The African Commission on Human and People’s Rights has renewed its call for the protection and promotion of the human rights of the indigenous population of the world.

A news release issued to this paper by the commission on activities marking the International Day of World’s Indigenous People said the question that should be uppermost in the minds of many is ‘what has so far been done to improve the welfare of over 370 million individuals living in more than 70 countries in all regions of the world’.

“For almost a decade, the rights of indigenous people have been a regular feature on the human rights discourse of the African Commission. Among other things, the African Commission has set up a working group on indigenous population in Africa, opened up dialogue in important areas and undertook various missions to witness first-hand the conditions of life and work of indigenous populations,” stated the release.

The release said through partnership with indigenous NGO’s and member states, the concern of indigenous people on the continent has been brought to the limelight thereby giving stakeholders and partners an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution on how to ameliorate their situation.

The commission used the occasion to congratulate the indigenous population of the world and called for concerted action by all stakeholders to ensure the promotion and protection of the human rights of indigenous population.