ADRIP and UNDRIP, Side by Side
Two declarations, one regional and one global, affirm the rights of Indigenous peoples. Here is how they compare, article by article.
ADRIP, the American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, was adopted by the OAS General Assembly on June 15, 2016 for the Americas. UNDRIP, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, was adopted by the UN General Assembly on September 13, 2007 for the world. Both affirm self-determination, self-government and Indigenous institutions.
The two declarations at a glance
| ADRIP | UNDRIP | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples | United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples |
| Adopted by | Organization of American States General Assembly | United Nations General Assembly |
| Date | June 15, 2016 | September 13, 2007 |
| Instrument | AG/RES. 2888 (XLVI-O/16) | Resolution 61/295 |
| Scope | The Americas | Worldwide |
| Article numbering | Roman numerals (Article XXI) | Arabic numerals (Article 4) |
Core rights, side by side
| Right | ADRIP | UNDRIP |
|---|---|---|
| Self-determination | Article III | Article 3 |
| Autonomy or self-government | Article XXI | Article 4 |
| Own institutions | Articles XXI–XXII | Article 5 |
| Juridical systems and Indigenous law | Article XXII | Article 34 |
| Belonging to a people or nation | Article VIII | Article 9 |
| Self-identification and membership | Article I(2) | Article 33 |
The full text of each article quoted on this site is collected on the ADRIP and UNDRIP reference page.
“Indigenous peoples, in exercising their right to self-determination, have the right to autonomy or self-government in matters relating to their internal and local affairs, as well as ways and means for financing their autonomous functions.”
“Indigenous peoples, in exercising their right to self-determination, have the right to autonomy or self-government in matters relating to their internal and local affairs, as well as ways and means for financing their autonomous functions.”
Why ADRIP matters when UNDRIP exists
UNDRIP set a global reference point after more than twenty years of negotiation between governments and Indigenous representatives. ADRIP builds on that framework for this hemisphere. Regional declarations matter because they shape how law and policy are interpreted in the region, produce commitments specific to the region, and open additional forums for reporting and reform. For an Indigenous nation of the Americas such as the Xi-Amaru Republic, ADRIP is the first reference, and UNDRIP stands beside it.
“Indigenous law and legal systems shall be recognized and respected by national, regional and international legal systems.”
What a declaration is, and is not
Both instruments are declarations adopted by member states. They set out standards and affirm rights; they are not treaties. Read with the Republic’s teaching that rights come from Divine Authority, that is exactly their role: to affirm rights that already belong to Indigenous peoples. See How an International Declaration Is Made.
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Questions people ask
What is the difference between ADRIP and UNDRIP?
UNDRIP is a global declaration adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2007. ADRIP is a regional declaration for the Americas adopted by the OAS General Assembly in 2016.
Which declaration applies to Indigenous peoples of the Americas?
Both. ADRIP is written specifically for the Americas, and UNDRIP applies worldwide.
Are ADRIP and UNDRIP treaties?
No. They are declarations adopted by member states that set out standards and affirm rights.
What is the correct abbreviation for the American Declaration?
ADRIP, for the American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Adapted from the Entry-Level Tribal Law Course Workbook, Chapter 2. © Aboriginal Ministry of Justice. Declaration text checked word for word against the primary sources: ADRIP, AG/RES. 2888 (XLVI-O/16) and UNDRIP, A/RES/61/295. This article is general education, not legal, tax or financial advice.
