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Act No. MWN-2025-01

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An Act to Integrate the Principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) into the Governance and Legal Framework of the Maya-We Nation

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Preamble

WHEREAS the Maya-We Nation recognizes the inherent dignity, sovereignty, and self-determination of all Indigenous peoples, including its own, and seeks to align its governance with universally accepted principles of justice, equality, and human rights;

WHEREAS the Maya-We Nation acknowledges the foundational importance of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in protecting and promoting the rights of Indigenous peoples worldwide, including their cultural heritage, governance, and territorial rights;

WHEREAS the Maya-We Nation recognizes the binding principles of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) in affirming the rights of all peoples to self-determination, equality, and freedom from discrimination, and further commits to upholding these principles within its legal framework;

NOW THEREFORE, this Act is enacted to formalize the integration of UNDRIP and ICCPR principles into the governance, policies, and legal systems of the Maya-We Nation, establishing a framework for domestic application and international alignment.

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Section 1. Short Title

This Act may be cited as the "International Principles Integration Act of 2025."

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Section 2. Definitions

For the purposes of this Act:

• UNDRIP refers to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007.

• ICCPR refers to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1966.

• Self-Determination refers to the right of peoples to freely determine their political status and pursue their economic, social, and cultural development.

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Section 3. Adoption of UNDRIP Principles

1. The Maya-We Nation hereby formally adopts the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as guiding principles for governance, policymaking, and relations with other nations.

2. These principles shall include, but not be limited to:
   a. The right to self-determination (Article 3 of UNDRIP).
   b. The right to maintain and strengthen cultural heritage, language, and traditions (Articles 11 and 13).
   c. The right to lands, territories, and resources traditionally owned or occupied (Articles 25 and 26).
   d. The right to participate in decision-making processes affecting Indigenous peoples (Article 18).

3. The principles of UNDRIP shall be integrated into the nation’s governance framework through laws, policies, and practices as appropriate to ensure their effective implementation.

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Section 4. Adoption of ICCPR Principles

1. The Maya-We Nation hereby endorses and adopts the principles of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, emphasizing:
   a. The right of all peoples to self-determination (Article 1).
   b. The right to equality before the law and equal protection under the law (Article 26).
   c. The prohibition of discrimination based on race, religion, language, or other status (Article 2).
   d. The right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion, and expression (Articles 18 and 19).

2. The Maya-We Nation commits to ensuring that its domestic laws and governance reflect these principles, safeguarding civil and political rights for all members of the nation.

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Section 5. Implementation and Integration

1. The principles of UNDRIP and ICCPR shall be integrated into the Maya-We Nation’s Constitution, governance structure, and policies through:
   a. The enactment of subsidiary legislation as necessary.
   b. The establishment of oversight mechanisms to monitor compliance with these principles.
   c. The education and training of government officials and members of the Maya-We Nation on the significance and application of these principles.

2. A review committee shall be established to ensure consistent alignment with the principles of UNDRIP and ICCPR.

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Section 6. Recognition and Diplomacy

1. The Maya-We Nation affirms that its adoption of these principles demonstrates its commitment to aligning with international norms and fostering cooperative relationships with other governments, Indigenous nations, and global organizations.

2. The Maya-We Nation’s endorsement of UNDRIP and ICCPR principles shall serve as a basis for engaging in diplomacy and asserting its legitimacy as a sovereign nation.

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Section 7. Publication and Notification

1. This Act shall be publicly announced and transmitted to relevant international organizations, including the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

2. Notifications of this Act shall also be sent to neighboring nations, allied Indigenous groups, and relevant non-governmental organizations to ensure transparency and recognition of the Maya-We Nation’s commitment.

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Section 8. Effective Date

This Act shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the governing body of the Maya-We Nation.

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Section 9. Contact Information

For inquiries regarding this Act or the Maya-We Nation’s adoption of international principles, please contact:

Office of the Chief of the Maya-We Nation
Office Tel: 203-932-1301

Signed and Enacted,
Chief Winter Hawk (Cacique Samael Ojeda Mercado)
Maya-We Nation

09/26/2024​