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Indigenous Peoples in voluntary isolation and initial contact
OHCHR and Indigenous Peoples
Who are Indigenous Peoples in voluntary isolation and initial contact?
Indigenous Peoples in voluntary isolation and initial contact are those who "do not maintain regular contact with the majority population and also tend to avoid any type of contact with individuals outside their group". In some contexts, they are known by other names, such as free peoples, uncontacted, hidden, or invisible.
According to available data, both official and provided by civil society organizations, in South America there are sixty Indigenous Peoples in voluntary isolation and initial contact whose existence has been confirmed in the Amazon, the Gran Chaco, and the eastern region of Paraguay, and there are indications that in these areas other 128 peoples inhabit whose existence is yet to be confirmed. Civil society organizations have noted the presence of Indigenous Peoples in Isolation in the Asia and Oceania region, in countries like India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea. Furthermore, their presence in Africa cannot be ruled out.
The challenges and risks they face
Indigenous Peoples in isolation or initial contact face heightened challenges. These communities are inextricably linked to their environment, often safeguarding immense and biodiverse territories. However, the growing impact of external activities amplifies their inherent vulnerabilities, creating intense pressures that jeopardize their fundamental well-being and the continuation of their distinct cultural heritage.
OHCHR’s work to protect their rights
OHCHR continues to analyse the challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples in isolation or initial contact. This includes assessing existing gaps and the progress made by States in implementing the Guidelines on the Protection of Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact.
Reliable data is essential for the Office to design an effective strategy to continue drawing attention to the situation of Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact both nationally and internationally. Our efforts not only seek to shed light on these communities, but also to generate data that allows us to understand their realities and, crucially, the risks they face.
Information document
In 2025, we prepared an information document on Indigenous Peoples in Isolation and Initial Contact, as part of the work to raise awareness and defend the rights of Indigenous Peoples in general.
This briefing document is the product of information gathering from a variety of sources, including contributions from OHCHR colleagues within countries and our NGO partners working directly on this issue, ensuring a more complete and realistic perspective of the situation of Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact.
The information document presents a diagnosis of the current situation of Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact, analysing both the legal framework and its practical application.
Access the briefing document on Indigenous Peoples in voluntary isolation and initial contact (IPVIIC).