Indigenous Peoples
Respect
NOT Dehumanization
UN Action
Highlighting the problem
Many issues raised by indigenous peoples, such as climate change and access to safe drinking water are now more visible at the international level.
The United Nations has highlighted the problem of discrimination against indigenous peoples since the first Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination in 1973-1982.
This concern led to the establishment in 1982 of the United Nations Working Group on Indigenous Populations, which articulated their needs and aspirations in the landmark Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples adopted in September 2007 by the UN General Assembly.
Spotlight: Master Class Series
UNESCO - Master Class Series against Racism and Discriminations
A seeking to empower students to become youth champions in their own schools and communities and spread awareness on how to deconstruct the mechanisms underlying racism and discriminations.
Using a human rights-based approach, the classes serve as dialogue spaces and peer learning forums among young participants, experts, resource persons, and invited personalities to openly discuss taboos that corrode the social and moral fiber in societies. Topics include the rights of indigenous peoples.
©UNESCODurban Declaration and Programme of Action
The of 2001 acknowledges the basic human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous peoples. It emphasizes, among other things:
- the right of indigenous peoples to be free and equal
- the right to self-determination and to freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development
- the right to practice and revitalize their cultural traditions and customs
- the right to establish and control their educational systems
- the right to participate fully at all levels of decision-making in matters which may affect their rights, lives and destinies
- the right to their lands, territories and resources
- the right to be secure in the enjoyment of their own means of subsistence and development
Discrimination against Indigenous Peoples is racial discrimination
The has made it clear that discrimination against indigenous peoples is racial discrimination. It has interpreted non-discrimination as the protection of aspects of indigenous cultural identity and language and the offer of economic and social development, effective participation, and rights over lands, territories and resources.
E-learning tool
Indigenous Peoples' rights
A free by the UN Human Rights Office promoting indigenous peoples' rights.
Three mechanisms for combating discrimination against Indigenous Peoples
The United Nations has also established three mechanisms for combating discrimination against indigenous peoples:
- The Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues was created to advise the UN on issues related to indigenous peoples and specifically to raise awareness and promote the coordination of activities related to indigenous issues within the UN system.
- The has a mandate to gather, request, receive and exchange information on alleged violations of their human rights.
- The provides the with thematic expertise on the rights of indigenous peoples.
Where are we?
Despite the progress that has been made, achieving significant recognition of, and improvements in, the human rights of peoples, who have endured centuries of exploitation and marginalization remains a tremendous challenge for governments and the United Nations system.
COVID-19 and Indigenous and Tribal Peoples
As the COVID-19 pandemic and its socio-economic repercussions are evolving, a particularly severe impact is emerging on the world’s indigenous and tribal peoples. They work in sectors hard-hit by the crisis, predominantly in the informal economy and are disproportionally affected by poverty. Immediate and continuing action is needed for ensuring that socio-economic responses include respect for their rights and ensure their access to decent work and social protection.
Links
Human Rights
- Human rights
- Universal Declaration of Human Rights
- UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Indigenous Peoples
- Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
- DESA - Indigenous Peoples
- (by UNESCO)
- UN Exhibition: The World In Faces