Nearuncontacted

Nearuncontacted peoples are groups of indigenous people who have had very limited or no sustained contact with the outside world. The term "nearuncontacted" is used to acknowledge that complete isolation is rare and that these groups may have had occasional, indirect encounters. These encounters can include seeing distant aircraft, finding foreign objects, or hearing sounds from outside their territory. The primary characteristic is their voluntary choice to maintain their distinct way of life, largely separate from mainstream global society.

The existence of nearuncontacted peoples is often inferred from evidence such as isolated settlements, traditional hunting grounds that extend to areas with signs of outside presence, and historical accounts. Their territories are typically located in remote and inaccessible regions, such as dense rainforests or isolated islands. Contact with the outside world, even if indirect, can pose significant risks to these communities. They may lack immunity to common diseases carried by outsiders, making them highly vulnerable to epidemics. Furthermore, contact can disrupt their social structures, cultural practices, and traditional economies.

International organizations and many governments advocate for the protection of nearuncontacted peoples' territories and their right to self-determination. This often involves policies aimed at preventing intrusion into their lands and respecting their decision to remain isolated. The principle of non-interference is crucial, recognizing that forced contact or assimilation can be detrimental to their survival and cultural integrity. Efforts to protect them focus on monitoring their territories from a distance and intervening only in cases of extreme threat.