Bulletin 104 - United Nations Postal Administration

On 11 October 2012, the United Nations Postal Administration will issue 18 commemorative
stamps in a mini-sheet format of six stamps each on the theme “Indigenous People”. This
is the third in a series of stamps on Indigenous People, which were painted by the artist
Stephen Bennett (USA).
The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was adopted by the United Nations
General Assembly in 2007. The Declaration is the most comprehensive statement of the
rights of indigenous peoples ever developed, giving prominence to collective rights to
a degree unprecedented in international human rights law. It emphasizes the rights of
indigenous peoples to live in dignity, to maintain and strengthen their own institutions,
cultures and traditions and to pursue their self-determined development, in keeping with
their needs and aspirations. The adoption of this Declaration is the clearest indication yet
that the international community is committing itself to the protection of the individual
and collective rights of indigenous peoples.
Indigenous people are the inheritors and practitioners of unique cultures and ways
of relating to other people and to the environment. Indigenous people have retained
social, cultural, economic and political characteristics that are distinct from those of
the dominant societies in which they live. Despite their cultural differences, the various
groups of indigenous people around the world share common problems related to the
protection of their rights as distinct peoples.
Estimates point to more than 370 million indigenous people in some 90 countries
worldwide. While they are from diverse geographical and cultural backgrounds, they
share challenges such as lack of basic health care, limited access to education, loss
of control over land, discrimination, forced assimilation, abject poverty, displacement,
human rights violations, and economic and social marginalization.
Indigenous people around the world have sought recognition of their identities, their
ways of life and their right to traditional lands, territories and natural resources; yet
throughout history, their rights have been violated. Indigenous peoples are arguably
among the most disadvantaged and vulnerable groups of people in the world today. The
international community now recognizes that special measures are required to protect
the rights of the world’s indigenous peoples.
Stamp Specifications
The stamps, in denominations of 45 cents, F.s. 0,85 and € 0,70, measure 30 mm horizontally
by 40 mm vertically, perforation to perforation. Perforation size: 13.5.
The vertical mini-sheets of six stamps have one marginal inscription in the centre of the
bottom margin. The marginal inscription consists of the United Nations emblem with the
text “United” above the emblem and the text “Nations” below the emblem. One copyright
symbol with the year 2012 appears in the lower left margin. The artist’s signature appears
in the lower right margin.
Printing
The stamps were printed in offset by the Lowe Martin Group (Canada).
Denominations and Quantities
45 cents 258,000 stamps (43,000 sheets)
F.s. 0,85 234,000 stamps (39,000 sheets)
€ 0,70 294,000 stamps (49,000 sheets)
Sheet Size and Format
The sheet size measures 110 mm horizontally by 140 mm vertically.
Selling Units
The full sheet of six different stamps will be considered as a single unit and is the only
selling unit for this issue. Customers with standing order requirements for mini-sheets
will automatically receive this issue through their accounts.
2012 INDIGENOUS PEOPLE
http://unstamps.un.org
10 11
http://unstamps.un.org