On the eve of the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples (9th August), the UN Chief, António Guterres, in his message stated, "COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on more than 476 million indigenous people around the world. Throughout history, indigenous peoples have been decimated by diseases brought from elsewhere, to which they had no immunity.It is critical for countries to marshal the resources to respond to their needs, honour their contributions and respect their inalienable rights."
Urging the world community to urgently address the plight of indigenous children who do not have access to virtual learning opportunities, he added, "Prior to the current pandemic, indigenous peoples already faced entrenched inequalities, stigmatization and discrimination. Inadequate access to healthcare, clean water and sanitation increases their vulnerability. Indigenous peoples work primarily in traditional occupations and subsistence economies or in the informal sector. These have all been adversely affected by the pandemic. Indigenous women, who are often the main providers of food and nutrition for their families, have been particularly hard hit with the closures of markets for handicrafts, produce and other goods."
He noted that the many indigenous communities with the autonomy to manage their lands, territories and resources, had been ensuing food security and care through traditional crops and traditional medicine, have revived the tradition of the habitat closures to fight diseases and needed inclusion and participation in COVID-19 response and recovery strategies.
"From the outset of the global pandemic, United Nations agencies have been working to uphold indigenous peoples’ rights. We have been helping to safeguard health and safety and provide access to social protection and economic opportunities. The United Nations system remains committed to realizing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and to bolstering their resilience," he underscored.
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