There are over millions of indigenous peoples living in countries across the world. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed and exacerbated many existing inequalities, disproportionately affecting populations all over the world that were already suffering from poverty, illness, discrimination, institutional instability or financial insecurity. From the perspective of indigenous peoples, the contrast is even starker.
On the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples (9 August) this year, the United Nations demands indigenous peoples’ inclusion, participation and approval in the constitution of a system with social and economic benefits for all. The theme of this year is “Leaving no one behind: Indigenous peoples and the call for a new social contract”.