Indigenous Peoples use up to around 22 to 28 percent of global land area and at least 200 groups of Indigenous People voluntarily live in isolation. They carry unique, diverse, and distinct cultures. They speak hundreds of languages, contributing to the world’s linguistic diversity, and have adapted to harsh environmental changes around them. Their food systems are largely self-sufficient, and they are considered by many to be protectors of the biodiversity on the planet.

However, despite making valuable contributions to the planet’s cultural diversity and ecosystems, Indigenous Peoples are amongst the most marginalized and disadvantaged groups in the world. They are bearers of many kinds of human rights violations and constantly face extreme poverty.

In order to protect the rights of Indigenous Peoples and raise awareness on their struggles, the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People is observed on the ninth of August each year. The General Assembly of the United Nations first announced this day on December 23, in 1994, during the International Decade of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.

The Challenges Indigenous Peoples Face

Indigenous Peoples are extremely dependent on their environment, and changes to it can harm their survival. Deforestation is becoming increasingly prevalent in the world from developments in mining, tourism, and other commercial activities. Indigenous Peoples territories’ hold an estimated 11 percent of the world’s forests. Deforestation can destroy their natural habitats and inadvertently, their lives. With the rights of their lands protected, their forests can thrive, and be protected for centuries to come. 

Furthermore, the United Nations reports that Indigenous Peoples do not have the proper immune system to defend themselves from exposure to ordinary diseases. Contact with “outsiders”, or people who may attempt to disrupt their ways of living, could put them at serious risk for disease related complications. 

UNESCO BMW’s Involvement

UNESCO BMW is an organization dedicated to supporting and celebrating the world’s diversity. Our organization is made up of people from around the world, with different ethnicities, cultures, genders, and more. We are open to individuals of any age to join our programs. The ReWIND program, in particular, promotes inner peace, which we believe is crucial to combat the changes in the world today as inner peace helps unite societies worldwide. With compassion, determination, and kindness in our actions, we can aim to protect the rights of the people who have selflessly protected the world’s ecosystems and introduced us to their rich, unique cultures. 

By: Vallerie Kalekar

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