Affirming also that all peoples contribute to the diversity and rich-
ness of civilizations and cultures, which constitute the common heri-
tage of humankind,
Affirming further that all doctrines, policies and practices based on
or advocating superiority of peoples or individuals on the basis of
national origin or racial, religious, ethnic or cultural differences are
racist, scientifically false, legally invalid, morally condemnable and
socially unjust,
Reaffirming that indigenous peoples, in the exercise of their rights,
should be free from discrimination of any kind,
Concerned that indigenous peoples have suffered from historic injus-
tices as a result of, inter alia, their colonization and dispossession
of their lands, territories and resources, thus preventing them from
exercising, in particular, their right to development in accordance
with their own needs and interests,
Recognizing the urgent need to respect and promote the inherent
rights of indigenous peoples which derive from their political, eco-
nomic and social structures and from their cultures, spiritual tradi-
tions, histories and philosophies, especially their rights to their lands,
territories and resources,
Recognizing also the urgent need to respect and promote the rights
of indigenous peoples affirmed in treaties, agreements and other
constructive arrangements with States,
Welcoming the fact that indigenous peoples are organizing them-
selves for political, economic, social and cultural enhancement and
in order to bring to an end all forms of discrimination and oppres-
sion wherever they occur,
Convinced that control by indigenous peoples over developments
affecting them and their lands, territories and resources will enable
them to maintain and strengthen their institutions, cultures and tra-
ditions, and to promote their development in accordance with their
aspirations and needs,
Recognizing that respect for indigenous knowledge, cultures and
traditional practices contributes to sustainable and equitable devel-
opment and proper management of the environment,
Emphasizing the contribution of the demilitarization of the lands
and territories of indigenous peoples to peace, economic and social