Indigenous Peoples in the World of Work: Snapshots from Asia

International development enters a new phase in 2015 with the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals and a strong commitment to eradicate poverty and tackle rising inequalities. Being one of the most vulnerable sections of the population, a focus on indigenous peoples is crucial as a new framework for development takes form. Addressing poverty and inequalities will also require attention to their specific needs particularly with regard to the world of work. Engaging with indigenous peoples in the world of work, which is marked by particular problems, ranging from loss of livelihoods to increasing dependence on the informal economy, is among the initial and crucial steps in that direction. This Brief seeks to contribute to debates on these issues and highlight related aspects pertaining to the situation of indigenous peoples. It also draws on examples of policies and measures in a number of countries in the Asia-Pacific region.