Context: World Tribal Day, also referred to as International Day of World’s Indigenous People, is observed on August 9 every year to raise awareness and protect the rights of the world’s indigenous population.
History:
- The origins of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People date back to December 1994, when the United Nations General Assembly designated 9 August for this annual observance.
- This date holds symbolic significance as it marks the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations of the Subcommission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights.
- This meeting took place in Geneva in 1982.
- World Tribal Day 2026 Theme: “Honouring Indigenous Midwives: Safeguarding Life and Well-being”.
Key Facts:
- Indigenous peoples make up less than 6% of the world’s population but represent at least 15% of the extremely poor.
- They are the guardians of 28% of the Earth’s surface, which includes 11% of the world’s forests.
- Indigenous territories are home to most of the world’s remaining biodiversity.
- Their food systems are incredibly self-sufficient, producing 50-80% of their own food and resources.