Roundtable 3
Indigenous Peoples’ lands, territories and resources
Co-Chairs
- Dr Pita Sharples, Minister of Maori Affairs, New Zealand
- Ms. Joan Carling, Member, UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
Presenters
- Ms. Mililani Trask, Representative of the Pacific Indigenous Region
- • Mr. Abdon Nababan, Representative of the Asia Indigenous Region
Summary of key issues raised:
During the roundtable 3 on the theme of indigenous peoples lands, territories, and natural resources, the statements were made by presenters on the following:
First, indigenous peoples relationships with their lands, territories and resources: Indigenous peoples have a close relationship with their lands, territories and resources which is the heart of their collective survival and development. Indigenous peoples’ relationship is linked to the survival of their spiritual, identity and cultural well-being. Indigenous peoples’ relationship to their lands, territories and resources are outlined in various articles of the UN Declaration on the Rights of indigenous Peoples and in various operational paragraphs of the Outcome Document of the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples. However, speakers pointed out that there is a lack of recognition of their lands, territories and resources, including the lack of recognition of indigenous peoples’ rights in general.
Second point: actions by States and UN agencies. Some States have legally recognized indigenous peoples’ collective land rights, sacred sites and heritage areas. There is also efforts to provide compensation for lands, territories and resources taken from indigenous peoples. UN Agencies have implemented programmes aimed at addressing indigenous peoples’ sustainable resource management of lands, territories and resources and food resources, enhancement of biodiversity and food security.
The third point is on the threats to indigenous peoples lands, territories and natural resources. Indigenous peoples now reaching a tipping point where indigenous peoples’ collective survival, distinct identities, cultural heritage due to the dispossession, destruction, militarization and other threats to their lands, territories and resources. Colonization has affected indigenous peoples’ guardianship with their lands, territories and resources. For many decades, these issues have been the primary and urgent concern for indigenous peoples. In many instances, national laws allow for the occupation of indigenous peoples lands, territories and resources. This has led to forced eviction, land grabbing, concession permits for timber, plantations and mining and other extractive industries as well as the delineation of national parks and protected areas without the free, prior and informed consent of indigenous peoples. The continuing violation of FPIC in relation to lands, territories and resources, is causing more poverty and marginalization and conflicts.
Finally, the call for action. There must be legal security of lands, territories and resources of indigenous peoples as a precondition for achieving sustainable development. This includes the protection of indigenous people traditional occupations and livelihoods and sustainable resource management systems. Partnerships needed between indigenous peoples and Governments at both the global and national levels. Immediate implementation of free, prior and informed consent based on the UNDRP and the WCIP outcome document. There must be compensation and redress for lands illegally taken away from indigenous peoples and regulation of corporations that are violating indigenous peoples rights on their lands, territories and resources.
States were called upon to establish independent and impartial processes to adjudicate and advance indigenous peoples’ rights over lands, territories, waters, and natural resources, as reflected in the Outcome Document. States were called upon to take measures, including legistlative measures, to implement the rights enshrined in the UNDRIP. There is an urgent need to protect what remains of our traditinonal grazing lands, hunting grounds, fishing waters, including coastal waters, and gahtering areas – to give priority to laws pertaining to lands, waters, territories and resources. The same recognition goes to the committment to implement national action plans to implement the UNDRIP. Thank you.
