Did you know that there are an estimated 476 million indigenous peoples in the world living across 90 countries that call 22% of the world's land surface their home? They are also three times as likely to live in extreme poverty and represent 5,000 different cultures, speaking nearly 7,000 languages.
Indigenous peoples from around the world share many common problems related to the protection of their rights as distinct peoples, despite their individual cultural differences.
They have sought recognition of their way of life, their identities, and their right to traditional lands, territories and natural resources for years. However, throughout history, their rights have been continually violated. Indigenous peoples today are among the most vulnerable and disadvantaged groups of people in the world.
In order to raise awareness of the needs of these population groups, and in recognition of the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations held in Geneva in 1982, August 9th was chosen to commemorates the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.
Spend a few minutes learning about indigenous cultures. Support the UN’s efforts to redefine the international social contract to “leave no one behind.”
“Indiginous people believe that Man belongs to the World; civilized people believe that the World belongs to Man.” ~ Daniel Quinn
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