The Japan Citizens' Coalition for the UN International Decade of World's Indigenous Peoples, or
"INDEC" for short, is a network which was launched in 1992, prior to the inauguration of
the United Nation's International Year of the World's Indigenous People, then under the name "Citezen's
Coalition for the International Year of Indigenous People".
As the United Nations has designated the period of 10 years beginning 10 December 1994 as the
"International Decade of the World's Indigenous People", we have also changed the name of our coalition
to continue our activities with a long-term vision.
International concern regarding the rights and cultures of indigenous peoples is heightening as evident
from discussions at the 1992 UNCED ("Earth Summit") in Rio de Janeiro, the 1993 World Conference on Human
Rights in Geneva, and the 2001 World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and
Related Intolerance in Durban, as well as the annual UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations.
In this context, it is our objective to keep our eyes open to the realities of the Ainu people and other
indigenous peoples in Japan, as well as indigenous groups around the world, and to support their efforts
to regain their rights.
We also plan to carry out awareness-raising programs targeting local and national governments, companies,
etc., as well as events to promote understanding among the general public, in cooperation with ainu
ethnic organizations.
