Indigenous Peoples in Latin America: Statistical Information

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Indigenous Peoples in Latin America: ~~Statistical~~ ~~December 8, 2021~~
October 27, 2023 Statistical Information
Carla Y. Davis-Castro
This report provides statistical information on Indigenous peoples in Latin America. Data and This report provides statistical information on Indigenous peoples in Latin America. Data and
Senior Research Librarian Research Librarian
findings vary, sometimes greatly, on all topics covered in this report, including populations and findings vary, sometimes greatly, on all topics covered in this report, including populations and

languages, socioeconomic data, land and natural resources, human rights, and international legal languages, socioeconomic data, land and natural resources, human rights, and international legal
conventions. For exampleconventions. For example, the figure below shows four estimates for the Indigenous population the figure below shows four estimates for the Indigenous population of

of Latin America ranging from 41.8 millionLatin America ranging from 41.8 million to 53.4 million.to 53.4 million. The statistics vary depending on the The statistics vary depending on the
source methodology, changes in national censuses, the number of countries covered, and the years examined. source methodology, changes in national censuses, the number of countries covered, and the years examined.
Indigenous Population and Percentage of General Population of Latin America Indigenous Population and Percentage of General Population of Latin America

Sources: Graphic created by CRS using the WorldGraphic created by CRS using the World Bank’s LAC Equity Lab Bank’s LAC Equity Lab ~~with~~ webpage webpage (last updated in July 2021last updated in July 2021); ECLAC and ; ECLAC and
FILAC’sFILAC’s 2020 2020 Los pueblos indígenas de América ~~Latina -~~ Latina—Abya Yala y la Agenda 2030 para el ~~Desarrol o~~ Desarrollo Sostenible: tensiones y desafíos desde
~~una perspectiva~~ una perspectiva territorial;; the International Bank for Reconstruction and Developmentthe International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and Worldand World Bank’s (WB) 2015 Bank’s (WB) 2015 Indigenous Latin
America in the ~~twenty-first century: the first decade~~Twenty-First Century: The First Decade; and ECLAC’s; and ECLAC’s 2014 2014 Guaranteeing Indigenous people’s rights in Latin America: Progress in
the past decade and remaining ~~chal enges~~challenges. .
Notes: The The ~~World~~ scope of the sources varies. The World Bank’s LAC Equity Lab webpage covers 14 Latin AmericanBank’s LAC Equity Lab webpage covers 14 Latin American countries. ECLAC and FILAC’scountries. ECLAC and FILAC’s report uses national report uses national
censuses from 17 countriescensuses from 17 countries,. The World The World Bank report uses national censuses from 16Bank report uses national censuses from 16 countries to countries to ~~estimate~~ estimate the population and notes the population and notes
“for countries without census data available for the end of the decade, the Indigenous population was estimated by applying the “for countries without census data available for the end of the decade, the Indigenous population was estimated by applying the
percentage of the last census to the 2010 projection of the national population.” The ECLAC report percentage of the last census to the 2010 projection of the national population.” The ECLAC report ~~includes a table titled “Latin~~
~~America (17 countries): population of Indigenous peoples according to~~data cover 17 countries, and is based on censuses and estimates, censuses and estimates, from around 2010.around 2010.” The population The population
percentage is based on the total population calculated in each source. percentage is based on the total population calculated in each source.
Definitions of Indigenous peoples also vary. The United Nations and many countries rely on self-identification of Indigenous Definitions of Indigenous peoples also vary. The United Nations and many countries rely on self-identification of Indigenous
peoples. In counting distinct groups, this report uses the term “Indigenous groups” rather than “tribe,” “nation,” “ethnic peoples. In counting distinct groups, this report uses the term “Indigenous groups” rather than “tribe,” “nation,” “ethnic
minority,” or “sociolinguistic group.” minority,” or “sociolinguistic group.”
This report presents data regarding Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela. A compilation of selected informational resources, covering languages; socioeconomics; land, natural resources, and climate A compilation of selected informational resources, covering languages; socioeconomics; land, natural resources, and climate
change; international organizations; and human rights, is available in change; international organizations; and human rights, is available in ~~the appendix as well as a list of~~Appendix A. Appendix B lists national agencies that national agencies that
oversee Indigenous affairs in each Central American or South American country. oversee Indigenous affairs in each Central American or South American country.

Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

link to page link to page 2627 link to page link to page 3233 Indigenous Peoples in Latin America: Statistical Information

Introduction
Congress has long been interested in the status of Indigenous peoples abroad. In 1992, the 102nd Congress has long been interested in the status of Indigenous peoples abroad. In 1992, the 102nd
Congress enacted H.R. 5368 (P.L. 102-391) requiring the State Department’s annual human rights Congress enacted H.R. 5368 (P.L. 102-391) requiring the State Department’s annual human rights
report to “describe the extent to which Indigenous people are able to participate in decisions report to “describe the extent to which Indigenous people are able to participate in decisions
affecting their lands, cultures, traditions and the affecting their lands, cultures, traditions and the ~~al ocation~~allocation of natural resources, and assess the of natural resources, and assess the
extent of protection of their civil and political rights.” Issues relating to Indigenous peoples extent of protection of their civil and political rights.” Issues relating to Indigenous peoples
abroad abroad ~~periodical y~~periodically have been considered in hearings focused on such topics as environmental have been considered in hearings focused on such topics as environmental
protection, energy opportunities, and human rights.1protection, energy opportunities, and human rights.1
This report provides statistical information on Indigenous peoples in Latin America, including This report provides statistical information on Indigenous peoples in Latin America, including
populations and languages, socioeconomic data, land and natural resources, human rights, and populations and languages, socioeconomic data, land and natural resources, human rights, and
international legal conventions. A compilation of informational resources on languages; international legal conventions. A compilation of informational resources on languages;
socioeconomics; land and resources; international organizations; and human rights are available socioeconomics; land and resources; international organizations; and human rights are available
iin Appendix A. NationalNational agencies that oversee Indigenous affairs in each country are listed in agencies that oversee Indigenous affairs in each country are listed in
Table B-1.
Terms
Definitions of Indigenous peoples vary. The United Nations (U.N.) has not adopted an official Definitions of Indigenous peoples vary. The United Nations (U.N.) has not adopted an official
definition, but instead relies on self-identification to categorize Indigenous populations around the definition, but instead relies on self-identification to categorize Indigenous populations around the
world; many countries do the same. However, the U.N. web page dedicated to Indigenous peoples world; many countries do the same. However, the U.N. web page dedicated to Indigenous peoples
does state “Indigenous peoples are inheritors and practitioners of unique cultures and ways of does state “Indigenous peoples are inheritors and practitioners of unique cultures and ways of
relating to people and the environment. They have retained social, cultural, economic and relating to people and the environment. They have retained social, cultural, economic and
political characteristics that are distinct from those of the dominant societies in which they live.”2 political characteristics that are distinct from those of the dominant societies in which they live.”2
The annex of the U.N. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples states “Indigenous The annex of the U.N. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples states “Indigenous
peoples have suffered from historic injustices as a result of, peoples have suffered from historic injustices as a result of, inter alia, their colonization and , their colonization and
dispossession of their lands, territories and resources.” dispossession of their lands, territories and resources.”
The Organization of American States’ (OAS) American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous The Organization of American States’ (OAS) American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous
Peoples repeats the U.N. Declaration language and adds “Indigenous peoples are original, diverse Peoples repeats the U.N. Declaration language and adds “Indigenous peoples are original, diverse
societies with their own identities that constitute an integral part of the Americas.” societies with their own identities that constitute an integral part of the Americas.” ~~According to~~
~~OAS estimates, more than 50 mil ion people of Indigenous descent live in the Western~~
~~hemisphere.~~ This report examines those living in Latin America. This report examines those living in Latin America.
According to the According to the Manual for National Human Rights Institutions that accompanied the U.N. that accompanied the U.N.
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, “Indigenous peoples have argued against the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, “Indigenous peoples have argued against the
adoption of a formal definition at the international level, stressing the need for flexibility and for adoption of a formal definition at the international level, stressing the need for flexibility and for
respecting the desire and the right of each Indigenous people to define themselves.… As a respecting the desire and the right of each Indigenous people to define themselves.… As a

~~1 For example: U.S. Congress,~~ consequence, no formal definition has been adopted in international law. A strict definition is seen as unnecessary and undesirable.”3 1 For example: U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Peace Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Peace
Corps, Narcotics and Corps, Narcotics and ~~T errorism,~~ ~~Environm ental~~Terrorism, Environmental Protection in an Era of ~~Dram atic Econom ic~~Dramatic Economic Growth in Latin ~~Am erica~~ America, ,
106th Cong., 2nd sess.,106th Cong., 2nd sess., July 25, 2000 (Washington, DC: GPO, 2000); U.S. Congress,July 25, 2000 (Washington, DC: GPO, 2000); U.S. Congress, House Committee on Foreign House Committee on Foreign
Affairs, Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Affairs, Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Energy Opportunities in South ~~Am erica~~America, 115th Cong., 1st sess.,115th Cong., 1st sess., May May
17, 2017 (Washington, DC: GPO, 2017); U.S. Congress, 17, 2017 (Washington, DC: GPO, 2017); U.S. Congress, ~~T om~~Tom Lantos Commission on Human Rights, Lantos Commission on Human Rights, The Rights of
Indigenous Peoples in the ~~Am ericas~~Americas, 116th Cong., 2nd sess., November 20, 2020 (Washington, DC: GPO, 2020)., 116th Cong., 2nd sess., November 20, 2020 (Washington, DC: GPO, 2020).
2 U.N. Department of Economic and Social Affairs, “Indigenous Peoples at the UN,” at 2 U.N. Department of Economic and Social Affairs, “Indigenous Peoples at the UN,” at
https://www.un.org/development/desa/Indigenouspeoples/abouthttps://www.un.org/development/desa/Indigenouspeoples/about ~~-us.html.~~
-us.html. 3 United Nations, The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: A Manual for National Human Rights Institutions, HR/PUB/13/2, 2013, at https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Issues/IPeoples/(continued...) Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
1 1

link to page link to page 2627 Indigenous Peoples in Latin America: Statistical Information

~~consequence, no formal definition has been adopted in international law. A strict definition is seen~~
~~as unnecessary and undesirable.”3~~
In counting distinct groups, this CRS report uses the term “Indigenous groups” rather than In counting distinct groups, this CRS report uses the term “Indigenous groups” rather than
“tribe,” “nation,” “ethnic minority,” or “sociolinguistic group.” “tribe,” “nation,” “ethnic minority,” or “sociolinguistic group.”
A 2019 A 2019 ~~United Nations~~U.N. report notes “the persistent invisibility of Indigenous peoples” and “the report notes “the persistent invisibility of Indigenous peoples” and “the
need for disaggregated data” to address data limitations regarding Indigenous people around the need for disaggregated data” to address data limitations regarding Indigenous people around the
globe. However, the globe. However, the U.N. report notes progress in Latin America:report notes progress in Latin America: in the 1990 round, “only two censuses included self-“only two censuses included self-
identification criteriaidentification criteria ~~in the 1990 round,~~… but by the 2010 round such criteria were present in 21 of but by the 2010 round such criteria were present in 21 of
them.”4them.”4
Despite some advances in data collection, the sources cited in this report contain data limitations, Despite some advances in data collection, the sources cited in this report contain data limitations,
which are discussed iwhich are discussed in Appendix A. The countries listed in each table or graph of this report may The countries listed in each table or graph of this report may
differ from others in this report based on the information available in the sources. differ from others in this report based on the information available in the sources.
Population Data
There are various sources and methodologies for estimating the population of Indigenous peoples There are various sources and methodologies for estimating the population of Indigenous peoples
in Latin America, including official sources based on national censuses and household surveys, in Latin America, including official sources based on national censuses and household surveys,
and other kinds of estimates such as population projections or data from non-governmental and other kinds of estimates such as population projections or data from non-governmental
sources. Latin America is home to an estimated 41.8 sources. Latin America is home to an estimated 41.8 ~~mil ion~~ million to 53.4 to 53.4 ~~mil ion~~ million Indigenous people Indigenous people
according to several resources published according to several resources published ~~in the last seven years~~since 2014.5 A 2015 World Bank report .5 A 2015 World Bank report
acknowledges the gap that may exist between official and unofficial data:acknowledges the gap that may exist between official and unofficial data: “official data on “official data on
Indigenous people are not conclusive, as many technical and sociological difficulties persist in Indigenous people are not conclusive, as many technical and sociological difficulties persist in
census data collection. Other sources based on estimates and unofficial data refer to 50 census data collection. Other sources based on estimates and unofficial data refer to 50 ~~mil ion~~
million Indigenous inhabitants in Latin America (about 10 percent of the total population). For this World Indigenous inhabitants in Latin America (about 10 percent of the total population). For this World
Bank report, however, we Bank report, however, we ~~wil~~ will refer to the official—albeit imperfect—numbers provided by the refer to the official—albeit imperfect—numbers provided by the
national censuses [41.81 national censuses [41.81 ~~mil ion].”6~~
million].”6 Census projections forecast Census projections forecast ~~Indigenous population increases~~increasing Indigenous populations in many countries in part due to in many countries in part due to
populations that are younger on average than non-Indigenous populations and in part due to an populations that are younger on average than non-Indigenous populations and in part due to an
increase in self-identification.7 When the increase in self-identification.7 When the ~~United Nations~~U.N. Economic Commission for Latin Economic Commission for Latin
America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) published a report with the Development Fund for the America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) published a report with the Development Fund for the

~~3 United Nations, T he United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: A Manual for National Human~~
~~Rights Institutions, HR/PUB/13/2, 2013, at~~
~~https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Issues/IPeoples/UNDRIPManualForNHRIs.pdf~~ Indigenous Peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean (Spanish acronym FILAC) in 2020, the censuses reported over 53 million Indigenous people or 9.8% of the region’s total.8 UNDRIPManualForNHRIs.pdf. For more information about the . For more information about the
United Nations, the International Labor Organization and the World Intellectual Property Organization, see CRS United Nations, the International Labor Organization and the World Intellectual Property Organization, see CRS
Report R43614, Membership in the United Nations and Its Report R43614, Membership in the United Nations and Its ~~Specialized~~ Specialized Agencies, by LuisaAgencies, by Luisa Blanchfield and Marjorie Blanchfield and Marjorie
Ann Browne. Ann Browne.
4 United Nations, 4 United Nations, The state of the world´s Indigenous people: Implementing the United Nations Declaration on the
Rights of Indigenous Peoples, 4th ~~volum e~~volume, ST, ST /ESA/371, 2019, at https://social.un.org/unpfii/sowip-vol4-web.pdf. /ESA/371, 2019, at https://social.un.org/unpfii/sowip-vol4-web.pdf.
5 In this report, Latin America includes Mexico, the land mass of Central America (Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, 5 In this report, Latin America includes Mexico, the land mass of Central America (Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador,
Honduras, Nicaragua,Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama), and the land mass of South America (Colombia, Venezuela,Costa Rica and Panama), and the land mass of South America (Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Guyana,
Suriname,Suriname, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Paraguay,Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay).and Uruguay). ~~T he~~ The exception is French Guiana, exception is French Guiana,
which iswhich is an overseas department of France and is not includedan overseas department of France and is not included in this report.in this report.
6 International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/World Bank, 6 International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/World Bank, Indigenous Latin America in the Twenty-First
Century: the First Decade, 2015, at http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/2016/02/, 2015, at http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/2016/02/~~2 4863854~~24863854/Indigenous-latin-/Indigenous-latin-
america-twenty-first-century-first-decade, p. 24. Hereinafter: World Bank, 2015. america-twenty-first-century-first-decade, p. 24. Hereinafter: World Bank, 2015.
7 Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, 7 Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, Guaranteeing Indigenous people’s rights in Latin
~~Am erica~~America: Progress in the past decade and ~~rem aining~~remaining challenges, November 2014, p. 40, at , November 2014, p. 40, at
https://repositorio.cepal.org/bitstream/handle/11362/37051/4/S1420782_en.pdfhttps://repositorio.cepal.org/bitstream/handle/11362/37051/4/S1420782_en.pdf . Hereinafter: ECLAC, 2014. . Hereinafter: ECLAC, 2014.
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~~Indigenous Peoples in Latin America: Statistical Information~~

