Guide to Indigenous Peoples’ Rights in Namibia Table of ... · Guide to Indigenous Peoples’...

Guide to Indigenous Peoples’ Rights in Namibia

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Table of ContentsTHE OMBUDSMAN ON PROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES IN NAMIBIA 3 Summary 5

Part I: A brief background 7

Part II: Frequently asked questions about indigenous peoples in Namibia 13

Part III: The rights of indigenous peoples under international and Namibian law 19 1. Nondiscrimination 19 2. Participationandconsultation 22 3. Land,naturalresourcesandproperty 26 4. Education 28 5. Health 31 6. Genderequality 32 7. Cultureandlanguage 34 8. Labourrightsandemployment 36 9. Accesstojustice 37

Part IV: Recommendations 39 Conclusions 42

Annex 1 United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples 47

Annex 2 Convention 169: Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989 58


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THE OMBUDSMAN ON PROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES IN NAMIBIA

WhenNamibiaratifiedtheUnitedNationsDeclarationontheRightsofIndigenousPeoples, itdeclareditswillingness to promote, protect and realize the rights recognized in this instrument. The promotion andprotectionoftherightsofindigenouspeoples,istheconcernofallandnotofgovernmentalone.Itshouldbeaconcertedeffortbygovernment,civilsocietyandtheOmbudsman.

TheOmbudsmanshouldrecognizetheexperiencesofindigenouspeoplesandworktopreventtheirsocial,politicalandeconomicmarginalization.ThiscanbeaccomplishedbyensuringthatindigenouspersonsfeelcomfortablefilingcomplaintswiththeOmbudsmanandthattheOmbudsmanstaffareadequatelytrainedtoaddresstheneedsofindigenouspeoples.

ExperiencehastaughtthateffectiveengagementwithcivilsocietyhashelpedtheOmbudsmantoextendoutreachandadvocacymeasurestoruralandmarginalizedsectionsofsocietynormallyoutsidethereachoftheOmbudsman.Therefore:

• CivilsocietyshouldassistindigenouspeopleswhoarevictimsofhumanrightsviolationstoaccesstheOmbudsmanandsupportthemthroughtheprocessoffilingofacomplaint;

• The Ombudsman in collaboration with civil society should develop and execute special outreachprogrammesdirectedtowardsindigenouspeoples;

• The staffof theOmbudsmanshouldbe specially trained to respond to the specific issues facedbyindigenouspeoples;

• TheOmbudsmanshouldmorewidelydisseminateinformationonhiscomplaintprocess,theremediesavailableandthecontactdetailsofallitsoffices,and

• TheOmbudsmanincollaborationwithcivilsocietyandgovernmentshouldmaketheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheDeclarationwidelyknownbyappropriateandactivemeans.

• Promotetheprinciplesofconsultationandparticipationon indigenouspeoples innationaldecisionmaking as enshrined by ILO Convention 169 and theUnitedNations Declaration on the rights ofindigenouspeoples


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Where to find the Ombudsman

SincetheestablishmentoftheOmbudsmanOfficeinJuly1990,theNamibiannationwasservedonlyfromtheheadofficeinWindhoek.Thevastnessofthecountrywithits±2millioninhabitants,scatteredoverthelengthandbreathofthecountry,necessitatedtheOmbudsmantolookatwaystomaketheOfficeaccessibleto all inhabitants of the country. During 2005, the Ombudsman established two regional offices, one atOshakatiandtheotheratKeetmanshoopwith62additionalvisitingpointsacrossthecountry.Placesthatarenotcoveredbytheregionalofficesarecoveredfromheadofficewith52additionalvisitingpoints(seemapofNamibia).AthirdregionalofficewillbeopenedatSwakopmundduring2012andoneatOtjiwarongothefollowingyear.

Places are visited at least once or twice per year where investigators receive complaints, resolve lesscomplicatedonesandconductpubliceducation.


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SUMMARy

Namibiahasaconsiderablenumberofindigenouspeople1livinginitsterritoryascitizens.ThemajorityofthesepeoplearetheSanbuttherearealsoothergroupssuchastheOvahimba,theOvatue,theOvatjimbaandtheOvadhimba.Namibiahasvariousobligationstowardstheseindigenouspeoplesandhasadutytorespect their rights. It isastateparty tovarious internationalandregional legal instruments thatprotecttherightsofindigenouspeople.NamibiahasmadesomecommendableeffortsthroughitsConstitutionandlegislationtoensurethattherightsofindigenouspeoplesarerespectedandprotected.

At a practical level, Namibia has dealt with the issue of discrimination towards indigenous peoples byestablishingtheSanDevelopmentProgrammein2005.TheOfficeoftheDeputyPrimeMinisterisresponsiblefortakingaffirmativeactionmeasurestoredresshistoricaldisadvantagessufferedbyindigenouspeoples.

TheissueofparticipationandconsultationhasbeenaddressedbytheConstitutionofNamibia,whichprovidesfor political participation and equality before the lawof allNamibians in articles 17 and 10 respectively.However, little distinction seems to bemadebetween an integrationist approach, according towhich allNamibiansareconsidered tobesimilarlyplacedanddifferencesbetweenthemaredown-played,andanapproach that respect,promoteandprotect theethnic,culturalandsocialdistinctnessof the indigenouspeoples.

Accesstolandfortheindigenouspeoplesisregulatedbyarticle16oftheConstitutionandalsobylegislationsuchastheCommunalLandReformAct.TheGovernmentPolicyonTourismWildlifeConcessionsonStateLandof2007providesclearprinciplesandguidelinesontheallocationofconcessionstocommunitieslivingadjacenttoorinprotectedareas.However,longprocessesandbureaucratichurdlesimpedefastandeffectiveaccesstolandforindigenouspeoples.

VariouscampaignshavebeenadoptedbytheexecutivebranchofNamibiatoensurethatindigenouschildrenenjoytheirrighttoeducation–infact,ithasthebestpracticethusfarintheregion.

Endnote1. “Indigenous”and“Marginalized”oneusedinthisguidereferringtooneandthesamepopulation.


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Namibia’s Educational Language Policy provides that indigenous children be instructed in their languagefor the first three years before changing to the English language. ANational School Feeding Programmehas alsobeen set upby the government to attract indigenous children to school.However, thepracticalimplementationofthesepoliciesremainsfraughtwithvariouschallenges.

As far as health is concerned, there is a serious lack of health care facilities close to the regionswhereindigenouspeopleslive.Thereisalsoalackofmedicalpractitionerswhocanspeakindigenouslanguageswhichmakesaccessandcommunicationmoredifficult.Thecostofmedicaltreatmentsandservicesisalsoanissue.Totackleit,thegovernmenthasissuedcircularstonationalandregionalhealthofficialstoadjusttheirtariffsandtocaterforpoorpeopleincludingindigenouspeoples.

Employmentandgenderequalityaretakenintoaccountaswell.Duetotheirlowliteracylevel,indigenouspeoplearefindingitdifficulttoenterthemainstreamworkforceofNamibia.TheNamibianauthoritieshavetriedtoapplyaffirmativeactionpoliciesandreserveworksinconservationparksforindigenouspeople.TheGovernmentadoptedtheNationalGenderPolicy(1997)andtheNationalPlanofActiononGender(1998)toremedytheproblemofgenderinequalityandgenderbaseddiscrimination,butthesepolicieshavenotbenefitedindigenouspeoplesspecifically.

Anefforthasbeenmade topreserve the cultureand languageof indigenouspeople. Policieshavebeenadopted for instructiongivento indigenouschildren in theirnative language.However,aproblemof lackofpersonnelwhocanspeak indigenous languageremainsasignificantchallenge.As foraccessto justice,emphasisisbeingputontheimportanceoftraditionalauthorities:Namibiaistryingtoopenaccesstojusticebynationalcourtsbutalsomaintaintraditionaljusticesystemoftheindigenouspeoples.

Despitesignificantprogressover theyears - in lawandpractice -byNamibia toprotectandadvancetherightsofindigenouspeoplesinitsterritory,someworkstillremainstobedonetoensurefullcompliancewiththecountry’sdomesticand international legalobligations.Thisguidebrieflyexploressomeof these legalobligationsandexaminestheextenttowhichNamibiameetsthemandfinallymakessomerecommendations.


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Part I: A brief background and justification

Itisestimatedthatthepopulationofindigenouspeopleacrosstheworldismorethan370millioninsome90countries.Indigenouspeoplesacrosstheworldfaceseriousproblemssuchaslanddispossession,destructionoftheirlivelihood,hindranceinpractisingtheircultureandidentityaswellaslimitationsinaccessingeducationandhealthfacilities.Theyliveinextremepovertyanddonothaveaccesstopoliticalparticipationorhavetheircauseheardandopportunitytoimprovetheirlivingconditions.Asboththeregionalandinternationalcommunityincreasinglyshifttowardstherecognitionandprotectionoftherightsofthemarginalisedandexcludedindigenouspeoples,Namibiafindsitselfdirectlyundercertainobligationstowardsasectionofitspopulationwhichfallunderthecategoryofindigenouspeoples.

