COMPILATION OF INTERNATIONAL NORMS
AND STANDARDS RELATING TO DISABILITY
Part V. Rights of Vulnerable Groups. 8/11   
7. Rights of Indigenous Populations
The first instrument concerning indigenous populations was the Convention on
the Protection and Integration of Indigenous and other Tribal and Semi-Tribal populations
in Independent Countries[69]. However, it was
ratified by less than thirty countries. The first International Conference of NGOs
on Indigenous Issues was held in Geneva in 1977 and a second conference took place in
1981. These two instruments can be helpful to the whole indigenous population, as well as
persons with disabilities among the indigenous population. But the decisive step was the
establishment of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations in 1988, under the
auspices of the Sub-commission on the Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of
Minorities of the UNHCR.
The rate and risk of disability among indigenous people are higher because of dangerous
working conditions, lower standards of living, and the poor quality of the
preventive medical services available to them. Above all, disabled persons belonging to
such groups do not usually have access to suitable rehabilitation services.
The Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action as the final document
of the World Conference on Human Rights focuses on the rights of indigenous populations,
including persons with disabilities. Section II, paragraph 20 obliges States to ensure the
full and free participation of indigenous people in all aspects of society.
Additionally, States should ensure respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms
of indigenous people. It also requires legislative reform to "...assure access to
these and others rights of disabled persons."
Although The Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action includes
all people, special emphasis was placed on disadvantaged groups, such as disabled persons.
Commitment 4 provides that in order to promote social integration, States should respect
the rights of indigenous peoples to maintain and develop their identity, culture and
interests. Furthermore, States must ensure that indigenous peoples are able to participate
in the social, economic, and political life of their country. Commitment 6 requires States
to recognise the right of indigenous people to education that is responsive to their
specific needs, aspirations and cultures. States must also ensure that indigenous peoples
have full access to health care.
69. Adopted by the ILO in 1957.
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