United Nations Radio

Saturday August 9th is the International Day of the World's Indigenous People.~And in a message to mark the occasion, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says the suffering of indigenous peoples led to some of the darkest episodes in human history.~

As this is the first observance of the Day since the General Assembly's landmark adoption of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples last fall, the Secretary-General notes that the Declaration provides a momentous opportunity for States and indigenous peoples to strengthen their relationships, promote reconciliation, and ensure that the past is not repeated.

The Secretary-General says this International Day is also an opportunity to recognize the silent crisis confronting many of the world's languages, the overwhelming majority of which are indigenous peoples' languages.

And he called on States, indigenous peoples, the UN system and all relevant actors to take immediate steps to protect and promote endangered languages, and to ensure the safe passage of this shared heritage to future generations.

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.

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