The European Union Delegation to New Zealand has welcomed the Governments' affirmation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People.Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples flew to New York last week without publicly revealing he was g
The European Union Delegation to New Zealand has welcomed the Governments' affirmation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People.
Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples flew to New York last week without publicly revealing he was going to make a speech endorsing the declaration.
The previous Labour government had refused to sign the declaration, concerned about how it could be used domestically.
There was much debate between politicians and Maori leaders about the implications of the non-binding agreement.
EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy Catherine Ashton said the declaration advanced the rights and ensured the continued development of indigenous people around the world.
She "warmly welcomes the important announcement" that New Zealand would sign up to it.
Ms Ashton said she looked forward to working in with New Zealand on a range of human rights issues.
