International recognition

John, Lord Alderdice (pictured above) is an International Ambassador for CASSE and a determined advocate for conflict resolution and social justice. He has forwarded to CASSE, for distribution to our network, the following correspondence regarding the role of the Government of England in relation to recognition of, and treaties with, First Nations people of Australia, Canada and New Zealand. He has also invited suggestions for follow-up questions. 

Dear Friends,

Please find below (and attached) the Answers to three Questions that I put down on my return from the Yukon late last month.  They are just starters and I would welcome suggestions from any of you about follow-up Questions.  I also intend to ask the House of Lords Library to do some research for me on the role of the Crown in these issues, because of course that is a different issue.  The Library should be able to research it even though it is outside the remit of the Government.  I also have some other thoughts about follow-up but would welcome yours.

Please note.

I have copied this message (bcc) to a number of colleagues in Australia and North America who are concerned about First Nation issues because I think that there are a number of common issues.

You can feel free to share these Questions and Answers with anyone who may be interested.  They are now in the public domain.  You may also pass on my parliamentary e-mail address.

Trusting this finds you all well.

With warmest good wishes,

John

Professor, the Lord Alderdice FRCPsych
House of Lords, Westminster, London
Contact 

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QWA’s from Lord Alderdice in respect of First Nation peoples –

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, has provided the following answers to your written parliamentary questions (HL3596, HL3597, & HL3598)

Question 1:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what legal or treaty obligations they retain in respect of First Nation peoples in Canada, Australia and New Zealand. (HL3596)

Tabled on: 27 November 2017

Answer 1:

The UK does not have any prevailing legal or treaty obligations with respect to the native/ indigenous populations in Canada, Australia, or New Zealand.

All previous relevant obligations binding upon the UK Government have been passed to and confined to the Governments of Canada, Australia, and New Zealand as the independent and sovereign successor states of the UK’s Dominions.

Date and time of answer: 11 Dec 2017 at 15:06.

Question 2:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government when was the last time they raised through the Commonwealth the problems facing First Nation peoples. (HL3597)

Tabled on: 27 November 2017

Answer 2:

The UK Government is fully committed to promoting and protecting human rights for all individuals, including indigenous people. We have not recently raised issues affecting indigenous people in a Commonwealth forum. However, we regularly participate in discussions regarding indigenous peoples in various other fora, including the UN General Assembly, the Human Rights Council and the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.
Date and time of answer: 11 Dec 2017 at 16:17.

Question 3:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government when was the last time they raised through the United Nations the problems facing First Nation peoples. (HL3598)

Tabled on: 27 November 2017

Answer 3:

Her Majesty’s Government is committed to defending the human rights of all individuals, including indigenous people. The Government regularly participates in discussions regarding indigenous peoples in various United Nations fora, including the General Assembly, the Human Rights Council, and the Permanent Forum on Indigenous issues.

Date and time of answer: 11 Dec 2017 at 15:07.