8 United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean and the Development Fund for the Indigenous Peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean (Indigenous Peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean (~~Spanish acronym FILAC) in 2020, the~~
~~censuses reported over 53 mil ion Indigenous people or 9.8% of the region’s total.8~~
~~Figure 1~~ ~~il ustrates the total number of Indigenous people~~ Fondo para el Desarrollo de los Pueblos Indígenas de América Latina y el Caribe), Los pueblos indígenas de América Latina—Abya Yala y la Agenda 2030 para el (continued...) Congressional Research Service 2 link to page 7 link to page 8 Indigenous Peoples in Latin America: Statistical Information Figure 1 illustrates the total number of Indigenous people in Latin America and their share of the total and their share of the total regional population population
according to four sources: a 2014 ECLAC report (with population data from 2010), a 2015 World according to four sources: a 2014 ECLAC report (with population data from 2010), a 2015 World
Bank Report (with population data from 2010), Bank Report (with population data from 2010), ~~a 2020 ECLAC and FILAC report using census~~
~~data from 2005-2018, and the World Bank’s LAC Equity Lab with data last updated in 2021 also~~
the World Bank’s LAC Equity Lab using various resources from 2005-2020, and a 2022 ECLAC report using census data from 2005-using census data from 2005-~~2018~~2020 to estimate populations in 2021. .
Figure 1. Indigenous Population and Percentage of General Population of ~~Latin~~
Latin America

Sources: Graphic created by CRS using the Graphic created by CRS using the ~~World Bank’s LAC Equity Lab with webpage last updated in July~~
~~2021; ECLAC and FILAC’s 2020~~ ~~Los pueblos indígenas de América Latina - Abya Yala y la Agenda 2030 para el~~
~~Desarrol o Sostenible: tensiones y desafíos desde una perspectiva territorial;~~ U.N. Economic Commission on Latin American and the Caribbean’s (ECLAC) 2022 The sociodemographic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in Latin America and the Caribbean; World Bank’s LAC Equity Lab (webpage last updated in August 2021); the International Bank for Reconstruction the International Bank for Reconstruction
~~and Development~~ and Development and World Bank’s (WB) 2015 and World Bank’s (WB) 2015 Indigenous Latin America in the ~~twenty-first century: the first decade~~Twenty-First Century: The First Decade;
and ECLAC’sand ECLAC’s 2014 2014 Guaranteeing Indigenous people’s rights in Latin America: Progress in the past decade and remaining
~~chal enges~~challenges. .
Notes: The The ~~World Bank’s LAC Equity Lab webpage covered 14 Latin American countries. ECLAC and FILAC’s~~
~~report used national censuses from 17 countries, The World Bank report used~~scope of sources varies. ECLAC’s 2022 publication covers 17 countries and is based on the self-identifying Indigenous population, according to the latest census and estimates to 2021, with data varying by country from 2005-2020. The World Bank’s LAC Equity Lab webpage covers 14 Latin American countries with figures based on self-reported data from a variety of sources. The 2015 World Bank report uses national censuses from 16 national censuses from 16
countries to estimatecountries to estimate the population and notes “for countries without census data available for the end of the the population and notes “for countries without census data available for the end of the
decade, the Indigenous population was estimated by applying the percentage of the last census to the 2010 decade, the Indigenous population was estimated by applying the percentage of the last census to the 2010
projection of the national population.projection of the national population. ~~The ECLAC report included a table titled “Latin America (17 countries):~~” ECLAC’s 2014 covers 17 countries, and is based on the
population of Indigenous peoplespopulation of Indigenous peoples according to censuses and estimates,according to censuses and estimates, around 2010.around 2010.” The population percentage The population percentage
is based on the total population calculated in each source. is based on the total population calculated in each source.
Table 1 shows a breakdown by country of Indigenous populations and their share of the shows a breakdown by country of Indigenous populations and their share of the ~~overal~~
national population. CRS created the following tables from several sources; publication dates and population. CRS created the following tables from several sources; publication dates and
methodologies differed. The countries listed in each table may differ from other tables in this methodologies differed. The countries listed in each table may differ from other tables in this
report, based on the information available in the sources. report, based on the information available in the sources.

~~8 Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean and the Development Fund for the Indigenous Peoples~~
~~of Latin America and the Caribbean (Fondo para el Desarrollo de los Pueblos Indígenas de América Latina y el~~
~~Caribe),~~ ~~Los pueblos indígenas de Am érica Latina - Abya Yala y la Agenda 2030 para el~~ Desarrollo Sostenible:
tensiones y desafíos desde una perspectiva territorial,, 2020, at2020, at https://www.filac.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Los-https://www.filac.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Los-
Pueblos-Indigenas-de-America-lLatina-y-la-Agenda-2030-para-el-Desarrollo-SostenibleAutosaved.pdf. Hereinafter Pueblos-Indigenas-de-America-lLatina-y-la-Agenda-2030-para-el-Desarrollo-SostenibleAutosaved.pdf. Hereinafter
~~ECLAC~~ ECLAC and FILAC, 2020. and FILAC, 2020.
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Table 1. Indigenous Populations and Percentages of General Population in ~~Latin~~
Latin America by Country
~~ECLAC & FILAC~~Indigenous Population (% of general population) ECLAC 2022:
LAC Equity Lab
Indigenous pop., ECLAC 2014:
WB 2015:
~~2020~~2021: Indigenous
2021~~: Indigenous~~ estimates
Indigenous
pop. Indigenous pop., pop. based on based on 2005- Country around 2010a 2010 estimateb 2005-2020 datac 2020 datad 955,032 955,032 926,003 1,094,540 Argentina (2.4%) (2.4%) (2.3%) (2.4%) 6,216,026 4,115,226 N/A 4,910,670 Bolivia (62.2%) (41%) (41.5%) 896,917 817,963 821,629 1,069,967 Brazil (0.5%) (0.5%) (0.4%) (0.5%) 1,805,243 788,935 N/A 2,382,333 Chile (11%) (4.6%) (12.4%) 1,559,852 1,532,678 1,905,617 2,255,697 Colombia (3.4%) (3.3%) (4.3%) (4.4%) 104,143 104,143 101,870 123,337 Costa Rica (2.4%) (2.4%) (2.4%) (2.4%) 1,018,176 1,018,176 1,020,330 1,252,193 Ecuador (7%) (7%) (7%) (7%) 14,408 14,865 13,730 13,037 El Salvador (0.2%) (0.2%) (0.2%) (0.2%) 5,881,009 5,880,046 6,481,762 7,956,939 Guatemala (41%) (41%) (43.6%) (43.6%) 536,541 548,727 601,823 784,913 Honduras (7%) (7.2%) (7.2%) (7.8%) 16,933,283 16,836,877 23,229,089 25,280,302 Mexico (15.1%) (15%) (18.5%) (19.4%) 518,104 349,333 187,840 422,250 Nicaragua (8.9%) (6%) (3.6%) (6.3%) 417,559 417,559 416,080 538,934 Panama (12.3%) (12.2%) (12.2%) (12.3%) 112,848 112,848 N/A 129,953 Paraguay (1.8%) (1.7%) (1.8%) 7,021,271 7,596,039 6,383,284 8,673,449 Peru (24%) (26%) (24.8%) (26%) 76,452 N/A 158,560 83,644 Uruguay (2.4%) (4.8%) (2.4%) 724,592 724,592 724,592 775,034 ~~Indigenous~~
~~Population with~~
~~Population with~~
~~Country~~
~~Population~~
~~Population with~~
~~2005-2018 data~~
~~2005-2018 data~~
~~around 2010 (%~~
~~2010 estimate (%~~
~~(% of general~~
~~(% of general~~
~~of general pop.)a~~
~~of general pop.)b~~
~~pop.)c~~
~~pop.)d~~
~~955,032~~
~~955,032~~
~~955,032~~
~~926,003~~
~~Argentina~~
~~(2.4%)~~
~~(2.4%)~~
~~(2.4%)~~
~~(2.3%)~~
~~6,216,026~~
~~4,115,226~~
~~4,176,647~~
~~N/A~~
~~Bolivia~~
~~(62.2%)~~
~~(41%)~~
~~(41.5%)~~
~~896,917~~
~~817,963~~
~~896,917~~
~~821,629~~
~~Brazil~~
~~(0.5%)~~
~~(0.5%)~~
~~(0.5%)~~
~~(0.4%)~~
~~1,805,243~~
~~788,935~~
~~2,175,873~~
~~N/A~~
~~Chile~~
~~(11%)~~
~~(4.6%)~~
~~(12.4%)~~
~~1,559,852~~
~~1,532,678~~
~~1,905,617~~
~~1,905,617~~
~~Colombia~~
~~(3.4%)~~
~~(3.3%)~~
~~(4.4%)~~
~~(4.3%)~~
~~104,143~~
~~104,143~~
~~104,143~~
~~101,870~~
~~Costa Rica~~
~~(2.4%)~~
~~(2.4%)~~
~~(2.4%)~~
~~(2.4%)~~
~~1,018,176~~
~~1,018,176~~
~~1,018,176~~
~~1,020,330~~
~~Ecuador~~
~~(7%)~~
~~(7%)~~
~~(7%)~~
~~(7%)~~
~~14,408~~
~~14,865~~
~~13,310~~
~~13,730~~
~~El Salvador~~
~~(0.2%)~~
~~(0.2%)~~
~~(0.2%)~~
~~(0.2%)~~
~~5,881,009~~
~~5,880,046~~
~~6,491,199~~
~~6,481,762~~
~~Guatemala~~
~~(41%)~~
~~(41%)~~
~~(43.6%)~~
~~(43.6%)~~
~~536,541~~
~~548,727~~
~~646,244~~
~~601,823~~
~~Honduras~~
~~(7%)~~
~~(7.2%)~~
~~(7.8%)~~
~~(7.2%)~~
~~16,933,283~~
~~16,836,877~~
~~25,694,928~~
~~27,526,158~~
~~Mexico~~
~~(15.1%)~~
~~(15%)~~
~~(21.5%)~~
~~(23%)~~
~~518,104~~
~~349,333~~
~~321,753~~
~~187,840~~
~~Nicaragua~~
~~(8.9%)~~
~~(6%)~~
~~(6.3%)~~
~~(3.6%)~~
~~417,559~~
~~417,559~~
~~417,559~~
~~416,080~~
~~Panama~~
~~(12.3%)~~
~~(12.2%)~~
~~(12.3%)~~
~~(12.2%)~~
~~112,848~~
~~112,848~~
~~117,150~~
~~N/A~~
~~Paraguay~~
~~(1.8%)~~
~~(1.7%)~~
~~(1.8%)~~
~~7,021,271~~
~~7,596,039~~
~~7,628,308~~
~~6,383,284~~
~~Peru~~
~~(24%)~~
~~(26%)~~
~~(26%)~~
~~(24.8%)~~
~~76,452~~
~~76,452~~
~~158,560~~
~~Uruguay~~
~~N/A~~
~~(2.4%)~~
~~(2.4%)~~
~~(4.8%)~~
~~724,592~~
~~724,592~~
~~724,592~~
~~724,592~~
~~Venezuela~~
~~(2.7%)~~
~~(2.8%)~~
~~(2.7%)~~
~~(2.7%)~~
TOTALe
~~44,791,456 (8.3%)~~
~~41,813,039 (7.8%)~~
~~53,363,900 (9.8%)~~
~~47,269,278 (9.2%)~~
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~~Indigenous Peoples in Latin America: Statistical Information~~

Sources: Compiled by CRS using the fol owing sources: ECLAC’s 2014 ~~Guaranteeing Indigenous people’s rights in~~
~~Latin America: Progress in the past decade and remaining chal enges; the World Bank Group’s (WB) 2015~~ ~~Indigenous~~
~~Latin America in the twenty-first century: the first decade; ECLAC and FILAC’s 2020~~ ~~Los pueblos indígenas de América~~
~~Latina - Abya Yala y la Agenda 2030 para el Desarrol o Sostenible: tensiones y desafíos desde una perspectiva territorial;~~
~~and the World Bank’s LAC Equity Lab with webpage last updated in July 2021~~ .
~~Notes:~~
~~a. ECLAC’s 2014 report covered 17 countries in Latin America with population figures “according to censuses~~
~~and estimates, around 2010.”~~
~~b. The World Bank’s 2015 report covered 16 countries in Latin America and the estimated population figures~~
~~vary by country from 2001 to 2012 with some projections for 2010.~~
~~c. The World Bank’s LAC Equity Lab webpage provided data on 14 countries in Latin America with the latest~~
~~population figures reported by each country varying from 2005-2018.~~
~~d. ECLAC and FILAC’s 2020 report covered 17 countries in Latin American with “the population of self-~~
Venezuela (2.7%) (2.8%) (2.7%) (2.7%) Congressional Research Service 4 link to page 9 link to page 9 link to page 9 link to page 9 link to page 9 link to page 10 Indigenous Peoples in Latin America: Statistical Information Indigenous Population (% of general population) ECLAC 2022: LAC Equity Lab Indigenous pop., ECLAC 2014: WB 2015: 2021: Indigenous 2021 estimates Indigenous pop. Indigenous pop., pop. based on based on 2005- Country around 2010a 2010 estimateb 2005-2020 datac 2020 datad 44,791,456 41,813,039 42,972,209 57,747,192 TOTALe (8.3%) (7.8%) (8.29%) (9.5%) Sources: Compiled by CRS using the U.N. Economic Commission on Latin American and the Caribbean’s (ECLAC) 2022 The sociodemographic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in Latin America and the Caribbean; World Bank’s LAC Equity Lab ( updated in August 2021); the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and World Bank’s (WB) 2015 Indigenous Latin America in the Twenty-First Century: The First Decade; and ECLAC’s 2014 Guaranteeing Indigenous people’s rights in Latin America: Progress in the past decade and remaining challenges. Notes: a. ECLAC’s 2014 report covered 17 countries in Latin America with population figures “according to censuses and estimates, around 2010.” b. The World Bank’s 2015 report covered 16 countries in Latin America and the estimated population figures vary by country from 2001 to 2012 with some projections for 2010. c. The World Bank's LAC Equity Lab webpage provided data “based on a variety of sources” from 14 countries in Latin America with population figures reported by each country varying from 2005-2020. The webpage was last updated in August 2021. d. ECLAC’s 2022 report covered 17 countries in Latin American with “the self-identified Indigenous ~~identified Indigenous~~ population according to the most recent censuspopulation according to the most recent census and 2021 estimates,” which data varying ~~,” which varies~~ by country fromby country from ~~2005 -~~
~~2018~~ 2005-2020. .
e. The e. The total population percentage is based on the total population calculated population percentage is based on the total population calculated inby each source. each source.
Figure 2 ~~il ustrates~~illustrates the range of estimates the range of estimates ~~regarding~~of the Indigenous population as a percentage of the Indigenous population as a percentage of
~~the general~~the total population in each country. Bolivia’s steep decrease in the Indigenous population population in each country. Bolivia’s steep decrease in the Indigenous population
reflects “reasons that probably have more to do with discrepancies in how the data were collected reflects “reasons that probably have more to do with discrepancies in how the data were collected
between the last two censuses than with a real trend to negative growth,” according to the World between the last two censuses than with a real trend to negative growth,” according to the World
Bank.9 More Bank.9 More ~~general y~~generally, differences in data collection between censuses and across countries make , differences in data collection between censuses and across countries make
it difficult to estimate population changes. it difficult to estimate population changes.
9 World Bank, 2015, p. 10. Congressional Research Service 5 link to page 27 Indigenous Peoples in Latin America: Statistical Information Figure 2. Indigenous Population in Latin America as Percentage of ~~General~~
~~Population~~ Total Population by Country Sources: Graphic created by CRS using the U.N. Economic Commission on Latin American and the Caribbean’s (ECLAC) 2022 The sociodemographic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in Latin America and the Caribbean; World Bank’s LAC Equity Lab with webpage last updated in August 2021; ~~by Country~~

