Lau Joins Support for UN Declaration on Indigenous Rights

Another province has agreed to support the proposed United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The Ministry of iTaukei Affairs made the submission during the Lau Provincial Council meeting yesterday as part of its consultation.

Deputy chief executive officer of the iTaukei Affairs Board Josefa Toganivalu said the proposed bill would benefit the iTaukei community.

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples provides a framework for reconciliation, healing, peace, and cooperative relations based on principles of justice, democracy, respect for human rights, non-discrimination, and good faith.

“This bill is important as it opens doors to solutions for challenges faced by indigenous people,” Mr Toganivalu said.

“It covers critical aspects such as resource ownership.”

Council chair Ratu Meli Saubulinayau thanked members for supporting this significant bill, which would greatly impact the people of Lau.

“It provides iTaukei the freedom to be iTaukei, plain and simple. The previous administration had constrained the iTaukei,” he said.

“Now, we are free to choose what is right for us.”

Consultation on the proposed bill will continue through provincial council meetings before it is presented to the Cabinet.

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