International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples 2019

There are an estimated 370 million indigenous people in the world, living across more than 70 countries. They make up less than 5 per cent of the world's population, but account for 15 per cent of the world’s poor. Yet they protect nearly 80 per cent of the Earth’s biodiversity. The ILO has been engaged with indigenous and tribal peoples’ issues since the 1920s. It is responsible for the Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989 (No. 169), the only international treaty open for ratification that deals exclusively with their rights.

Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989 (No. 169) - General observation, publication 2019

31 July 2019

At its 2018 session (November–December), the Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations (CEACR) adopted a general observation on the application of the Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989 (No. 169). The text of this observation is reproduced in this brochure.

Excerpts from reports and comments of the ILO Supervisory Bodies: Applying the Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989 (No. 169)

26 June 2019

This tool seeks to disseminate the comments and recommendations of the ILO supervisory bodies in the context of the application of Convention No. 169. It includes extracts from the comments of the Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations and the reports of tripartite committees of the Governing Body that have examined representations regarding the Convention. The document is organized in a thematic and chronological manner, since the entry into force of the Convention. With this tool, the ILO seeks to contribute to the understanding of the Convention, an effective promotion and application.

Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989 (No. 169): “Learning and looking ahead”

Indigenous Peoples and Climate Change: Emerging Research on Traditional Knowledge and Livelihoods

Indigenous Peoples and Climate Change: Emerging Research on Traditional Knowledge and Livelihoods

16 April 2019

Traditional knowledge of indigenous communities cuts across numerous aspects of sustainability and resilience. However, the practice of traditional knowledge is yet to be adequately understood, with many research gaps confronting policy-makers. Prominent among these is an understanding of the interplay of traditional knowledge systems, rooted in indigenous ways of life, cultural approaches and traditional occupations, with the transformations being experienced in societies, economies, institutions, technologies and the climate. A collaboration between the ILO and the School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, this publication draws on recent and emerging research conducted directly with communities across Asia and the Pacific, Africa, and the Americas. It aims at sharing experiences gained by researchers and the communities themselves with policy-makers and key stakeholders.

ILO at the Eighteenth Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

Greening with Jobs: A Just Transition to Sustainability

This Nexus Dialogue aims to contribute to a common understanding of the concept of just transition, establish a global platform to share national and international experiences in the practical application of greening with jobs and just transition in national contexts; and foster support by both public and private stakeholders for social justice in the fight for environmental sustainability.

ILO at the 39th session of the Human Rights Council

Promoting decent work for indigenous and tribal people through employment and investment programs

14 August 2018

This policy brief provides insights into the various construction projects supervised by the Employment Intensive Investment Program of the International Labour Organization in favour of Indigenous and Tribal People.