Every year, International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, also known as World Tribal Day, is observed on August 9. Its main goal is to promote and protect the rights of the world’s indigenous population, while acknowledging their contributions towards global issues like environmental protection.
The Origin of the Day and Its Importance
Originating from the first meeting of the United Nations Working Group on Indigenous Populations in Geneva in 1982, this day has been celebrated yearly since 1994 following a declaration by the United Nations. Despite advancements, many indigenous peoples continue to experience extreme poverty, marginalization, and other human rights abuses. The theme for 2021 was “Leaving no one behind: Indigenous peoples and the call for a new social contract.”
Who Are the Indigenous Peoples?
Indigenous peoples are unique in their cultures and ways of relating to people and the environment. They have retained distinct social, cultural, economic, and political characteristics from those dominant societies in which they live. There are over 476 million indigenous peoples in 90 countries around the world, making up 6.2% of the global population.
Significance of Indigenous Peoples
Indigenous populations inhabit and protect approximately 80% of the world’s biodiversity. Their diverse knowledge about lands, nature, and its development is crucial for protecting critical ecosystems and natural resources. Their linguistic diversity is represented in the greater share of almost 7000 languages spoken globally. The crops they grow are highly adaptable and can survive various extreme conditions, contributing to resilient farms and the goal to attain Zero Hunger.
Global Efforts to Support Indigenous Peoples
Several global initiatives recognize and support indigenous peoples. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) provides a universal framework of minimum standards for their survival, dignity, and well-being. The Permanent UN Forum on Indigenous Issues deals with indigenous issues related to various aspects such as economic and social development, culture, environment, education, health, and human rights.
Indigenous Tribes in India
India hosts around 104 million indigenous people, nearly 8.6% of the country’s population. These belong to 705 ethnic groups of which around 75 are identified as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). Prominent among these are the Gond, the largest tribal group in India.
Constitutional and Legal Provisions for Tribes in India
The Indian Constitution has several provisions to protect and support the tribal communities. It provides for non-discrimination, equality of opportunity in matters of public employment, and promotion of educational and economic interests. Laws like the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, and the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 safeguard their rights and interests.
Indian Initiatives Supporting Tribes
Several initiatives are operational to assist tribal communities in India. These include TRIFED, a national apex organization under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana aimed at tribal entrepreneurship development, Capacity Building Initiative for empowering tribal Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI), and the Digital Transformation of Tribal Schools to advance education.
Committees Related to Tribal Communities in India
Several committees have been established to support tribal populations, including the Xaxa Committee (2013), Bhuria Commission (2002-2004), and Lokur Committee (1965), all focused on bettering the conditions for tribal communities.
