2024 International Day of Indigenous Peoples, Background &Theme

Every year since 1995, the 9th of August has been observed as the International Day of Indigenous Peoples. Indigenous peoples are also known as tribal peoples. The day is observed to raise awareness about their contribution and protection of their rights since they are one of the most vulnerable sections of the global population.

Background to the International Day of Indigenous Peoples

On 23 December 1994, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution declaring 9th August as the International Day of Indigenous Peoples.

This day was selected to commemorate the first meeting of the Nations Working Group on Indigenous Populations, which was held in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1982.

The first International Day of the Indigenous People around the globe was observed on 9 August  1995.

Theme of the 2024 International Day of Indigenous Peoples

Every year, the United Nations selects a theme to highlight a particular issue related to the world’s indigenous people. 

The theme of the 2024 International Day of Indigenous Peoples is ‘Protecting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact’.

According to the United Nations, at present, around 200  groups of Indigenous people in the world live in voluntary isolation and initial contact. They mainly live in the remote forest areas which are rich in minerals and other natural resources. 

Here, voluntary isolation means they do not prefer to mix with the mainstream population in order to maintain their separate cultural and ethnic identity.

They still depend on hunting and gathering, which is a distinct feature of their culture. They are the best protectors of the forest and the ecology. 

The development of agriculture, mining, etc., has led to the increasing deforestation of their area, threatening their livelihood and their distinct culture.

This year's theme focuses on protecting the rights of the indigenous people to remain in isolation and initial contact and preserve their distinct culture.

Indigenous Peoples Populations in the World 

There is no universal definition of indigenous people in the world. 

• However, according to the United Nations, there are around 476 million indigenous people in 90 countries.
• Around 70.5 per cent of the world's Indigenous peoples live in Asia, followed by 16.3 per cent in Africa and 11.5 per cent in Latin America. 
• Indigenous people constitute about 6.2 of the world’s population.
• Around 19 per cent of the world’s extremely poor population are indigenous people.