A/68/333 are affected by laws and policies that fail to take into account the specificity of their culture. 55. New development projects have also interfered with indigenous peoples’ access to appropriate food in accordance with their traditions. In some cases, they are denied access to land for fishing or hunting, while in others food sources are contaminated by industrial developments. In addition, the entry of industrial goods into indigenous peoples’ communities has in some cases compromised their traditional practices. 56. As a result of a combination of these factors, many indigenous people have inadequate food access and are exposed to high levels of malnutrition. For instance, in Latin America, malnutrition among indigenous children is twice as high as among non-indigenous children. In Ecuador, chronic malnutrition is more than twice as high in indigenous as compared to non-indigenous communities. In El Salvador, an estimated 40 per cent of indigenous children under 5 are malnourished, compared to the national average of 23 per cent. 45 57. Poor nutrition, discrimination and limited access to quality health care, and contamination of resources, also contribute to poor health conditions among indigenous peoples. 46 Overall, the life expectancy of indigenous people is up to 20 years lower than that of non-indigenous people; 47 and they also experience higher levels of maternal and infant mortality. Smoking and substance abuse are more common among indigenous people and diseases such as tuberculosis, diabetes and HIV/AIDS are key health concerns in indigenous communities, as are problems of isolation and suicide. Worldwide, more than 50 per cent of indigenous adults suffer from type 2 diabetes. 48 In Australia, the estimated number of indigenous adults with type 2 diabetes is up to four times higher than that of Australians of European descent. 49 Among the Inuit people in Canada suicide rates are 11 per cent higher than the national average. 50 The disparities are even starker in urban areas, where indigenous peoples are further detached from their cultural traditions. 3. Roma 58. With an estimated population of 10 to 12 million, the Roma represent one of the most important minority groups in Europe. The Special Rapporteur observes that, in spite of efforts at both regional and national levels to improve the situation of the Roma, an unacceptably large percentage continue to live in poverty and suffer discrimination in virtually all aspects of life, including employment, health care, education, and adequate housing. 59. Discrimination in education can be the result of indirect factors such as the need for official documents proving residency or a birth certificate or the refusal of access due to the lack of vaccinations. Furthermore, some schools in eastern and southern Europe continue to refuse to register Roma children, or accept them only on the condition that they are separated from other pupils and in distinct facilities. __________________ 45 46 47 48 49 50 13-43133 Ibid., p. 163. See E/CN.4/2006/16/Add.3, para. 55. United Nations, State of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, press release, 14 January 2010. Ibid. State of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, p. 164. State of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, press release, 14 January 2010. 15/22