Lands, territories and natural resources

(a) All branches of the Government should take coordinated action to confront the disturbing situation of violations of indigenous peoples’ rights over their lands, territories and natural resources;

(b) It is essential to develop a legal framework and an effective system for the recognition and protection of indigenous peoples’ ancestral rights of ownership, use, development and control, in accordance with the country’s international obligations in this regard. Measures should be adopted to monitor and punish fraudulent transactions and to curb land grabbing;

(c) The State should respect the right of indigenous peoples to their own development priorities and strategies and appreciate their contribution to the country’s economy. Licences should not be issued for activities that affect the rights of indigenous peoples without proper consultation or consent. Redress should be provided for damage caused by projects inflicted on their ancestral lands and territories;

(d) There should be an immediate suspension of forced evictions. The authorities should resolve the underlying causes of such displacements by engaging in a due process of investigation, punishment, redress and justice. The situation of displaced indigenous people requires immediate attention, with a comprehensive and coordinated response in line with the applicable international standards, including the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement;

(e) The Government should, jointly with the indigenous peoples, draw up and implement environmental legislation that will respect the rights of indigenous peoples over their lands, territories and resources, including legislation governing protected areas and activities relating to action against climate change;