Although they comprise less than five per cent of the world population, indigenous peoples protect 80 per cent of the world’s biodiversity in the ecosystems in which they have lived for centuries
In 1982, the United Nations Working Group on Indigenous Population (UNWGIP) held its first conference on August 9, 2023. Twelve years later, on December 23, 1994, the UN General Assembly in its resolution marked August 9 as the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People.
Even though India voted in favour of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, 2007, it didn’t give separate recognition to indigenous people in the country.
While the debate over indigenous identities continues, recognition of the Fifth and Sixth schedule — constitutionally guaranteed reservation for 705 ethnic groups — known as Scheduled Tribes (ST), Forest Conservation Act, 1980; Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas Act, 1996; Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
Apart from India, indigenous communities are the most neglected worldwide.
South America and the Caribbean is home to 50 million indigenous peoples (600 major groups). They have a 60 per cent higher infant mortality rate as compared to the rest of the population. There is also a high rate of substance abuse, depression and HIV/AIDS. Two centuries of colonial rule and migration of slaves have had an adverse impact on their health.
Asia is home to 14.2 million indigenous peoples (750 groups). They die early, have high rates of malnutrition and child mortality. The languages spoken by indigenous populations are not recognised by the state either.
Africa also constitutes 14.2 million indigenous groups (34 groups). Major health issues include high infant mortality, HIV/AIDS, anemia and tuberculosis. In sub-Saharan Africa, the ratio of traditional healers to the population is 1:500. For doctors trained in western medicine the ratio is 1:40,000.
The Pacific with 12 million (data on groups unavailable) has high rates of avoidable deaths, malnutrition, alcohol abuse, smoking, mental stress and depression. Colonialism and Christianity destroyed traditional healthcare practices and introduced new diseases among indigenous people.
North America with 6.6 million people (five groups) has high prevalence diabetes. Suicide rate in indigenous young (15-24 years) is 3.5 times higher than the national average in addition to violence and alcohol abuse. Government policy in the US and Canada to forcefully send indigenous kids to boarding schools to expunge their identities has pushed suicide rates and mental distress higher.
The Arctic with 2.75 million peoples (two groups) has high rates of chronic diseases,suicide and tobacco-related diseases. Colonisation of Greenland by Denmark for instance has affected the health of Sami people, who do not speak Danish, the common language of doctors.
Russia, with only 50,000 people (4 groups), has high levels of genetic and psychological disorders, stress, myopia, heart diseases and cancer. Migration has reduced indigenous population from 56 per cent of the total population in 1926 to just 4.4 per cent in 1989. Pollution is extensively degrading the habitat of indigenous people as well.
Although they comprise less than five per cent of the world population, indigenous peoples protect 80 per cent of the world’s biodiversity in the ecosystems in which they have lived for centuries and it becomes extremely important to recognise this contribution in a warming world.
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