TheAfricanCommissiononHumanandPeople’sRights(ACHPRorAfricanCommission),whichisthehumanrightsbodyoftheAfricanUnion,hasbeendebatingthehumanrightssituationofindigenouspeoplessince1999.IndigenouspeoplesaresomeofthemostvulnerableandmarginalizedgroupsontheAfricancontinent,andtheirrepresentativeshavesincethe29thOrdinarySessionoftheAfricanCommissionin2001participatedintheACHPR’ssessions.Theindigenousrepresentativeshavegivenstrongtestimoniesabouttheirsituationandthehumanrightsviolationstheysufferfrom.Theirmessageisstrongrequestforrecognitionandrespectaswell as a call for improvedprotectionof their civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights. It isalsoa request for the right to liveaspeoplesand tohavea say in theirown future,basedon theirownculture,identity,hopesandvisions.Indigenouspeoples,moreover,wishtoexercisetheserightswithintheinstitutionalframeworkofthenation-statetheybelongto.TheAfricanCommissionhasrespondedtothiscall.TheAfricanCommissionrecognizesthattheprotectionandpromotionofthehumanrightsofthemostdisadvantaged,marginalizedandexcludedgroupsonthecontinentisamajorconcern,andthattheAfricanCharteronHumanandPeoples’Rightsmustformtheframeworkforthis.

Inorder toachieveabetterbasisonwhich toadvancediscussionsand formulate recommendations, theAfricanCommissionsetupaWorkingGroupon IndigenousPopulations/Communities (WorkingGroup) in2001.

Namibiahas twomajor indigenousgroups,namely theSanandtheOvahimba.Since2007,othersmallerindigenousgroups,namelytheOvatue,OvatjimbaandtheOvadhimba,havegainedmorevisibility.DuetoasignificantnumberofindigenouspeoplesinNamibiaandthemarginalisationandexclusionthesegroupshave witnessed, this booklet looks at the obligation Namibia has towards them, based on regional andinternationalinstrumentstowhichNamibiaisastateparty.


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ItalsoevaluatehowNamibia isrespectingandimplementingtheseobligationsatthedomesticlevel.Thisguidefurtherseekstoprovidestateandnon-stateinstitutionsthatareinchargeofdeliveringpublicserviceswithapracticalguideonstandards,normsandprinciples tobear inmindwhiledesigning, implementingandmonitoringprogrammesonindigenouspeoplesinNamibia.Afurtheraimoftheguideistoenhancethehumanrightssituationofindigenouscommunitiesinthecountryandhopeforabetterunderstandingoftheirrights.

Thisguideconfirmsandreiteratethefundingsof2seperateworkinggroupsaswhichonepresentedbreiflybelow.

A working Group of Indigenous Populations/communities visited Namibia in July – August 2005 with the following objectives:

Objective of the Mission

The general aim of the mission was to execute the mandate of theWorking Group and of the AfricanCommission.Thespecificobjectivesofthemissionwereinteralia,to:

• GatherinformationonthesituationofindigenouspopulationsinNamibia;

• Engage the Government of the Republic of Namibia in dialogue on the situation of indigenouspopulationsinparticularanditsrelationshipwiththeAfricanCommissionasawhole;

• Engage civil society regarding its role in the promotion and protection of the rights of indigenouspopulationsinNamibia;and

• Visitanddiscusswithindigenouscommunitiestounderstandtheproblems,ifany,affectingtheeffectiveenjoymentoftheirhumanrights.


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TheWorkingGroupmaderecommendationsonthefollowingrights:

• Education • Training• Land • Health• Employment • Food• Discrimination • TraditionalLeadershipandPolitical• RecognitionofIndigenousPeople Representation

The United Nations Human Rights Council’s Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review in February 2011, made the following recommendations in regard to indigenous peoples of Namibia which enjoy the support of Namibia.

• Continueitspolicyofpromotingandprotectingtherightsof indigenouspeoplesbyconsolidatingitwithfurthermeasurestoensurethefullexerciseoftherightsofallcomponentsofNamibianSocietywhilerespectingitstraditionsandidentity;

• Increaseeffortstoreducepovertyandstimulatedevelopofthemostmarginalizedgroups,particularlyindigenouscommunities,involvingtheminthedecisionsregardingtheirrightsandinterests;

• Ensureaccesstoeducation,employment,healthcareandotherbasicservicesforthemembersofallethniccommunities,includingtheSanandHimbacommunities;

• Takeallnecessarymeasurestoeradicatediscriminationagainstindigenouspeoples;

• FormulateawhitepaperinaccordancewiththeUnitedNationsDeclarationontheRightsofIndigenousPeoplesandthatrecommendationsfromtheCommitteeontheEliminationofRacialDiscrimination,theInternationalLabourOrganisation(ILO)andtheAfricanCommission”workingGrouponIndigenousPopulations/Communitiesaretakenintoconsiderationinthisprocess.


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Concerns and Recommendations of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination afterconsideringNamibiaStateReport:August2008

1. TheCommitteeacknowledgesthedifficultieswithinademocraticsysteminimplementinglandreformpolicieswithaviewtoaddressingexistingimbalances.However,itisconcernedabouttheapparentlackofclearandtransparentcriteriafortheredistributionoflandinpractice,andnoteswithconcernthepaucityofinformationconcerningtheimplementationofrelevantpoliciesinthisfield.(art.5(d)(v))

The State party is encouraged to implement its policies on land reform in such a way to ensure the equal exercise by the different ethnic communities of the rights enshrined in the Convention within the framework of a democratic system. The Committee invites the State party to provide information on the measures taken to ensure the implementation of land reform policy and particularly its impact on vulnerable groups.

2. TheCommitteeisconcernedaboutthelackofrecognitionoftherightsofownershipof indigenouscommunitiesoverthelandswhichtheytraditionallyoccupyorhaveoccupied.(art.5(d)(v))

The Committee reminds the State party of its general recommendation No. 23 (1997) on the rights of indigenous peoples, in particular paragraph 5, which calls on State parties to recognize and protect the rights of indigenous peoples to own, develop, control and use their lands and territories. It therefore encourages the State party, in consultation with the indigenous communities concerned, to demarcate or otherwise identify the lands which they traditionally occupy or use, and to establish adequate procedures to resolve land claims by indigenous communities within the domestic judicial system while taking due account of relevant indigenous customary laws.

3. TheCommitteewelcomesthestatementthatlocalcommunitiesparticipateinthemanagementofnewconservationareas.However, it is concernedabout theabilityof the local indigenouscommunitiesto pursue their traditional way of life in such parks. The Committee is also concerned that thosecommunitieswhose landswere taken before 1990 have not been able to receive redress for thisdispossession(arts.5(d)(v)and(e)(vi)).

The Committee encourages the State party to strengthen its laws and policies aimed at ensuring that national parks established on ancestral lands of indigenous communities allow for sustainable economic and social development compatible with the cultural characteristics and living conditions of those indigenous communities. In cases where indigenous communities


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have been deprived of their lands and territories traditionally owned, the Committee recommends that the State party take steps to return those lands and territories or to provide adequate reparation measures, in accordance with paragraph 5 of general recommendation No. 23 (1997) on the rights of indigenous peoples.

4. The Committee remains concerned that despite the specialmeasures taken by the State party toreducepovertyandtoprogressivelyrealizeequalandsustainabledevelopment,discriminationonthegroundsofethnicitywithregardtotheenjoymentofeconomic,socialandculturalrightspersistsintheStateparty.(art.5(e))

The Committee recommends that the State party conduct studies with a view to assessing and evaluating the level of enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights by the different ethnic groups in the State party, based on which the State party should strengthen its efforts in combating poverty among marginalized groups as well as its measures aimed at promoting equal opportunities for all persons.

5. The Committee acknowledges the State party’s stated intention to review the developmentprogrammescurrentlyinplace,aswellasthestepstakenbytheStatepartytoimprovetheeconomicandsocialsituationoftheindigenouscommunities,includingbymobileschoolunits,scholarshipsforSanchildren,andnon-discriminationtrainingforemployers.However,itremainsconcernedabouttheextremepovertyoftheindigenouscommunitiesanditsimpactontheirequalenjoymentofhumanrights.TheCommitteeisparticularlyconcernedaboutthehighrateofHIV/AIDSinfectionamongtheSan, their lackofaccess to identificationdocuments, their low levelof schoolattendance,and thecomparativelylowlifeexpectancyamongthosecommunities.(art.5(e))

The Committee recommends that the State party enhance its efforts to reduce poverty and to stimulate economic growth and development for the most marginalized groups, namely the indigenous communities, especially with regard to education and health. It requests that the State party provide, in its next periodic report, information on the active involvement of targeted beneficiaries in the decisions directly relating to their rights and interests.

6. TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthelowlevelofparticipationinpoliticallifeand,inparticular,thelackofrepresentationinParliamentaswellasregionalandlocalpublicauthoritiesoftheindigenouscommunities,particularlytheSancommunity(art.5(c))


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The Committee recommends that the State party strengthen its efforts to ensure the full participation of indigenous communities in public affairs at all levels. It encourages the State party to revise its electoral laws with a view to encouraging political parties to broaden their appeal to ethnic minorities and to include a minimum proportion of candidates from these groups.

