9 th August: International Day of the World’s Indigenous People

The United Nations General Assembly decided that the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People should be celebrated on 9 August each year. The date marks the day of the first meeting, in 1982, of the United Nations Working Group on Indigenous Populations of the sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights. In 1990, the United Nations Assembly proclaimed 1993 the International Year of the World’s indigenous Peoples.

Indigenous youth and their impact in the world

It is fair to remember every August 9 that indigenous peoples have the right to make their own decisions and carry them out in a meaningful and culturally appropiate way for them. In this context of struggle for self-determination, Indigenous youth are playing ana active role as agents of chance at the forefront of some of the most pressing cries facing humanity today.

For example, Indigenous youth are harnessing cutting-edge technologies and developing new skills to deliver solutions and contribute to a more sustainable and peaceful future for our people and the planet.

But their future also depends on the decisions made today. Hence, their participation in global efforts towards climate change mitigation, peacebuilding and digital cooperation is required.

Indigenous people in Mexico

Mexico is country rich in cultural and ethnic diversity, and has a large number of indigenous peoples who have inhabited these lands for millennia. According to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) of Mexico in the 2020 census, 7,361, 248 people were identified as indigenous, representing approximately 6% of the total population of the country.

There are more than 68 officially recognized indigenous peoples in Mexico, and each has its own history, culture, language, traditions and worldview. Some of the best-known indigenous groups include the Nahuatl, Maya, Zapoteca, Mixteca, Otomi, Totonaca, Huichol, Tararahumara, Tzotzil and Tzeltal, among many others.

Throughout Mexico’s history, indigenous peoples have faced significant challenges, incluiding discrimination, loss of ancestral lands, social marginalization and lack of access to basic servives. However, in recent years, there has been increased recognition of the rights of indigenous peoples and efforts to preserve and promote their cultures and languages.

The Mexican Constitution recognized the existence of indigenous peoples amd established the State’s obligation to respect and protect their rights. The General Act on the Linguistic Rights of Indigenous Peoples had also been enacted, which sought to guarantee the right of indigenous peoples to use their languages in all areas of public and private life.