The world's indigenous peoples and why they are under threat

(Vatican Radio) There are around 300 million of them worldwide and their unique way of life and cultural traditions face grave threats in many areas around the globe. We’re talking about the world’s indigenous peoples with the UN marking on August 9th each year a "World Indigenous Peoples Day" to raise awareness of the threats they face to their lives and lands.

Sarah Shenker is a researcher for Survival International, an NGO that campaigns for the rights of indigenous peoples and she spoke to Susy Hodges.

Listen to the full interview:

According to Shanker, "a large proportion" of the world's indigenous people are suffering threats to their lives and lands but she singles out the Awa tribe in the north east of Brazil's Amazon region as the world's most single endangered indigenous tribe. She explains how hundreds of illegal loggers are operating on the Awa's tribal lands, forcing them to "live on the run, trying to escape from the loggers and other settlers."

Shenker warns that protecting this Brazilian tribe is "a matter of urgency" because their very survival is at stake. "The Awa face genocide and extinction if nothing is done to protect them," she says, as already their numbers have dwindled "to around 450."


When asked how she sees the future for the world's indigenous people, Shenker says it very much depends on whether the various national and international laws passed to protect their ancestral lands are "respected and obeyed." "If their land is protected, then indigenous peoples can survive and thrive."

(Photo shows Pope Francis greeting an indigenous leader during his visit to Brazil)