Journal Citation:
7 HARVARD HUMAN RIGHTS JOURNAL, 33-86 (1994).
This comprehensive article explores the main issues arising in the pursuit of
international Indigenous rights. The premise of the author is that the
development of Indigenous rights in the international arena is contingent on understanding Indigenous peoples as subjects of international law, with
rights and duties, rather than simply objects of international law. The first part of
the article presents a thorough overview of the main legal and political issues
affecting claims of self-determination. The second section suggests that there is a
growing acceptance in international law of the collective identity and distinct rights
of Indigenous peoples. The final section of the article describes the main
challenges remaining for full recognition of Indigenous peoples' legal personality
under international law. This article is relevant to the broad establishment of Indigenous women's rights in international law.