SECRETARY-GENERAL NOTES 'CENTURIES OF ADVERSITY' SUFFERED BY WORLD'S INDIGENOUS PEOPLES, SEEKS GLOBAL PLEDGE THAT FUTURE WILL BE DIFFERENT

28 July 1999

Press Release
SG/SM/7081
OBV/107

SECRETARY-GENERAL NOTES 'CENTURIES OF ADVERSITY' SUFFERED BY WORLD'S INDIGENOUS PEOPLES, SEEKS GLOBAL PLEDGE THAT FUTURE WILL BE DIFFERENT

19990728 Message for International Day -- 9 August -- Celebrates Richness of Their Cultural Contribution, Stresses Need for Funds To Ensure Increased Participation

This is the text of a message from Secretary-General Kofi Annan to mark the observance -- on 9 August -- of the International Day of the World's Indigenous People:

Today we celebrate the fifth International Day of the World's Indigenous People. It is an opportunity to draw the world's attention to the indigenous peoples of our planet, and to celebrate and reflect upon their contribution to the diversity of this world. Whether in music, art, language or lifestyle, they enrich our planet in a way that reflects their unique relationship with their environment and their deep respect for it.

This International Day was established in 1995 -- the year that launched the International Decade of the World's Indigenous People. The Decade aims to strengthen the international response to problems faced by indigenous people in areas such as human rights, the environment, education and health.

One of the main objectives of the Decade is the adoption of the draft United Nations declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples. Indigenous peoples and Member States of the United Nations are engaged in a continuing dialogue towards that goal. Another objective is the establishment of a permanent forum for indigenous people within the United Nations system. It is hoped that such a forum, securing the participation of indigenous peoples in the United Nations system, can be established before the end of the Decade.

None of this can be realized without financial support from governments. Our two United Nations Voluntary Funds offer travel grants to indigenous representatives to participate in United Nations meetings and fund indigenous projects and programmes during the Decade. The funds need the support of donors.

- 2 - Press Release SG/SM/7081 HR/4429 OBV/107 28 July 1999

As we celebrate this Day for the last time in the twentieth century, let us remember the many centuries of adversity which indigenous peoples have suffered around the world and pledge that the next century will be different. We recognize the resilience and richness of our world's indigenous heritage. And we recommit ourselves to ensuring that these ancient traditions enter a new age -- an era not only of survival, but of revival.

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