In recognition of the negative effect that colonization and the doctrine of discovery had on indigenous peoples and their communities, the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues held a panel discussion during its eleventh session entitled “The Doctrine of Discovery: its enduring impact on indigenous peoples and the right to redress for past conquests (articles 28 and 37 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples)”.
There has been extensive discussion of the doctrine, its historical development and its past and present impacts, in addition to the ways in which it has affected and continues to affect indigenous peoples and the relationship between Governments and indigenous peoples. It is without question that the doctrine has had a detrimental effect on all indigenous peoples. Its implementation was used as an instrument to alienate indigenous peoples from their lands, resources and culture, a process that continues today in various forms.
This is from the introduction to The UN’s Economic and Social Council’s Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. Download the full report:
http://papersmart.unmeetings.org/media/1072675/E_C.19_2013_12_E.pdf
Jo Collins and Anne Noonan, Australia West Papua Association (Sydney)
