International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples – 9 August

In order to raise awareness of the needs of these population groups, every 9 August commemorates the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. This date, adopted in December 1994 by UN General Assembly resolution 49/214, marks the date ofthe first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations of the Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights held in Geneva in 1982.

Each year, UNESCO marks the celebration of the Day by sharing information on projects and activities that are relevant to the annual theme.

“On this day, let us remember that Indigenous peoples are actors of change, guardians of natural resources and carriers of unique worldviews, knowledge and skills. We must protect their traditions and ways of life – while respecting their rights.”

Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO.

Indigenous Peoples live in all regions of the world and own, occupy or use some 22% of global land area. Numbering at least 370-500 million, Indigenous Peoples represent the greater part of the world’s cultural diversity. They speak an overwhelming majority of the world’s estimated 7,000 languages and represent 5,000 different cultures. Despite their cultural differences, Indigenous Peoples from around the world share common problems related to the protection of their rights as distinct peoples. Many Indigenous Peoples continue to be confronted with marginalization, extreme poverty and other human rights violations.

Read more here.