Sources: Graphic created by CRS using the World Bank’s LAC Equity Lab with webpage last updated in July
2021, ECLAC and FILAC’s 2020 Los pueblos indígenas de América Latina - Abya Yala y la Agenda 2030 para el

~~9 World Bank, 2015, p. 10.~~
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~~Desarrol o Sostenible: tensiones y desafíos desde una perspectiva territorial;~~ the International Bank for Reconstruction the International Bank for Reconstruction
~~and Development~~ and Development and World Bank’s (WB) 2015 and World Bank’s (WB) 2015 Indigenous Latin America in the ~~twenty-first century: the first decade~~Twenty-First Century: The First Decade;
and ECLAC’sand ECLAC’s 2014 2014 Guaranteeing Indigenous people’s rights in Latin America: Progress in the past decade and remaining
~~chal enges.~~
~~Note:~~ challenges. Note: Data are not available for every country, from each source. The sources note that figures are The sources note that figures are largely based on national censuses.based on national censuses. For moreFor more details seedetails see Appendix A. Congressional Research Service 6 link to page 12 Indigenous Peoples in Latin America: Statistical Information A.
Indigenous Groups and Languages
Following the International Year of Indigenous Languages in 2019, the United Nations declared Following the International Year of Indigenous Languages in 2019, the United Nations declared
2022-2032 the International Decade of Indigenous Languages.10 Experts observed that 2022-2032 the International Decade of Indigenous Languages.10 Experts observed that ~~four~~4 in 10 in 10
Indigenous languages around the world are in danger of disappearing yet figures on Indigenous Indigenous languages around the world are in danger of disappearing yet figures on Indigenous
groups and languages vary among sources.11 groups and languages vary among sources.11
Data on Indigenous ethnic groups
“As for the number and distribution of ethnic groups, the issue “As for the number and distribution of ethnic groups, the issue is even moreis even more problematic and the regional problematic and the regional
censuses might not be the best source,censuses might not be the best source, because ethnic frontiersbecause ethnic frontiers rarely match national borders and no country rarely match national borders and no country
keeps track of cross-borderkeeps track of cross-border populations. Also,populations. Also, different ethnic groups sometimesdifferent ethnic groups sometimes receive…receive… names given to names given to
~~several~~ several unconnected peoples….unconnected peoples…. On the other hand, a singleOn the other hand, a single group or linguistic familygroup or linguistic family might receivemight receive different different
names in different countries...names in different countries....”
~~-- World~~ ” —World Bank’s Bank’s Indigenous Latin America in the ~~twenty-first century: the first decade~~Twenty-First Century: The First Decade12
Figure 3 shows the total number of Indigenous groups in Latin America as identified by three shows the total number of Indigenous groups in Latin America as identified by three
sources. A 2009 UNICEF report identified a total of 655 Indigenous groups in 20 countries in sources. A 2009 UNICEF report identified a total of 655 Indigenous groups in 20 countries in
Latin America.13 The 2014 ECLAC report cites 826 Indigenous groups in Latin America although Latin America.13 The 2014 ECLAC report cites 826 Indigenous groups in Latin America although
it does not provide a country breakdown.14 Of these 826, it does not provide a country breakdown.14 Of these 826, the report notes that about 200 Indigenous groups live in about 200 Indigenous groups live in
voluntary isolation, which is defined by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights as voluntary isolation, which is defined by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights as
groups that “do not maintain sustained contacts with the majority non-Indigenous population.”15 groups that “do not maintain sustained contacts with the majority non-Indigenous population.”15
The World Bank’s 2015 report identifies 774 Indigenous groups in 20 countries Latin America.16 The World Bank’s 2015 report identifies 774 Indigenous groups in 20 countries Latin America.16
The report adds “the total number of Indigenous peoples is not conclusive or fixed; rather, it The report adds “the total number of Indigenous peoples is not conclusive or fixed; rather, it
needs to be understood as a variable figure that is needs to be understood as a variable figure that is ~~continual y~~ continually changing as a result of new forms changing as a result of new forms
of indigenization, ethno-genesis, and legal recognition.”17 of indigenization, ethno-genesis, and legal recognition.”17

10 United Nations, “General Assembly10 United Nations, “General Assembly Adopts 60 Adopts 60 ~~T hird~~Third Committee Resolutions, Proclaims International Decade of Committee Resolutions, Proclaims International Decade of
IndigenousIndigenous Languages,Languages, Covering Broad Covering Broad ~~T hemes~~Themes of Social of Social Equality,” press release GA/12231, December 18, 2019, at Equality,” press release GA/12231, December 18, 2019, at
https://www.un.org/press/en/2019/ga12231.doc.htmhttps://www.un.org/press/en/2019/ga12231.doc.htm
. 11 United Nations News, 11 United Nations News, “ “Four in 10 IndigenousFour in 10 Indigenous ~~languages~~ languages at risk of disappearing, warnat risk of disappearing, warn UN human rights experts,” UN human rights experts,”
AugustAugust 7, 2019, at https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/08/10438717, 2019, at https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/08/1043871
. 12 IBRD12 IBRD and World Bank, 2015, p. 24. and World Bank, 2015, p. 24.
13 UNICEF and FUNPROEIB13 UNICEF and FUNPROEIB Andes, Andes, Atlas Sociolingüístico de Pueblos Indígenas en América Latina Vol. I, 2009, p. , 2009, p.
68, at https://www.unicef.org/honduras/tomo_1_atlas.pdf. Hereinafter, UNICEF, 2009. 68, at https://www.unicef.org/honduras/tomo_1_atlas.pdf. Hereinafter, UNICEF, 2009. ~~T his figures excludes~~ This figure excludes 10 10
IndigenousIndigenous groups from Antigua and Barbuda,groups from Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, French Guiana,Dominica, French Guiana, Saint Lucia and Saint Lucia and ~~T rinidad and T obago~~Trinidad and Tobago, which , which
are not otherwise includedare not otherwise included in the report. in the report.
14 ECLAC, 2014, pp. 38-39. 14 ECLAC, 2014, pp. 38-39.
15 Rapporteurship on the Rights of Indigenous15 Rapporteurship on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Peoples, Indigenous peoples in voluntary isolation and initial contact in
the ~~Am ericas: Recom m endations~~Americas: Recommendations for the full respect of their ~~hum an~~human rights, Inter-American Commission on Human , Inter-American Commission on Human
Rights, OEA/Ser.L/V/II.Rights, OEA/Ser.L/V/II. Doc.47/13, 2013, p. 4, at http://www.oas.org/en/iachr/Indigenous/docs/pdf/reportDoc.47/13, 2013, p. 4, at http://www.oas.org/en/iachr/Indigenous/docs/pdf/report -Indigenous--Indigenous-
peoples-voluntary-isolation.pdf. peoples-voluntary-isolation.pdf.
16 IBRD 16 IBRD and World Bank, 2015, p. 26. and World Bank, 2015, p. 26. ~~T his~~This figure excludes figure excludes six Indigenoussix Indigenous ~~groups~~ groups from French Guiana. from French Guiana.
17 Ibid., p. 24. 17 Ibid., p. 24.
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Indigenous Peoples in Latin America: Statistical Information

Figure 3. Number of Indigenous Groups in Latin America

Sources: Graphic created by CRS using UNICEF and FUNPROEIB Andes’ (UNICEF) 2009 Graphic created by CRS using UNICEF and FUNPROEIB Andes’ (UNICEF) 2009 Atlas Sociolingüístico
de Pueblos Indígenas en América Latina; the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development; the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and World and World
Bank’s (WB) 2015 Bank’s (WB) 2015 Indigenous Latin America in the ~~twenty-first century: the first decade~~Twenty-First Century: The First Decade; and ECLAC’s 2014 and ECLAC’s 2014
Guaranteeing Indigenous people’s rights in Latin America: Progress in the past decade and remaining ~~chal enges~~ challenges.
Note: These figures exclude French Guiana and Caribbean These figures exclude French Guiana and Caribbean ~~island~~Island nations. nations.
According to several sources, Indigenous languages number fewer than the number of Indigenous According to several sources, Indigenous languages number fewer than the number of Indigenous
groups across the region as some languages are spoken by more than one group and some groups groups across the region as some languages are spoken by more than one group and some groups
no longer speak an Indigenous language (seno longer speak an Indigenous language (see Figure 4). A 2009 UNICEF report found 551 ). A 2009 UNICEF report found 551
Indigenous languages spoken across 20 countries of Latin America while a 2015 World Bank Indigenous languages spoken across 20 countries of Latin America while a 2015 World Bank
report found 558report found 558, and a and a ~~2021~~2023 publication by the Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL publication by the Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL
International) reported International) reported ~~881~~891 Indigenous languages spoken across the same 20 Latin American Indigenous languages spoken across the same 20 Latin American
countries.18 Speakers of Nahuatl, K’iche,’ and Aymara number over one countries.18 Speakers of Nahuatl, K’iche,’ and Aymara number over one ~~mil ion~~million each and over each and over
~~five mil ion~~ five million people speak Quechua and Guarani.19 However, people speak Quechua and Guarani.19 However, a 2021 SIL International graphic shows that 13 Latin American countries 13 Latin American countries ~~have~~
categorize 50% or more of their Indigenous languages 50% or more of their Indigenous languages ~~categorized as~~ as endangered.20 endangered.20
Figure 4. Number of Living Indigenous Languages in Latin America

Sources: Graphic created by CRS using UNICEF and FUNPROEIB Andes’ (UNICEF) 2009 Graphic created by CRS using UNICEF and FUNPROEIB Andes’ (UNICEF) 2009 Atlas Sociolingüístico
de Pueblos Indígenas en América Latina; the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development; the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and World and World
Bank’s (WB) 2015 Bank’s (WB) 2015 Indigenous Latin America in the ~~twenty-first century: the first decade~~Twenty-First Century: The First Decade; and SIL International’s and SIL International’s ~~2021~~2023
Ethnologue: Languages of the World (Twenty-~~fourth~~sixth ed.).
Note: Numbers Numbers ~~indicate the number of living~~do not include extinct Indigenous languages. Not included are countries, primarily Indigenous languages. Not included are countries, primarily in the in the
Caribbean, whose only Indigenous languages are sign languages and CreoleCaribbean, whose only Indigenous languages are sign languages and Creole languages based on European and languages based on European and
African languages. African languages.

18 UNICEF, 2009, p. 81. 18 UNICEF, 2009, p. 81. ~~T his~~This figure includes figure includes six languagessix languages in French Guiana.in French Guiana. IBRD and World Bank, 2015, p. 26. IBRD and World Bank, 2015, p. 26. ~~T his~~
~~figure excludes~~ This figure excludes six languagessix languages from French Guiana. Garyfrom French Guiana. Gary F. Simons (F. Simons (~~edit or~~editor), ), Ethnologue: Languages of the World.
Twenty- edition, SIL, SIL International, 2021, at https://www.ethnologue.com/. International, 2021, at https://www.ethnologue.com/.
19 19 ~~David M. Eberhard, Gary F. Simons, and Charles D. Fennig (editors~~Gary F. Simons, (editor), ), Ethnologue: Languages of the World, twenty-
~~fourth~~sixth edition, SIL, SIL International, International, ~~2021~~2023, at https://www.ethnologue.com/. , at https://www.ethnologue.com/.
20 Ethnologue, “20 Ethnologue, “ How many languagesHow many languages are endangered?”are endangered?” ~~accessed July 7, 2021~~ accessed October 4, 2023, at , at
https://www.ethnologue.com/guides/how-many-languages-endangered. https://www.ethnologue.com/guides/how-many-languages-endangered.
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Table 2 shows a breakdown of Latin America’s Indigenous groups and languages by country shows a breakdown of Latin America’s Indigenous groups and languages by country
according to three sources; the sources each have different publication dates and methodologies. according to three sources; the sources each have different publication dates and methodologies.
The countries listed in each table may differ from others in this report based on the information The countries listed in each table may differ from others in this report based on the information
~~available~~ available in the sources. in the sources.
Table 2. Indigenous ~~Groups~~Peoples and Languages of Latin America by Country
UNICEF 2009

Indigenous Groups
WB 2015 Indigenous
SIL International ~~2021~~ 2023
Country
(~~languages~~languages)a
Groups (~~languages~~languages)b
(languages only)
30 30
30 30
--—
Argentina
(15) (15)
(15) (15)
( (1514) )
4 4
4 4
--—
Belize
(4) (4)
(4) (4)
(5) (5)
36 36
114 114
--—
Bolivia
(33) (33)
(33) (33)
(39) (39)
241 241
241 241
--—
Brazil
(186) (186)
(186) (186)
( (~~201~~202) )
9 9
9 9
--—
Chile
(6) (6)
(6) (6)
( (89) )
83 83
83 83
--—
Colombia
(65) (65)
(65) (65)
( (8183) )
8 8
8 8
--—
Costa Rica
(7) (7)
(7) (7)
( (68) )
12 12
32 32
--—
Ecuador
(12) (12)
(13) (13)
(21) (21)
3 3
3 3
--—
El Salvador
(1) (1)
(1) (1)
(2) (2)
24 24
24 24
--—
Guatemala
(24) (24)
(24) (24)
(25) (25)
9 9
9 9
--—
Guyana
(9) (9)
(9) (9)
(11) (11)
7 7
7 7
--—
Honduras
(6) (6)
(6) (6)
(8) (8)
67 67
67 67
--—
Mexico
(64) (64)
(67) (67)
( (~~282~~284) )
9 9
9 9
--—
Nicaragua
(6) (6)
(6) (6)
(9) (9)
8 8
7 7
--—
Panama
(8) (8)
(7) (7)
(8) (8)
20 20
20 20
--—
Paraguay
(20) (20)
(20) (20)
(19) (19)
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UNICEF 2009

Indigenous Groups
WB 2015 Indigenous
SIL International ~~2021~~ 2023
Country
(~~languages~~languages)a
Groups (~~languages~~languages)b
(languages only)
43 43
52 52
--—
Peru
(43) (43)
(47) (47)
(91) (91)
5 5
5 5
--—
Suriname
(5) (5)
(5) (5)
(12) (12)
0 0
0 0
--—
Uruguay
(0) (0)
(0) (0)
(1) (1)
37 37
50 50
--—
Venezuela
(37) (37)
(37) (37)
(37) (37)
TOTAL Groups 655
774
--
~~TOTAL~~— (Languages)
(551)
(558)
(~~881~~891)
Sources: ~~Graphic created~~Compiled by CRS using UNICEF and FUNPROEIB Andes’ (UNICEF) 2009 by CRS using UNICEF and FUNPROEIB Andes’ (UNICEF) 2009 Atlas Sociolingüístico
de Pueblos Indígenas en América Latina; the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development; the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and World and World
Bank’s (WB) 2015 Bank’s (WB) 2015 Indigenous Latin America in the ~~twenty-first century: the first decade~~Twenty-First Century: The First Decade; and SIL International’s and SIL International’s ~~2021~~2023
Ethnologue: Languages of the World (Twenty-~~fourth~~sixth ed.).
Notes: This report uses This report uses the term “peoples” rather than “tribe,” “nation,” “ethnic minority,”“peoples” rather than “tribe,” “nation,” “ethnic minority,” or “sociolinguisticor “sociolinguistic group.” group.”
a. Whilea. While ~~UNICEF and FUNPROEIB Andes’ 2009 Atlas~~ UNICEF 2009 report covered 25 countries in Latin America covered 25 countries in Latin America and the and the
Caribbean, Antigua and Caribbean, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica,Barbuda, Dominica, French Guiana, Saint Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago are not French Guiana, Saint Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago are not
~~otherwise included.~~
~~b. While~~ included in this report as the countries are not covered in other publications. b. While the World Bank’s 2015 report covered 16 countries in Latin America,the World Bank’s 2015 report covered 16 countries in Latin America, French Guiana is not included French Guiana is not included
in this report. in this report.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, almost 20,000 According to the U.S. Census Bureau, almost 20,000 ~~Indigenous language speakers~~speakers of Indigenous languages from Latin from Latin
America reside in the United States.21 America reside in the United States.21
Indigenous languages also relate to issues such as biodiversity. A 2020 study states that “most of Indigenous languages also relate to issues such as biodiversity. A 2020 study states that “most of
the places with the highest concentration of biological diversity coincide with spaces inhabited by the places with the highest concentration of biological diversity coincide with spaces inhabited by
Indigenous peoples whose members continue to speak the language of their ancestors” and Indigenous peoples whose members continue to speak the language of their ancestors” and
highlights Mexico and Brazil.22 highlights Mexico and Brazil.22 ~~A 2012 study explored “the co-occurrence of linguistic and~~
~~biological diversity in regions containing many of the Earth’s remaining species…Results~~
~~indicate that these regions often contain considerable linguistic diversity, accounting for 70% of~~
~~al languages on Earth.”23 The study specifical y notes Mesoamerica as a biodiverse hotspot with~~
~~more than 250 Indigenous languages. Additional~~ Regarding the Amazonian region in South America, a 2021 report describes how “the loss of linguistic diversity entails the disappearance of Indigenous knowledge systems concerning environment and social organization, and parallels biodiversity loss.”23 Additional resources about Indigenous groups and ~~resources about Indigenous groups and~~
languages can be found ilanguages can be found in Table A-1.

