
Initiatives to raise awareness of the Declaration at community and
government levels
67.
State responses indicated several direct measures to raise awareness of the
Declaration. Some States indicated a preference to focus awareness campaigns on general
human rights instruments, such as national laws or human rights treaties. Awareness-raising
initiatives were aimed at both Government and indigenous peoples. One State emphasized
the importance of indigenous peoples knowing their rights and Governments knowing the
Declaration. There were a few examples where education and training on indigenous
peoples’ rights was part of the awareness initiatives.
68.
The Mexican Commission for the Development of Indigenous Peoples has
disseminated the Declaration within the Government and been instrumental in the
translation of the Declaration into 18 indigenous languages.
69.
The Congo has focused awareness-raising on national and international human
rights and indigenous peoples’ rights instruments. During “Parliamentary days” there were
efforts taken to educate Congolese parliamentarians on the rights of indigenous peoples and
the Declaration was explained to the parliamentarians.
70.
The Ministry of External Relations of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, with the
ILO South America Regional Office, developed a series of workshops on “The scope of the
ILO Convention 169: Challenges for application and implementation and strategies for
action”. These workshops were directed at various officials in Bolivia, public servants and
indigenous peoples. Bolivia has also created and distributed materials (books, pamphlets
and audiovisual material) on collective rights.
71.
Chile has a programme, “Strengthening national capacities for conflict prevention
and intercultural management in Chile”, which includes support for activities whose
purpose is the dissemination of information and training related to indigenous peoples’
rights recognized by international law with an emphasis on ILO Convention No. 169.
72.
France indicated that it has an ambassador for human rights and that on the
International Day of Indigenous People, round tables were organized as well as cultural
events held in Guyana.
73.
Following the enactment of the Amerindian Act in Guyana, there was a recognized
need for education and awareness for the Village Councils and community members.
Several training programmes have been conducted and an “Amerindian Act Made Simple”
brochure was published and distributed to all leaders and community members, which
provided a non-technical explanation of the law. The Government of Guyana also executes
capacity-building programmes and workshops for government employees. As well,
indigenous leaders can seek clarification of the Amerindian law during their biennial
meetings.
74.
The national human rights institution of Australia developed an overview, a
community guide and a poster on the Declaration, which sought to highlight practical
examples of how the Declaration can benefit indigenous Australians.
75.
A few States indicated that, while they were not taking action to promote the
Declaration, information on the Declaration is distributed by other organizations within the
State. With the announcement of support for the Declaration, there was widespread
publicity of the Declaration in New Zealand. The New Zealand Human Rights Commission
14