The conservative view- Conservatives do not recognize the inhumane treatment of indigenous peoples as a global problem. They realize that the situation exists but only in the sense that it concerns individual states. They do not regard it as an international problem.

The liberal view - Liberals recognize that indigenous peoples are treated unequally. They are working through various organizations to change the present structure which prohibits indigenous people from realizing their basic human rights and the dignity of basic human needs.

The revolutionary view - revolutionaries recognize that indigenous peoples are being denied their human rights. They urge indigenous peoples to act for themselves and fight the governments that reject their human rights.

The United Nations

The United Nations has taken a liberal stance on issues involving human rights and indigenous peoples. It is working to improve conditions for indigenous people by increasing awareness of the problem. They are holding conferences in which indigenous and NGO representatives are present.

The United Nations declared 1995-2004 the International Decade of the World's Indigenous People. Conferences are held in which the United Nations listens not only to its own task groups but also to representatives of indigenous peoples and representatives from NGOs who have studied indigenous peoples. The work of the United Nations is goal orientated: it is focused on finding a solution through legal and diplomatic channels.

As a liberal group, the United Nations focuses on the individual suffering of indigenous groups. The United Nations works with the indigenous peoples’ representatives to find a solution desirable to the indigenous groups. They pay close attention to what the NGOs have to say about the issue and consider their research important. Though they listen to the concerns of indigenous people and NGOs, the final policy making is left to the United Nations.

The Council of Europe

The Council of Europe is active in the movement to promote the protection of the human rights of indigenous people. It shows concern about the issue and recognizes its importance for the good of society. The council has a liberal stance on the issue and acts accordingly. The Council's decision-making process reflects this liberal stance.

NGOs are very important to the Council of Europe. They are invited to take part in all of the Council's decision making processes by contributing research, drafting declarations, conducting seminars, and consulting council members. Unlike the United Nations, which only allows non-members to express their concerns and ideas, the Council of Europe allows NGOs to take part in the drafting of declarations and charters.

The Council of Europe’s focus on NGOs stems from its belief that NGOs reflect public opinion. The council’s liberal stance is shown in its attention to the public’s desires and needs. They consider the individual’s concerns when they make decisions.

Organization of American States

The Organization of American States is concerned with changing the structures of American states to better the human rights of indigenous people. The Organization is striving to make all American states, and the indigenous people who inhabit them, democratic. The policy making of this organization is liberal, focusing on changing the current state structures and making states the main actors.

The Rights of Indigenous Peoples is a declaration made by the Organization of American States which outlines the procedure by which indigenous people will gain human rights. This 1997 document places the responsibility to change old and enforce new laws in the hands of the states. These new laws are intended to assist indigenous peoples to achieve greater equality.

In one respect the Organization of American States can be seen as revolutionary. Their decision making is not influenced by individuals or NGOs. They are more concerned with society than individuals by stressing the need to spread democracy. The organization holds the belief that indigenous peoples’ ideas are beneficial to democracy.