International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2022

Tags: Important Days

International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples which is also known as World Tribal Day is observed on 9th August every year.

Important facts

• This special day is celebrated around the world to protect the rights of the indigenous population.

• Theme of 2022 - ‘The Role of Indigenous Women in the Preservation and Transmission of Traditional Knowledge"

• The theme emphasizes the role that women of indigenous communities play in carrying forward their traditions and cultures.

Background

• The first Working Group on Indigenous Populations was created by the United Nations after the United Nations meeting in Geneva on 9 August 1982.

• In this meeting, the UN body was tasked with drafting the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

• The main focus was to work on issues related to education, culture, economic and social development, environment and health of these communities.

• The United Nations General Assembly on 23 December 1994 decided to observe the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples on 9 August every year.

Significance of the day

• The day plays an important role in sharing updates on annual projects and announced themed activities.

• This year the event is being organized by the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA).

• The event invites Indigenous peoples, Member States, United Nations institutions, civil society and the general public to join virtual sessions to discuss the current scenario of the world's indigenous communities.

About Indigenous Peoples

• There are 476 million indigenous peoples worldwide and spread over 90 countries.

• They speak more than 4,000 languages.

• They represent about 5% of the world’s population. 

• The vast majority of indigenous peoples – 70% live in Asia.

• Indigenous people are often marginalized and discriminated against, making them even more vulnerable to violence and abuse.