Background An International Year is an important cooperation mechanism dedicated to raising awareness of a particular topic or theme ...

Background

An International Year is an important cooperation mechanism dedicated to raising awareness of a particular topic or theme of global interest or concern, and mobilizing different players for coordinated action around the world.

In 2016, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming 2019 as the International Year of Indigenous Languages, based on a recommendation by the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

At the time, the Forum said that 40 per cent of the estimated 6,700 languages spoken around the world were in danger of disappearing. The fact that most of these are indigenous languages puts the cultures and knowledge systems to which they belong at risk.

In addition, indigenous peoples are often isolated both politically and socially in the countries they live in, by the geographical location of their communities, their separate histories, cultures, languages and traditions.

And yet, they are not only leaders in protecting the environment, but their languages represent complex systems of knowledge and communication and should be recognized as a strategic national resource for development, peace building and reconciliation.

They also foster and promote unique local cultures, customs and values which have endured for thousands of years. Indigenous languages add to the rich tapestry of global cultural diversity. Without them, the world would be a poorer place.

Celebrating IYIL2019 will help promote and protect indigenous languages and improve the lives of those who speak them. It will contribute to achieving the objectives set out in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development.

The celebration is also expected to strengthen and reinforce the many standard-setting tools adopted by the international community which include specific provisions to promote and protect languages.

UN mechanism

The United Nations resolution

(71/178) proclaiming 2019 as the Year of Indigenous Languages saw the creation of a multi-stakeholder partnership to prepare for the year and mobilize support for the implementation of its initiatives.

Various United Nations entities are involved in the process, including three mechanisms that specifically deal with issues related to indigenous peoples:

Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
(UNPFII)– the central coordinating body for matters relating to the concerns and rights of the world's indigenous peoples
Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
(EMRIP) – which provides the Human Rights Council with expertise and advice on the rights of indigenous peoples

Action Plan for IYIL2019

In 2016, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming 2019 as the International Year of Indigenous Languages and requested the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

(UNESCO) to serve as the lead organization.

UNESCO worked with governments, indigenous peoples' organizations, researchers and other stakeholders to elaborate an action plan which sets out the path to achieving the objectives of the International Year.

This multi-stakeholder partnership is made up of a Steering Committee to oversee implementation, ad hoc groups to provide relevant advice, and contributing partners.

The action plan lays out the key measurable objectives, principles and actions to be taken during the year and afterwards.

Structure of the multi-stakeholder partnership

Steering Committee (18 members)

Member States: Australia, Ecuador, Estonia, France, Gambia and Saudi Arabia (6)
Leaders and representatives of indigenous peoples and institutions from the seven sociocultural regions (7)
Designated members: Representatives from the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (3)
A representative each from the Knowledge Societies Division, Communication and Information Sector, UNESCO and the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, UNDESA (2)

The Steering Committee provides guidance for and monitoring of the overall implementation of the International Year within the framework of the action plan, including helping with the mobilization of financial resources, supporting the establishment of initiatives by indigenous peoples, and overseeing a report to the United Nations at the end of the year.

Founding principles

Involvement of indigenous peoples' representatives
Human rights-based approach
Geographical balance
Gender equality
Disability inclusiveness
Expertise in field of languages

Ad hoc groups

A range of partners are welcome to establish ad hoc groups on various subjects in order to provide advice on specific aspects of the implementation of the action plan.