7. TheCommitteeisconcernedaboutthehigh incidenceofrapeofSanwomenbymembersofothercommunities,whichseemstobecausedbynegativestereotypes,anditregretsthelackofdetailedinformationprovidedbytheStatepartyonthisissue.(art.5(b))

The Committee recommends that the State party adopt all necessary measures to ensure prompt, thorough and independent investigations into all allegations of rape against San women. It also urges the State party to increase its efforts aimed at combating prejudices against the San and to promote tolerance and foster intercultural dialogue among the different ethnic groups of Namibia.

8. The Committee, while welcoming the State party’s efforts to enhance the economic and socialparticipationofpersonsbelongingtomarginalizedgroups,inparticulartheSan,noteswithconcernthatintegrationpoliciesandprogrammesmightbedetrimentaltotheprotectionofethnicandculturaldiversityofthesecommunities.(arts.5and7)

Recalling that the principle of non-discrimination requires that the cultural characteristics of all ethnic groups be taken into consideration, the Committee urges the State party to ensure that its integration policies and programmes respect and protect the cultural identities of persons belonging to national or ethnic minorities within its territory. The Committee further encourages the State party to ensure the participation of these groups in the design and implementation of integration policies and programmes, at both national and local levels.


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Part II: Frequently asked questions about indigenous peoples in Namibia

1. Who are indigenous peoples?

There is no legal formal definition of the words “indigenous peoples” in both international andregionallawfortwomajorreasons.Firstly,nosinglesetofwordscouldcapturetheculturaldiversityoftheconcernedpeoplesacrosstheworld.Secondly,accordingtotheprincipleofself-identification,indigenous peoples should not be defined by someone except themselves. The United NationsDeclarationontheRightsoftheIndigenousPeoples(UNDRIP)doesnotdefinetheterm“indigenouspeoples”.TheAfricanCharteronHumanandPeoples’Rights(AfricanCharter)doesnotdefinetheterm“peoples”.

In theEndorois case, theAfricanCommissionhighlighted the characteristics that canhelpanyoneunderstandwhycertaingroupsidentifythemselvesasindigenous.Thesearethefollowing:

• theoccupationanduseofaspecificterritory• thevoluntaryperpetuationofculturaldistinctiveness• self-identificationasadistinctcollectivity• anexperienceofsubjugation,marginalization,dispossession,exclusionordiscrimination

FromthepracticeoftheAfricanCommission,thebodysupervisingtheimplementationoftheAfricanCharter,theword‘peoples’canmeanthepopulationofa‘stateinitsentirety’or‘anidentifiableportionofthepopulationofastate’.Thewords‘communities’and‘populations’areoftenusedinterchangeablywith‘peoples’.

2. Are all Africans indigenous?

Technicallyspeaking,notallAfricansareindigenous.Indigenouspeoplesareunderstoodassectionsofsomenationalpopulationswithstrongland-basedculturalidentity.Becauseoftheirparticularlifestyles,theyhadbeenorcontinuetobeconsideredasbackward,uncivilizedandunfittoenjoyallrightson the same footingwith the restof thepopulation.Their traditionaluseandoccupationof lands(mostlynomadic)wereseenasnotgoodenoughtobelegallyrecognizedandprotected.


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Theyliveinextremepovertyandonthemarginsoftheirrespectivesocieties,withilliteracy,levelofpovertyandunemploymentlevelsfarhigherthannationalaverages.

Historicalinjusticessufferedbyindigenouscommunitiesaredeeplyrootedincolonialhistorybutwereperpetuatedorremaineduncorrected inmostpostcolonialAfricanstates.This is thehumanrightsunderstandingoftheconcept‘indigenous’.AccordingtotheAfricanCommission:

• IndigenouspeoplesarenotfoundinallAfricancountries.• “Indigenous”doesnotnecessarilymeanfirstinexclusiontolatercomers.• Mostof indigenouspeoples inAfricaareeitherhuntergatherers, formerhuntergatherersor

pastoralistsgroups.• However,theAfricanCommissionalsoindicatesthatthereisalsoaliteralorgeneralmeaningof

thetermindigenous:“thereisnoquestionthatallAfricanareindigenoustoAfricainthesensethattheyweretherebeforetheEuropeancolonization”.

3. Does the concept ‘indigenous’ foster ethnic divisions/tribalism or does it threaten national unity/territorial integrity through the right to self determination?

TheAfricanCommissionstatedthat,by“givingrecognitiontoallgroups,respectingtheirdifferencesandallowingthemalltoflourishinatrulydemocraticspiritdoesnotleadtoconflict,itpreventconflicts.Conflictsdonotrisebecausepeopledemandtheir rightsbutbecausetheir rightsareviolated.TheelaborationofmodalitiestoprotectthehumanrightsofparticularlydiscriminatedgroupsshouldnotbeseenastribalismordisruptionoftheunityofAfricanstates”.

TheAfrican Commission clarifies further that the enjoyment of the right to self- determinationbyindigenous peoples should be understood in terms of self governance, autonomy, and similarprerogativesthatdonotthreatentheterritorialintegrityandunityofcurrentstates.Thisisalsotheunderstandingofarticles3,4and46ofUNDRIP.

4. Who are the indigenous populations of Namibia? Themajorityoftheindigenouspeoples inNamibiaarethe 30 000 to 60 000 San people. Theyare

currentlyfacingproblemslikeextremepoverty,lackofeducation,highmobility,socialstigmatizationand landlessness. 70% of San people depend on state-run food aids programmes which are onlyoccasional. The life expectancy of the San people is 22% lower than the normal average of thecommonpopulationofNamibia.Only15%ofSanhaslegaltitledeedsforthelandswhichtheyoccupy.


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Thelevelof literacyamongtheSanisonly20%.TheprimarysourceofsurvivalfortheSanis landonwhichtohuntforwildlifeandveldfruits.SmallergroupsuchastheOvatue,OvatjumbaandtheOvadhimba havealsoemerged.TheyarecloselyrelatedtotheHererotribeandliveintheremotedryandmountainiousareasofKuneneregionpreviouslyknownasKaokoland.TheHimbastillupholdtheirtraditionalsemi-nomadiclifestyleandcultureforconturies.TheyspeakOtjihereolanguageandliveexclusivelyfromtheirherdsandcattle.Theirlifeiscentredbyherdingtheirherdsofgoatsandcattletonewgrazingareasandwaterholdes.

Therearealsoothergroupsthatidentifythemselvesasindigenouscommunities.

TheTopnaarcommunityliveanomadicexistenceinthewersterncentralNamibalongtheRuisebRiverin the area around the seashoreofWalvis Bay. Theymake a living through farming/tending theirsmallruminantanimals(sheepandgoats)intheharshenvironmentoftheNambidesert.TheTopnaarcommunityhaauniquetraditionandcustomstosurvivethedesert.ThetopnaarshuntinggroundsarenowpartoftheNamibNaukluftparkandtheyarenolongerallowedtohuntandthe!naremelonisunderthreatduetothefallingwatertable.

5. What are Namibia’s key international obligations on indigenous peoples?

AsprovidedbytheConstitution,allinternationalhumanrightstreatiesarepartoftheNamibianlegalsystem,andbindthestateinitsdealingswithallNamibians–includingindigenouspeoples.

The following international instruments contain the key Namibian international obligations onindigenouspeoples’rights:1) The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR, ratified by Namibia on 28

November1994,morespecificallyarticle27.2) TheInternationalCovenantonEconomic,SocialandCulturalRights(ICESCR),ratifiedbyNamibia

on28November1994.3) TheConventionontheEliminationallformsofRacialDiscrimination(CERD),ratifiedbyNamibia

on11November1982.4) TheConventionontheRightsoftheChild(CRC),ratifiedbyNamibiaon30September1990,

witharticle30thatrefersspecificallyto‘indigenouschildren’.5) ILOConventionNo.111ConventionconcerningDiscriminationinRespectofEmploymentand

Occupation, ratifiedbyNamibiaon13November2001which isofparamount importancetoindigenouspeoplesbecauseofprotectingtraditionaloccupations.


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6) Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), ratified by Namibia on 16May 2005 with specificarticles10(c)and8(j)onindigenouspeoples’rights.

7) UnitedNationsDeclarationontheRightsofIndigenousPeoples,adoptedon13September2007followinganoverwhelmingmajority voteof 143UNMemberStates, includingNamibia. It isthemostcomprehensiveandupdatedlegalinstrumentonindigenouspeoples’rights.AlthoughUNDRIPisnotabindingtreaty,itsprovisionsareconsideredhighlypersuasive.

Namibia isyet to ratify ILOConventionNo.169on IndigenousandTribalPeoples,which is theonlyinternationaltreaty,opentoratificationthatdealsspecificallywithindigenouspeoples’rights.

Ontheregionallevel,Namibiahasratifiedthefollowingmainhumanrightstreaties:

1) AfricanCharteronHumanandPeoples’Rights(ratifiedon30August1992).2) TheProtocoltotheAfricanCharterontheRightsofWomeninAfrica(ratifiedon22December

2000).3) TheAfricanCharterontheRightsandWelfareoftheChild(ratifiedon23July2004).

