Ban: Day of World's Indigenous People
UN secretary-general urges language protection, preservation
By
Ban Ki-moon
Story Published:
Sep 16, 2008
Story Updated:
Jan 13, 2009
Editor's note: Following is UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon's message for the International Day of the World's Indigenous People on Aug. 9.
In 1994, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed Aug. 9 the International Day of the World's Indigenous People. There were many reasons for this decision, but the fundamental motivation was the assembly's recognition of the need to place the United Nations clearly and strongly behind the promotion and protection of the rights of indigenous peoples, in order to put an end to their marginalization, their extreme poverty, the expropriation of their traditional lands and the other grave human rights abuses they have faced and continue to encounter. Indeed, the suffering of indigenous peoples includes some of the darkest episodes in human history.
Important as it was, proclamation of the day was only a prelude to a greater milestone: last fall's adoption by the General Assembly of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The declaration is a visionary step towards addressing the human rights of indigenous peoples. It sets out a framework on which States can build or rebuild their relationships with indigenous peoples. The result of more than two decades of negotiations, it provides a momentous opportunity for states and indigenous peoples to strengthen their relationships, promote reconciliation and ensure that the past is not repeated. I encourage member states and indigenous peoples to come together in a spirit of mutual respect and make use of the declaration as the living document it is, so that it has a real and positive effect throughout the world.
As 2008 is the International Year of Languages, this international day is also an opportunity to recognize the silent crisis confronting many of the world's languages, the overwhelming majority of which are indigenous peoples' languages. The loss of these languages would not only weaken the world's cultural diversity, but also our collective knowledge as a human race. I call on states, indigenous peoples, the United Nations system and all relevant actors to take immediate steps to protect and promote endangered languages and to ensure the safe passage of this shared heritage to future generations.
Ban Ki-moon of the Republic of Korea, the eighth secretary general of the United Nations, brings to his post 37 years of service both in government and on the global stage.
Tuesday, Sep 1 at 6:41 PM wildman wrote ...
Why does UCLA have to celebrate mexican independence day at the college. What Native American tribe was living in los angeles before the spanish invaders came. Thanks to spanish or europeans from taking my native american roots away from me. I would no what tribe I'm from.
28600418 Inappropriate? Alert Us!Thursday, Aug 27 at 11:34 PM LaResa Turnbow wrote ...
Why is it we do not hear anything about a National American Indian Day? It sickens me to hear of all the other days regarding other races! YET, We ARE THE NATIVES of this Country! The American INDIAN DAY! LETS STAND UP....!!!! --->
28374626 Inappropriate? Alert Us!Wednesday, Aug 19 at 12:34 PM Judge Naidu wrote ...
Until and unless Indigenous Peoples are recognized as de jure sovereigns there will be endless empty talk, false starts, and vague promises. The UN is in a position to advance and promote recognition of indigenous sovereignty starting in the USA where the voice of ususcapion is loudest.
27962934 Inappropriate? Alert Us!Saturday, Jul 25 at 12:31 AM CurtJ wrote ...
How can one reconcile the past when the past never ends? Look up the definition of the word Colonialism and the centuries the Europeans and Americans practiced it on Iraq, Ian, Afghanistan, Algeria, India, Vietnam, Phillipines, Hawaii, North and South America and Africa, the list goes on. Invaidng and occupying weaker countries , at theior corporations behests, to rob and plunder the natural resources and lands for colonization. Don't you think someone would get mad? Colonialism = Terrorism
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