UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples on Self-Determination

“Until our right to self- determination is recognized, the struggle will not end. Even if it means the sacrifice of our lives to achieve freedom, so be it!” – Rafael Markus Bangit, Cordillera martyr (Victim of extrajudicial killings in the Philippines in 2006)

Indigenous peoples have the right to self-determination, which means that they freely decide their political status, and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development. This right to freely determine its political status includes the right to define its mode of associating with an existing state, and the right to self-government of peoples to govern themselves without external influence. – Article 3

Indigenous peoples have the right to autonomy or self-government in matters relating to their internal and local affairs, and to strengthen their distinct political, legal, economic, social and cultural institutions. They are also entitled to fully participate, if they so choose, in the political, economic, social and cultural life of their State. – Article 4 & 5

Indigenous peoples have the right to belong to an indigenous community according to their traditions and customs, and they shall not be discriminated for belonging to the community. They also have the right to determine the responsibilities of individuals to their communities. – Article 9 & 35

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