21 Languages21 Languages counted by the U.S. Censuscounted by the U.S. Census ~~Bureau~~ Bureau are categorized as Aztecan, Sonoran, Misumalpan, Mayan languages, are categorized as Aztecan, Sonoran, Misumalpan, Mayan languages,
~~T arascan~~Tarascan, Mapuche, Oto-Manguen, Quechua, Aymara, Arawakian, Chibchan, and , Mapuche, Oto-Manguen, Quechua, Aymara, Arawakian, Chibchan, and ~~T upi~~Tupi-guarani. See-guarani. See the U.S. Census the U.S. Census
Bureau,Bureau, 2009-2013 American Community Survey, “2009-2013 American Community Survey, “ Detailed Language Spoken at Home and Ability to Speak English Detailed Language Spoken at Home and Ability to Speak English
for the Population 5 Years and Over: 2009-2013,” October 2015, last revised for the Population 5 Years and Over: 2009-2013,” October 2015, last revised ~~October 6, 2020~~December 16, 2021 at at
https://www.census.gov/data/tables/2013/demo/2009https://www.census.gov/data/tables/2013/demo/2009 -2013-lang-tables.html. -2013-lang-tables.html.
22 Claudia 22 Claudia Gafner-Rojas, “Gafner-Rojas, “ Indigenous languagesIndigenous languages as as contributors to the preservation of biodiversity and their presence in contributors to the preservation of biodiversity and their presence in
international environmental law,” international environmental law,” Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy, (June, (June 12, 2020). 12, 2020).
23 23 ~~L. J. Gorenflo, Suzanne Romaine, Russell A. Mittermeier, Kristen Walker-Painemilla, “ Co-occurring linguistic and~~
~~biological diversity,” proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Vol. 109, no. 2 (May 2012), pp. 8032 -8037~~H. van der Voort, C. Rodríguez Alzza, T.D. Swanson, and M. Crevels, “Chapter 12 Languages of the Amazon: Dimensions of Diversity,” United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, Amazon Assessment Report 2021, 2021, p. 3. .
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Socioeconomic Data
According to various sources, rates of poverty among Indigenous peoples in Latin America are greater than those of the non-Indigenous people in the region. In a 2020 publication, the International Labor Organization (ILO) found that 45.5% of Indigenous In a 2020 publication, the International Labor Organization (ILO) found that 45.5% of Indigenous
people in Latin America are poor (living on less than $5.50 a day in 2011 purchasing power parity people in Latin America are poor (living on less than $5.50 a day in 2011 purchasing power parity
prices or PPP), and 7.1% are extremely poor (living on less than $1.90 a day in 2011 PPP prices), prices or PPP), and 7.1% are extremely poor (living on less than $1.90 a day in 2011 PPP prices),
more than twice the rates for non-Indigenous peoplemore than twice the rates for non-Indigenous people in the region.24 ~~.24~~
Using the World Bank’s LAC Equity Lab, Using the World Bank’s LAC Equity Lab, Figure 5 ~~compares~~illustrates the rates of Indigenous peoples living rates of Indigenous peoples living
on less than $on less than $~~5.50 a day~~6.85 a day in 2017 PPP compared to the general population in select countries of Central and South to the general population in select countries of Central and South
America. America.
Figure 5. Rates of Indigenous People Living on Less than $~~5.50~~6.85 a Day in 2017 PPP in Select Latin
American Countries

Source: Graphic created by CRS using data from the WorldGraphic created by CRS using data from the World Bank’sBank’s LAC Equity Lab web page “EthnicityLAC Equity Lab web page “Ethnicity –
—Poverty.” Poverty.”
Note: The World The World Bank notes that ethnic identity is based on self-reported data. The numbers presented are Bank notes that ethnic identity is based on self-reported data. The numbers presented are
based on a regional data harmonization effort comprisedbased on a regional data harmonization effort comprised of the Worldof the World Bank and the Bank and the Universidad Nacional de La Plata’s Center for Distributive, Center for Distributive,
Labor and Social Studies, which may differ fromLabor and Social Studies, which may differ from official statistics. Monetary values are reportedofficial statistics. Monetary values are reported in USD in USD ~~2011~~
2017 purchasing power parity (PPP) terms.purchasing power parity (PPP) terms. ~~Last~~ The webpage was last updated May updated May ~~2021~~2023. .
Access to Services
A 2020 ILO report describes that “an important transformation is underway whereby many A 2020 ILO report describes that “an important transformation is underway whereby many
Indigenous peoples have migrated from their traditional territories to urban areas” due to factors Indigenous peoples have migrated from their traditional territories to urban areas” due to factors
such as “changing aspirations, employment opportunities in agriculture becoming scarce, poor such as “changing aspirations, employment opportunities in agriculture becoming scarce, poor
income generation opportunities, a lack of adequate infrastructure, as income generation opportunities, a lack of adequate infrastructure, as ~~wel as an increasing~~
~~resource scarcity related to climate change.”25 The ILO report finds that 52.2% of Latin~~
~~America’s Indigenous peoples are urban dwel ers.26~~

well as an increasing 24 International Labor Organization, 24 International Labor Organization, Implementing the ILO Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention No. 169
Towards an Inclusive, Sustainable and Just Future, February 3, 2020, at https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/, February 3, 2020, at https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/~~---~~
~~dgreports/---dcomm/---~~—dgreports/—dcomm/—publ/documents//wcms_735607.pdf, p.96. Hereinafter, ILO, 2020publ/documents//wcms_735607.pdf, p.96. Hereinafter, ILO, 2020.
~~25 ILO, 2020, p. 74.~~
~~26 Ibid., p. 57~~. .
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Indigenous Peoples in Latin America: Statistical Information

resource scarcity related to climate change.”25 The ILO report finds that 52.2% of Latin America’s Indigenous peoples are urban dwellers.26 The World Bank provides statistics on Indigenous peoples’ access to various services in select The World Bank provides statistics on Indigenous peoples’ access to various services in select
countries of Central and South America, last updated incountries of Central and South America, last updated in ~~July~~ August 2021. The following graphs compare 2021. The following graphs compare
Indigenous rates of access to the general population by countrIndigenous rates of access to the general population by country (Figure 6, , ~~electricit~~yelectricity; Figure 7, ,
internet;internet; Figure 8, ~~home ownershi~~p; home ownership; Figure 9, , ~~sewage; a~~ndsewage; and Figure 10, water)., water).
Figure 6. Electricity Access Rates in Select Latin American Countries

Source: Graphic created by CRS using data from the WorldGraphic created by CRS using data from the World Bank’s LAC Equity Lab web page Bank’s LAC Equity Lab web page ~~"Ethnicity -~~
“Ethnicity—AccessAccess to Services.to Services."
” Note: The World The World Bank notes that ethnic identity is based on self-reported data. The numbers presented are Bank notes that ethnic identity is based on self-reported data. The numbers presented are
based on a variety of sources,based on a variety of sources, which may differ from official statistics reported by governments and national which may differ from official statistics reported by governments and national
statistical offices. statistical offices. ~~Last updated July~~The webpage was last updated in August 2021. 2021.
Figure 7. Internet Access Rates in Select Latin American Countries

Source: Graphic created by CRS using data from the WorldGraphic created by CRS using data from the World Bank’s LAC Equity Lab web page Bank’s LAC Equity Lab web page ~~"Ethnicity -~~
“Ethnicity—AccessAccess to Services.to Services."”
Note: The World The World Bank notes that ethnic identity is based on self-reported data. The numbers presented are Bank notes that ethnic identity is based on self-reported data. The numbers presented are
based on a variety of sources,based on a variety of sources, which may differ from official statistics reported by governments and national which may differ from official statistics reported by governments and national
statistical offices. statistical offices. ~~Last updated July 2021~~The webpage was last updated in August 2021. 25 ILO, 2020, p. 74. 26 Ibid., p. 57. .
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Figure 8. Ownership of Dwelling Rates in Select Latin American Countries

Source: Graphic created by CRS using data from the WorldGraphic created by CRS using data from the World Bank’s LAC Equity Lab web page Bank’s LAC Equity Lab web page ~~"Ethnicity -~~
“Ethnicity—AccessAccess to Services.to Services."”
Note: The World The World Bank notes that ethnic identity is based on self-reported data. The numbers presented are Bank notes that ethnic identity is based on self-reported data. The numbers presented are
based on a variety of sources,based on a variety of sources, which may differ from official statistics reported by governments and national which may differ from official statistics reported by governments and national
statistical offices. statistical offices. ~~Last updated July~~The webpage was last updated in August 2021. 2021.
Figure 9. Sewage Access Rates in Select Latin American Countries

Source: Graphic created by CRS using data from the WorldGraphic created by CRS using data from the World Bank’s LAC Equity Lab web page Bank’s LAC Equity Lab web page ~~"Ethnicity -~~
“Ethnicity—AccessAccess to Services.to Services."”
Note: The World The World Bank notes that ethnic identity is based on self-reported data. The numbers presented are Bank notes that ethnic identity is based on self-reported data. The numbers presented are
based on a variety of sources,based on a variety of sources, which may differ from official statistics reported by governments and national which may differ from official statistics reported by governments and national
statistical offices. statistical offices. ~~Last updated July~~The webpage was last updated in August 2021. 2021.
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Indigenous Peoples in Latin America: Statistical Information

Figure 10. Water Access Rates in Select Latin American Countries

Source: Graphic created by CRS using data from the WorldGraphic created by CRS using data from the World Bank’s LAC Equity Lab web page Bank’s LAC Equity Lab web page ~~"Ethnicity -~~
“Ethnicity—AccessAccess to Services.to Services."”
Note: The World The World Bank notes that ethnic identity is based on self-reported data. The numbers presented here Bank notes that ethnic identity is based on self-reported data. The numbers presented here
are based on a variety of sources, which may differ from official statistics reported by governments and national are based on a variety of sources, which may differ from official statistics reported by governments and national
statistical offices. statistical offices. ~~Last updated July~~The webpage was last updated in August 2021. 2021.
Access to Education and Work
A 2020 ILO report found that Latin America and the Caribbean has the largest wage gap between A 2020 ILO report found that Latin America and the Caribbean has the largest wage gap between
Indigenous earnings and non-Indigenous earnings at 31.2%.27 Similarly, the region has the largest Indigenous earnings and non-Indigenous earnings at 31.2%.27 Similarly, the region has the largest
informal labor gap of any region in the world, a sector that employs 82.6% of Indigenous peoples informal labor gap of any region in the world, a sector that employs 82.6% of Indigenous peoples
and 51.1% of non-Indigenous peoplesand 51.1% of non-Indigenous peoples in Latin America.28 Among the employed Indigenous .28 Among the employed Indigenous ~~population~~population of the region, 31.7% , 31.7%
have no education, 39.3% have a basic education, 18.7% have an intermediate education, and have no education, 39.3% have a basic education, 18.7% have an intermediate education, and
10.3% have an advanced education.29 10.3% have an advanced education.29
The World Bank provides labor and education statistics for Indigenous peoples The World Bank provides labor and education statistics for Indigenous peoples and Afro-descendants in select countries in select countries
of Central and South America, last updated in of Central and South America, last updated in ~~July~~August 2021. The statistics are presented in combination for both groups together and cannot be separated. The ~~2021. The~~ following graphs compare following graphs compare
Indigenous Indigenous and Afro-descendant rates with rates with the general population by general population by ~~countr~~y country (Figure 11, , ~~literac~~y;literacy; Figure 12, , ~~school~~
~~attendance~~;school attendance; Figure 13, , ~~unemployment; a~~ndunemployment; and Figure 14, low-, low-~~skil~~ skill and high-and high-~~skil~~ skill employment). ~~employment).~~

27 Ibid., p.18. 27 Ibid., p.18.
28 Ibid., p.16. 28 Ibid., p.16.
29 Ibid., p. 81. 29 Ibid., p. 81.
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Figure 11. Literacy Rates ages 18-65 in Select Latin American Countries (2021)

Source: Graphic created by CRS using data from the WorldGraphic created by CRS using data from the World Bank’s LAC Equity Lab web page Bank’s LAC Equity Lab web page ~~"Ethnicity -~~ “Ethnicity—Socio-Socio-
demographics.demographics."
~~Note~~” Notes: The World The World Bank notes that ethnic identity is based on self-reported data. The numbers presented here Bank notes that ethnic identity is based on self-reported data. The numbers presented here
are based on a variety of sources, which may differ from official statistics reported by governments and national are based on a variety of sources, which may differ from official statistics reported by governments and national
statistical offices. statistical offices. ~~Last updated July~~The webpage was last updated in August 2021. 2021.
Figure 12. School Attendance Rates ages 6-25 in Select Latin American Countries
(2021)

Source: Graphic created by CRS using data from the WorldGraphic created by CRS using data from the World Bank’s LAC Equity Lab web page Bank’s LAC Equity Lab web page ~~"Ethnicity -~~ “Ethnicity—Socio-Socio-
demographics.demographics."
~~Note~~” Notes: The World The World Bank notes that ethnic identity is based on self-reported data. The numbers presented here Bank notes that ethnic identity is based on self-reported data. The numbers presented here
are based on a variety of sources, which may differ from official statistics reported by governments and national are based on a variety of sources, which may differ from official statistics reported by governments and national
statistical offices. statistical offices. ~~Last updated July~~The webpage was last updated in August 2021. 2021.
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Figure 13. Unemployment Rates ages 18-65 in Select Latin American Countries
(2021)

Source: Graphic created by CRS using data from the WorldGraphic created by CRS using data from the World Bank’s LAC Equity Lab web page Bank’s LAC Equity Lab web page ~~"Ethnicity -~~ “Ethnicity—Socio-Socio-
demographics.demographics."
~~Note~~” Notes: The World The World Bank notes that ethnic identity is based on self-reported data. The numbers presented here Bank notes that ethnic identity is based on self-reported data. The numbers presented here
are based on a variety of sources, which may differ from official statistics reported by governments and national are based on a variety of sources, which may differ from official statistics reported by governments and national
statistical offices. statistical offices. ~~Last updated July~~The webpage was last updated in August 2021. 2021.
Figure 14. High-Skill &and Low-Skill Occupation Rates ages 18-65 in Select Latin
American Countries (2021)

Source: Graphic created by CRS using data from the WorldGraphic created by CRS using data from the World Bank’s LAC Equity Lab web page Bank’s LAC Equity Lab web page ~~"Ethnicity -~~ “Ethnicity—Socio-Socio-
demographics.demographics."
~~Note~~” Notes: The World The World Bank notes that ethnic identity is based on self-reported data. The numbers presented here Bank notes that ethnic identity is based on self-reported data. The numbers presented here
are based on a variety of sources, which may differ from official statistics reported by governments and national are based on a variety of sources, which may differ from official statistics reported by governments and national
statistical offices. statistical offices. ~~Last updated July~~The webpage was last updated in August 2021. 2021.
The socioeconomic The socioeconomic ~~chal enges~~challenges faced by Indigenous peoples also impact their health. In light of faced by Indigenous peoples also impact their health. In light of
the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, ~~the United Nations highlights that~~a joint 2021 report from the U.N. and the
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~~“Indigenous peoples face limited access to quality and cultural y accessible health services, which~~
~~already affect their health outcomes, such as high maternal mortality rates and lower life~~
~~expectancy.”30 A joint report from the United Nations and the Pan-American Health Organization~~
~~also~~ Pan-American Health Organization highlights that the “deficiencies in access to services and in living conditions, which prevent highlights that the “deficiencies in access to services and in living conditions, which prevent
an optimal response to the pandemic, intersect with and reinforce the various axes of the social an optimal response to the pandemic, intersect with and reinforce the various axes of the social
inequality matrix, placing at a particular disadvantage the inequality matrix, placing at a particular disadvantage the Indigenous population.”30A 2022 U.N. report noted that the Ministries of Health of Mexico, Brazil, Colombia and Peru “periodically issues bulletins on the impact of the pandemic on indigenous…. [these] show a concentration of the risk of dying from this cause among them, with the highest case fatality rates among indigenous men, followed by indigenous women.”31 However, the same report underscores that “although 13 countries have included a variable on belonging to indigenous peoples in COVID-19 records…most of them do not make this information available to the public through open data.”32 In Appendix A,~~Indigenous population.”31 A May 2021~~
~~publication lists statistics from six Latin American countries that reported 137,315 Indigenous~~
~~people infected with COVID-19 and 5,482 deaths caused by COVID-19.32~~
~~In the appendix,~~ Table A-2 lists resources relating to the socioeconomic standing of Indigenous lists resources relating to the socioeconomic standing of Indigenous
peoples in Latin America. peoples in Latin America.
Land and Natural Resources
As with other indicators, estimates on land owned by Indigenous peoples or groups varies widely. A 2017 World Resources Institute article stated “the precise amount of communal land is not A 2017 World Resources Institute article stated “the precise amount of communal land is not
known, but many experts argue that at least half of the world’s land is held by Indigenous Peoples known, but many experts argue that at least half of the world’s land is held by Indigenous Peoples
and other communities. Some estimates are as high as 65 percent or more of the global land and other communities. Some estimates are as high as 65 percent or more of the global land
area.”33 A area.”33 A ~~2015~~2023 report by the Rights and Resources Initiative report by the Rights and Resources Initiative ~~found that legal y recognized land~~
~~rights are far less:~~(RRI) found that, at the global level, at the global level, 1818.6% of land is owned by or designated for Indigenous % of land is owned by or designated for Indigenous
peoples and local communitiespeoples and local communities, while in Latin America it is while in Latin America it is ~~over 23~~20.7% of the land, an increase of 0.9% globally and 1.1% regionally since RRI’s 2015 findings.34 A 2023 Ford Foundation report describes how “Latin America has historically been at the forefront of global efforts to recognize the land and forest rights of Indigenous Peoples, Afro-descendant Peoples, and local communities. Despite significant progress, [these groups] are increasingly under threat due to regressive changes in governance, encroachment from government and private actors, and political violence against environmental and human rights defenders. ~~% of the land.34~~
~~An evaluation of nine Latin American countries by the Rights and Resources Initiative found that~~
~~the forest area owned by Indigenous peoples and local communities increased between 2002 (171~~
~~mil ion hectares or 21% of the total forested area) and 2017 (236 mil ion hectares or 29.9%~~
~~percent of the total forested area)~~.35 In 2021, several countries, including the United States, .35 In 2021, several countries, including the United States,
together with numerous foundations, together with numerous foundations, ~~have~~ committed to providing $1.7 committed to providing $1.7 ~~bil ion~~billion to help Indigenous to help Indigenous
~~peoples secure tenure rights over the land in recognition of “the critical guardianship provided~~
~~by...protecting tropical forests and preserving vital ecosystem services, and the global~~
~~contribution they make to climate change mitigation, biodiversity preservation, and inclusive and~~
~~sustainable development.”36~~
~~The United Nations’ Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean’s (ECLAC)~~
~~2014 report states that “over the past decade, booming international demand for primary goods~~
~~(minerals, hydrocarbons, soybeans and other agricultural commodities) has boosted economic~~

~~30 UN Inter-Agency Support Group on Indigenous Issues, “Indigenous Peoples and COVID-19 A Guidance Note for~~
~~the UN System prepared by the UN Inter- Agency Support Group on Indigenous Issues,” April 23, 2020, at~~
~~https://www.un.org/development/desa/Indigenouspeoples/wp -content/uploads/sites/19/2020/04/Indigenous-peoples-~~
~~and-COVID_IASG_23.04.2020-EN.pdf~~
31peoples secure land tenure rights although, a year later the same funding group reported that “only 7% of total funding went directly to organisations led by [Indigenous peoples] or [local communities].36 30 United Nations’ Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean United Nations’ Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean and the Pan American Health and the Pan American Health
Organization, Organization, Social ~~Panoram a~~Panorama of Latin ~~Am erica~~America 2020 , 2021, p. 18. , 2021, p. 18.
~~32 Fund for the Development of the Indigenous Peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean and, the Indigenous Forum~~
~~Abya Yala, Pueblos Indígenas y vacunación contra COVID-19: cuarto inform e regional, May 2021, at~~
~~https://www.filac.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/informe-acceso-a-vacunasTP.pdf.~~
31 United Nations Economic Commission on Latin American and the Caribbean, The sociodemographic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in Latin America and the Caribbean, 2022, p. 85. 32 Ibid., p. 84. 33 Peter Veit and Katie Reytar, “By the Numbers: Indigenous33 Peter Veit and Katie Reytar, “By the Numbers: Indigenous and Community Land Rights,” World Resourcesand Community Land Rights,” World Resources Institute, Institute,
March 20, 2017, at https://www.wri.org/blog/2017/03/numbers-Indigenous-and-community-land-rights. March 20, 2017, at https://www.wri.org/blog/2017/03/numbers-Indigenous-and-community-land-rights.
34 See 34 Rights and ResourcesRights and Resources ~~Initiative,~~ ~~Who Owns the World’s~~ Initiative, Who Owns the World’s Land? Global State of Indigenous, Afro-Descendant, and Local Community Land Rights Recognition from 2015–2020, 2nd ed., June 2023. See also Rights and Resources Initiative, Who Owns the World’s Land? A global baseline of formally recognized indigenous
~~and com m unity~~and community land rights, September 2015. 35Ford Foundation, Forest Tenure Funders Group, Indufor, Forging Resilient Pathways: Scaling up Funding in Support of Indigenous Peoples’ and Local Communities’ Tenure and Forest Guardianship in the Global South, September 2023. 36 See United Nations Climate Change ~~rights, September 2015.~~
~~35 Rights and Resources Initiative,~~ ~~At a Crossroads: Consequential Trends in Recognition of Community-Based Forest~~
~~Tenure from 2002-2017, September 2018.~~
~~36 United Nations Climate Change~~ Conference, United Kingdom 2021, “COP26 IPLC Forest Conference, United Kingdom 2021, “COP26 IPLC Forest ~~T enure~~Tenure Joint Donor Joint Donor
Statement,” November 2, 2021, at https://ukcop26.org/cop26-iplc-forest-tenure-joint-donor-statement/. Statement,” November 2, 2021, at https://ukcop26.org/cop26-iplc-forest-tenure-joint-donor-statement/.
See also Forest (continued...) Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

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The U. N. Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean’s (ECLAC) 2014 report states that “over the past decade, booming international demand for primary goods (minerals, hydrocarbons, soybeans and other agricultural commodities) has boosted economic growth in the countries of Latin America but has had its cost in the form of a growing number of growth in the countries of Latin America but has had its cost in the form of a growing number of
environmental, social and ethnic conflicts involving extractive industries located in or near environmental, social and ethnic conflicts involving extractive industries located in or near
Indigenous territories.”37 Indigenous territories.”37
In its 2015 report, the In its 2015 report, the ~~IACHR wrote that “through the implementation of its monitoring~~
~~mechanisms, the Commission has~~ Inter-American Commission of Human Rights wrote that it “has consistently received information evidencing the human, consistently received information evidencing the human,
social, health, cultural and environmental impacts of [extraction, exploitation, and development social, health, cultural and environmental impacts of [extraction, exploitation, and development
activities concerning natural activities concerning natural resources] on Indigenous peoples and Afro-descendent communities.”38 For example, a 2020 report from the World Resources Institute found that “industrial mining concessions and illegal small-scale mining occur on more than 20 percent of Indigenous lands in the Amazon.”39 A 2023 study of 1,044 global environmental conflicts involving Indigenous communities showed that 78% of these conflicts were caused in by mining, fossil fuels, dam projects, and the agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and livestock sector with impacts including landscape loss (56% of cases), livelihood loss (52%), and land dispossession (50%); Latin American Indigenous communities make up 6 of the top 10 communities most frequently involved in conflicts (Quechua, Mapuche, Aymara, Nahua, Kichwa, and Guaraní).40~~resources] on Indigenous peoples and Afrodescendent communities.~~
~~Many extractive and development activities in the hemisphere are implemented in lands and~~
~~territories historical y occupied by Indigenous and Afro-descendent communities, which often~~
~~coincide with areas hosting a great wealth of natural resources.”38 For example, a 2020 report~~
~~found that “industrial mining concessions and il egal smal -scale mining occur on more than 20~~
~~percent of Indigenous lands in the Amazon.”39~~
Climate Change
Indigenous peoples are particularly affected by climate change; they are also adapting to it and Indigenous peoples are particularly affected by climate change; they are also adapting to it and
participating in high-level policy discussions regarding climate change responses. According to participating in high-level policy discussions regarding climate change responses. According to
the International Indigenous Peoples Forum on Climate Change (IIPFCC)the International Indigenous Peoples Forum on Climate Change (IIPFCC), ~~established in 2008 as~~
the caucus for Indigenous participants in the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Changethe caucus for Indigenous participants in the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change
~~processes~~, Indigenous peoples “are , Indigenous peoples “are ~~especial y~~especially vulnerable to, and disproportionately impacted by, vulnerable to, and disproportionately impacted by,
~~climate change” and “play a critical role in climate change mitigation and adaptation through~~
~~their historic and effective role as stewards of much of the world's remaining forests.”40~~climate change.”41 The impact of climate change on Indigenous peoples is no surprise when considering that that 80% of the world’s biodiversity can be found within Indigenous territories.42 Global organizations are also consulting Indigenous peoples about managing the climate change impact on biodiversity. In the In the
2015 U.N. Paris Agreement, Article2015 U.N. Paris Agreement, Article ~~7 establishes~~ 7 established the “global goal on adaptation of enhancing the “global goal on adaptation of enhancing
adaptive capacity, strengthening resilience and reducing vulnerability to climate change,” which adaptive capacity, strengthening resilience and reducing vulnerability to climate change,” which
“should be based on and guided by the best available“should be based on and guided by the best available science and, as appropriate, traditional science and, as appropriate, traditional
knowledge, knowledge of Indigenous peoples and local knowledge knowledge, knowledge of Indigenous peoples and local knowledge systems.”43~~systems.”41~~
~~Global organizations are also consulting Indigenous peoples about managing the climate change~~
~~impact on biodiversity.~~ The Convention on Biological The Convention on Biological Diversity published Diversity published ~~the first~~a draft of the draft of the
Post-2020 Biodiversity Framework in Post-2020 Biodiversity Framework in ~~July 2021, which includes the target to “ensure that~~
~~relevant knowledge, including the traditional knowledge, innovations and practices of~~December 2022, which states that it “acknowledges the important Tenure Funders Group, Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities Forest Tenure Pledge, annual report 2021-2022, November 2022. 37 ECLAC, 2014, p. 50. 38 Inter-American Commission of Human Rights, Indigenous peoples, Afro-descendent communities, and natural resources: Human rights protection in the context of extraction, exploitation, and development activities, OEA/Ser.L/V/II, Doc. 47/15, December 31, 2015, p. 9. 39 World Resources Institute, Undermining Rights: Indigenous Lands and Mining in the Amazon, October 2020. 40 Arnim Scheidel et al., “Global impacts of extractive and industrial development projects on Indigenous Peoples’ lifeways, lands, and rights,” Science Advances, vol. 9, no. 23 (June 7, 2023). 41 International Indigenous Peoples’ Forum on Climate Change, “About the International Indigenous Peoples’ Forum on Climate Change,” accessed on October 18, 2023, at https://iipfcc.squarespace.com/who-are-we-1. 42 Linda Etchart, “The role of Indigenous peoples in combating climate change,” Palgrave Communications, 3, article no. 17085, (August 22, 2017). 43 United Nations, “Paris Agreement,” 2015, at https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/english_paris_agreement.pdf. Congressional Research Service 18 link to page 29 link to page 24 Indigenous Peoples in Latin America: Statistical Information roles and contributions of indigenous peoples and local communities as custodians of biodiversity and partners in the conservation, restoration and sustainable use. Its implementation must ensure their traditional rights…including through their full and effective participation in decision-making.”44 A key message from the 2019 Global Assessment of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services is that the “Indigenous and local knowledge systems are locally based, but regionally manifested and thus globally relevant.”45 As for climate change solutions, a 2023 U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report states that “cooperation, and inclusive decision making, with local communities and Indigenous Peoples, as well as recognition of inherent rights of Indigenous Peoples, is integral to successful adaptation across forests and other ecosystems (high confidence).”46 Table A-3 lists resources about Indigenous peoples’ lands, natural resources, and climate change in Latin America. The titles may focus exclusively or in part on Indigenous peoples. Human Rights and Multilateral Instruments Various international human rights mechanisms are designed to protect the rights of Indigenous peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean. Table ~~Indigenous~~
~~peoples and local communities with their free, prior, and informed consent, guides decision-~~
~~making for the effective management of biodiversity.”42 Such targets are general y seen as critical~~
~~given that 80% of the world’s biodiversity can be found within Indigenous territories.43 Some of~~
~~the key messages from the 2019 Global Assessment of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services~~
~~include “nature is general y declining less rapidly in Indigenous peoples’ land than in other lands,~~

