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9 August 2004: International day of the world's indigenous people |
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05 Aug 04 |
The International Day of the World's Indigenous People is observed on 9 August of each year during the International Decade of the World's Indigenous People, 1995 – 2004. The Decade ends in December with a two-day seminar to evaluate the ten years. The Decade’s theme is “Indigenous People: Partnership in Action,” and aims to strengthen international cooperation for the solution of problems faced by indigenous people in such areas as human rights, environment, development, culture, education and health. More information on the International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People can be found at www.ohchr.org/english/issues/indigenous/decade.htm
In 2001, the UN Commission on Human Rights appointed a Special Rapporteur on the situation of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people. The mandate of Mr. Rodolfo Stavenhagen (from Mexico) includes making country visits to meet with indigenous people, civil society, and the government. Another important part of his mandate is to receive communications (complaints) from civil society about allegations of human rights violations. For more information about the work of the Special Rapporteur, see www.ohchr.org/english/issues/indigenous/rapporteur/
In 2000, the UN Economic and Social Council established the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. Its mandate includes discussing indigenous issues that are within ECOSOC’s mandate; providing expert advice and recommendations to ECOSOC and other UN agencies and programs; and raising awareness about indigenous issues. The Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues meets in May of each year for ten days. More information about the Permanent Forum can be found at www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/index.html
For more educational resources, see the UN cyberschoolbus, www0.un.org/cyberschoolbus/indigenous/index.asp
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Last Updated ( 09 Mar 07 )
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