Inaddition,NamibiaisapartytotheAfricanYouthCharter,theSADCProtocolonCulture,InformationandSport,theSADCForestryProtocol,theSADCProtocolonMiningandtheSADCProtocolonTrainingandEducation.Asastatepartytoalltheselegalinstruments,Namibiaisboundtoprovideprotectionandrespectfortherightsofindigenouspeoples.

Namibiaisastatepartytoandthusboundtoallthesetreaties.IndigenouspeoplesinNamibia,similartoallotherhumanbeings,enjoyallotherrightsstipulatedininternationalhumanrightsinstrumentstowhichNamibiahasbecomeastateparty.

6. Are the rights of indigenous peoples new or special?

Therightsofindigenouspeoplesareneithernewnorspecial.Allinternationalinstruments,provisionsonindigenouspeoplesrestate,aswaytoemphasize,theverysamerightsprotectedunderuniversalhumanrights instruments.As indicatedabove, indigenouspeoples’historiesaremarkedprejudicedviewsandmarginalizationthatpreventthemfromenjoyingallrights.Inmostcases,indigenouspeoplessufferdefactodiscriminationsorexclusion,whichcausestheir laggingbehindnationalaveragesonlevelofeducation,accesstohealthandotherpublicservices.


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Provisions on indigenous peoples’ rights aim at correcting these historical injustices and socio-economicimbalances,byfirstrestatingtheprincipleofequalityasarticulatedinalluniversalhumanrightsinstrumentsandsecondlyprovidenotforspecialrightsbutspecialmeasureswiththeviewtoclosingsocioeconomicgapsandtakingintoaccountspecificitiesofindigenouspeoples.

7. What are key milestones on indigenous peoples-related standards in Namibia?

TherightsofindigenouspeoplesinNamibialikeallotherpeoplesareprovidedforintheConstitution.It uses thewords ‘all people’ for positive rights and ‘no person’ for negative rights. It has generalprovisions like thepreamblewhichprovide the rightof the individual to life, libertyandpursuitofhappinesswithoutdiscriminationbasedonrace,colour,ethnicoriginandreligion.Oneoftheprinciplesof theNamibian Constitution is the promotion among theNamibian nation of integrity, unity anddignityoftheindividual.

1) Article5generallyprotectsthefundamentalrightsandprovidesfortheirenforceabilitybycourtsinNamibia.

2) PursuanttoArticle144oftheNamibianConstitution,generalprinciplesofinternationallawaswellasinternationalagreementsbindinguponNamibiaformpartofthelawofNamibia.ThisimpliesthatrulesofinternationallawaswellastheprovisionsofinternationalagreementstowhichNamibiaispartyaredirectlyenforceableunderthelawsofNamibia.

3) AdoptionoftheTraditionalAuthoritiesAct,CommunityCourtsActandCommunalLandReformAct.

4) Adoption of the San Development Programme on the basis of a Cabinet decision No:25th/29.11.05/001: To integrate the San Communities into themainstreamof theNamibiansocietyandeconomyinlinewithitsVision2030andnationaldevelopmentpolicies.Thefollowingaresomeofthekeyinitiativesundertakensofarsincetheinceptionoftheprogramme.

• Resettlement Programme for San people. The Government has purchased farms, andallocatedittotheSanpeople.TheMinistryofLandandResettlementgavethemlivestock(cattleandgoats),somefarmingimplementsandtrainedtheminfarmingtoproducefoodforselfsustenance.

• Education for San children TheGovernment launched the “back to school and stay atschoolforSanchildren”programmeandprovidesthemwithscholarships

• LiteracyprojectforalltheSanpeople• Early-ChildhoodDevelopmentCentreswereestablished


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• Employmentopportunities.TheNationalGovernmenthasgivendirectivestoallMinistriesandRegionalGovernmentstoapplyaffirmativeactionprinciples intermsof the law intheemploymentofSanpeople.ManyoftheMinistriesincludingtheMinistryofDefence,SafetyandSecurityhaverelaxedrequirementsforemployingSanpeopleintheDefenceandPoliceForces.

• With the assistance of NGO’s, the Community Conservancy programme is one of theprogrammesestablishedforthebenefitofSanpeoplewhichhavebeenmoresuccessful.

• San Feeding Programme: Due to extreme poverty amongst the San, GovernmentintroducedfeedingprogrammesfortheSanCommunitiesonaregularbasis.

5) VoteinfavouroftheUnitedNationsDeclarationontheRightsofIndigenousPeoples(UNDRIP)in2007

6) CreationoftheSanDevelopmentDivisionwithintheODPMin20057) Official invitation of the African Commission Working Group on indigenous populations/

communitiesin20088) UniversalPeriodicReviewReportbyNamibiainFebruary2011makinganumberofcommitments

relatingtoindigenouspeoplesandusingtheterm‘indigenouspeoples’.TheNamibiagovernmentexpressedcommitmenttocontinuesupportandprogrammesbytheSanDevelopmentDivisiontoensurethat indigenousminoritypeoples in thecountryare fully integrated inmainstreamsocietyandeconomy.

8. Why is protection of indigenous peoples good for a national development?

Enhancedprotectionandpromotionofindigenouspeoples’rightsisanassettonationaldevelopmentforthefollowingreasons:

1) Itpreventsorresolvessocialconflict.2) Itpromotegoodgovernancethroughparticipationofthebeneficiariesandothersstakeholders.3) Itguaranteesconflicts-freeexploitationandconservationofnaturalresourcesgiventhatinmost

casesindigenouspeoplesliveonlandsthatarerichinnaturalresources.Thereisnolongtermfutureinexploitationorconservationofnaturalresourcesbasedonsocialinjustices,expulsionsoflocalcommunitiesandconflicts.

4) Indigenouspeopleshaveknowledgethatcanbenefitacountryasawhole.


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Part III: The rights of indigenous peoples under international and under Namibia law

This part deals with the law and the general principles which guide the implementation of indigenouspeoples’rights. Itaddressesseveral issueswhichaffect indigenouspeoples.Theimportanceofeachissueishighlightedandthepositionof international lawregardingeachissueisdiscussed. InternationalhumanrightslawandthegeneralprinciplesarethenusedasayardsticktomeasuretheeffortsmadebyNamibiainpromoting,protectingandimplementingtherightsofindigenouspeoples.

1. Non-discrimination Why is non-discrimination important to indigenous peoples in Namibia?

Discriminations that indigenous peoples suffer from come mostly from decades or centuries ofprejudicedviews,bywhichothersectionsofnationalpopulationconsiderthemandtheirwayoflifeasuncivilizedandbackwards.Thisiswhatmakesparticularthediscriminationssufferedbyindigenouspeoples. Indigenouspeoplesoftenfaceseverediscrimination,bothatverticalandhorizontal levels.Verticaldiscriminationiswhenthestateadoptslawandpoliciesthatarediscriminatory.Whenotherpeoplediscriminateagainstindigenouspeople,theyexperiencehorizontaldiscrimination.

The state has a role to protect individuals, including indigenous peoples, against discriminationbyotherpersons(forexamplebyadopting“Anti-Discrimination”laws).Discriminationcantakeadirectorindirectform.Forexample,directdiscriminationwouldtakepaceifthestatemadealawthatexcludedan indigenous community, byname, from theenjoymentof aparticular right, suchas the rightofaccesstowaterorlands.Indirectdiscriminationwouldoccurifthestateadoptedalawthatdidnotdiscriminateagainstagroup,byname,butiftheeffectofthelawistodiscriminateagainstthatgroup.

What are the key existing international and domestic standards on non-discrimination against indigenous peoples applicable in Namibia?

1) TherighttoprotectionagainstdiscriminationhasbeenrecognizedbymajorinternationalhumanrightstreatiesliketheICCPRandtheICESCR.


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2) TheILOConventionNo.169guaranteesindigenouspeoplestherightto‘enjoythefullmeasureofhumanrightsandfundamentalfreedomswithouthindranceordiscrimination’.

3) The African Charter provides, in article 19, for equality of all peoples and proscribes thedominationofapeoplebyanother. TheAfricanCommissionheldthatdiscriminationagainstblackMauritanianswasaviolationandfoundthatanylawthatdiscriminatesagainstapeopleoranethnicgroupwillamounttoaviolationofarticle19.

4) TheProtocolontheRightsofWomenobligesstatestoprotecttherightofeverywomanandrequiresthateverywomanshouldbeallowedtodevelopherpersonalityfreely.Oneofthewaysindigenouswomen can freely develop their personality is by being protected fromall formsof discrimination especially based on gender. As a state party to the Protocol, Namibia hasanobligation to refrain frommaking laws,policies, regulations aswell as administrativeandinstitutionalprocedureswhichresult inthedenialoftheequalenjoymentbywomenoftheircivil,politicalandsocio-economicrights.

5) Article 10 of Namibia’s Constitution prohibits discrimination on among other grounds race,colour,ethnicorigin,religionorsocialoreconomicstatus.OfparticularimportancetoindigenouspeoplesinNamibiaisarticle23oftheConstitutionwhichprovidesforaffirmativeactionmeasures.AlthoughthatprovisionisdesignedtoaddressNamibia’sapartheidpastandaccordinglycoversall historically subjugated groups by the apartheid laws and policies, it can be employed toredresspast and continuingmarginalisationof indigenouspeoples inNamibia. To giveeffectandimplementtheConstitutionalprovisiononnon-discrimination,thestateadoptedtheRacialDiscriminationAmendmentActNo26of1990andtheRacialDiscriminationAmendmentActNo26of1998.

