United Indigenous Nations

Global Representative Body

UN Convention · Human Rights

ICERD

International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
A core human rights treaty that obliges states to eliminate racial discrimination and
to guarantee equality before the law for all peoples, including indigenous communities.

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Available in four languages. All files are in PDF format, accessible, and searchable.

EN

English

DE

German

FR

Français

ES

Español

At a Glance

  • What is it?
    A binding UN treaty against racial discrimination in all its forms.
  • Who is affected?
    States parties, indigenous communities, minorities, and public institutions.
  • Why it matters?
    It creates enforceable obligations for equality, legal protection and non-discrimination.

About the Convention

ILO Convention No. 169 aims to protect and promote the rights of indigenous and tribal peoples. It emphasizes the importance of these communities’ cultural identity, land rights, and self-determination.

Participation and Consultation

A central aspect is the right of indigenous peoples to participate in decisions that affect their lives and communities. States are obligated to consult with the affected groups appropriately and to incorporate their perspectives into the decision-making process.

Promotion of Economic and Social Development

The Convention promotes sustainable economic and social development that respects the needs and priorities of indigenous peoples. Development must not come at the expense of the communities’ cultural identity or the environment.

METADATEN

Issuer

UN General Assembly

Adopted

1965

In force since

1969

Resolution

2106 (XX)

Languages

EN, DE, FR, ES

Document type

Convention

Last review

2024

Note

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