ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Hey kiddo! Do you know what the United Nations is? It's like a big group of countries who like to talk and work together to make the world a better place for everyone.

Now, let me tell you about the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Indigenous people are people who were the first to live in a certain place, like Native Americans in the United States or Maori people in New Zealand. The Declaration is like a special set of rules that the United Nations made to protect the rights of these indigenous peoples all over the world.

The Declaration says that indigenous peoples have the right to their own culture, language, and traditions. It also says that they have the right to own and use their own lands, territories, and natural resources. This means that their homes, water, and other things that they need to live should be protected and respected by other people and governments.

The Declaration also says that indigenous peoples have the right to participate in decisions that affect their lives, like laws or policies that might affect their lands or customs. This is important because sometimes people make decisions without thinking about how it might affect others.

Basically, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is like a promise to protect and respect the rights of indigenous peoples all over the world. It's important because everyone deserves to be treated fairly and equally, no matter where they come from or who they are.