2009 Indigenous People

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Represented in the above FDCs': From left to right: A. Beach Baby, Seychelles, 2001 B. Bario Baseball, Malaysia, 2006 C. Welcome to Beswick, Australia 2003 D. Karen Long Neck Bling, Thailand, 2007 E. Temple Rain Man, Indonesia, 2006 F. Break from Dancing, United Republic of Tanzania, 2001

From left to right: A. Charcoal and Blue Sky, Papua New Guinea, 2007 B. Himba, Super Model, Namibia, 2001 C. Whiskey and Dancing, Namibia, 2002 D. 100 Mile Smile, United Republic of Tanzania, 2001 E. Akah Bracelet Lady, Thailand, 2006 F. Tavita the Ghost, French Polynesia, 2000 From left to right: A. The Green Bead, United Republic of Tanzania, 2002 B. Wirrapanda Reconciliation Ceremony, Australia, 2004 C. Somehow Very Sure, Namibia, 2002 D. Bukat Prince, Indonesia, 2006 E. Sunset Braids, Republic of Namibia, 2001 F. Cotton Candy Turban, United Arab Emirates, 2005 Date of Issue: October 8, 2009. Stamp specifications Format: 30 mm horizontally by 40 mm vertically, perforation to perforation. Perforation: 13 Marginal inscriptions: The vertical mini-sheets of six stamps have one marginal inscriptions in the center of the bottom margin. The marginal inscription consists of the United Nations emblem with the text "United" above and the text "Nations 2009" below the emblem. One copyright symbol with the year 2009 appears in the lower left margin. The artist's signature appears in the lower right margin. Sheet Format: The sheet size measures 110 mm horizontally by 140 mm vertically. The Artist Stephen Bennett (USA) First Day Cancellations Designed By: New York - Designed by Deborah Halperin Geneva - Designed by Francois Guiol Vienna - Designed by Maria Schulz Printer: The stamps were printed in offset by the Lowe-Martin Group (Canada). On 8 October 2009, the United Nations Postal Administration issued 18 commemorative stamps in a mini-sheet format of six stamps each on the theme "Indigenous People". Indigenous people are the inheritors and practitioners of unique cultures and ways of relating to other people and to the environment. Indigenous people have retained social, cultural, economic and political characteristics that are distinct from those of the dominant societies in which they live. Despite their cultural differences, the various groups of indigenous people around the world share common problems related to the protection of their rights as distinct peoples. Estimates point to more than 370 million indigenous people in some 90 countries worldwide. While they are from diverse geographical and cultural backgrounds, they share such challenges as lack of basic health care, limited access to education, loss of control over land, discrimination, forced assimilation, abject poverty, displacement, human rights violations, and economic and social marginalization. Indigenous people around the world have sought recognition of their identities, their ways of life and their right to traditional lands, territories and natural resources; yet throughout history, their rights have been violated. Indigenous people are arguably among the most disadvantaged and vulnerable groups of people in the world today. The international community now recognizes that special measures are required to protect the rights of the world's indigenous people. The landmark United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, drafted and debated for more than 20 years, was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in September 2007. The Declaration is the most comprehensive statement of the rights of indigenous peoples ever developed, giving prominence to collective rights to a degree unprecedented in international human rights law. It emphasizes the rights of indigenous peoples to live in dignity, to maintain and strengthen their own institutions, cultures and traditions and to pursue their self-determined development, in keeping with their needs and aspirations. The adoption of this Declaration is the clearest indication yet that the international community is committing itself to the protection of the individual and collective rights of indigenous peoples. About the artist and his design: The stamps were designed by Stephen Bennett (U.S.A.). Mr. Bennett is a dedicated portrait painter living in New York City. He makes annual trips around the world to paint portraits of indigenous people. Young, old, joyful and withered faces populate these vibrant canvases, celebrating a variety of ethnic strains in a tapestry painted with strong brushwork. His objective is to share his experiences of the diversity of human life. His work has been used to promote and preserve cultures in the United States, Mexico, Saint Martin, Panama, French Polynesia, the Seychelles, the United Republic of Tanzania, Namibia, Borneo and Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea.