Why it is important to protect the right to voluntary isolation

Every August 9, the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples is celebrated, a date established by the UN in 1994 to recognize and promote the rights and cultural diversity of more than 476 million indigenous peoples in 90 countries. This year, the day focuses on protecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact (PIACI).  

PIACIs, who inhabit biodiversity-rich forests in regions of Latin America, Asia and Oceania, are a crucial group, but represent only one facet of the vast spectrum of the world's indigenous peoples. These groups choose isolation to preserve their cultures, languages and, crucially, their ecosystems, facing threats from activities such as mining and deforestation that alter their ways of life and threaten their survival. In Latin America, they are found in Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru and Venezuela.  

This day not only celebrates cultural diversity, but also underscores indigenous peoples' intrinsic connection to their lands and natural resources, a bond that is essential to both their identity and the health of the planet. However, indigenous peoples face discrimination, forced displacement and loss of lands and natural resources. August 9 is therefore a time to reflect on how policies and actions can be adapted to respect and promote the rights and well-being of indigenous peoples.  

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) invites you to a virtual commemoration on August 9. To register and receive the connection link, visit https://www.unep.org/events/online-event/virtual-commemoration-international-day-worlds-indigenous-peoples-2024. 

Download the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples at https://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/documents/DRIPS_en.pdf.