Question

Who are indigenous people? Mention any three rights of them.

Hint:

Remember the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), adopted in 2007. It is the most comprehensive international instrument on the rights of indigenous peoples and a key reference for this topic.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Indigenous peoples are communities that have a historical continuity with pre-invasion and pre-colonial societies that developed on their territories. They consider themselves distinct from other sectors of the societies now prevailing on those territories. They are determined to preserve, develop, and transmit to future generations their ancestral territories and their ethnic identity as the basis of their continued existence as peoples.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Who are Indigenous People?
They are often referred to as First Peoples, tribal peoples, or aboriginals. Key characteristics include:
- Self-identification as indigenous peoples.
- A deep connection to ancestral lands and surrounding natural resources.
- Distinct social, economic, or political systems.
- Distinct language, culture, and beliefs.
- Form non-dominant groups of society.
Three Rights of Indigenous People:
As outlined in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), their rights include:
1. The Right to Self-Determination: Indigenous peoples have the right to freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social, and cultural development. This includes the right to autonomy or self-government in matters relating to their internal and local affairs.
2. The Right to Lands, Territories, and Resources: They have the right to own, use, develop, and control the lands, territories, and resources that they have traditionally owned, occupied, or otherwise used. States are required to give legal recognition and protection to these territories.
3. The Right to Culture: They have the right to practice and revitalize their cultural traditions and customs. This includes the right to maintain, protect, and develop the past, present, and future manifestations of their cultures, such as archaeological and historical sites, languages, and spiritual traditions.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Indigenous people are the original inhabitants of a territory with distinct cultures. Their fundamental rights include the right to self-determination, the right to control their ancestral lands and resources, and the right to maintain their unique cultural heritage.