Purpose: By resolution 49/214 of 23 December 1994, the United Nations General Assembly decided that the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples shall be observed on 9 August every year. The date marks the day of the first meeting, in 1982, of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations of the Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights. with the goal of strengthening international cooperation for solving problems faced by indigenous peoples in areas such as human rights, the environment, development, education, health, economic and social development. Next year will be the beginning of a new decade for the indigenous community: the celebration of the Decade of Indigenous Languages 2022 – 2032, a door that was opened previously in 2019 with the celebration of the International Year of Indigenous Languages. For the many indigenous peoples disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 worldwide, plans to build back better and rethink social contracts must include listening to their voices, needs and concerns, obtaining their free, prior and informed consent, and include the collective and individual rights of indigenous peoples recognized in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
FORUM: “Protecting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact.” International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2024. For Indigenous Peoples living in voluntary isolation and initial contact, one of the most serious threats from external contact is the exposure to diseases. Due to their isolation, they do not have the immunological defenses to relatively common diseases. As such, forced contact with the outside world can lead to devastating consequences, and can destroy whole societies. Indigenous Peoples in voluntary isolation and initial contact are the best protectors of the forest. Where their collective rights to lands and territories are protected, the forests thrive, alongside their societies. And not only is their survival crucial to the protection of our planet, but it is crucial to the protection of cultural and linguistic diversity. In today’s hyper-connected world, the existence of Indigenous Peoples in voluntary isolation and initial contact is a testament to the rich and complex tapestry of humanity, and it is a huge loss to our world if they cease to exist. Despite their right to autonomy as enshrined in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Indigenous Peoples in voluntary isolation and initial contact face unique challenges often overlooked by the surrounding world. Developments for agriculture, mining, tourism and natural resources in their territories is resulting in the deforestation of swathes of Indigenous Peoples’ forests, disrupting their way of life and destroying the natural environment that they have protected for generations. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #9August, #WeareIndigenous, #IndigenouspeoplesDay.
EVENTS: On Friday, August 9th from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. EST/New York time; The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2024 Commemorative event will be held. Speakers will share expertise on protecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples in voluntary isolation and initial contact. The virtual commemoration will include an opening segment with a traditional ceremony, followed by a pre-recorded statement from the UN Secretary-General and a statement from the Chair of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. A moderated panel with invited speakers will consider who Indigenous Peoples in voluntary isolation and initial contact are, and the pressing challenges that they face for their survival. This will be followed by a discussion with invited speakers to share advancements on how their rights can be effectively recognized and protected. In the lead-up to the Sustainable Development Goals Summit 2024 from September 22nd to September 23rd, marking the mid-point of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, and the Summit of the Future 2024. It is important to ensure an inclusive and diverse youth engagement in multilateral fora towards transformative changes in decision-making processes. Read the Concept Note, the Tentative Programme and to register to participate to the virtual event.
From 21 August to 12 November 2024 will be held several Regional meetings ahead of the Global Meeting of the Indigenous Peoples’ Forum at IFAD. The theme of the 2025 Indigenous Peoples’ Forum at IFAD is “Indigenous Peoples’ right to self-determination: a pathway for food security and sovereignty”. Ahead of this, regional consultation meetings will engage representatives of Indigenous Peoples and facilitate dialogue with IFAD staff. Here, Indigenous Peoples can discuss their economic, social and cultural development. They will also inform decisions about policies and programmes that impact their lives, with a focus on food security and sovereignty. Read the concept note.
Statement by Ms. Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary, Convention on Biological Diversity on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2024.
Statement by Mr. Daren Tang, Director General of WIPO on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2024. EN | ES | FR
Statement by Ms Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCOon the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2024.
PODCASTS: Since colonization, Indigenous youth have been faced with ever-changing environments not only culturally in modern societies, but in the traditional context as well. While living in two worlds is becoming harder as the world changes, Indigenous youth are harnessing cutting-edge technologies and developing new skills to offer solutions and contribute to a more sustainable, peaceful future for our people and planet. Their representation and participation in global efforts towards climate change mitigation, peacebuilding and digital cooperation are crucial for the effective implementation of the right of Indigenous Peoples to self-determination, and to their enjoyment of collective and individual human rights, the promotion of peaceful co-existence, and ensuring equality of all. Listen to the audio-podcasts!
CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: This International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2024 campaign is focusing on ‘Protecting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact’. For all digital communications assets and key messages, you can check out our Trello board. Get the communications materials!
WHY WE CELEBRATE THE DAY?
The International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples is observed on 9 August each year to raise awareness and protect the rights of the world's indigenous population. There are an estimated 370 million indigenous people in the world, living across 90 countries. They make up less than 5 per cent of the world's population, but account for 15 per cent of the poorest. This event also recognizes the achievements and contributions of indigenous people in improving world issues such as environmental protection.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED!
PARTNERSHIPS
Promote Indigenous traditional knowledge for the benefit of all.
Highlight the role of Indigenous women in preserving and passing on traditional knowledge.
Recognize Indigenous women as knowledge keepers of traditional food systems and medicines.
Recognize them as champions of Indigenous languages and cultures.
Defend the environment; Land rights and Indigenous peoples’ human rights.
Amplify the voices of Indigenous women.
The International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples is hosted in partnership with The United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues; The Department of Economic and Social Affairs Indigenous Peoples; The FAO - Indigenous peoples; The IFAD - Indigenous peoples; The UNDP - Indigenous peoples ; The World Bank - Indigenous peoples; The Internacional Labour Organization - Indigenous and tribal peoples; The UNESCO - Indigenous peoples; The UN Women - Indigenous women; The UN Human Rights -Office of the High Commissioner - Indigenous Peoples; Civil society organizations and non-governmental Organizations.