We have gathered here in Santiago to reaffirm the basic, universally recognized principle of equality among individuals and peoples and to reject any practice or theory that elevates one group of people over another. The right to be free from discrimination flows to us all on the basis of our status as human beings. Nowhere is this principle better stated than in the Universal Declaration on Human Rights.

In addressing the fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance in this forum, particularly the right of indigenous peoples to be free from discrimination on the basis of their status as indigenous, we should avoid undue emphasis on issues being addressed in detail in inclusive processes in other fora.

In Geneva, we are engaged in discussions in the working group established in accordance with UN Human Rights Commission resolution 1995/32 in an effort to recognize international human rights standards of indigenous peoples. The US has stated in various fora that it supports a strong, unambiguous Declaration, one that sets the base for guaranteeing the rights of indigenous people, one that recognizes and respects the cultural diversity and contributions that indigenous peoples bring to our respective countries, region and to the world.

This language we are offering today notes that there is a process underway in Geneva to recognize the inherent rights of indigenous peoples. Under international law, collective and the individual live in balance. In our shared history with Native American peoples, they have taught us that their collective strength, like a bundle of sticks is stronger together rather than apart. As we embark on this process addressing racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance here and in South Africa, we must take care to protect this sometimes delicate balance.

The United States has a long and well-known history with Native American peoples. Today, the United States rededicates itself to the work of defining and recognizing both their rights and the rights of indigenous peoples throughout the Americas and the world.

The United States also recognizes that the States represented here vary in their approaches to indigenous rights. Nonetheless a trend is clearly discernable as demonstrated by the example of our closest neighbors, Canada and Mexico.

It is in this spirit that we can accept use of the term "indigenous peoples" in this declaration, but we will need inclusion of the following language as paragraph 18 bis or as a paragraph directly following the first use of the term "indigenous peoples."

Acceptable to use "peoples" with inclusion of following language in Declaration:

para 18 bis (or after first use of phrase "indigenous peoples")

The use of the term "peoples" in this document shall not be construed as having any implications as regards the rights which may attach to the term under international law, since the rights associated with the term "indigenous peoples" have a context specific meaning that is appropriately determined in the multilateral negotiations regarding the text of the declarations that specifically deal with such rights.