Hey, international law is supposed to be OUR tool, not yours
United States Wants International Ruling on American Indians Kept Secret
By Brenda Norrell, Indian Country Today, Oneida, N.Y. Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News
Mar. 24 - PHOENIX, Ariz. – The United States is attempting to keep secret an international ruling that affects American Indians and property rights. The ruling, in the case of the Western Shoshone, calls for a review of all U.S. law and policy regarding indigenous peoples and in particular the right to property.
On Indigenous Peoples Day, Western Shoshone Carrie Dann said, "The U.S. was found to be in violation of international law – found to be violating our rights to property, to due process and to equality under the law.
"They have been told to remedy this situation and to review all law and policy relating to indigenous peoples in the United States."
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, Organization of American States issued its final report in the case of Dann v. U.S. It is the first judicial review of the United States law and policy regarding indigenous peoples within its borders.
Julie Fishel, attorney for the Western Shoshone Defense Project, said the United States does not want American Indians to learn about the ruling.
"They are nervous about this," Fishel said.