6) TheestablishmentoftheSanDevelopmentProgrammein2005withintheOfficeoftheDeputyPrimeMinisterofNamibiaisapositiveaffirmativeactioncontributiontoredressthesituationof indigenous peoples inNamibia. Itwas an important acknowledgment by the governmentof Namibia that more than two decades since attaining independence, some of its peopleremainatthemarginsofdevelopment.Theobjectiveoftheprogramme“istoensurethattheSanpeoplearefully integrated inthemainstreamoftheNamibiansocietyandeconomyandtherebyensurethatallNamibiansachievethecountry’svision2030.”Althoughinitiallytargetingthe San community, theprogrammehas since2007 incorporated theOvatueandOvatjimbacommunities.


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In2007,byaCabinetdirective,theOfficeoththeDeptyMinisterwastaskedtoresettletheOvatueandOvatjimbacommunitiesinKuneneregion.Thesecommunitiesweresupportedbyimplementingcommunitybasedintegrativeruraldevelopmentinitiativese.g.provisionofcattle,goats,accesstocleanwater,gardens,solarelectricity,edcationandinfrastructure.Thegovernmenthavemadeitpossibleand build at resettlement village health and school facilities cattering for indigenous marginalisecommunities. The staff employed in the centres are trained professionals hailing from respectivetargetgroups.

7) The courts of law in Namibia have equally been instrumental in protecting the rights ofindigenouspeoplesinthecountryasillustratedbythecaseofKapikavGovernmentofNamibia(theHimba and EpupaHydropower Scheme case). The litigation arose out of a decision bytheNamibianGovernmenttobuildadamalongtheKuneneRiverinNorth-WesternNamibia,intheareainhabitedbytheOvahimbacommunity.Thecommunityclaimedthattheyhadnotbeenconsultedand/orinvolvedintheinitialstagesoftheproject.Accordingtothecommunitytheconstructionofthedamwouldinundatemorethan160ancestralgraveswhichwerelocalpointsfordefiningidentityaswellasbeingcentresforimportantreligiousrituals.ThroughtheLegalAssistanceCentre, theCommunityobtainedaHighCourtorderallowing themtomeetfreelywiththeirlegalrepresentativestostrategiseonvindicatingtheirrightsonthematter.Inaddition,throughsuccessfullobbying-bothlocallyandinternationally–theOvahimbaunderthe leadership of Chief Hikuminue Kapika, put pressure on the government to engage thecommunityinmeaningfulnegotiations.Theconstructionofthedamispresentlyonhold.

8) Chapter 10 of the Namibia Constitution establishes Ombudsman which is an independentcomplaintshandlinginstitution.Itinvestigatescorruptionandmal-administration,humanrightsviolations and the over-utilisation of natural resources, upon receiving a complaint relatingthereto. The Ombudsman also plays an important role in the promotion of democracy andgoodgovernance.TheOmbudsmanhassoughttoprotectandpromotetherightsofindigenouspeoples inNamibia and has undertaken community visits and consultations on strategies toprotectindigenouspeoples’rights.TheOmbudsmanispresentlydevelopingaNationalHumanRights Action Plan and has indicated that hewill include issues and concerns of indigenouspeoplesinNamibiaintheenvisagedActionPlan.


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2. Participation and consultation Why is participation and consultation important to indigenous peoples in Namibia?

Theprinciplesofparticipationandconsultationaremeanttoprovideindigenouspeopleswithasayindecisionsthataffectthem.Theyaredesignedtomakeindigenouspeoplesdecideontheirdestinyandinfusetheirperspectives,aspirationsandvisionsintonationallegalandpoliciesframeworksaswellasdevelopmentprogrammes.Thenormsofconsultationandparticipationarethusmechanismsaimingtocorrectthehistoricalprejudicedviewofindigenouspeoples,asuncivilizedandbackwardswhodonotknowwhatisgoodforthemandforwhomothershoulddecide(assimilationistapproach).

Theyaremeansthroughwhichindigenouspeoplesaretograduallyregaincontrolovertheirdestinyandsecuretheirrightsoverlands,toeducation,employmentandequality.

Consultationshouldbedonethroughappropriateproceduresandinstitutionswheneverconsiderationis being given to legislative or administrative measures on lands, natural resources, educations,employment,andhealth,vocationaltrainingetcthatmayaffectindigenouspeoples.Consultationmustbedone ingood faith,withenoughtime,wellbeforeadecision ismadeandwith theobjectiveofreachinganagreementwithindigenouspeoples.Meresharingofinformationwithindigenouspeopleswhendecisionshavealreadybeenmadedoesnotamounttoconsultation.Theconceptofconsultationisimportantinthiscontextbecauseitallowsforindigenouspeoplestohavetheirviewsknownandtocompeltheauthoritytogettheirconsent.Italsoenablesthenegotiationofadequatecompensationincaseofrelocation.Thecompositionofnationaldecision-makingbodiesandtheinstitutionsinvolvingtraditionalleadershipshouldalsocaterforthespecialneedsofindigenouspeoples.Theonlywaythisispossibleisbyconsultationandparticipation.

Participation of indigenous peoples in public affairs is often hindered by numerous unfair factorsincludinghighilliteracyornothavingidentificationpapers.Itisimportantforindigenouspeoplestohaveasayinthepoliticalaffairsoftheircountrysothattheyareadequatelyrepresentedandtheirneedsandcomplaintsbeproperlyheardandattendedto.Participationbreedsconstructivedialoguethroughwhich indigenouspeoplescanvoicetheircomplaintsandseekredress. Indigenouspeoplesmust participate in the formulation, implementation and evaluation of plans and programmes fornationalandregionaldevelopmentwhichmayaffectthemdirectly.Governmentsareboundtoestablishinstitutionsormechanismsthatenableindigenouspeoplesparticipateintheplanning,coordination,executionandevaluationofmeasuresorprogrammesthataffectthem.


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Who should be consulted?

Indigenouspeoplesshouldbeconsulted through their representative institutions.Whatconstitutesa representative institution will have to be determined in function of the characteristics of thecountry, the specificitiesof the indigenouspeoples and the subject and scopeof the consultation.Giventhecircumstances,theappropriateinstitutionmayberepresentativeatthenational,regionalorcommunitylevel;itmaybepartofanationalnetworkoritmayrepresentasinglecommunity.Theimportantcriteriaisthatitshouldbeindigenouspeoplesthemselveswhodeterminewhichinstitutionsarerepresentative.

Incircumstanceswhererepresentationiscontestedorthereisadiversityofcompetinginstitutions,theidentificationofasinglerepresentativeinstitutionmaynotbepossible.Particularinbroadnationalconsultations, therewill be a need to take an inclusive approach, allowing for participationof thediversityoforganizationalexpressions.Ensuringthattheinstitutionsconcernedarerepresentativemayinsomecasesalsogoingbeyondtraditionalinstitutions.Forinstance,itisrequiredthatconsultationshould be applied equally to women andmen, but in some caseswomenmay not have a say intraditionaldecision-making.

Iftheinstitutionsconsultedarenotconsideredrepresentativebythepeopletheyclaimtorepresent,the consultation will have no legitimacy. Where indigenous peoples’ traditional institutions lackcapacities,thegovernmentshouldsupportthedevelopmentofindigenouspeoples’owninstitutionsandinitiativesandalso,whereappropriate,providethemwiththenecessaryresources.

What are appropriate procedures?

The requirement that consultations should take place through appropriate proceduresmeans thatconsultationsshouldtakeplaceinaclimateofmutualtrust.Ingeneral,Governmentsneedtorecognizerepresentative organizations, endeavor to reach an agreement, conduct genuine and constructivenegotiations,avoidunjustifieddelays, complywith theagreementswhichareconcludedandapplythemingoodfaith.Governmentsalsoneedtoensureindigenouspeopleshaveallrelevantinformationandthatitcanbefullyunderstoodbythem.Sufficienttimemustbegiventoallowindigenouspeoplestoengagetheirowndecision-makingprocessesandparticipateeffectivelyindecisionstakeninamannerconsistentwith their cultural and social traditions. Thus, consultation oftenmeans establishing aninterculturaldialogue.Thismeansmakingarealefforttounderstandhowindigenouspeoples’culturesfunction,theirdecision-makingprocesses,andtheirpriorities,andadaptingtheformandtimingofconsultationtothis.


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Does consultation lead to conflict?Effectiveconsultationandparticipationareprinciplesofgoodgovernanceandaremeanstoreconciledifferentinterestsandpursueobjectivesofinclusivedemocracy,stabilityandeconomicdevelopment.In contrast, the lack of effective consultationwill often lead to further exclusion and, in theworstcases,conflictsandconfrontations.Atthelocallevel,consultationestablishesdialogueandfacilitatesagreements.Likewise,wheretheILOsupervisorybodieshaveanalysedspecificconflictivesituations,it has been obvious that provisions on consultation and participation had not been adequatelyimplemented.

