Purpose: By resolution 49/214 of 23 December 1994, the United Nations General Assembly decided that the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples shall be observed on 9 August every year. The date marks the day of the first meeting, in 1982, of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations of the Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights. with the goal of strengthening international cooperation for solving problems faced by indigenous peoples in areas such as human rights, the environment, development, education, health, economic and social development. Next year will be the beginning of a new decade for the indigenous community: the celebration of the Decade of Indigenous Languages 2022 – 2032, a door that was opened previously in 2019 with the celebration of the International Year of Indigenous Languages. For the many indigenous peoples disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 worldwide, plans to build back better and rethink social contracts must include listening to their voices, needs and concerns, obtaining their free, prior and informed consent, and include the collective and individual rights of indigenous peoples recognized in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
FORUM: “ Indigenous Youth as Agents of Change for Self-determination.” International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2023. The right of peoples to self-determination occupies an important place in international human rights law, and is recognized as a fundamental right in major human rights instruments (covenants), including the United Nations Charter. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples states that Indigenous Peoples have the right to self-determination (Art. 3) and in exercising this right, they have the right to freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development. Self-determination is fundamental and must be taken together with Articles 1 and 2 of the Declaration because Indigenous Peoples are subject to international human rights law and as Peoples are equal to all other Peoples. These three articles of the Declaration confirm that Indigenous Peoples, including children and youth, have the right to make their own decisions and carry them out meaningfully and culturally appropriate to them. In other words, Indigenous Peoples have an equal right to govern themselves, equal to all other Peoples. Indigenous youth are playing an active role in exercising their right to self-determination, as their future depends on the decisions that are made today. For instance, Indigenous youth are working as agents of change at the forefront of some of the most pressing crises facing humanity today. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #9August, #WeareIndigenous, #IndigenouspeoplesDay.
EVENTS: The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2023 Interactive Dialogue and Virtual Commemoration will be held on Wednesday, August 9th from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. EST/New York time. The virtual commemoration will include an opening segment with a traditional ceremony, followed by a pre-recorded statement from United Nations high level officials and a virtual statement from the Chair of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. The interactive dialogue segment will include the participation of invited speakers and a moderator. Speakers will share their expertise and experience from their Indigenous Peoples’ communities in the role of Indigenous youth in exercising self-determination in the context of climate action and the green transition; mobilizing for justice; and intergenerational connections.The indigenous peoples, member states and United Nations agencies shared their knowledge and experience on the transmission of traditional ancestral knowledge in fields such as climate change and the protection of natural resources. Interpretation will be available in English and Spanish. To participate register to the event. In the lead-up to the Sustainable Development Goals Summit 2023 from September 19th to September 20th, marking the mid-point of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, and the Summit of the Future 2024, it is important to ensure an inclusive and diverse youth engagement in multilateral fora towards transformative changes in decision-making processes.
PODCASTS: Since colonization, Indigenous youth have been faced with ever-changing environments not only culturally in modern societies, but in the traditional context as well. While living in two worlds is becoming harder as the world changes, Indigenous youth are harnessing cutting-edge technologies and developing new skills to offer solutions and contribute to a more sustainable, peaceful future for our people and planet. Their representation and participation in global efforts towards climate change mitigation, peacebuilding and digital cooperation are crucial for the effective implementation of the right of Indigenous Peoples to self-determination, and to their enjoyment of collective and individual human rights, the promotion of peaceful co-existence, and ensuring equality of all. Listen to the audio-podcasts!
CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: This International Day of Indigenous Peoples, let’s help Indigenous Youth to become agents of change for self-determination. For all digital communications assets and key messages, you can check out our Trello board: United Nations and Indigenous Peoples - outreach material from across the UN | Trello
WHY WE CELEBRATE THE DAY?
The International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples is observed on 9 August each year to raise awareness and protect the rights of the world's indigenous population. There are an estimated 370 million indigenous people in the world, living across 90 countries. They make up less than 5 per cent of the world's population, but account for 15 per cent of the poorest. This event also recognizes the achievements and contributions of indigenous people in improving world issues such as environmental protection.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED!
PARTNERSHIPS
Promote Indigenous traditional knowledge for the benefit of all.
Highlight the role of Indigenous women in preserving and passing on traditional knowledge.
Recognize Indigenous women as knowledge keepers of traditional food systems and medicines.
Recognize them as champions of Indigenous languages and cultures.
Defend the environment; Land rights and Indigenous peoples’ human rights.
Amplify the voices of Indigenous women.
The International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples is hosted in partnership with The United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues; The Department of Economic and Social Affairs Indigenous Peoples; The FAO - Indigenous peoples; The IFAD - Indigenous peoples; The UNDP - Indigenous peoples ; The World Bank - Indigenous peoples; The Internacional Labour Organization - Indigenous and tribal peoples; The UNESCO - Indigenous peoples; The UN Women - Indigenous women; The UN Human Rights -Office of the High Commissioner - Indigenous Peoples; Civil society organizations and non-governmental Organizations.