The Right to Self-Determination

Watch me read
the poem as
a YouTube video.

Audio and Video Music:
Chariots of War.
By Aakash Gandhi.
Music free to use
at YouTube.

THE RIGHT TO SELF-DETERMINATION

Adapted from The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Indigenous peoples have the right
To self-determination,
To freely determine their political status
And freely pursue their economic,
Social, and cultural development.

Indigenous peoples have the right
To autonomy and self-government
In matters relating to internal
And local affairs,
As well as ways and means
For financing their autonomous functions.

Indigenous peoples have the right
To maintain and strengthen
Their distinct political, legal,
Economic, social,
And cultural institutions,
While retaining their right
To participate fully,
If they so choose,
In the political, economic,
Social, and cultural life
Of the State.