Fourth World Nations in the United Nations?
Rudolph C. Rÿser, PhD
Volume 15, Number 2 (2025) 15 (2): 67-80
Keywords Fourth World nations, United Nations, indigenous peoples, UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), World Conference on Indigenous Peoples (WCIP), political legitimacy, self-determination, international law, state system, indigenous participation
Abstract
This paper examines the ongoing efforts within the United Nations (UN) to establish modalities and criteria for the participation of indigenous institutions in the UN Organization, particularly in the General Assembly, Economic and Social Council, and treaty bodies. It highlights that this consideration, anticipated for the UN's 70th General Assembly and potentially reaching a decision in September 2017, marks a significant shift, challenging over 370 years of a modern state system that has largely denied the political legitimacy of Fourth World nations. The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the 2014 World Conference on Indigenous Peoples (WCIP) have provided crucial principles, such as the right to free, prior, and informed consent, mandating indigenous participation in decisions affecting their rights. The paper traces the historical exclusion of indigenous nations from international discourse, from the 17th century dominance of nations and empires to their subordination within the modern state system. It distinguishes between the organic definition of "nation" and the artificial construct of "state" as defined by the 1648 Treaty of Westphalia. Despite the historical denials, as exemplified by the Haudenosaunee's repeated attempts to gain admission to the League of Nations and later the UN, the current consultations by the UN General Assembly President signify a potential breakthrough. The paper summarizes the diverse views from states, nations, and NGOs on eligibility criteria and accreditation processes, noting significant divergences but also areas of convergence. It concludes that while the full resolution of indigenous participation is a long-term endeavor, the current movement signifies a crucial step towards Fourth World nations gaining a rightful seat at the international decision-making table.
Rudolph C. Rÿser, PhD
Published August 14, 2025
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
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