What are the barriers for conducting consultations?

Oneofthekeyobstaclestoagoodstandardconsultation isthesituationofexclusionandmistrust,whichoftenexistbetweenindigenouspeoplesandStates.

What is the concept of free, prior informed consent?

UNDRIP uses the term free, prior informed consent to establish the objective of consultation andcooperation.Specifically,itstipulatesasfollows:

States shall consult and cooperate in good faith with the indigenous peoples concerned throughtheirownrepresentativeinstitutionsinordertoobtaintheirfree,priorandinformedconsentbeforeadoptingandimplementinglegislativeandadministrativemeasuresthataffectthem.

Inhis2009annualreporttotheUJNHumanRightsCouncil,theUNSpecialRapporteurontheRightsofIndigenousPeoples,ProfessorJamesAnaya,hassaidinthisregard:

“ThisprovisionoftheDeclaration[Article19]shouldnotberegardedasaccordingindigenouspeoplesa general “vetopower”overdecisions thatmayaffect them,but rather asestablishing consent asthe objective of consultations with indigenous peoples. The somewhat different language of theDeclarationsuggestsaheightenedemphasisontheneedforconsultationsthatareinthenatureofnegotiationstowardsmutuallyacceptablearrangements,priortothedecisionsonproposedmeasures,ratherthanconsultationsthataremoreinthenatureofmechanismsforprovidingindigenouspeopleswithinformationaboutdecisionsalreadymadeorinthemaking,withoutallowingthemgenuinelytoinfluencethedecision-makingprocess”.

Itisthereforebelievedthataneffectiveconsultationcanleadtoafree,priorandinformedconsentofindigenouspeoples.


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What are the key existing international and domestic standards for consultation and participation of indigenous peoples in Namibia?

1) TheconceptofparticipationandconsultationhasbeenenshrinedbytheILOConventionNo169whichprovidesthatindigenouspeoplesshouldbeconsultedthroughappropriatemechanismandthroughtheirrepresentativeinstitutions.

2) UNDRIPhasrecognizedtheconceptoffree,priorandinformedconsentofindigenouspeople.

3) TheAfricanCharteralsoprovidesfortherighttopoliticalparticipationinthegovernmentofthecountrywhichalsoextendstoindigenouspeoples.

4) Article3(2)of theSADCForestryProtocolalsoprovides for respectof communities rightsbycallingonstatestocooperateinpromotingrespectfortherightsofcommunitiesandfacilitatingtheirparticipationinforestrydevelopment,planningandpreservationwithoutprejudicetotheirpropertyrights.

5) Namibia’sConstitutionenvisagesparticipationinapoliticalcontext.Article17oftheConstitutionprovidesthatallcitizensshallhavetherighttoparticipateinpeacefulpoliticalactivityintendedtoinfluencethecompositionandpoliciesofgovernment.

6) Theequalitybeforethelawprovisioninarticle10oftheConstitutionprovidesaclearlegalbasisforensuringthatallNamibiansincludingthosefromindigenouscommunitiesparticipateandareconsultedondecisionandmattersthataffectthem.

7) TheaffirmativeclauseundertheConstitutioninarticle23alsoenvisagesthatthestatecantakespecial measures to ensure previously disadvantaged communities and individuals includingwomenplayafull,equalandeffectiveroleinthepolitical,social,economicandculturallifeofthenation.

8) Since theestablishmentof theSanDevelopmentDivision therehavebeensomecommendableeffortsinseekingtoconsultindigenouspeoplesalthoughnotalwaysproperlystructuredtoensurefree,priorandinformedconsent.OneofthekeyconcernsexpressedbySancommunitiesisthattheirlegitimateconcernsandviewsareoftenignoredornotsoughtatall,althoughtheymaybeobtainedthroughappropriateconsultationsandparticipation. The failuretogivedueregardtoindigenouspeoplesconcernsandpreferredwayoflifeandcircumstancesraisesquestionsaboutthecomplianceoftheconsultationswiththenorms,standardsandprinciplesonadequateconsultation.


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3. Land, natural resources and property Why is land, natural resources and property important to indigenous peoples in Namibia?

Land isof immense importance to indigenouspeopleas itgives themacultural identityaswellasspiritualandsocialwell-being.Generally,indigenouspeoplesdonothavelegaltitledeedsforthelandstheyoccupysincetimeimmemorial.Therefore,itbecomesproblematictodecidewhethertheyownthoselandsastheirproperty.Thematterevengetscomplicatedwhenitcomestowhetherornottheyhaverightstoanynaturalresourceswhichmaybefoundunderthoselands.

What justifies specific measures for the protection of indigenous peoples’ land rights?

Two major historical wrongs were committed against indigenous peoples with regards to lands.Firstly,becauseofindigenouspeoples’nomadiclifestylethattendstoleavelittlevisiblesignsoflandoccupation,theirtraditionalterritoriesgavetheimpressionofbeingunoccupied,contrarytosedentaryagriculturalistscommunitieswhoseoccupationanduseoflandswerevisible.Thismisconceptionwasreflectedinmostcolonialandpostcoloniallandlawsthatconsideredindigenouspeoplesasvacantornomanlands.Secondly,indigenouspeoples’useandoccupationoflandswereconsideredaswastefulandeconomicallyunviable.

What is the scope of indigenous peoples’ land rights? (Do indigenous peoples’ claim all national lands?)

Indigenouspeoplesclaimlandsandresourcestheytraditionallyoccupyanduseinabroadsense.Itgivesimportancetotheconceptofterritories,coveringthetotalenvironmentoftheareastheyoccupy,andtotheculturalandspiritualvaluesattachedtotheland.Therecognitionoflandrightsisbasedonthetraditionaloccupation,meaningthelandwhereindigenouspeopleshavelivedovertimeandwanttopassontofuturegenerations.Indigenouspeoples’landsarenotjustanylandbutlandstowhichtheyculturallyrelate.InmostcasesthoselandsdonotamounttoallnationallandsandIndigenouspeoplescanhelpdemarcateanddelimitatetheirlands.Therightimpliesthatindigenouspeoplesmustbeinformed,consultedandparticipatefromtheveryoutsetofaplannedintervention,includingbeforeconcessionsorlicensesaregrantedtooperators.


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What proves indigenous peoples’ rights to lands and resources?

Indigenous peoples’ rights to lands and natural resources are proven by a traditional immemorialoccupationanduse,andnottheeventualofficialrecognitionorregistrationofownership,asdoneinmodernlaw.Theselandrightscomprisebothindividualandcollectiveaspects.Further,governmentsare required to establish procedures to identify indigenous peoples’ lands and protect their rightsofownershipandpossession,e.g.throughdemarcationandtitling,andtoestablishmechanismstoresolvelandclaims.

What are the key international and domestic standards on indigenous peoples’ land rights in Namibia?

1) TheUNDRIPrecognizestherightofindigenouspeoplestolands,territoriesandresourcestheytraditionallyown.Furthermore,article27oftheUNDRIPobligesstatestoestablishproceduresbywhich indigenouspeoples’ customsand land tenure systems canbe recognized,with theparticipationofindigenouspeoples.

2) TheCommitteeonEliminationofRacialDiscriminationhasrequestedstatestoprovideindigenouspeopleswithconditionsallowingforasustainableeconomicandsocialdevelopmentcompatiblewiththeirculturalcharacteristics,aswellastorecognizeandprotecttherightsofindigenouspeoplestoown,develop,controlandusetheircommunallands,territoriesandresources.

3) Article27oftheICCPRascommenteduponbytheHumanRightsCommittee“Withregardtotheexerciseoftheculturalrightsprotectedunderarticle27,theCommitteeobservesthatculturemanifestsitselfinmanyforms,includingaparticularwayoflifeassociatedwiththeuseoflandresources,especiallyinthecaseofindigenouspeoples.Thatrightmayincludesuchtraditionalactivitiesasfishingorhuntingand the right to live in reservesprotectedby law…toenjoyaparticularculture-mayconsistinawayoflifewhichiscloselyassociatedwithterritoryanduseofitsresources”.

4) Article21(1)oftheAfricanCharterstipulatesthattheStatehasadutytoallowallitscitizenstofreelydisposeoftheirwealthandnaturalresourcesandintheexclusiveinterestofthepeople.Inaddition,theStatehastheobligationofnotdeprivinganyindividualfromthisright.Article22(1) imposes the obligation to respect the peoples’ right to economic, social and culturaldevelopment in relationto their freedomand identity.Their right toequalenjoymentof thecommonheritageofmankindhastoberespectedbytheState.


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5) The Constitution ofNamibia article 16 provides that “all persons shall have the right in anypartofNamibiatoacquire,ownanddisposeofallformsofimmovableandmovablepropertyindividuallyor inassociationwithothersand tobequeath to theirheirsor legatees.”On thebasisofthatprovisiononewouldexpectthatindigenouspeopleswouldenjoythatrightbutinpractice,giventhefactthat intermsofarticle100oftheNamibiaConstitutionallcommunallandvests inthestate, indigenouspeoples’ landshaveoftenbeenappropriated(onthebasisofarticle16of theConstitutionostensibly forpublic interest)with little ifanycompensationnotwithstandingtheConstitutionalguaranteeforpaymentofjustcompensation.

