DUSHANBE, August 9, 2012, Asia-Plus – On Thursday August 9, the European Union High Representative, Catherine Ashton, delivered a declaration on behalf of the European Union on the occasion of the International Day of the World”s Indigenous People.
“Today we celebrate the International Day of the World”s Indigenous People. On behalf of the European Union, I join them in celebrating their rich cultural heritage and contribution to the world.
“The EU has supported from the very beginning the 2007 United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Declaration is an important instrument for promoting human rights, but its full implementation is key to the actual enjoyment of those rights. The EU has repeatedly called on all states to make this a reality.
“The EU has a long track record of promoting the human rights of indigenous people in all aspects of our work, from contacts with indigenous representatives to political dialogues and making statements at the United Nations, to giving financial support to civil society projects. But we can always do more: this is why, in the new EU Human Rights Strategy, we have committed to taking a new look at our policy and further developing it in the context of the UN Declaration and in preparation for the 2014 World Conference on Indigenous Peoples.”
The International Day of the World”s Indigenous People is observed on August 9 each year to promote and protect the rights of the world’s indigenous population. This event also recognizes the achievements and contributions that indigenous people make to improve world issues such as environmental protection. It was first pronounced by the General Assembly of the United Nations 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.” People from different nations are encouraged to participate in observing the day to spread the UN’s message on indigenous peoples. Activities may include educational forums and classroom activities to gain an appreciation and a better understanding of indigenous peoples.
The focus of this year’s International Day is “Indigenous Media, Empowering Indigenous Voices.” The theme aims to highlight the importance of indigenous media in challenging stereotypes, forging indigenous peoples” identities, communicating with the outside world, and influencing the social and political agenda.
