The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

Regional Office for the Pacific Saturday announced that 9th August is the International Day of the World's Indigenous people. This is the first celebration of Indigenous People's day following the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples by the United Nations General Assembly in September 2007. It is particularly important for the Pacific region which is inhabited by numerous indigenous populations.

The Declaration is an important step for the protection of the human rights of Indigenous peoples throughout the world. It sets out minimum standards for the survival, dignity and well-being of the estimated 5000 indigenous groups throughout the world, or 370 million individuals. The Declaration aims to protect a broad range of human rights, including the right of Indigenous peoples to maintain their culture and traditions and knowledge of Indigenous languages and dialects.

The Declaration also affirms that Indigenous peoples are equal to all other people and are entitled without discrimination to all human rights and fundamental freedoms recognised in international law, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which was adopted 60 years ago.

However, while the adoption of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is an achievement, the political commitment of states, international cooperation, and the support and good will of all people are essential to achieving human rights protection for Indigenous peoples.

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) ...– the main United Nations body responsible for the promotion and protection of human rights and its Regional Office for the Pacific, are committed to protecting and promoting the rights contained in the Declaration so that we may all live in dignity and peace. OHCHR, 11/08/08.