ISLAMABAD: International Day of the World’s Indigenous People will be marked on August 9 worldwide, including in Pakistan, to protect and promote the rights of the indigenous population.
This event also recognizes indigenous people’s achievements and contributions to improve global issues such as environmental protection.
Indigenous cultures across the planet are recognized on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People.
To disseminate the UN’s message to indigenous peoples, people from many nations are urged to participate in the day’s celebration. Activities could include educational forums and classroom exercises to appreciate and better understand indigenous peoples. Messages from the UN secretary general and other important figures may be presented at the events, along with performances by indigenous artists and roundtable discussions on reconciliation.
Every year on August 9, people worldwide commemorate the inaugural UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations conference in Geneva in 1982 by celebrating International Day of the World’s Indigenous People. During the International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People, the UN General Assembly resolved on December 23, 1994, that the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People shall be marked on August 9 every year.
The assembly declared 2005–2014 the Second International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People in 2004. The assembly also voted to keep celebrating the International Day of Indigenous People every year for ten years. Goals for the decade included advancing global cooperation to address issues affecting indigenous peoples in areas like culture, environment, education, health, human rights, and social and economic development.
The UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues was established by a resolution passed by the Commission on Human Rights in April 2000 and supported by the Economic and Social Council. Discussions of indigenous topics on culture, economic and social development, education, the environment, health, and human rights are required by the forum’s rules. —APP
