Despite some progress over the last decade, Indigenous Peoples
around the world continue to live in hardship and danger due to
the failure of states to recognise and uphold their human
rights. Dispossessed and in danger Indigenous Peoples are
uprooted from their lands and territories as a consequence of
discriminatory government policies, the impact of armed
conflicts, and the actions of private economic interests. Social
marginalization and legal discrimination place Indigenous
Peoples at risk of a wide range of human rights violations
directed against community leaders, individuals and Indigenous
Peoples as a whole. Cut off from resources and traditions vital
to their welfare and survival, many Indigenous Peoples are
unable to fully enjoy their human rights. Instead they face
marginalisation, poverty, disease and violence – in some
instances extinction as a people. Indigenous human rights
defenders who speak out face intimidation and violence, often
with the collaboration of the state. In many instances, pe