EU voices support for indigenous peoples

The European Union Friday reaffirmed the 28-member bloc's support to Indigenous Peoples around the globe. "We join them in celebrating their rich cultural heritage, and pay tribute to the enormous contribution their traditions and knowledge," said EU High Representative Catherine Ashton in a statement to mark International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples which falls on 9 August. She noted that the EU has always been a staunch supporter of the 2007 United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. "Regrettably, discrimination against and unequal treatment of indigenous peoples continues around the world," she said and added that the EU raises the rights of indigenous peoples wherever relevant in its political dialogues with third countries and regional organisations, and at multilateral forums such as the United Nations.