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UN: Supporting indigenous people's right to health care access
11.08.2015 08:02 "Agro Perspectiva" (Kyiv) —
Indigenous people must not be left behind in global efforts to achieve a sustainable future, UN Radio reports quoting the
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon as speaking yesterday at an event at the UN Headquarters commemorating the International Day of Indigenous People.
As to the report, indigenous peoples history, traditions, language and knowledge are part of what the Secretary-General called «the very bedrock of human heritage.»
Yet, Mr. Ban pointed out that this population is among the worlds most vulnerable and marginalized people.
He said indigenous people face numerous challenges to their health and well-being, many of which are preventable.
«Too many indigenous groups endure high rates of diabetes, drug and alcohol abuse, youth suicide and infant mortality. They are often among the poorest peoples in their countries and, in many nations, the poverty gap between indigenous and non-indigenous groups is increasing,» Mr. Ban admitted.
The Secretary-General called for more commitment to enable indigenous communities to thrive.
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