International treaties, conventions, etc.
- United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)
Adopted in 2007, the UNDRIP establishes a universal framework of minimum standards for the survival, dignity and well-being of indigenous peoples and elaborates on existing human rights standards and fundamental freedoms as they apply to the specific situation of indigenous peoples. The UNDRIP is not legally binding on States and does not impose legal obligations on governments, but like all human rights instruments, it carries moral force. While not endorsing the UNDRIP, the United States has agreed to support the Declaration.
- American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
In June of 2016, the Organization of American States (OAS) ratified the American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. A human rights instrument akin to the UNDRIP, it recognizes a suite of human and civil rights relative to the first peoples of the Americas. Also see.
- International Labor Organization (ILO), Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention (No. 169)
The ILO's Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention of 1989, also known as ILO-169, is the major binding international convention concerning indigenous peoples, and a forerunner of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. It addresses several issues that are also discussed in the UNDRIP, including lands and resources, employment, training and rural industries, social security and health, education and communication, and cross-border cooperation.
- World Bank Policy on Indigenous Peoples, OP/BP 4.10
OP/BP 4.10, Indigenous Peoples, underscores the need for World Bank borrowers and staff to identify indigenous peoples, consult with them, ensure that they participate in, and benefit from Bank-funded operations in a culturally appropriate way. It aims to ensure that adverse impacts on them are avoided, or where not feasible, minimized or mitigated. Under the Policy, the World Bank promulgates the principle of "Free, Prior and Informed Consultation" (FPIC). USAID currently engages in FPIC relative to multilateral bank proposals. As USAID develops an internal policy towards indigenous peoples, FPIC will be part of that directive.
Agency Policy
- Indigenous Peoples Policy (Forthcoming)
Implementation Guidelines, Tools, and Other Resources
- Organization of American States (OAS) Inter-American Commission on Human Rights - Rapporteurship on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Since the 1980s, the Commission has systematically spoken on the rights of indigenous peoples in special reports and through the case system, in admissibility reports, country reports, reports on friendly settlements, the mechanism of precautionary measures, as well as through requests for orders and provisional measures filed with the Inter-American Court.
Related Issue Areas
- Agriculture
- Climate Change
- Energy
- Environmental Impact Assessment
- Forestry and Biodiversity
- Land Tenure and Resource Management
- Water
Agency POC
- Agency IP POCs: Brian Keane, Lorri Anne Meils