~~37 ECLAC, 2014, p. 50.~~
~~38 Inter-American Commission of Human Rights,~~ ~~Indigenous Peoples, Communities of African Descent, Extractive~~
~~Industries, OEA/Ser.L/V/II, Doc. 47/15, December 31, 2015, at~~
~~http://www.oas.org/en/iachr/reports/pdfs/ExtractiveIndustries2016.pdf , p. 9.~~
~~39 World Resources Institute, Undermining Rights: Indigenous Lands and Mining in the Amazon, October 2020, at~~
~~https://files.wri.org/d8/s3fs-public/Report_Indigenous_Lands_and_Mining_in_the_Amazon_web_1.pdf .~~
~~40 International Indigenous Peoples' Forum on Climate Change, "About the International Indigenous Peoples' Forum on~~
~~Climate Change," accessed on July 26, 2021, at https://iipfcc.squarespace.com/who-are-we-1.~~
~~41 United Nations, “Paris Agreement,” 2015, at https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/english_paris_agreement.pdf.~~
~~42 Convention on Biological Diversity, “First Draft of the Post-2020 Biodiversity Framework,” July 5, 2021, at~~
~~https://www.cbd.int/doc/c/abb5/591f/2e46096d3f0330b08ce87a45/wg2020 -03-03-en.pdf.~~
~~43 Linda Etchart, “ The role of Indigenous peoples in combating climate change,” Palgrave Communications, 3, article~~
~~no. 17085, (August 22, 2017).~~
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~~but is nevertheless declining, as is the knowledge of how to manage it.”44 The same is said of the~~
~~decline in biodiversity.45 The report stresses that the “Indigenous and local knowledge systems are~~
~~local y based, but regional y manifested and thus global y relevant.”46~~
Table A-3 lists resources about Indigenous peoples’ lands, natural resources, and climate change
~~in Latin America. While the titles may not exclusively focus on Indigenous peoples, the~~
~~industries’ impact on Indigenous people is a part of the analysis of each resource.~~
~~Human Rights and Multilateral Instruments~~
~~Various international human rights mechanisms are designed to protect the rights of Indigenous~~
~~peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean. Table 3 identifies those countries that have ratified~~
or identifies those countries that have ratified or voted in favor of the following three multilateralvoted in favor of the following three multilateral instruments on Indigenous peoples’ rights:instruments on Indigenous peoples’ rights:
International Labor Organization’s Indigenous and Tribal Peoples
Convention, 1989 (No. 169).47 The convention includes sections on land; The convention includes sections on land;
recruitment and conditions of employment; vocational training, handicrafts and recruitment and conditions of employment; vocational training, handicrafts and
rural industries; and social security and health; education and means of rural industries; and social security and health; education and means of
communication. communication.
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
(UNDRIP).48 The 2007 declaration covers such topics as self-determination or The 2007 declaration covers such topics as self-determination or
autonomy; land and environment; employment; religion; language and media; autonomy; land and environment; employment; religion; language and media;
education; discrimination and violence; and health. education; discrimination and violence; and health.
American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (ADRIP).49 The The
2016 declaration approved by the Organization of American States includes 2016 declaration approved by the Organization of American States includes
sections on human and collective rights; cultural identity; organizational and sections on human and collective rights; cultural identity; organizational and
political rights; and social, economic political rights; and social, economic and property rights. 44 Convention on Biological Diversity, “Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, Draft recommendation submitted by the Co-Chairs,” CBD/WG2020/5/L.2, December 5, 2022, https://www.cbd.int/doc/c/409e/19ae/369752b245f05e88f760aeb3/wg2020-05-l-02-en.pdf 45 IPBES, 2019, p. 32. 46 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Climate Change 2023: Synthesis Report. Contribution of Working Groups I, II and III to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2023. 47 International Labor Organization, “Indigenous and Tribal~~and property rights.~~
~~Table 3. Latin America and Multilateral Instruments on Indigenous Peoples’ Rights~~
~~Voted in favor of~~
~~Voted in favor of~~
~~Country~~
~~Ratified ILO No. 169a~~
~~adopting UNDRIP~~
~~adopting ADRIP~~
~~Argentina~~
X
X
X
~~Belize~~
--
X
X
~~Bolivia~~
X
X
X
~~Brazil~~
X
X
X
~~Chile~~
X
X
X

~~44 IPBES, 2019, p. 14.~~
~~45 IPBES, 2019, p. 31.~~
~~46 IPBES, 2019, p. 32.~~
~~47 International Labor Organization, “Indigenous and T ribal~~ Peoples Convention, 1989 (No. 169),” 1989, at Peoples Convention, 1989 (No. 169),” 1989, at
https://www.ilo.org/dyn/normlex/en/f?p=NORMLEXPUB:12100:0::NO::P12100_ILO_CODE:C169https://www.ilo.org/dyn/normlex/en/f?p=NORMLEXPUB:12100:0::NO::P12100_ILO_CODE:C169 . .
48 United Nations, “United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples,” September 13, 2007, at 48 United Nations, “United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples,” September 13, 2007, at
https://www.un.org/development/desa/Indigenouspeoples/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2018/11/UNDRIP_E_web.pdfhttps://www.un.org/development/desa/Indigenouspeoples/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2018/11/UNDRIP_E_web.pdf . .
49 Organization of American States, “American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples,” June 15, 2016, at 49 Organization of American States, “American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples,” June 15, 2016, at
https://www.oas.org/en/sare/documents/DecAmIND.pdf. For more information on the Organization of American https://www.oas.org/en/sare/documents/DecAmIND.pdf. For more information on the Organization of American
States, seeStates, see ~~CRS~~ CRS Report R42639, Report R42639, Organization of ~~Am erican~~American States: Background and Issues for Congress, by Peter J. , by Peter J.
Meyer. Meyer.
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Table 3. Latin America and Multilateral Instruments on Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Voted in favor of
Voted in favor of
Country
Ratified ILO No. 169a
adopting UNDRIP
adopting ADRIP Argentina X X X Belize — X X Bolivia X X X Brazil X X X Chile X X X ~~ADRIP~~
Colombia Colombia
X X
Xb
Xc
Costa Rica Costa Rica
X X
X X
X X
Ecuador Ecuador
X X
X X
X X
El Salvador El Salvador
--—
X X
X X
Guatemala Guatemala
X X
X X
X X
Guyana Guyana
--—
X X
X X
Honduras Honduras
X X
X X
X X
Jamaica Jamaica
--—
X X
X X
Mexico Mexico
X X
X X
X X
Nicaragua Nicaragua
X X
X X
X X
Panama Panama
--—
X X
X X
Paraguay Paraguay
X X
X X
X X
Peru Peru
X X
X X
X X
Suriname Suriname
--—
X X
X X
Uruguay Uruguay
--—
X X
X X
Venezuela Venezuela
X X
X X
X X
Sources: CompiledCompiled by CRS using the fol owing sources:by CRS using the fol owing sources: ILO’sILO’s web page “Ratifications of C169web page “Ratifications of C169 - —Indigenous and Indigenous and
Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989 (No. 169);” the U.N. web page “United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989 (No. 169);” the U.N. web page “United Nations Declaration on the Rights of
Indigenous People;” and the OAS’Indigenous People;” and the OAS’ official publication of official publication of ~~ADRIP.~~
~~Notes:~~ the American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Notes: “X” denotes yes or in favor and “—” denotes no or against.
a. International Labor Organization, “Ratifications of C169a. International Labor Organization, “Ratifications of C169 - —Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989 Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989
(No. 169),” at (No. 169),” at
https://www.ilo.org/dyn/normlex/en/f?p=1000:11300:0: NO:11300:P11300_INSTRUMENT_ID:312314https://www.ilo.org/dyn/normlex/en/f?p=1000:11300:0: NO:11300:P11300_INSTRUMENT_ID:312314 . .
b. From b. From the region, only Colombia abstained from the vote. See U.N, Department of Economic and Social the region, only Colombia abstained from the vote. See U.N, Department of Economic and Social
Affairs, Affairs, “United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People,” September“United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People,” September 13, 2007, at 13, 2007, at
https://www.un.org/development/desa/Indigenouspeoples/declaration-on-the-rights-of-Indigenous-https://www.un.org/development/desa/Indigenouspeoples/declaration-on-the-rights-of-Indigenous-
peoples.html. peoples.html.
c. In the footnotes, Colombia c. In the footnotes, Colombia “breaks with consensus” on paragraphs within Articles“breaks with consensus” on paragraphs within Articles XXIII, XXIX, XXIII, XXIX, ~~a nd~~and XXX. XXX.
See Organization of American See Organization of American States, “AmericanStates, “American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples,” June 15, Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples,” June 15,
2016, at https://www.oas.org/en/sare/documents/DecAmIND.pdf. 2016, at https://www.oas.org/en/sare/documents/DecAmIND.pdf.
The United Nations has a Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and in 2001 created the Special The United Nations has a Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and in 2001 created the Special
Rapporteurship on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which promote the rights of Indigenous Rapporteurship on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which promote the rights of Indigenous
Congressional Research Service 20 link to page 31 link to page 25 Indigenous Peoples in Latin America: Statistical Information peoples across the globe.50 In 1990, the Organization of American States created the peoples across the globe.50 In 1990, the Organization of American States created the
Rapporteurship on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to promote the rights of Indigenous peoples Rapporteurship on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to promote the rights of Indigenous peoples
throughout the Western Hemisphere.throughout the Western Hemisphere.5151 Table A-4 provides additional resources about the work of provides additional resources about the work of
~~international organizations with Indigenous peoples.~~

~~50 U.N. Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights, “ Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous peoples,”~~
~~at https://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/IPeoples/SRIndigenousPeoples/Pages/SRIPeoplesIndex.aspx .~~
~~51 Organization of American States, “ Rapporteurship on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples,” at~~
~~http://www.oas.org/en/iachr/Indigenous/.~~
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~~In a 2000 report, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR)~~international organizations with Indigenous peoples. In a 2000 report, IACHR wrote “concern for wrote “concern for
the human rights of Indigenous peoples and their members has been a constant feature in the the human rights of Indigenous peoples and their members has been a constant feature in the
work of the Commission.”52 The IACHR has tracked its work involving Indigenous peoples. It work of the Commission.”52 The IACHR has tracked its work involving Indigenous peoples. It
hosts multiple sessions per year to hold hearings regarding human rights issues affecting a hosts multiple sessions per year to hold hearings regarding human rights issues affecting a
particular country or subregion of the Western Hemisphere. One of the categories for hearings is particular country or subregion of the Western Hemisphere. One of the categories for hearings is
the rights of Indigenous peoplesthe rights of Indigenous peoples. Table 43 shows the number of IACHR events by country shows the number of IACHR events by country
~~involving~~ involving Indigenous peoples’ rights. It also shows the number legal cases brought by Indigenous Indigenous peoples’ rights. It also shows the number legal cases brought by Indigenous
peoples against countries in the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. peoples against countries in the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.
Table 43. Human Rights Events and Legal Cases about the Rights of Indigenous
Peoples in the Inter-American System 1996-~~2020~~2023
Events on the Rights
Legal Cases ~~brought~~regarding
Country
of Indigenous Peoples
~~by Indigenous~~ Indigenous Peoples
Colombia Colombia
2730
2 2
Peru Peru
22
025 1
Guatemala Guatemala
18 18
23
Ecuador Ecuador
1416
2 2
~~Mexico~~
13
1
~~Brazil~~
12
2
~~Nicaragua~~
9
2
~~Chile~~
9
2
~~Argentina~~
8
2
~~Panama~~
8
1
~~Bolivia~~
8
0
~~Honduras~~
7
2
~~Venezuela~~
5
1
~~Costa Rica~~
4
0
~~Paraguay~~
3
2
~~Belize~~
2
1
~~Suriname~~
1
2
~~Guyana~~
1
0
~~Regionala~~
34
~~N/A~~
Source: Table created by CRS using available data from the IACHR from sessions 91-178 (February 1996-
~~December 2020). The first column data comes from the webpage “Hearings by Topic: Rights of Indigenous~~
~~Peoples” and the second column data comes from the webpage “Hearings by Topic: Petitions and Cases.”~~
~~Notes:~~ ~~IACHR events include topical hearings, petitions, and precautionary measures, which may~~ Brazil 15 3 Mexico 13 5 Chile 11 1 Bolivia 10 0 Nicaragua 10 3 Argentina 9 2 Honduras 8 2 Panama 8 2 Costa Rica 4 0 Venezuela 4 1 Paraguay 3 3 Belize 2 1 Suriname 1 3 Guyana 1 0 Jamaica 1 0 50 U.N. Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights, “Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous peoples,” at https://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/IPeoples/SRIndigenousPeoples/Pages/SRIPeoplesIndex.aspx. 51 Organization of American States, “Rapporteurship on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples,” at http://www.oas.org/en/iachr/Indigenous/. 52 Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, The Human Rights Situation of the Indigenous People in the Americas, OEA/Ser.L/V/II.108, Doc. 62, October 20, 2000, at http://www.cidh.org/Indigenas/TOC.htm. Congressional Research Service 21 link to page 26 link to page 31 Indigenous Peoples in Latin America: Statistical Information Events on the Rights Legal Cases regarding Country of Indigenous Peoples Indigenous Peoples Regionala 32 N/A Source: Table created by CRS using available data from the IACHR sessions 91-187 (February 1996- July 2023) as well as the Rapporteurship on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Notes: “Events” include topical hearings, petitions, and precautionary measures hosted by IACHR, which may or may not be or may not be
related to a legal case. Legal cases receiverelated to a legal case. Legal cases receive an identification number and are counted only once no matter how an identification number and are counted only once no matter how
many events are associated with it. Information is not available for many events are associated with it. Information is not available for al all sessions,sessions, particularly before 1996. particularly before 1996.
a. The IACHR uses the regional category for hearings that span a. The IACHR uses the regional category for hearings that span ~~multiple countries. Where countries were~~
~~named along with the tag “regional,” the hearing was counted for al entities tagged.~~

~~52 Inter-American Commission on Human Rights,~~ ~~The Human Rights Situation of the Indigenous People in the~~
~~Am ericas,~~ ~~OEA/Ser.L/V/II.108, Doc. 62, October 20, 2000, at http://www.cidh.org/Indigenas/T OC.htm.~~
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~~In the appendix,~~two or more countries. In Appendix A, Table A-5 lists publications that document various human rights issues lists publications that document various human rights issues
confronting Indigenous peoples. CRS also publishes a number of reports with country-specific confronting Indigenous peoples. CRS also publishes a number of reports with country-specific
information on Indigenous peoples’ human rights issues.53 information on Indigenous peoples’ human rights issues.53

