ABSTRACT
The research goal of this chapter is to map out the various obligations of States under general human rights law and Indigenous Peoples’ law, regarding the health of Indigenous Peoples. The author illustrates the situation of Indigenous Peoples with the most drastic examples of COVID-19 affecting their health. Against this background, an examination of international obligations relating to the health rights of Indigenous Peoples is provided, which is rooted in general human rights law and Indigenous Peoples’ law. Failure by States to adhere to their legal obligations is creating and exacerbating adverse health outcomes from COVID-19. While the known number of COVID-19 infections and related deaths is growing worldwide, and it is evident that specific groups are particularly vulnerable, the data on infection rates and other outcomes among Indigenous Peoples are still fragmented. In the concluding section, some recommendations are made to improve the health situation of Indigenous Peoples.
