Samburu women in kenya (via wikimedia commons)
There are approximately 370 million Indigenous people throughout the world. Indigenous peoples are the original inhabitants or settlers of any given region (in contrast to those who later settled or colonized the area). The movement to secure rights for Indigenous peoples can be seen as part of a larger process of decolonization.
The following documents illustrate the continuing importance of working to promote and protect the rights of Indigenous communities around the world – many of which continue to be marginalized within larger society.
MEMBER OF THE HULI INDIGENOUS GROUP IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA (PHOTO BY JORDAN DONALDSON VIA UNSPLASH)
Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989
The UN’s International Labor Organization adopted the Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention in 1989. This document was created to protect and promote the cultural, political, and economic rights of Indigenous and tribal persons. Learn more >
INDIGENOUS PEOPLE IN MEXICO (BERNARDO RAMONFAUR VIA UNSPLASH)
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, 2007
This document is currently the world's most comprehensive instrument for the protection of Indigenous rights. It includes the right of self-determination, cultural rights, health rights, land rights, and special protections for subgroups of Indigenous populations such as children and the elderly and children. Learn more >