About IWGIA
IWGIA - International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs - is a global human rights organisation dedicated to promoting and defending Indigenous Peoples’ rights.
Since 1968, IWGIA has cooperated with Indigenous Peoples' organisations and international institutions to promote recognition and implementation of the rights of Indigenous Peoples. IWGIA works to empower Indigenous Peoples through documentation, capacity development and advocacy on a local, regional and international level. To achieve our mission we provide documentation, and support the advocacy and empowerment of Indigenous Peoples’ organisations and institutions via global partnerships.
IWGIA was founded in 1968 by anthropologists alarmed about the ongoing genocide of Indigenous Peoples taking place in the Amazon. The aim was to establish a network of researchers and human right activists to document the situation of Indigenous Peoples and advocate for an improvement of their rights.
In 1989, IWGIA obtained Observer NGO status at the United Nations and uses this, among other interventions, to facilitate access on the part of Indigenous Peoples’ organisations that would not otherwise be able to participate.
Today Indigenous Peoples from all over the world are involved in IWGIA's global network. Still, the key drivers for change in our work are documentation, supporting empowerment and advocacy.
Every year since 1986, IWGIA has published The Indigenous World, a yearbook that provides unique insights into and updates on the development of Indigenous Peoples’ rights. You can download all editions of The Indigenous World for free here >>
Our mission
We promote and defend Indigenous Peoples’ rights.
Our vision
A world where all Indigenous Peoples fully enjoy their internationally recignised rights.
Our values
Trust, honesty and respect - Integrity and transparency - Accountability - Independence - Urgency Partnerships
Together with our partners we design and implement activities and projects for Indigenous Peoples’ organisations and institutions in order to connect local, regional and international demands.
We ensure that Indigenous voices are heard by facilitating their participation in the UN system and in national dialogues. Our longstanding partnership with Indigenous Peoples organisations and human rights institutions has created a global network that inspires change through sharing of good practices and experiences.
