Save the indigenous peoples

They are the First People. They have usually been in a given region for centuries, even thousands of years, before the arrival of the 'Others'. But all over the world, the 'Others' have trampled on their rights, their lands and even their very lives. And some of them do face extinction in just a few decades, if not years. This is the story of the world's 370 million indigenous people.

There are various definitions for indigenous peoples, but this version from the UN is widely accepted: "Indigenous populations are composed of the existing descendants of the peoples who inhabited the present territory of a country wholly or partially at the time when persons of a different culture or ethnic origin arrived there from other parts of the world, overcame them, by conquest, settlement or other means, reduced them to a non-dominant or colonial condition; who today live more in conformity with their particular social, economic and cultural customs and traditions than with the institutions of the country of which they now form part, under a state structure which incorporates mainly national, social and cultural characteristics of other segments of the population which are predominant."

Worldwide

Picture courtesy: srilankanexpeditions.com

The plight of indigenous people has received worldwide attention. Here in Sri Lanka, we are familiar with the tribulations of our own Adivasis or 'Vanniyela Aththo', who are struggling to maintain their identity and traditional way of life amidst a rapidly developing, commercialised society. It is vital to look at their problems and strive to preserve their values, languages and traditions. Once an indigenous community becomes extinct, humanity as a whole loses a part of its soul.

It is with this aim in mind that UN proclaimed the International Day of the World's Indigenous People to be celebrated on August 9 (today) every year. It was first proclaimed by the General Assembly in December 1994, to be celebrated every year during the first International Decade of the World's Indigenous People (1995 - 2004). In 2004, the Assembly proclaimed a Second International Decade, from 2005 - 2015, with the theme of "A Decade for Action and Dignity."

This year's theme puts a spotlight on the issue of indigenous peoples' access to healthcare services, as improving indigenous peoples' health remains a critical challenge for indigenous peoples. The theme will be on "Post 2015 Agenda: Ensuring indigenous peoples health and well-being". The "State of the World's Indigenous Peoples, Volume II", which will be launched at the UN Headquarters event in observance of the International Day, provides important background information on the topic. The observance of the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples will take place on Monday 10 August 2015 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

Population

There are over 370 million indigenous people in some 90 countries, living in all regions of the world. The situation of indigenous peoples in many parts of the world is critical today. Poverty rates are significantly higher among indigenous peoples compared to other groups. While they constitute just five per cent of the world's population, they are 15 per cent of the world's poor. Most indicators of well-being show that indigenous peoples suffer disproportionately compared to non-indigenous peoples. Indigenous peoples face systemic discrimination and exclusion from political and economic power; they continue to be over-represented among the poorest, the illiterate, the destitute; they are displaced by wars and environmental disasters; indigenous peoples are dispossessed of their ancestral lands and deprived of their resources for survival, both physical and cultural; they are sometimes robbed of their very right to life. Indigenous peoples see their traditional knowledge and cultural expressions marketed and patented without their consent or participation.

Of the some 7,000 languages today, it is estimated that more than 4,000 are spoken by indigenous peoples. Language specialists predict that up to 90 per cent of the world's languages are likely to become extinct or threatened with extinction by the end of the century. Some indigenous populations are down to just a handful of people, with no new births. Although the state of the world's indigenous peoples is alarming, there is also cause for optimism.

Rights

The international community increasingly recognizes indigenous peoples' human rights, most prominently evidenced by the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Indigenous peoples themselves continue to organize for the promotion of their rights. They are the stewards of some of the world's most biologically diverse areas and their traditional knowledge about the biodiversity of these areas is invaluable. As the effects of climate change are becoming clearer, it is increasingly evident that indigenous peoples must play a central role in developing adaptation and mitigation efforts to this global challenge.

From the Inuits in Canada to the Aborigines in Australia, indigenous communities are facing challenging times and issues. Many indigenous peoples are being pushed out of their territories as industries, settlements and roads encroach on their traditional lands and in some cases, hunting grounds. Many Governments almost force indigenous communities to 'integrate' with the rest of the society, which essentially means giving up on their traditional way of life. There is also defection from within - some of the younger indigenous persons opt for integration. This can, over the years, have a detrimental effect on the community concerned, with men and women of child bearing age leaving in search of a more modern lifestyle.

Jungles

There still are a few 'uncontacted' tribes around the world, especially in dense jungles. Although various attempts are made to 'contact' these tribes, the greatest danger is that they can be wiped out even if they get a flu attack.

They have no immunity to many diseases which we take for granted and should they come into contact with an infected person from the so-called 'civilised world' they could be in great danger. In this context, this year's focus on their health assumes special significance. At the same time, we need to study their lifestyles and customs. Thus, it is a tightrope walk.

Contacted or uncontacted, many indigenous communities face extinction, which, of course, means that their languages and customs would be lost forever. They will also take to the grave a vast treasure trove of knowledge about everything from native cures to native art. It is in our interest to ensure their perpetuity for posterity.