4. Inaddition,section17(1)oftheCommunalLandReformActprovidesthat“allcommunallandareasvestinthestateintrustforthebenefitofthetraditionalcommunitiesinthoseareasandforthepurposeofpromotingtheeconomicandsocialdevelopmentofthepeopleofNamibia,in particular the landless and those with insufficient access to land who are not in formalemploymentandorengage innonagriculturalbusinessactivities.”Thatprovisionwhichvestcommunal landtothestateeffectivelymeansthat indigenouscommunitiesunlike individualswhohaveprivatetitle-donothavesecurityoftenurefortheirlandsandinfacthavenolegaltitletotheselands,asituationthatdemandsurgentattention.

5. Theprocessof resettlingdisplaced indigenouscommunities inNamibia remains fraughtwithnumerous challengesandbureaucratichurdles.However, since theestablishmentof theSanDevelopmentProgramme,anumberofindigenouscommunitieshavebeenassistedtoaccesscommunalfarms.

6. TheGovernmentPolicyonTourismWildlifeConcessionsonStateLandof2007providesclearprinciplesandguidelinesontheallocationofconcessionstocommunitieslivingadjacenttoorinprotectedareas.OnthebasisofthatpolicyandguidelinestheSanDevelopmentProgrammehasfacilitatedaccessbySancommunitiestocommunityconservanciesinordertobenefitfromnaturalresourcessuchwildlifeandgameintheareastheyinhabit.

4. EducationWhy is education important to indigenous peoples in Namibia?

Educationhasbeenidentifiedasanessentialtoolfortheself-developmentofindigenouspeoplesandtoempowerthemtofightdominationandtheconsequencesofsuchdomination.Educationisoneofthemostappropriatetoolstoempowerpresentandfuturegenerationsofindigenouspeoplestofight


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marginalizationandpoverty.Educationwillalsoenableindigenouspeopletoimprovetheirconditionsoflifetogetherwiththerespectfortheircultureandtradition.

Which key elements indigenous peoples’ education should have?

Educationofindigenouspeoplesshouldincludetheirhistoryandculture,alignwiththeirwayoflifetotheextentpossible,graduallybeunderthebeneficiaries’management,useindigenouslanguagesandpromoteindigenousteachers.

Indigenous peoples-focused programon education should aim at closing the gap in the educationsectorsothatindigenouspeoplescanenjoythatrightonthesamefootingwithall.

What do international and Namibian domestic laws provide on education to indigenous peoples?

1) TheConventionontheRightsoftheChildrecognizescompulsoryandfreeprimaryeducationtoallchildrenwhichalsoincludesindigenouschildren.AccordingtoCRCGeneralCommentNo11,stateshavethedutytoensurethatspecialmeasuresaretakenfor indigenouschildrentoenjoytheirrighttoeducationonequalfootingwithnon-indigenouschildren.Italsoemphasizesthefactthatstatesshouldallocatetargetedfinancial,materialandhumanresources inorderto implement policies and programmeswhichmeet the special requirements of indigenouschildren’saccesstoeducation.

2) The ILO Convention No 169 stipulates that education programmes and services should bedeveloped and implemented in co-operation with the peoples concerned to address theirspecificneeds.Article30oftheILOConventionalsoprovidesthatindigenouschildrenhavearighttousetheirownlanguage.

3) In addition, the UNDRIP recognizes the right of indigenous children, to pursue all forms ofeducationatalllevelswithoutdiscrimination.

4) TheAfricanCharterrecognizestherighttoeducationinarticle17andalsoacknowledgestherightofindividualstotakepartintheculturallivesoftheirowncommunities.TheAfricanCharterontheRightsandtheWelfareoftheChildcontainsaprovisionstatingtherightofchildrentoenjoyequalaccesstofreeandcompulsorybasiceducation.


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5) Article20ofNamibia’sConstitutionguaranteestherighttoeducation.PrimaryeducationshallbecompulsoryandthestateshallprovidereasonablefacilitiestorendereffectivethisrightforeveryresidentwithinNamibiabyestablishingandmaintainingstateschoolsatwhichprimaryeducationwillbeprovidedfreeofcharge.Howeverwhileprimaryeducationisfree,othercostssuchastheschooldevelopmentfund,stationery,uniforms,schoolbooks,meals,transportandexaminationfeesstillneedtobepaid,leadingtomorehardshiptochildrenfrompoorfamilies.

6) TheimplementinglegislationfortheconstitutionalguaranteetoeducationistheEducationAct

No16of2001.

7) Namibia’sEducationalLanguagePolicyprovidesthat‘’childrenshallbeinstructedintheirmothertongueforthefirstthreeyearsofformalschoolingwithgradualswitchtoEnglishinthefourthyear.”InfurtheranceofthatpolicyacollaborationbeencivilsocietyandNamibia’sMinistryofEducation launched theNyaeNyaeVillage School Project (VSP),which is a successfulmodelintegration of traditional, culturally-appropriatemother-tongue education of San indigenouschildrenwithformaleducation.

8) TheSanDevelopmentProgrammehaslaunchedthe“BacktoSchoolandStayatSchoolforSanChildren”campaignthatisaimedatensuringre-enrolmentandretentionofindigenouschildreninschools.“ANationalSchoolFeedingProgramme(NSFP)wasalsointroducedbytheMinistryofEducationinsomeoftheindigenouspeoplesregionsintheKunene(Opuwo)andOtjozandjupa(Tsumkwe)inanefforttoattractandretainchildrenwhowouldotherwisebeunabletoattendschoolbecauseofhunger.”ThegovernmenthasalsolaunchedsatelliteandmobileschoolsfortheSanandOvahimbainconformitywiththeirnomadiclife-style.

9) Given the large number of indigenous adults who are still illiterate in Namibia, the SanDevelopment Programme has also launched the literacy Pilot Project that targets adults toimproveliteracy.

10) EarlyChildhoodDevelopmentCentresamongSancommunitieshavealsobeenstartedundertheauspicesoftheSanDevelopmentProgrammeincollaborationwithdevelopmentpartners.Theaimof the centres is to facilitateaccess topre-primaryandkindergarten for indigenouschildreninNamibia.


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5. HealthWhy is health important to indigenous peoples in Namibia?

Thehealthsituationof indigenouspeoples isveryprecarious inNamibiaandvery limitedattentionisgiventothisproblembymedicalauthorities. MarginalizationandextremepovertyareoftenthereasonsfortheverypoorhealthconditionofindigenouspeopleswhosufferfromseriousdiseaseslikeAIDSandtuberculosis.Duetopoorhealthfacilitiesinfantmortalityisalsoveryhigh.Theissueofhealthisimportantbecauseaseveryindividual,indigenouspeopleshavearighttolifewhichisinextricablylinktohealth.

Which key elements indigenous peoples’ health programme should have?

Indigenouspeoples’specificitiesshouldbetaken intoaccount includingtheir traditionalknowledgeandculturalpracticesonhealth,thehealthservicesmustbecommunity-based,graduallyundertheresponsibilitiesofthebeneficiaries,consultationandparticipationofindigenouspeoples,promoteandgivepreferencetocommunityhealthworkersandmaintainlinkswithotherrelevanthealthservices.

What are the key existing international and domestic laws on the right to health for indigenous peoples in Namibia?

1) TheInternationalCovenantonEconomic,SocialandCulturalRightsprovidesthatstateshaveadutytoensurerighttoadequatestandardofliving.

2) Article16oftheAfricanCharterstressesthatstatepartiesshalltakeallnecessarymeasurestoprotectthehealthoftheirpeople.

3) Article24and25oftheILOConventionNo.169provideforspecificrequirementsfortherightofindigenouspeoplestohealth.

4) Stateshaveanobligationtoprovidehealthcarefacilities.Itshouldalsobenotedthatproximityofthosefacilitiestowheretheindigenouspeoplesliveisveryimportant.Thisisbecausetheyoftenlacktransportandcommunicationfacilities.Inaddition,medicalfacilitiesshouldcaterfortraditionalmedicalpracticesofindigenouspeople.Itisevenencouragedthathealthcarecentrespromoteandincludetraditionalmedicalpractitionerstoassistnormaldoctorsornurses.


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5) The right tohealth is not expresslyprovided for inNamibia’s supreme lawbut is covered intheConstitutionunderprinciplesofstatepolicy.Article95(a)(e)and(j)oftheConstitutionofNamibiaobligesthestatetoenactlegislationtoensurethehealthandwellbeingofitspeopleandtoprovideaccessforeverycitizentopublic facilitiessuchashealthaswellasconsistentplanning to raise and maintain acceptable levels of nutrition and standard of living of theNamibianpeopleandimprovepublichealth.

6) Thegovernmenthasmadeeffortstoprovidebasicaccesstohealthincludingtrainingtohealthworkersamongindigenouscommunitiesandconstructedclinics.However,thelackofregularhealth facilitiesandhealthprofessionalswhocanalsospeak indigenous languages in regionswherethesecommunitieslivemakesthemvulnerable.TheprevalenceofHIV/AIDSamongthesecommunitiesequallydemandsbetteraccessforindigenouspeoplestohealthservicesthaniscurrentlythecasegiventhefactthatintermsofthe2007NationalHIV/AIDSPolicyantiretroviraltreatmentisofferedfreeofchargeinstatehospitals.

