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The Auschwitz Institute for the Prevention of Genocide and Mass Atrocities (AIPG) observes August 9 as the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. This global commemoration was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1994 through Resolution 49/214, marking the inaugural meeting of the United Nations Working Group on Indigenous Populations in 1982.
The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, adopted on September 13, 2007, is hailed by the United Nations as the “most comprehensive international instrument on the rights of indigenous peoples.” Among its provisions, the Declaration recognizes the rights of indigenous peoples to all human rights and fundamental freedoms, along with the ability to maintain and strengthen their distinct institutions while participating fully in the political, economic, social, and cultural life of the State. This text builds upon established international human rights standards and other fundamental freedoms within the context of indigenous issues.
This year’s observance centers on ‘Protecting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact’. Protecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples in voluntary isolation and initial contact is crucial for preserving both their unique cultures and the natural environments they safeguard. These approximately 200 groups, found in remote, resource-rich forests across Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, India, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Peru, and Venezuela, maintain their traditional ways of life, including hunting and gathering, which are deeply tied to their ecological surroundings. Their survival is threatened by deforestation due to agricultural, mining, tourism, and natural resource developments, and they face severe risks from diseases due to their lack of immunological defenses. On this International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2024, the focus is on ensuring that their rights are respected and protected. This protection not only supports their continued existence but also contributes to the health of our planet and the preservation of cultural and linguistic diversity.
On the occasion of the 2024 International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, the Auschwitz Institute stands in solidarity with indigenous populations worldwide, recognizing the pivotal role of indigenous youth in fostering a more equitable society. Through their voices, indigenous young people are sharing their experiences and uniting with other youth, raising awareness of the challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples within their communities and on a global scale.
The Auschwitz Institute also maintains its partnership with the Lenape Center, honoring the rich cultural traditions of the Lenape and their profound connection with Lenapehoking — the ancestral homeland of the Lenape people. In acknowledgment of this connection, members of AIPG’s New York Office staff recognize their status as guests on Manahahtaan — as referred to in the Munsee dialect of Lenape.
To learn more about our partners at the Lenape Center and their work in continuing the Lenape presence, please click here. To read our Living Land Acknowledgement: Lenapehoking, please click here.