~~53 See CRS~~ 53 See CRS In FocusIn Focus IF11325, IF11325, Bolivia: An Overview, by Clare Ribando, by Clare Ribando Seelke;Seelke; ~~CRS~~ CRS Report Report ~~R43813,~~ ~~Colombia~~R46236, Brazil:
Background and U.S. Relations, by , by June S. Beittel;CRS In Focus IF11218, Ecuador: An Overview~~, by June S.~~ Peter J. Meyer; CRS Report R43813, Colombia: Background and U.S. Relations, by June S. Beittel; CRS In Focus IF11218, Ecuador: Country Overview and U.S. Relations, by June S. Beittel and Ramon Miro; CRS In Focus IF12340, Guatemala: An Overview, by Karla I. Rios; CRS ~~Beittel;~~
~~CRS Report R42580, Guatem ala: Political and Socioeconom ic Conditions and U.S . Relations, by Maureen T aft -~~
~~Morales; CRS~~ Report RL34027, Report RL34027, Honduras: Background and U.S. Relations, by Peter J. Meyer; CRS, by Peter J. Meyer; CRS Report R42917, Report R42917,
Mexico: Background and U.S. Relations, by Clare Ribando, by Clare Ribando Seelke;Seelke; ~~and CRS~~ CRS In Focus IF12372, Peru: Country Overview and U.S. Relations, by June S. Beittel and Ramon Miro; and CRS Report R44841, Report R44841, Venezuela: Background
and U.S. Relations, coordinated by Clare Ribando, coordinated by Clare Ribando Seelke. Seelke.
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Appendix A. Data Sources and Resources Lists
Below are notes on the data sources most consulted for this report followed by resource lists Below are notes on the data sources most consulted for this report followed by resource lists
regarding Indigenous languages; socioeconomics; land, natural resources and climate change; regarding Indigenous languages; socioeconomics; land, natural resources and climate change;
international organizations; and human rights. international organizations; and human rights.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Fundación para la Educación en Contextos
de Multilingüismo y Pluriculturalidad (the Foundation for Education in Multilingual (the Foundation for Education in Multilingual and and
Multicultural Contexts or FUNPROEIB) gathered data in 21 Latin American and Caribbean Multicultural Contexts or FUNPROEIB) gathered data in 21 Latin American and Caribbean
countries in 2009 for its report in two volumes titled countries in 2009 for its report in two volumes titled Atlas Sociolingüístico de Pueblos Indígenas
en América Latina. The report notes the limitations of using national censuses.54. The report notes the limitations of using national censuses.54 While an older report, it continues to be cited by more recent publications. In 2014, the U.N.
~~In 2014, the United Nations’~~ Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean
(ECLAC)(ECLAC) collected population data from 17 Latin American countries using national censuses for collected population data from 17 Latin American countries using national censuses for
Guaranteeing Indigenous People’s Rights in Latin America: Progress in the Past Decade and
Remaining Challenges. The report notes that most countries ask people to self-identify as . The report notes that most countries ask people to self-identify as
Indigenous with the exception of Peru, which asks people if they speak an Indigenous language.55Indigenous with the exception of Peru, which asks people if they speak an Indigenous language.55
In 2015, the World Bank published data from 16 countries using national censuses and household In 2015, the World Bank published data from 16 countries using national censuses and household
surveys in surveys in Indigenous Latin America in the Twenty-First Century: the First Decade.56 The report .56 The report
noted that the definition of Indigenous has become increasingly controversial and “underscores noted that the definition of Indigenous has become increasingly controversial and “underscores
the complexity of identifying Indigenous people across the region and argues that the conditions the complexity of identifying Indigenous people across the region and argues that the conditions
of indigeneity vary over time and are, in some cases, context- and country-specific.”57 of indigeneity vary over time and are, in some cases, context- and country-specific.”57
In 2020, ECLAC and the Development Fund for the Indigenous Peoples of Latin America and the In 2020, ECLAC and the Development Fund for the Indigenous Peoples of Latin America and the
Caribbean (Fondo para el Desarrollo de los Pueblos Indígenas de América Latina y el Caribe) Caribbean (Fondo para el Desarrollo de los Pueblos Indígenas de América Latina y el Caribe)
published published Los pueblos indígenas de América Latina - —Abya Yala y la Agenda 2030 para el
Desarrollo Sostenible: tensiones y desafíos desde una perspectiva territorial. The report’s focus . The report’s focus
on the on the ~~United Nations~~U.N.’ Sustainable Development Goals notes the advances in including ’ Sustainable Development Goals notes the advances in including
Indigenous peoplesIndigenous peoples’ in official statistics and lists data from 17 national censuses. in official statistics and lists data from 17 national censuses.
~~The 2021~~In 2020, the International Labor Organization’s Implementing the ILO Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention No. 169 Towards an Inclusive, Sustainable and Just Future presented multi-faceted statistics on the working conditions of Indigenous peoples with a special emphasis on gendered dimensions of labor. The report noted the “continued ‘invisibility’ of Indigenous and tribal peoples in official data and statistics.”58 The data provided are global and regional only. The 2023 edition of edition of Ethnologue counted languages for each country and divided them into counted languages for each country and divided them into
Indigenous and non-Indigenous categories. Indigenous languages figures were used iIndigenous and non-Indigenous categories. Indigenous languages figures were used in Table 2 as as
non-Indigenous is defined as “a language that did not originate in the country, but which is now non-Indigenous is defined as “a language that did not originate in the country, but which is now
established there either as a result of its longstanding presence or because of established there either as a result of its longstanding presence or because of ~~institutional y~~institutionally
supported use and recognition.”supported use and recognition.”5859 Only living languages were included in the count, not 54 UNICEF, 2009. pp. vii-ix. 55 ECLAC, 2014, pp. 34-36. 56 IBRD and World Bank, 2015, pp. 6, 9. 57 Ibid. 58 ILO, 2020, p. 44. 59 Gary F. Simons ~~Only living languages were included in the count, not~~
~~languages classified as extinct. Ethnologue’s “about” section provides details on the~~
~~methodology, language names, and status of usage.~~
~~In 2020, the International Labor Organization’s~~ ~~Implementing the ILO Indigenous and Tribal~~
~~Peoples Convention No. 169 Towards an Inclusive, Sustainable and Just Future~~ ~~presented multi-~~
~~faceted statistics on the working conditions of Indigenous peoples with a special emphasis on~~

~~54 UNICEF, 2009. pp. vii-ix.~~
~~55 ECLAC, 2014, pp. 34-36.~~
~~56 IBRD and World Bank, 2015, pp. 6, 9.~~
~~57 Ibid.~~
~~58 Gary F. Simons~~ (editor), “Language Information,” (editor), “Language Information,” Ethnologue: Languages of the World. Twenty-third edition, SIL , SIL
International, 2020, at https://www.ethnologue.com/about/language-info. International, 2020, at https://www.ethnologue.com/about/language-info.
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~~gendered dimensions of labor. The report noted the “continued ‘invisibility’ of Indigenous and~~
~~tribal peoples in official data and statistics.”59 The data provided is global and regional only~~languages classified as extinct. Ethnologue’s “about” section provides details on the methodology, language names, and status of usage. .
The World Bank’s LAC Equity Lab provides national data on poverty The World Bank’s LAC Equity Lab provides national data on poverty (last updated in May 2023), socio-demographics, access to services, , access to services,
education and labor (last updated in education and labor (last updated in ~~July~~August 2021). Some subnational data 2021). Some subnational data isare also available also available although although
not covered in this report. The World Bank notes that ethnic identity is based on self-reported not covered in this report. The World Bank notes that ethnic identity is based on self-reported
data. Statistics may vary from official statistics reported by governments as the World Bank uses data. Statistics may vary from official statistics reported by governments as the World Bank uses
SEDLAC, “a regional data harmonization effort that increases cross-country comparability.”60SEDLAC, “a regional data harmonization effort that increases cross-country comparability.”60
The web page of the Inter-American Commission of Human Rights “Sessions by Topic: Rights of The web page of the Inter-American Commission of Human Rights “Sessions by Topic: Rights of
Indigenous Peoples” provides detailed information on hearings and court cases related to Indigenous Peoples” provides detailed information on hearings and court cases related to
Indigenous peoples’ rightsIndigenous peoples’ rights~~.61~~ and is updated several times a year.61 The Rapporteurship on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples’ web page on “Reports on Petitions and Cases” has information on some additional cases.62
For each table below, sources are listed in reverse chronological order with the year in For each table below, sources are listed in reverse chronological order with the year in
parentheses following the title. Multipleparentheses following the title. Multiple sources from the same year are listed sources from the same year are listed ~~alphabetical y~~alphabetically as as
are sources without a publication date, such as websites. Some sources are global, with a section are sources without a publication date, such as websites. Some sources are global, with a section
dedicated to Latin America.dedicated to Latin America.
Table A-1. Resources on Indigenous Languages in Latin America
Title (publication year)
Author
Resource Type
Languages of the World, Languages of the World, Twenty-Twenty-
~~David M. Eberhard,~~ Gary F. SimonsGary F. Simons(editor), Ethnologue, ,
World World language encyclopedia with language encyclopedia with
~~fourth~~sixth edition (2023) SIL International maps ~~edition (2021)~~
~~and Charles D. Fennig (editors),~~
~~maps~~
~~Ethnologue~~
Celebrating Indigenous Languages Celebrating Indigenous Languages
Google Google Earth Earth
Interactive global website Interactive global website
( (~~2019)~~
updated 2020) 2022-2032 International International ~~Year of Indigenous~~
Decade of United Nations United Nations
Website Website with global map, summary with global map, summary
Indigenous Languages (2022) report and more The International Year of United Nations A global report. See also the Indigenous Languages: Mobilizing corresponding website International the International Community to Year of Indigenous Languages Preserve, Revitalize and Promote (2019). Indigenous Languages (2021)~~Languages (2019)~~
~~report and more~~
Atlas Sociolingüístico Atlas Sociolingüístico de Pueblos de Pueblos
UNICEF and FUNPROEIB Andes UNICEF and FUNPROEIB Andes
Regional report in Spanish only Regional report in Spanish only
Indígenas en América Indígenas en América Latina, Latina,
Volúmen I and Volúmen II (2009) Volúmen I and Volúmen II (2009)
Source: CompiledCompiled by CRS. 60 World Bank’s LAC Equity Lab, “Overview,” accessed July 27, 2021, at https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/poverty/lac-equity-lab1. 61 Inter-American Commission of Human Rights, “Sessions by Topic: Rights of Indigenous Peoples,” accessed July 27, 2021, at https://www.oas.org/es/cidh/audiencias/TopicsList.aspx?Lang=en&Topic=17. 62 Inter-American Commission of Human Rights, “Rapporteurship on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: Reports on Petitions and Cases,” accessed October 4, 2023, at https://www.oas.org/en/IACHR/jsForm/?File=/en/IACHR/R/DPI/cidh.asp Congressional Research Service 24 Indigenous Peoples in Latin America: Statistical Information ~~by CRS.~~
Table A-2. Resources on Indigenous Socioeconomics
Title (publication year) Author Resource Type Norte de Centroamérica y Organization of American States Report on El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua: Derechos económicos, Honduras y Nicaragua (Spanish sociales, culturales y ambientales de only) pueblos indígenas y afrodescendientes tribales (2023) ~~year)~~
~~Author~~
~~Resource Type~~
Linking Indigenous Communities Linking Indigenous Communities
Organization for Economic Organization for Economic
Report on OECD member Report on OECD member
with Regional Development with Regional Development (2019) (2019)
Cooperation and Development Cooperation and Development
countries including Chile and countries including Chile and
Mexico with some informationMexico with some information on on
non-member countries non-member countries
State of the State of the ~~world’s~~ World’s Indigenous Indigenous
United Nations United Nations
Global report with a chapter on Global report with a chapter on
~~peoples:~~ Peoples: Education, 3rd volume Education, 3rd volume
Latin America Latin America and the Caribbean and the Caribbean
(2017) (2017)
Indigenous Latin America Indigenous Latin America in the in the
International Bank for International Bank for
Regional report covers statistical Regional report covers statistical
~~twenty-first century: the first~~Twenty-First Century: The First
Reconstruction and Development Reconstruction and Development
numbers, migration, numbers, migration, development, development,
~~decade~~Decade (2015) (2015)
and the World and the World Bank poverty, and education State of the World´s Indigenous United Nations Global report with a chapter on People: Indigenous People´s Access Latin America and the Caribbean to Health Services, 2nd volume (2016) Indigenous Peoples U.S. Agency for International Website with policy, blog, and Development more LAC Equity Lab: A Platform for World Bank Regional economic data and maps Poverty and Inequality Analysis Source: Compiled by CRS. Table A-3. Resources on Indigenous Land, Natural Resources, and Climate Change in Latin America Title (publication year) Author Resource Type Climate Change 2023: Synthesis Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Global report with summary for Report. Contribution of Working Change policymakers, a longer report, Groups I, II and III to the Sixth figures, and annexes Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (2023) Deforestation in the Amazon: past, Sibélia Zanon, Infoamazonia Regional article with maps, tables, present and future (2023) and graphs Who Owns the World’s Land? Rights and Resources Initiative Global report with regional and Global State of Indigenous, Afro- country statistics; updates findings descendant, and Local Community from 2015 report Land Rights Recognition from 2015–2020 (2023) The role of Amazonian Indigenous Paulo Moutinho, et al, Science Panel Policy brief Peoples in fighting the climate crisis for the Amazon, U.N. Sustainable (2022) Development Solutions Network Amazon Assessment Report 2021 Science Panel for the Amazon, U.N. Global report (2021) Sustainable Development Solutions Network Congressional Research Service 25 Indigenous Peoples in Latin America: Statistical Information Title (publication year) Author Resource Type EcoCrime Data (2021) Igarapé Institute and InSight Crime Mapping tool for environmental crime in the Amazon including deforestation, il egal mining, and cattle, soy, and oil activity Forest governance by indigenous U.N. Food and Agriculture Regional report and tribal peoples. An opportunity Organization and the Fund for the for climate action in Latin America Development of the Indigenous and the Caribbean (2021) Peoples of Latina America and the Caribbean State of the World´s Indigenous United Nations Global report Peoples: Rights to Lands, Territories and Resources, 5th volume (2021) Environmental Governance Inter-American Development Bank Regional report Indicators for Latin America and the and World Justice Project Caribbean (2020) Undermining Rights: Indigenous World Resources Institute Regional report Lands and Mining in the Amazon (2020) Global Assessment Report on Intergovernmental Science-Policy Global report with discussion of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Platform on Biodiversity and Indigenous peoples integrated (2019) Ecosystem Services throughout Global Report on the Situation of Joji Carino, Loreto Tamayo, Global report with a section on Lands, Territories and Resources of Indigenous Peoples Major Group Latin America and the Caribbean Indigenous Peoples (2019) for Sustainable Development Situation of Human Rights of the Inter-American Commission on Regional report examines threats to Indigenous and Tribal Peoples of Human Rights Indigenous peoples, challenges to the Pan-Amazon Region (2019) their rights and recommendations At a Crossroads: Consequential Rights and Resources Initiative Global report Trends in Recognition of Community-Based Forest Tenure from 2002-2017 (2018) Cornered by Protected Areas Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, Janis Alcorn, Website with global resources (2018) and Augusta Molnar including report with case studies of Panama and Peru Amazonía Socioambiental Amazon Geo-Referenced Socio- Website with maps about the Environmental Information Amazon’s protected areas, Network, a consortium of civil Indigenous territories, deforestation society organizations from several and more (English, Spanish, countries Portuguese) Environmental Justice Atlas Autonomous University of Global map with information about Barcelona’s Institute of level of conflict, communities, Environmental Science and commodities, companies, and Technology governmental agencies involved, and reference links Indigenous peoples and food FAO Regional Office for Latin Website links to additional regional security in Latin America and the America and the Caribbean documents Caribbean Congressional Research Service 26 Indigenous Peoples in Latin America: Statistical Information Title (publication year) Author Resource Type International Indigenous Peoples’ United Nations Website for global caucus of Forum on Climate Change Indigenous peoples participating in U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change Landmark Map World Resources Institute, Global maps, data, country profiles International Land Coalition and others Source: Compiled by CRS. ~~Bank~~
~~poverty, and education~~

~~59 ILO, 2020, p. 44.~~
~~60 World Bank’s LAC Equity Lab, “Overview,” accessed July 27, 2021, at~~
~~https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/poverty/lac-equity-lab1~~
~~61 Inter-American Commission of Human Rights, “Sessions by T opic: Rights of Indigenous Peoples,” accessed July 27,~~
~~2021, at https://www.oas.org/es/cidh/audiencias/T opicsList.aspx?Lang=en&T opic=17~~
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~~Title (publication year)~~
~~Author~~
~~Resource Type~~
~~State of the world´s Indigenous~~
~~United Nations~~
~~Global report with a chapter on~~
~~people: Indigenous people´s access~~
~~Latin America and the Caribbean~~
~~to health services, 2nd volume~~
~~(2015)~~
~~Indigenous Peoples~~
~~U.S. Agency for International~~
~~Website with policy, blog, and~~
~~Development~~
~~more~~
~~LAC Equity Lab: A Platform for~~
~~World Bank~~
~~Regional economic data and maps~~
~~Poverty and Inequality Analysis~~
Source: Compiled by CRS.
~~Table A-3. Resources on Indigenous Land, Natural Resources, and Climate Change in~~
~~Latin America~~
~~Title (publication year)~~
~~Author~~
~~Resource Type~~
~~Amazon Assessment Report 2021~~
~~Science Panel for the Amazon~~
~~Global report~~
~~(2021)~~
~~Forest governance by indigenous~~
~~United Nations Food and~~
~~Regional report~~
~~and tribal peoples. An opportunity~~
~~Agriculture Organization and the~~
~~for climate action in Latin America~~
~~Fund for the Development of the~~
~~and the Caribbean (2021)~~
~~Indigenous Peoples of Latina~~
~~America and the Caribbean~~
~~State of the World´s Indigenous~~
~~United Nations~~
~~Global report~~
~~Peoples: Rights to Lands,~~
~~Territories and Resources, 5th~~
~~volume (2021)~~
~~Environmental Governance~~
~~Inter-American Development Bank~~
~~Regional report~~
~~Indicators for Latin America and the and World Justice Project~~
~~Caribbean (2020)~~
~~Undermining Rights: Indigenous~~
~~World Resources Institute~~
~~Regional report~~
~~Lands and Mining in the Amazon~~
~~(2020)~~
~~Authorized to Steal: Organized~~
~~Center for International~~
~~Regional report covers government~~
~~Crime Networks Launder Il egal~~
~~Environmental Law~~
~~oversight, laundering, supply chains~~
~~Timber from the Peruvian Amazon~~
~~and recommendations~~
~~(2019)~~
~~Blood Gold in the Brazilian Rain~~
~~Jon Lee Anderson, The New~~
~~Regional long article~~
~~Forest (2019)~~
~~Yorker~~
~~Climate Change and Land: an IPCC~~
~~Intergovernmental Panel on Climate~~
~~Global report~~
~~Special Report on climate change,~~
~~Change~~
~~desertification, land degradation,~~
~~sustainable land management, food~~
~~security, and greenhouse gas fluxes~~
~~in terrestrial ecosystems (2019)~~
~~Global Assessment Report on~~
~~Intergovernmental Science-Policy~~
~~Global report with discussion of~~
~~Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services~~
~~Platform on Biodiversity and~~
~~Indigenous peoples integrated~~
~~(2019)~~
~~Ecosystem Services~~
~~throughout~~
~~Global Report on the Situation of~~
~~Joji Carino, Loreto Tamayo,~~
~~Global report with a section on~~
~~Lands, Territories and Resources of~~
~~Indigenous Peoples Major Group~~
~~Latin America and the Caribbean~~
~~Indigenous Peoples (2019)~~
~~for Sustainable Development~~
~~Congressional Research Service~~

