International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples is observed every year on August 9 to promote and protect the rights of the world's indigenous population. The theme for 2023 is 'Indigenous Youth as Agents of Change for Self-Determination'. Here's a glance at the lives of tribals in contemporary times
Vulnerable to violations of identities, tribals' way of life and their right to traditional lands, territories and natural resources in a rapidly changing society are some of the pressing crises facing these groups in India and around the world today. An estimated 476 million indigenous peoples live across 90 countries, speaking an overwhelming majority of the world's estimated 7,000 languages and dialects. Tribal youth hold the key to climate action and mobilising for justice while fostering their identity through intergenerational connections. Here are a few recent vignettes of people most vulnerable to the violation of their rights.