The World Federation of Trade Unions on this International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, stands in solidarity with the estimated 476 million indigenous individuals across the globe. Representing over 5,000 cultures and speaking the majority of our world’s languages.
As we commemorate this day, we must reflect on the historical injustices that indigenous peoples have endured. From colonization to the ongoing struggles for land rights, indigenous communities have faced and still face many challenges. Yet, in the face of these adversities, they have shown an unbreakable spirit and a profound strength in their struggles. Indigenous peoples have sought recognition of their identities, their way of life, and their right to their traditional lands, territories, and natural resources for years. Yet, throughout history, their rights have been violated.
Indigenous peoples today, are among the most disadvantaged and vulnerable groups of people in the world. Although they make up less than 5 percent of the world’s population, they account for 15 percent of the poorest according to United Nations data.
The Indigenous people have been suffering for centuries now due to colonialism and imperialism, they were subject to ethnic cleansing and forced displacement, and many attempts are still being made to erase their cultures, languages, and history, they have historically faced social exclusion and marginalization
The WFTU the militant voice of 105 million workers across the five continents, reaffirms its stable position and struggle for the recognition of the indigenous people’s rights including the right to preserve and practice their traditions and culture freely, and will fight for their inclusiveness, their rights, to have access to healthcare, education, and every fundamental human right, with respect to their traditions, culture, and language.
