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Article

9 Aug 2017

Author:
Umberto Bacchi, Thomas Reuters Foundation

Engaging with indigenous peoples contributes to sustainable economic growth, says UN Special Rapporteur on Indigenous Peoples

"INTERVIEW-Engaging with indigenous people benefits business, environment - U.N. expert," 8 August 2017

Governments too often sidestep indigenous people when approving new infrastructure projects on their land, ignoring the potential for sustainable economic growth and environmentally-friendly development [said Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, U.N. Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous People]... "There is really a great misconception and misunderstanding that enforcing indigenous peoples' rights is usually an obstacle to national development," [according to Tauli-Corpuz]... U.N. standards stipulate companies should adhere to the principle of free, prior and informed consent... A 2016 study of 50 companies showed only 10 percent referred to the principle when negotiating with communities over land... Involving indigenous people in the management of natural resources also ensures these are exploited in a sustainable way... "If indigenous peoples' rights are respected then there are better chances of really sustainably conserving and using these natural resources," said [Tauli-Corpuz].... Failing to engage with indigenous communities generally leads to discontent and conflict, which also hampers economic growth... At least 200 land rights activists were killed in 24 countries in 2016, making it the deadliest year on record, according to human rights watchdog Global Witness. Almost 40 percent of those murdered were indigenous.