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Thematic focus on indigenous peoples Poverty is closely linked to marginalization, and indigenous peoples are among the most vulnerable and marginalized rural poor people. Indigenous people account for only 5 per cent of the world’s population, but they comprise about 15 per cent of the world’s poor. Indigenous peoples are very aware that development is closely linked to power. They know very well that the interests of the more powerful groups or communities ultimately prevail. Because of their historical experience of exclusion and marginalization, preserving their identity and therefore their dignity is a very special concern of indigenous peoples. Their sense of identity gives them power despite their powerlessness. It enhances the bonds among all those who freely identify themselves as indigenous peoples. Living in remote areas, far from centres of commerce and power, they may find it difficult to influence the policies, laws and institutions that can improve their living conditions and shape their futures. Many indigenous peoples do not have the legal right to live on the lands they depend on for survival or to use the resources they have managed sustainably, often for thousands of years. Increasingly these valuable resources are exploited by outsiders, with few benefits flowing to indigenous communities and little regard for the natural environment. Exploitation of resources sometimes results in the displacement of indigenous peoples from their traditional lands. The economic and political marginalization of indigenous peoples has, unfortunately, led to violence. Today many of the world’s conflict zones are inhabited by indigenous communities. Areas where indigenous peoples feel that they have been subjected to extreme forms of civil rights violations have become flashpoints of insurgency. The geographical overlap between areas of ongoing conflicts and areas where indigenous peoples live suggests that ending their marginalization would promote the stability that the poor need to take advantage of development opportunities.
Source: IFAD |
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