About Indigenous Peoples and human rights

Indigenous peoples live on all continents, from the Arctic to the Pacific, via Asia, Africa and the Americas. There is no singularly authoritative definition of Indigenous Peoples under international law and policy, and the Indigenous Declaration does not set out any definition. This decision was taken intentionally by the drafters based on the rationale that the identification of an indigenous people is the right of the people itself—the right of self-identification- and a fundamental element of the right to self-determination. Indigenous peoples’ situations and contexts are highly variable; any single definition will not fully capture the full diversity of the Indigenous Peoples of the world.
Many Indigenous Peoples populated areas before the arrival of others and often retain distinct cultural and political characteristics, including autonomous political and legal structures, as well as a common experience of domination by others, especially non-indigenous groups, and a strong historical and ongoing connection to their lands, territories and resources, including when they practice nomadic lifestyles. While the legal status of Indigenous Peoples is distinct from that of minorities, they are often, though not always, in the minority in the States in which they reside.
Minorities and Indigenous Peoples have some similar rights under international law, although the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is arguably more comprehensive than international legal instruments associated with minorities.

Indigenous women are particularly vulnerable, as are indigenous youth, who are disproportionately impacted by lack of access to education and employment opportunities, decision making and access to justice. The semi-autonomous status and/or social exclusion of indigenous communities has led to inadequate mechanisms to address gender-based violence, which tends to be higher than national averages in many countries.

Indigenous peoples continue to face threats, especially to their land rights (from natural resource extraction, infrastructure projects, large scale agriculture and conservation). In some instances, there is a heightened risk of statelessness, particularly for those Indigenous Peoples whose traditional lands cross national borders.

This has resulted in the displacement of millions of Indigenous Peoples, and caused conflicts and a sharp increase in attacks, killings and criminalization of Indigenous Peoples, including increasing threats and assassinations of human rights defenders. This calls for reinvigorated efforts to address the negative legacy of historical injustices, discrimination, and assimilation that Indigenous Peoples have been subjected to over centuries.
What is the biggest problem for indigenous people?
 
Climate change, deforestation, pollution, development and loss of diversity are serious threats to indigenous peoples due to their dependence on the environment and the resources of the lands and territories.
 
When was the rights of indigenous peoples?
 
The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 14 September 2007 (AEST). The Declaration has 46 substantive articles and 24 preambular paragraphs. 1 It includes 9 changes to the text of the Declaration as adopted by the UN Human Rights Council in June 2006.
 
What is the indigenous way of life?
 
Traditional lifestyle of indigenous peoples is the commonly accepted way of their life and their specific livelihood, based on historic experience of indigenous peoples and their ancestors in the sphere of land and natural resources use, traditional social organization of their communities, unique ancient culture
 
Why do we need to respect Indigenous Peoples?
 
Indigenous peoples have rich and ancient cultures and view their social, economic, environmental and spiritual systems as interdependent. They make valuable contributions to the world's heritage thanks to their traditional knowledge and their understanding of ecosystem management.
 
What are the common problems of the indigenous communities?
 
Every day, indigenous communities all over the world face issues of violence and brutality, continuing assimilation policies, dispossession of land, marginalization, forced removal or relocation, denial of land rights, impacts of large-scale development, abuses by military forces and a host of other abuses.
 
What are the values of indigenous people?
 
While there is much diversity among Indigenous Peoples and Nations overall, Indigenous ethics resonate with the values of honour, trust, honesty, and humility; they reflect commitment to the collective and embody a respectful relationship with the land.
 
How can we protect indigenous?
Seven ways to support Indigenous Peoples

 
What can we learn from the indigenous peoples?
 5 lessons our selfish society could learn from tribal and Indigenous peoples