UN Vienna 2009 Indigenous People MNH

UN Vienna 2009 Indigenous People MNH

Stamp issue by the United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA) office in Vienna, Austria, in 2009 with theme “Indigenous People,” which is a significant and globally relevant topic.

1. UN Postal Administration (UNPA):
   • The UN has its own postal administration with offices in New York, Geneva, and Vienna.
   • These offices issue stamps that reflect UN themes, values, and global observances.
   • Stamps are valid for postage when mailed from their respective UN offices.
2. Theme: Indigenous People
   • 2009 was the second year of the Second International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People (2005-2015), proclaimed by the UN General Assembly.
   • The UN defines indigenous peoples as inheritors of unique cultures and ways of relating to people and the environment, with their own forms of social, cultural, economic, and political organization.
   • Key issues include rights, preservation of culture and languages, access to traditional lands, and environmental protection.
3. The 2009 Vienna Issue:
   • Likely features artwork, symbols, or portraits representing indigenous cultures.
   • Could showcase diverse groups from different continents: Americas (e.g., Quechua, Maya), Africa (e.g., San, Maasai), Asia (e.g., Ainu, Dayak), or others.
   • Might include traditional dress, artifacts, or scenes depicting ways of life.
4. Design and Production:
   • UN stamps often feature high-quality, thought-provoking designs by international artists.
   • They’re printed in limited quantities, making them desirable for collectors.
5. Significance:
   • Awareness: Brings global attention to indigenous rights and challenges.
   • Cultural Preservation: Highlights the rich diversity of indigenous cultures.
   • UN Goals: Aligns with UN objectives like human rights, cultural diversity, and sustainable development.
   • Philatelic Interest: Appeals to both topical collectors (indigenous themes) and UN stamp enthusiasts.
6. Historical Context:
   • 2007 saw the adoption of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, making this stamp issue timely.
   • It reflects growing global recognition of indigenous issues after centuries of marginalization.
7. Collectibility:
   • UN Vienna stamps are popular due to their global themes and limited print runs.
   • This issue might be part of a larger set, with related stamps from UN New York and Geneva.