To mark this event, UNPO - in tandem with The Nando Peretti Foundation - have published a special document (downloadable in pdf here), which sheds some light on the continuing challenges faced by some of our members, including the Mapuche and Awa, as well as some of the wider issues in minority affairs.

The International Day of the World's Indigenous People (9 August) was first proclaimed by the General Assembly in December 1994, to be celebrated every year during the first International Decade of the World's Indigenous People (1995 – 2004).

In 2004, the Assembly proclaimed a Second International Decade, from 2005 – 2014, with the theme of "A Decade for Action and Dignity." The focus of this year's International Day is "Bridging the gap: implementing the rights of indigenous peoples".

The theme aims to highlight the importance of implementing the rights of indigenous peoples through policies and programmes at both the national and international level working together towards this common goal with Governments, the United Nations system, indigenous peoples and other stakeholders.

To read and download the publication on Issue, click here.