Ratification by the Member States of Convention No 169 of the International Labour Organisation relating to the rights of indigenous and tribal peoples
11.2.2014
Question for written answer E-001441-14
to the Commission
Rule 117
Catherine Grèze (Verts/ALE)
Survival international, a global movement for the support of indigenous peoples which was founded in London in 1969, is leading an international campaign aimed at promoting the ratification of Convention No 169 of the International Labour Organisation relating to the rights of indigenous and tribal peoples in independent countries, which was adopted in 1989 and has been in force since 1991.
This convention recognises a set of fundamental rights which are essential for the survival of indigenous peoples (respect for and recognition of their specific customs and institutions, collective ownership and management of the earth and its resources, principles of participation and consultation, etc.).
Convention No 169 has been ratified by 22 countries, including, in Europe, Spain, the Netherlands, Denmark and Norway, and, in Latin America, Brazil, Colombia and Bolivia, countries in which it has given rise to significant reforms and inspired policies aimed at recognition of the legitimacy of the ethnic and cultural diversity of the population.
The ratification of this convention by the Member States should not only meet an essential requirement of the development and external action policy of the European Union but also tie in with its new strategy regarding the social responsibility of companies — particularly European companies — in so far as it would oblige them to respect the rights of indigenous peoples in any use of their territories by including them in the decision-making processes and projects which directly concern them.
What initiatives are being planned by the Commission with a view to encouraging the Member States to ratify Convention No 169?
OJ C 307, 10/09/2014