Indigenous Rights as a conflict prevention measure

Indigenous peoples are particularly vulnerable and disadvantaged in the development process. The Convention N°169 adopted by the International Labour Organization (ILO) is the only international legally binding instrument currently in force to ensure their rights. The Convention's obligation to consult the peoples before undertaking or permitting any programs for the exploitation of natural resources pertaining to their lands is of particular importance to enhance democracy, human rights, sustainable development, the conservation of bio-diversity, peace and security and state stability. Astonishingly, the Convention has only been ratified by 20 out of the 181 ILO member states, including 13 Latin American and only 3 EU member states.

What speaks against the ratification of ILO 169 by EU member states? Should ILO 169 be the first international agreement concluded by the EU as soon as the EU through the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty gains legal personality? What effects will this ratification have on Euro-Latin American relations?

The proposal of a Euro-Latin American Charter for Peace and Security points out that the recognition of indigenous peoples’ rights should be regarded as a conflict-prevention measure and an element of structural stability in the long run. The Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly (EuroLat) Committee Meetings in Brussels, 5 and 6 November 2008, are the right place to promote the ratification and implementation of the ILO Convention N°169 to enhance indigenous peoples’ rights.

Speakers:
- Birgitte Feiring, ILO, Chief Technical Adviser
- Balthasar Benz, European Commission, DG Relex
-  Alejandro Palomeque, Bolivia Embassy, First Secretary and Cultures Attaché.

Chair:
Claude Weinber, Heinrich Boll Foundation, EU Regional Office Director