SG/SM/6031
SOC/4407

SECRETARY-GENERAL CALLS FOR REDOUBLING OF EFFORTS TO ADDRESS CONCERNS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE

Today we celebrate the second International Day of the World's Indigenous People.

Discrimination, oppression and disease have all taken a terrible toll on indigenous peoples around the world. Theirs is a unique suffering, compounded by centuries of misunderstanding, discrimination and neglect. The international community can do more, however, than apologize for the wrongs of the past.

It is right that we recognize injustice and discrimination, but in itself this will do little to ensure that indigenous peoples take their rightful place as full participants in the community of nations. This will require a conscious shift in national and international priorities.

Our starting point must be that of the indigenous peoples themselves -- to uphold, respect and promote legitimate demands for basic human, political and economic rights.

It is also right that we do not fall into the trap of viewing indigenous people as part of a monolithic block sharing the same heritage, experience and outlook. Today, we celebrate the rich variety and cultural diversity of peoples on every continent, each with a unique history, experience and way of life.

Throughout the world however, indigenous peoples face similar problems and similar challenges. Chief among these is the daily challenge posed by environmental degradation and destruction. The wanton exploitation of territories and lands has had a disastrous impact, which in some cases,

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threatens their very existence. Deforestation and pollution of natural resources are global issues which require urgent and concerted action from the international community.

The International Decade of the World's Indigenous People, 1995-2004, promotes concrete action in vital areas such as human rights, protection of the environment, and access to health and education. In all of these areas the input, expertise and active involvement of indigenous people is vital.

For our part, the United Nations system is making great efforts to strengthen international cooperation and international understanding on issues of central concern to the world's indigenous people. But we can and should go further.

Full and active partnership between the United Nations and the world's indigenous people will require renewed effort, positive dialogue and commitment on all sides.

At the national level, many Member States are already encouraging the direct political involvement of indigenous peoples, to combat racism and discrimination, and to alleviate poverty and environmental destruction. At the international level, we can do more to ensure a coordinated, informed and committed response to the unique challenges faced by indigenous people around the world.

The creation of a permanent forum for indigenous people within the United Nations system has been recognized by the General Assembly as a possible way forward. Direct participation and the establishment of new channels for consultation remain key objectives of the International Decade of the World's Indigenous people.

It is in that spirit that I call on the international community to redouble its efforts in addressing the legitimate concerns and demands of the world's indigenous people.

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United Nations