"Looking Back, Looking Forward: Perspectives on the integration of indigenous peoples’ and forest peoples’ rights in EU law, policy and practice", 27 November 2024

This new report reflects on the achievements and continued challenges for the integration of indigenous and forest peoples rights in EU law, policy and practice. It is a compilation of the perspectives of 15 representatives from a wide variety of backgrounds, from indigenous peoples and global south civil society organisations, to lawyers, campaigners and policymakers. 

Over the course of the last two years, the EU has adopted multiple pieces of legislation with relevance to indigenous peoples’ and forest peoples’ rights – including in particular the legislation related to deforestation (the European Deforestation Regulation - EUDR) and to human rights and environmental due diligence by businesses (the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive - CSDDD). Yet these long-awaited pieces of legislation have also been swept up in a broader political and electoral backlash against progressive policies, that saw the CSDDD reopened and watered down before its final adoption, and the EUDR likely amended to delay its implementation.

At this pivotal moment, it seems important to reflect on the achievements, attained through years of committed advocacy by indigenous peoples, forest peoples and allies, and on the continued challenges for the integration of indigenous peoples’ and forest peoples’ rights in EU law, policy and practice, and explore new directions for advocacy in the EU context. ‘Looking back, looking forward’ compiles the perspectives of 15 representatives from indigenous peoples, civil society organisations from the global south, researchers, lawyers, campaigners, activists and policy makers on this question...

See also:

Forest Peoples Programme publishes new guide – 'Using the new EU rules to support our rights – a guide for indigenous peoples and forest peoples'

The new guide by Forest Peoples Programme outlines how indigenous and forest peoples can use the EU Deforestation Regulation and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive to address corporate-linked human rights violations and environmental harm.