PRESS STATEMENT OF THE AFRICAN COMMISSION ON HUMAN AND PEOPLES’ RIGHTS ON THE OCCASION OF THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE WORLD’S INDIGENOUS PEOPLES9 AUGUST 2026The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Commission) joins Indigenous peoples and the international community in commemorating the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, observed annually on 9 August. Beyond assisting during pregnancy and childbirth, they transmit knowledge concerning maternal health, nutrition, medicinal plants and postnatal care. The Commission recalls that the right to health guaranteed under Article 16 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights applies equally to Indigenous Peoples. These protections must be implemented together with Indigenous Peoples’ rights to culture, participation, traditional knowledge, lands and natural resources. Indigenous midwives and knowledge holders must be treated as partners, and their knowledge must be protected from exploitation and misuse.