The State of the World's Indigenous Peoples

This United Nations report reveals that there 370 million indigenous people in some 90 countries, living in all regions of the world. Their situation is critical, with poverty rates being significantly higher among indigenous peoples compared to other groups. While they constitute 5 per cent of the world's population, they are 15 per cent of the world's poor. The life expectancy of indigenous peoples is up to 20 years lower than their non-indigenous counterparts and they experience disproportionately high levels of maternal and infant mortality,malnutrition, cardiovascular illnesses, HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases.

The authors of the report do find some cause for optimism, however. "The international community increasingly recognizes indigenous peoples' human rights, most prominently evidenced by the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Indigenous peoples themselves continue to organize for the promotion of their rights. They are the stewards of some of the world's most biologically diverse areas and their traditional knowledge about the biodiversity of these areas is invaluable."