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International Day of the World’s Indigenous People

There are an estimated 370 million indigenous people in more than 70 countries worldwide. Despite their cultural differences, the various groups of indigenous peoples around the world share common difficulties, which include lack of basic healthcare, limited access to education, loss of control over land, abject poverty, displacement, human rights violations, and economic and social marginalization. Indigenous people are arguably among the most disadvantaged and vulnerable groups of people in the world today. By celebrating International Day for the World’s Indigenous People, the international community recognizes that special measures are required to protect their rights. The day also seeks to strengthen international cooperation in solving problems faced by indigenous people.