Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 6 August 2021

The Secretary-General

MESSAGE ON THE INTERNATIONAL DAY

OF THE WORLD’S INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

9 August 2021

Indigenous peoples around the world continue to face overwhelming marginalization, discrimination and exclusion.  Rooted in colonialism and patriarchy, these profound disparities are sustained by a deeply held resistance to recognizing and respecting the rights, dignity, and freedoms of indigenous peoples.

Throughout modern history, indigenous peoples have been robbed of their lands and territories, of their political and economic autonomy, and even of their own children.  Their cultures and languages have been denigrated and extinguished.

In recent months, the world has again been exposed to just some of the horror faced by indigenous communities at the hands of colonizers.  Some nations have begun to address this heinous legacy through apologies, truth and reconciliation efforts, and legislative and constitutional reforms.  But much more needs to be done.

We need a new social contract – one that restores and honours the rights, dignity and freedoms of those who have been deprived of so much for so long.  Central to this must be genuine dialogue, interaction and willingness to listen.  We already have the tools we need to this, including the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the outcome document of the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples.

There is no excuse for denying the world’s 476 million indigenous peoples self-determination and meaningful participation in all decision-making.  Free, prior and informed consent is central for indigenous peoples to exercise their own vision of development. 

And while recognition of the importance of indigenous knowledge grows, in particular in solving the climate and biodiversity crises and preventing the emergence of contagious diseases, we must ensure that indigenous knowledge is owned and shared by indigenous communities themselves.

The United Nations system has a key role to play.  On this International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, let us show true solidarity by working to end the grievous  inequalities of indigenous peoples worldwide, to fully recognize the abuse they have endured, and to celebrate their knowledge and wisdom.

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WFP

PRESS RELEASE

THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA PROVIDES NUTRITIOUS DATES FOR VULNERABLE FAMILIES IN PAKISTAN

Islamabad – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) received a contribution of 116 metric tons of dates from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to help its food and nutrition assistance for vulnerable families in Pakistan.

A healthy and nutritious snack commonly used for the breaking of the fast, the Saudi dates were initially planned to be distributed ahead of the Holy month of Ramadan in April and May. However, their arrival was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

WFP is distributing the palm dates to more than 10,000 families in close collaboration with the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

“Saudi dates are not only delicious but also rich in minerals and vitamins. They will provide much needed nutrition to all members of the family”, said WFP Pakistan Representative and Country Director Chris Kaye.

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The United Nations World Food Programme is the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. We are the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

Follow us on Twitter @WFPPakistan

For more information please contact:

Ms. Mahira Afzal, Communications Officer, WFP/ Islamabad, Mob. +92 300 8559 333, Email: mahira.afzal@wfp.org

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