24

~~Indigenous Peoples in Latin America: Statistical Information~~

~~Title (publication year)~~
~~Author~~
~~Resource Type~~
~~Rainforest Mafias: How Violence~~
~~Human Rights Watch~~
~~Report on Brazilian public and~~
~~and Impunity Fuel Deforestation in~~
~~private actors, climate change and~~
~~Brazil’s Amazon (2019)~~
~~public policy~~
~~Situation of Human Rights of the~~
~~Inter-American Commission on~~
~~Regional report examines threats to~~
~~Indigenous and Tribal Peoples of~~
~~Human Rights~~
~~Indigenous peoples, chal enges to~~
~~the Pan-Amazon Region (2019)~~
~~their rights and recommendations~~
~~At a Crossroads: Consequential~~
~~Rights and Resources Initiative~~
~~Global report~~
~~Trends in Recognition of~~
~~Community-Based Forest Tenure~~
~~from 2002-2017 (2018)~~
~~Cornered by Protected~~
~~Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, Janis Alcorn,~~
~~Website with global resources~~
~~Areas(2018)~~
~~and Augusta Molnar~~
~~including report with case studies of~~
~~Panama and Peru~~
~~Looted Amazon (2018)~~
~~Infoamazonia and Amazon~~
~~Regional report covering mercury,~~
~~Georeferenced Socio-~~
~~protected areas, Indigenous~~
~~Environmental Information~~
~~territories and conflicts~~
~~Network~~
~~Who Owns the World’s Land? A~~
~~Rights and Resources Initiative~~
~~Global report with regional and~~
~~global baseline of formal y~~
~~country statistics~~
~~recognized indigenous and~~
~~community land rights (2015)~~
~~Amazonía Socioambiental~~
~~Amazon Geo-Referenced Socio-~~
~~Website with maps about the~~
~~Environmental Information~~
~~Amazon’s protected areas,~~
~~Network, a consortium of civil~~
~~Indigenous territories, deforestation~~
~~society organizations from several~~
~~and more (English, Spanish,~~
~~countries~~
~~Portuguese)~~
~~EcoCrime Data~~
~~Igarapé Institute and InSight Crime~~
~~Mapping tool for environmental~~
~~crime in the Amazon including~~
~~deforestation, il egal mining, and~~
~~cattle, soy, and oil activity~~
~~Environmental Justice Atlas~~
~~Autonomous University of~~
~~Global map with information about~~
~~Barcelona’s Institute of~~
~~level of conflict, communities,~~
~~Environmental Science and~~
~~commodities, companies, and~~
~~Technology~~
~~governmental agencies involved,~~
~~and reference links~~
~~Indigenous peoples and food~~
~~FAO Regional Office for Latin~~
~~Website links to additional regional~~
~~security in Latin America and the~~
~~America and the Caribbean~~
~~documents~~
~~Caribbean~~
~~International Indigenous Peoples’~~
~~United Nations~~
~~Website for global caucus of~~
~~Forum on Climate Change~~
~~Indigenous peoples participating in~~
~~United Nations Framework~~
~~Convention on Climate Change~~
~~Landmark Map~~
~~World Resources Institute,~~
~~Global maps, data, country profiles~~
~~International Land Coalition and~~
~~others~~
Source: Compiled by CRS.
~~Congressional Research Service~~

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~~Indigenous Peoples in Latin America: Statistical Information~~

~~Table A-4. Resources on International Organizations and Indigenous Peoples~~ Table A-4. Resources on International Organizations and Indigenous Peoples in Latin ~~in Latin~~
America
Title (publication year)
Author
Resource Type
Implementing the ILO Indigenous Implementing the ILO Indigenous
International Labor Organization International Labor Organization
Global report on income and Global report on income and
and Tribal Peoples Convention No. and Tribal Peoples Convention No.
employment employment with regional statistics with regional statistics
169 Towards an inclusive, 169 Towards an inclusive,
and a focus on gender differences and a focus on gender differences
sustainable and just future ( sustainable and just future (~~2020~~2019) )
State of the world´s Indigenous State of the world´s Indigenous
United Nations United Nations
Global report covers Declaration Global report covers Declaration
peoples: peoples: Implementing the United Implementing the United
implementation, implementation, ~~official~~ official statistics, statistics,
Nations Declaration Nations Declaration on the Rights on the Rights
~~chal enges~~challenges and priorities and priorities
of Indigenous Peoples, of Indigenous Peoples, 4th volume 4th volume
(2019) (2019)
Indigenous Peoples and Local Indigenous Peoples and Local
World World ~~Intel ectual~~ Intellectual Property Property
Website Website provides access to global provides access to global
Communities Communities Portal Portal
Organization Organization
publications and events publications and events
Indigenous Peoples Indigenous Peoples
Organization of American Organization of American States States
Website Website provides access to the provides access to the
Rapporteurship on the Rights of Rapporteurship on the Rights of
Indigenous Peoples of the Inter-Indigenous Peoples of the Inter-
AmericanAmerican ~~Commission~~ Commission on Human on Human
Rights, SummitsRights, Summits of the Americas, of the Americas,
special regional projectsspecial regional projects and more and more
Indigenous and tribal peoples Indigenous and tribal peoples
International Labor Organization International Labor Organization
Website Website provides access to global provides access to global
projects,projects, publications and publications and
supervisionsupervision of conventions of conventions
Indigenous Peoples Indigenous Peoples
~~United Nations’~~U.N. Department of Department of
Economic and Website Website provides access to the provides access to the
~~Economic and~~ Social Affairs Social Affairs
global Permanent Forum on global Permanent Forum on
Indigenous Issues, the World Indigenous Issues, the World
Conference on Indigenous Peoples, Conference on Indigenous Peoples,
expert group meetings,expert group meetings, the Special the Special
Rapporteur on the rights of Rapporteur on the rights of
Indigenous peoples and more Indigenous peoples and more
Source: CompiledCompiled by CRS. by CRS.
Table A-5. Resources on Indigenous Peoples’ Human Rights in Latin America
Title (publication year) Author Resource Type Annual Report 2022/23: The State Amnesty International Global report, see “Americas of the World’s Human Rights Regional Overview” (2023) Congressional Research Service 27 Indigenous Peoples in Latin America: Statistical Information Title (publication year) Author Resource Type Front Line Defenders Global Front Line Defenders Global report about physical, digital, Analysis 2022 (2023) legal and social attacks against human rights defenders with section on the Americas The Indigenous World 2023 (2023) International Work Group for Annual global report since 1986 Indigenous Affairs about developments ~~year)~~
~~Author~~
~~Resource Type~~
~~Front Line Defenders Global~~
~~Front Line Defenders~~
~~Global report about physical, digital,~~
~~Analysis 2020 (2021)~~
~~legal and social attacks against~~
~~human rights defenders~~
~~Annual Report 2020/21: The State~~
~~Amnesty International~~
~~Global report, see “Americas~~
~~of the World’s Human Rights~~
~~Regional Overview”~~
~~Human Rights in the Americas~~
~~Amnesty International~~
~~Regional report with subsection on~~
~~Annual Report 2019 (2020)~~
~~Indigenous peoples for each~~
~~country~~
~~The Indigenous World 2021~~
~~International Work Group for~~
~~Annual global reports since 1986~~
~~Indigenous Affairs~~
~~about developments~~ affecting affecting
Indigenous peoples, organized by Indigenous peoples, organized by
country country
Indigenous Women and Their Indigenous Women and Their
Inter-American Inter-American ~~Commission~~ Commission on on
Regional report with hearings, Regional report with hearings,
Human Rights in the Americas Human Rights in the Americas
Human Rights Human Rights
cases, thematic and country reports cases, thematic and country reports
(2017) (2017)
that document violations of the that document violations of the
human rights of Indigenous women human rights of Indigenous women
~~Congressional Research Service~~

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~~Indigenous Peoples in Latin America: Statistical Information~~

~~Title (publication year)~~
~~Author~~
~~Resource Type~~
~~Guaranteeing Indigenous people’s~~
~~United Nations Economic~~Guaranteeing Indigenous people’s U.N. Economic Commission for
Regional report covers Regional report covers
rights in Latin America: rights in Latin America: ~~Progress in~~
~~Commission for~~ Progress in Latin AmericaLatin America ~~and~~ and the Caribbean
sociopolitical sociopolitical context, territorial context, territorial
the past decade and remaining the past decade and remaining
~~the Caribbean~~
rights, and rights to rights, and rights to ~~wel~~ well-being and -being and
~~chal enges~~challenges (2014) (2014)
information information
~~Business,~~ Civic FreedomsCivic Freedoms ~~& Human~~
& HRD Data Business Business & Human Rights Resource & Human Rights Resource
Global database of attacks on Global database of attacks on
~~Rights Defenders Portal~~
Centre Centre
human rights defenders from 2015 human rights defenders from 2015
to present, which specifies to present, which specifies
Indigenous victims Indigenous victims
Country Reports on Human Rights Country Reports on Human Rights
U.S. State Department U.S. State Department
Annual global reports Annual global reports cover each cover each
Practices Practices
country with a section country with a section
“Discrimination,“Discrimination, Societal Abuses, Societal Abuses,
and Trafficking in Persons” that and Trafficking in Persons” that
includes Indigenous peoples includes Indigenous peoples
Indigenous Navigator Indigenous Navigator
Community-generated data, website Website Community-generated data, website Website and global database and global database
supported by the European Union supported by the European Union
Source: CompiledCompiled by CRS. by CRS.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

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link to page link to page 33 link to page 34 34 Indigenous Peoples in Latin America: Statistical Information

Appendix B. National Agencies of Indigenous
Affairs
Table B-1. Principal National Agencies Overseeing Indigenous Affairs
Country
Parent Agency
Indigenous Affairs Agency
Argentina Argentina
Ministerio Ministerio de Justicia y Derechos de Justicia y Derechos
Instituto Nacional de Asuntos Instituto Nacional de Asuntos
Indígenas Humanos, Secretaría Humanos, Secretaría de Derechos de Derechos
~~Indígenas~~
~~Humanos~~Humanos Belize Ministry of Human Development, Families and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs
Bolivia Bolivia

Ministerio Ministerio de Culturas, de Culturas,
~~Descolonización~~ Descolonización y y
DespatriarcalizaciónDespatriarcalización
Brazil Ministério dos Povos Indígenas Fundação Nacional dos Povos Indígenas Chile Ministerio de Desarrol o Social y Familia ~~Brazil~~
~~Ministério da Justiça e Segurança~~
~~Fundação Nacional do Índio~~
~~Pública~~
~~Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária~~
~~e Abastecimento~~
~~Chile~~
~~Ministerio de Desarrol o Social y~~
~~Corporación Nacional de~~
~~Familia~~
~~Desarrol o~~ Corporación Nacional de Desarrol o Indígena Indígena
Colombia Colombia
Ministerio Ministerio del Interior del Interior
Dirección Dirección de Asuntos Indígenas, de Asuntos Indígenas,
ROM y Minorías ROM y Minorías
Costa Rica Costa Rica

Comisión Comisión Nacional de Asuntos Nacional de Asuntos
Indígenas Indígenas
Ecuador Ecuador

Consejo Nacional para la Igualdad Consejo Nacional para la Igualdad
de Pueblos y Nacionalidades de Pueblos y Nacionalidades
El Salvador El Salvador
Ministerio Ministerio de Culturde Culturaa
Dirección Dirección ~~General de~~
General de Multiculturalidad Multiculturalidad
Guatemala Guatemala
Ministerio Ministerio Público Público
Secretaría Secretaría de Pueblos Indígenasb~~de Pueblos~~
~~Indígenas~~~~Error! Reference~~
~~source not found.~~
Guyana Guyana

Ministry of Amerindian Ministry of Amerindian Affairs Affairs
Honduras Honduras
Secretaría Secretaría de Desarrol ode Desarrol o ~~e Inclusión~~
~~Dirección de Pueblos Indígenas y~~
~~Social~~
Social Coordinación Nacional de Pueblos Originarios y Afrohondureños Afrohondureños
Mexico Mexico
Secretaría Secretaría de Cultura de Cultura
Instituto Nacional de los Pueblos Instituto Nacional de los Pueblos
Indígenas Indígenas
Instituto Nacional de Lenguas Instituto Nacional de Lenguas
Indígenas Indígenas
Nicaragua Nicaragua
Asamblea Asamblea Nacional Nacional
Comisión Comisión de Asuntos de los de Asuntos de los
Pueblos Originarios, Pueblos Originarios,
~~Afrodescendientes~~ Afrodescendientes y Regímenes y Regímenes
Autonómicos Autonómicos
ComisiónComisión Nacional de Demarcación Nacional de Demarcación
y Titulación y Titulación
Panama Panama
Ministerio Ministerio de Gobiernode Gobierno ~~y Justicia~~
Viceministerio Viceministerio de Asuntos Indígenas de Asuntos Indígenas
Ministerio Ministerio de Salud de Salud
Dirección Dirección de Asuntos Sanitarios de Asuntos Sanitarios
Indígenas Indígenas
Paraguay Paraguay
~~Presidencia de la República~~
Instituto Paraguayo del Indígena Instituto Paraguayo del Indígena
~~Congressional Research Service~~

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~~Indigenous Peoples in Latin America: Statistical Information~~

~~Country~~
~~Parent Agency~~
~~Indigenous Affairs Agency~~
~~Peru~~
~~Ministerio~~ Peru Ministerio de Salud de Salud
Dirección Dirección de Pueblos Indígenas u de Pueblos Indígenas u
Originarios Ministerio Ministerio de Cultura de Cultura
~~Originarios~~
Base de datos de Pueblos Indígenas Base de datos de Pueblos Indígenas
~~u Originarios~~
~~Congressional Research Service~~

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~~Indigenous Peoples in Latin America: Statistical Information~~

~~Uruguay~~
~~Ministerio del Interior~~
~~Área Étnico Racial (“Salir de la~~
~~invisibilidad”)~~
~~Venezuela~~

~~Ministerio~~ u Originarios Uruguay Institución Nacional de Derechos Humanos y Defensoría del Pueblo Suriname Ministerie van Regionale ontwikkeling en Duurzame Ontwikkeling Inheemsen sport Venezuela Ministerio del Poder Popular para del Poder Popular para
los Pueblos Indígenas los Pueblos Indígenas
Source: CompiledCompiled by CRS. by CRS.
~~a. The~~ Congressional Research Service 29 Indigenous Peoples in Latin America: Statistical Information a. El Salvador’s Ministry of Culture mentions Ministry of Culture mentions Indigenous peoples only in its list of responsibilitiesIndigenous peoples only in its list of responsibilities “Ejercer la “Ejercer la rectoría de rectoría de
los procesoslos procesos relacionados con el desarrol orelacionados con el desarrol o socio cultural de los pueblos indígenas.” socio cultural de los pueblos indígenas.”
b. Found under the tab “Administrativo” b. Found under the tab “Administrativo” towards the bottom of the webpage. towards the bottom of the webpage.

Author Information

Carla Y. Davis-Castro Carla Y. Davis-Castro

Senior Research Librarian Research Librarian

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