International Indigenous Peoples Day Observed Today

The International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples is being observed today, August 9, to raise awareness of the rights, cultures, languages and contributions of Indigenous communities around the world.

The United Nations General Assembly established the day in 1994, and it has been observed annually since 1995.

The date commemorates the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations, held in Geneva on August 9, 1982.

An estimated 370–500 million Indigenous people live worldwide, representing thousands of distinct cultures and languages.

In Bangladesh, Indigenous communities and rights groups are observing the day through various programmes highlighting cultural identity, land rights, dignity and recognition.

The observance also highlights the challenges faced by Indigenous communities, including marginalisation, poverty and human rights concerns.