10 Jul 2009

UN rights declaration under consideration again

7:06 am on 10 July 2009

The Government is trying to work out which parts of the United Nations declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples it is willing to accept.

Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples says the Government announce its support for the document this month.

Waatea News reports New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the United States voted against it two years ago.

Deputy Prime Minister Bill English has revealed the Government is debating what caveats it might want to insert in any endorsement of the document.

Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia says Australia and Canada have also reconsidered their votes against the declaration.