9 August 2021: International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

Today, on 9 August, the world celebrates International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.

There are over 476 million indigenous peoples living in 90 countries across the world, accounting for 6.2% of the global population. Indigenous peoples are the holders of a vast diversity of unique cultures, traditions, languages and knowledge systems. The pandemic has exposed and exacerbated many existing inequalities, disproportionately affecting populations all over the world that were already suffering from poverty, illness, discrimination, institutional instability or financial insecurity. From the perspective of indigenous peoples, the contrast is even starker, according to the UN. For indigenous peoples, poverty and gross inequities tend to generate intense social tensions and conflicts. 

That is why the 2021 theme for today is “Leaving no one behind: Indigenous peoples and the call for a new social contract”. This year, the UN is demanding “indigenous peoples’ inclusion, participation and approval in the constitution of a system with social and economic benefits for all”.

REDUCING INEQUALITY

Eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions and reducing inequality are at the heart of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The whole of society – not only governments but also social activists, indigenous peoples, women, academia, scientists – all have a role to play in building and redesigning a new social contract that serves the interest of “We, the peoples”, as outlined in the UN Charter.

“Indigenous peoples’ right to participate in decision-making is a key component in achieving reconciliation between indigenous peoples and States,” highlighted the UN. Therefore, a new social contract must combat the legacy of exclusion and marginalisation affecting indigenous peoples; through their meaningful and effective participation and the obtainment of their free, prior and informed consent. Consequently, it will lead to meeting the goals of the 2030 Agenda. 

2021 VIRTUAL COMMEMORATION

The Covid-19 pandemic has shone a light on the effects of growing inequalities and promoted discussion on the urgent need to rethink a new social contract; a new common sense that will work for all peoples and the planet. It has created a “unique opportunity to build back a more equal and sustainable world; one based on genuine and inclusive participation and partnership that fosters equal opportunities for all and respects the rights, dignity and freedoms of all”, added the UN.  

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 recognised in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.  

That’s why today’s virtual commemoration of International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples will focus on the theme “Leaving no one behind: Indigenous peoples and the call for a new social contract”, from 9am to 11am (EST); where speakers will discuss the redesigning a new social contract for indigenous peoples. Click here for more information.