Around the world, more than 4000 tribal groups are spread across every part of the world except the European continent. According to the UN and World bank, tribal people are "ethnic groups that were indigenous to a territory before being incorporated into a national state, and who are politically and culturally separate from the majority ethnic identity of the state that they are a part of"
For various reasons, any nation worldwide doesn't appreciate Indigenous tribal people as they deserve. There can be many reasons behind it.
- Distinct culture and identity from different people. The tribal land was colonized in the US, Australia, Canada, and various parts. Even before that, many parts of Asia show an influx of Eurasians in southern parts of Asia. Africa suffered much. But what stood to all time is the native's sheer strength to stand against all atrocious acts. Still, US natives have more than 170 indigenous languages while India has 211 recognized tribal languages; worldwide, more than 1100 indigenous languages are spoken.
- Nations want to recognize individual human rights, not Indigenous rights. Indigenous peoples want to enjoy and pass on to their children their histories, languages, traditions. However, in opposite to that, many tribes worldwide are forcefully evicted from their ancestor's land due to nexus between politicians and corporates who want rich minerals of the land. Further illegal loggers and forest dwellers are headaches.
Still, there are many reasons which need to look after. But UN, the world bank, and the International labor organization have given many unique and distinct rights to the tribal people worldwide, and even UNs full permanent member nations need to follow it, i.e., ILO 169 UNDRIP, and various conventions. But almost all nations haven't done anything about it, which would directly benefit the 5% of indigenous people worldwide.
Indigenous peoples are inheritors and practitioners of unique cultures and ways of relating to people and the environment. They have retained social, cultural, economic, and political characteristics distinct from those of the dominant societies in which they live. Despite their cultural differences, indigenous peoples worldwide share common problems related to the protection of their rights as distinct peoples.
For years, indigenous peoples have sought recognition of their identities, way of life, and their right to traditional lands, territories, and natural resources. Yet, throughout history, their rights have always been violated. Indigenous peoples today are arguably among the most disadvantaged and vulnerable groups of people in the world. The international community now recognizes that special measures are required to protect their rights and maintain their distinct cultures and way of life
. Many national and international organizations work to support indigenous peoples. They have focused primarily on the issue of tribal land rights, and their overall strategy has been threefold:
1. To focus international attention on the contemporary situation of indigenous peoples.
2. To pressure governments to respect the internationally recognized rights of indigenous peoples.
3. To provide financial assistance to indigenous peoples in support of their self-determination struggle.
The first step to support indigenous peoples is to pay attention to and learn about them, the issues they face, and the political struggles they are involved in. Then, CIMRA (Colonialism and Indigenous Minorities Research and Action) have suggested the following ‘action proposals’ for concerned individuals who want to do something to help indigenous peoples defend their rights: Support indigenous movements, protest against multinational “development” and other actions and events that endanger indigenous peoples and their environments, and lobby governments and politicians.
Another suggestion is joining or supporting local, national, or international indigenous rights organizations, such as Cultural Survival or Survival International. As an individual, by making such a contribution, you can make a difference! Other things you can do include donate money; organize or attend marches, demonstrations, and protests for indigenous rights; vote for politicians and parties that support indigenous struggles; support the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; and write letters to politicians and corporations to complain about their activities which are harmful to indigenous peoples.,
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