International Day of the World’s Indigenous People

International Day of the World’s Indigenous People

Basic Information

International day of the world’s indigenous people is observed on 09 August each year to promote and protect the rights of the world’s indigenous population.


Observed on: 09 August

Organized by: UN

Introduced in: 1994 (UN Proclamation)

Observed: Worldwide


About International Day of the World’s Indigenous People

In 1994 December, the General Assembly of United Nations for the first time proclaimed that the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People will be celebrated every year during the first International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People (1995 – 2004). Thus from there onward every year August 9 is observing as International Day of the World’s Indigenous People.

The date marks the day of the first meeting, in 1982, of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations of the Sub-commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights.

In 2004, the second international decade was announced from 2005 – 2014 and the theme opted for the second decade was A Decade for Action and Dignity. The decade’s goal was to further strengthen international cooperation for solving problems faced by indigenous peoples in area such as culture, education, health, human rights, the environment and social and economic development.

The goal of the First International Decade was to strengthen international cooperation for solving problems faced by indigenous people in such areas as human rights, the environment, development, education and health.

The day is observed on each year to promote and protect the rights of the world’s indigenous population. This day also recognizes the achievements and contributions that indigenous people make to improve world issues such as environment protection.

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a Resolution on ‘Rights of Indigenous Peoples’, proclaiming 2019 as the International Year of Indigenous Languages (IYIL2019).


Activities and Programs on Day of the World’s Indigenous People

Programs are arranging to spread the message of theme selected for that year. Special programs are conducting at UN headquarters in New York on this day. Many programs are organized by people from different nations in observing the day to spread the UN’s message on indigenous peoples.

Activities like educational forums and classroom activities to gain an appreciation and a better understanding of indigenous peoples. Programs like performance by indigenous artists, panel discussions are also conducting on this day.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works to support national governance systems become more effective in addressing discrimination and structural inequalities that can disproportionately affect indigenous peoples.


Theme for International Day of the World’s Indigenous People

International Day of the World’s Indigenous People 2020 Theme is “COVID-19 and indigenous peoples’ resilience

Day of the World’s Indigenous People 2019 Theme was “Indigenous Languages

Day of the World’s Indigenous People 2018 Theme was “Indigenous peoples’ migration and movement

2017 Theme: 10th Anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

2016 Theme: Indigenous Peoples’ Right to Education

2015 Theme: Post 2015 Agenda: Ensuring indigenous peoples’ health and well-being

2014 Theme: Bridging the Gap: Implementing the rights of indigenous peoples.

2013 Theme: Indigenous peoples building alliances: Honouring treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements.                                                         


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