UN votes on indigenous peoples

Canada, the USA, Australia, New Zealand and the Russian Federation (all of whom have large indigenous populations) have been vigorously opposing the declaration's approval. Their actions have provoked outrage amongst tribal peoples worldwide.

The opposing countries are well known for their poor treatment of indigenous peoples. Australia, New Zealand and the United States have in the past been subject to 'early warning and urgent action procedures' by the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD).