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collage of indigenous people and Rio + 20 logo in the background
Left: Indigenous people participate in Rio+20 for Sustainable Development ©UN Photo/Luiz Roberto Lima. Right: Noeli POCATERRA (Wayu), Member of Parliament, Second Vice-President of Venezuela's National Assembly, member of the Indian National Council, addresses correspondents at UN Headquarters ©UN Photo/Evan Schneider. Indigenous people contribute to a better world!

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.

©UNESCO
 

Durban 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:

 
  1. 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.

  2. The has a mandate to gather, request, receive and exchange information on alleged violations of their human rights.

  3. 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.

What is the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples?

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) serves as a powerful mechanism for ending systemic racism and discrimination against indigenous populations.

Dr Albert K. Barume, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples, explains the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2007, and critical issues shared by Indigenous Peoples around the world.