Indigenous rights, well-being under 'disproportionate' threat, UN Secretary-General Guterres says

Indigenous peoples are facing disproportionate threats to their rights and well-being across the globe, says UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

“Indigenous Peoples account for over 6 percent of the world’s population. They are guardians of cultural heritage, stewards of vital ecosystems, and crucial contributors to our shared future,” his office said in a statement on Sunday, International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples.

Some of the sharpest differences are in relation to maternal and infant health, Guterres said. Complications and deaths among Indigenous communities are far more common than in general populations.

As such, the UN is celebrating the efforts of Indigenous midwives on the occasion, the statement said.

“Evidence shows that [Indigenous midwives] improve outcomes for mothers and babies, strengthen trust in health systems, and ensure continuity of care. As knowledge holders and leaders, they also help preserve the languages, values, and practices that sustain Indigenous cultures across generations.”

The UN is working with member states and Indigenous communities to develop a rights-based approach to health, Guterres said.

He urged governments to gather missing data that often leaves Indigenous patients invisible in local healthcare systems. He also recommended investing more in training for midwives and natal care.

“It is also vital that we uphold the rights of Indigenous women to make informed decisions about their own bodies and care,” the statement said.

“Traditional wisdom can protect new life. Together, let us ensure that Indigenous midwives, and the communities they serve, have everything they need to thrive.”