UNPFII

Facts for Prelims
 

UNPFII
 

News: India’s representative at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) faced criticism from Adivasi rights activists for stating that the concept of ‘indigenous people’ was not applicable in the Indian context.
 

About UNPFII:
 The UNPFII is the UN’s central coordinating body for matters relating to the concerns and rights of the world’s indigenous peoples.
 It deals with indigenous issues related to economic and social development, culture, the environment, education, health and human rights.
 Its primary function is to promote the integration and coordination of activities relating to Indigenous Peoples’ issues within the UN system, and promote respect for and full application of the provisions of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and follow up on its effectiveness.
 HQ – New York
 

What is UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous people?
 It recognizes the rights of Indigenous people, including their right to self-determination, and the government’s position goes against this international declaration. (India has ratified it)
 Yearly on 9 August, the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is marked.