Survival International Report Highlights Six UNESCO World Heritage Sites on Indigenous People’s Land

Posted 19 Apr 2024

2 min read

Sites include Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Kahuzi-Biega National Park, Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex, Kaziranga National Park, and Chitwan National Park.

Indigenous people
- They are distinct social and cultural groups that share collective ancestral ties to the lands and natural resources where they live e.g. Maori, Inuit, etc.
- Considering the diversity of indigenous peoples, an official definition of “indigenous” has not been adopted by any UN system body.

Issues of Indigenous people:
- Extreme Poverty: Although they make up just 6 percent of the global population, they account for about 19 percent of the extreme poor.
- Land evictions and Forced displacement: Due to development projects e.g. Dams, Mining, etc.
- Restricted access to health care: They have higher rates of infant mortality, malnutrition, and lower life expectancy.
- Human Rights Violations: Their human rights are violated by authorities, and they face high levels of marginalization and discrimination.  
- Other Issues: Poor political representation, Lack of access to social services, housing and education, climate change, etc.

Steps Taken for the Protection of Indigenous People
Global Steps	Indian Steps
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. United Nations Permanent Forum On Indigenous Issues. Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.	Fifth and Sixth Schedule of Constitution. Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN) Eklavya Model Residential Schools. Pradhan Mantri Vanbandhu Vikas Yojana. Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana