United nations and indigenous History Timeline and Biographies

1948

Adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

The United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, establishing fundamental human rights that apply to all individuals, including indigenous peoples. This document laid the groundwork for future advocacy on indigenous rights.

1960

Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples

The United Nations General Assembly adopted this declaration, emphasizing the right to self-determination, which is crucial for many indigenous communities seeking autonomy and recognition of their rights.

1977

International NGO Conference on Discrimination Against Indigenous Populations in the Americas

This conference, held in Geneva, marked a pivotal moment as it brought together indigenous representatives and UN officials to discuss discrimination and promote the rights of indigenous peoples in the Americas.

1982

Establishment of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations

The UN established this working group to address the rights of indigenous peoples, facilitating dialogue and promoting the recognition of their cultural and political rights within the UN framework.

1992

International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples Established

The United Nations proclaimed August 9 as the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, aimed at raising awareness and promoting the rights and culture of indigenous communities worldwide.

2007

Adoption of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

The UN General Assembly adopted this landmark declaration, recognizing the individual and collective rights of indigenous peoples, including their right to self-determination, cultural preservation, and land rights.

2010

International Year of Indigenous Languages Declared

The UN declared 2010 as the International Year of Indigenous Languages to promote the preservation and protection of indigenous languages, which are critical to cultural identity and heritage.

2014

World Conference on Indigenous Peoples Held

This conference, convened by the UN, aimed to discuss the implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and to promote the participation of indigenous peoples in decision-making processes.

2016

UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues: 15th Session

The 15th session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues addressed critical issues such as indigenous rights, sustainable development, and climate change, emphasizing the role of indigenous peoples in global dialogues.

2017

Adoption of the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

The 2030 Agenda recognizes the importance of indigenous peoples in achieving sustainable development goals, highlighting their contributions to environmental stewardship and cultural diversity.

2019

UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: 12th Anniversary Celebration

The UN celebrated the 12th anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, reaffirming its commitment to promoting indigenous rights and addressing ongoing challenges faced by these communities.

2021

UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) and Indigenous Participation

At COP26, the role of indigenous peoples in climate action was highlighted, with calls for their inclusion in climate policy discussions, recognizing their traditional knowledge as vital to environmental sustainability.

2023

International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032) Launched

The UN launched the International Decade of Indigenous Languages, aiming to promote and revitalize indigenous languages worldwide, acknowledging their significance in cultural identity and heritage.

2024

Continued Advocacy for Indigenous Rights within the UN Framework

As of 2024, the United Nations continues to advocate for the rights of indigenous peoples, focusing on issues such as land rights, cultural preservation, and the impact of climate change on indigenous communities globally.