United Nations (UN) International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples (IDWIP) - 9 August

Tags: Important Days

United Nations (UN) International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples (IDWIP) observed annually on 9 August to promote and protect the rights, cultures, and identities of Indigenous populations globally.

An Overview of the News

• Aimsto raise awareness of the specific needs and unique challenges faced by Indigenous peoples worldwide.

2024 Highlights:

• Theme: "Protecting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact."

• Equator Prize: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) announced the winners of the 15th Equator Prize, recognizing 11 Indigenous Peoples and local communities from 8 countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

Background

• In December 1994, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted resolution A/RES/49/214, declaring the period from 1995 to 2004 as the International Decade of the World's Indigenous People.

• As part of this resolution, 9 August of each year during the decade was designated as the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples.

• On 22 December 2004, the UNGA adopted resolution A/RES/59/174, proclaiming a second International Decade of the World's Indigenous People, running from 1 January 2005 to December 2014.

• The first-ever International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples was observed on 9 August 1995.