7) TheMinistryofHealthandSocialServicesin2010issuedacirculartoallnationalandregionalhealth officials to adjust tariff of fees in state hospitals which include exemption of fees ofparticularlyvulnerableindividuals.Howeversuchexemptionrequiresapprovaluponapplicationbyanindividual,aprocedurethatmayexcludemostindigenouscommunitieswhomaynotevenbeawareofsuchexemptions.ItisalsoimportanttonotethatinNamibiaante-natalandpost-natalcareservicesinstatehospitalsareofferedfreeofchargewhichmeansthatifthefacilitieswereaccessibletoindigenouscommunitiestheywouldbenefitfromtheserviceandalleviatethehighratesofmaternalandchildmortalityamongthesecommunities.

6. Gender equalityWhy is gender equality and employment important to indigenous peoples in Namibia?

Violenceagainstwomenandrapeareissuesthatdemandseriousandurgentattention.Duetothefactthatmostindigenouspeopleslackaccesstojustice,perpetratorsofrapeandviolenceonwomenareoftennotprosecutedasituationthatbreedsimpunity.Healthandreproductiverightsarealsopoorlyregulatedbystates.TheCEDAWcommitsstatepartiestotakeallappropriatemeasurestoeliminatediscriminationagainstwomen,accesstohealthcareservicesincludingthoserelatedtofamilyplanning.Indigenouswomenare located inruralareaswherehealthcarefacilitiesrelatingtobirth-givingareabsentornotadequate.ThereisalsogenderinequalityasfarasemploymentisconcernedinNamibia.Often,indigenouswomensuffermultiplediscriminationsasanindigenouspersonandawoman.


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There are numerous cultural practices, including early or forced marriages that affect negativelyindigenousgirlsandwomen.

What are existing key international and domestic laws on gender equality for indigenous peoples in Namibia?

1) Mostinternationalinstrumentsprohibitdiscriminationonthebasisofsex.TherightsofwomentoenjoyallcivilandpoliticalrightsareequallyprotectedasarethoseofmenundertheICCPR.

2) Article18oftheAfricanCharterrequiresStatestoensuretheeliminationofalldiscriminationagainstwomenandalsoensuretheprotectionoftherightofthewomenandchildasstipulatedininternationaldeclarationsandconventions.

3) TheCEDAWCommitteeemphasizedthatdifferentsocietalfactorsmaydeterminethestatusofdifferentlysituatedwomen’shealthrights.Consequently,specialattentionshouldbegiventospecificgroupsofwomenincludingindigenouswomen.

4) TheProtocoltotheAfricanCharterontheRightsofWomeninAfricarequiresstatepartiestolegislateagainstharmfulculturalpracticessuchasfemalegenitalmutilationandforcedandearlymarriage.Propertyrightsandsuccessionofindigenouswomenshouldbeprioritised.Theyaregenerallyverydependentontheiraccesstolandandanexclusionfromaccesstolandhasharsheffectsonthem.Widowsalsohavenoclaimonthepropertyoftheirhusbandswhichleavethemdeprivedofanypropertyand ina stateofpoverty.TheProtocolon theRightsofWomen inAfricacallsonstatepartiestoensurethatmenandwomenaretreatedequallyindistributionofpropertyupondissolutionofmarriageorwithregardtoinheritance.

5) The Constitutional provision on equality and freedom from discrimination under article 10alsocoversgenderequalitygiventhatsexisoneoftheprohibitedgroundsfordiscrimination.In addition, the affirmative clause in the Constitution under article 23 expressly provide forenactmentoflegislationandapplicationofpoliciesandpracticestoredresspastdiscriminationandofnotespecificallymentionsthat“itshallbepermissibletohaveregardtothefactthatwomeninNamibiahavetraditionallysufferedspecialdiscriminationandthattheyneedtobeencouragedandenabledtoplayafull,equalandeffectiveroleinthepolitical,social,economicandculturallifeofthenation.”


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6) One such law enacted in Namibia is the Combating of Domestic Violence Act, 2003, whichprovidesforprotectionandmechanismstoprotectwomenagainstdomesticviolence.

7) OneofNamibia’sprinciplesofstatepolicyasenunciatedintheConstitutionarticle95 isthatthe“stateshallactivelypromoteandmaintainthewelfareofthepeoplebyadoptingpoliciesaimedatenactmentoflegislationtoensureequalityofopportunityforwomen,toenablethemtoparticipatefullyinallspheresofNamibiansociety”.Infurtheranceofthatprincipleofstatepolicythegovernment,adoptedtheNationalGenderPolicy in1997andtheNationalPlanofActiononGenderin1998.WhilethepoliciesandplansadoptedinthatregardtargetallwomeninNamibiaitisexpectedthatifeffectivelyimplementedtheywouldequallyalleviateandaddressthecontinuedmarginalisationanddiscriminationofindigenouswomeninNamibia.

8) The SanDevelopment Programme has also launched various initiatives to empowerwomenamongindigenouscommunitiessuchasbreadbakingandneedlework.

7. Culture and languageWhy is culture and language important to indigenous peoples in Namibia?

Thecultureand languageof indigenouspeoples inNamibiaarenotbeingprotectedadequately.AstheNamibiancaseofKapikavGovernmentofNamibiaillustrates,judicialprocessshouldbeusedtoprotectthecultureandlanguageofthoseindigenouspeoples.Indigenouspeopleshavetheircultureandlanguageasanintegralpartoftheirlife.Theyidentifythemselvesbytheircultureandtheancestrallinkwithit.

Indigenouspeoples’cultureshouldbeunderstoodinbroadsense,includingtheirtraditionalknowledge,customs,practices,knowhowortraditionalindustriesandeconomiesaswellashandicrafts.

Recognitionandprotectionofindigenouspeoples’cultureisawaytorecreatetheirself-esteem,whichwasdestroyedbycenturiesofbeingtoldtheywerebackwardandstupid.Indigenouspeoplesaretobecomeproudofwhattheyareandnothidingfromtheircultureandidentity.

TheNamibiaUniversalPeriodicReviewReportacknowledgesthatwhilethereareasizablenumberofindigenouspeoplesinthecountryonlyafewstillpracticetraditionalwayoflife.Giventhedesirebyindigenouspeoplestoretainandtransmittraditionalcultureandlanguagestofuturegenerations,itisimperativethatthestateprovidessupporttoindigenouscommunities’intheireffortstopreservetheir


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cultureandlanguagessomeofwhicharebecomingalmostextinct.OneofthekeychallengesinNamibiainthatregardwhichdemandsurgentattentionandredressisthefactthatretentionandtransmissionofindigenousculturesandlanguageshasnotbeenapriorityofthestategivenitsrobustattemptstointegrateindigenouscommunitiestothemainstreamculturesandpractices. CommendablythoughNamibiahasattemptedtopromotetheuseofindigenouslanguagesthroughitsEducationalLanguagePolicyasexemplified in theNyaeNyaeschoolspilotprojectwhichshouldbereplicated inallareasinhabitedbyindigenouscommunities.

What are the key international and domestic provisions on culture and language for indigenous peoples in Namibia?

1) According to article 15 of theUNDRIP, indigenous peoples have the right to the dignity anddiversity of their cultures, traditions, histories and aspirations which shall be appropriatelyreflected in education andpublic information. They also have the right tomaintain, control,protect and develop their cultural heritage, traditional knowledge and traditional culturalexpressions,includingtheirintellectualproperty.

2) Article13oftheUNDRIPprovidesthatindigenouspeopleshavetherighttorevitalize,use,developand transmit to future generations their histories, languages, oral traditions, philosophies,writingsystemsandliteratures,andtodesignateandretaintheirownnamesforcommunities,placesandpersons.Itfurthercallsonthestatetotakeeffectivemeasurestoensurethatthisrightisprotectedandalsotoensurethatindigenouspeoplescanunderstandandbeunderstoodin political, legal and administrative proceedings, where necessary through the provision ofinterpretationorbyotherappropriatemeans.

3) Article5of ILOConvention169states that“social,cultural, religiousandspiritualvaluesandpracticesofthesepeoplesshallberecognisedandprotected,anddueaccountshallbetakenofthenatureoftheproblemswhichfacethem”

4) Article 19 of Namibia’s Constitution provides that every person shall be entitled to enjoy,practice,profess,maintainandpromoteanyculture,language,traditionorreligionsubjecttotheConstitution,therightsofothersandnationalinterest.

5) Article3ofNamibia’sConstitutionprohibitsdiscriminationofanyotherlanguageasamediumofinstructioninprivateschoolsorinschoolsfinancedbythestate.


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Onthebasisofthatprovision,thereisnolegalbasisinNamibiafordenialofuseofindigenouslanguagesinschools,but inpracticethereality isdifferentwheremostschoolseveninareasinhabited by indigenous communities do not have teachers who can teach the indigenouslanguages.

6) Article21(c)providesoftheConstitutionforthefreedomtopracticeanyreligionandtomanifestsuchpractice.

8. Labour rights and employment Why are labour rights and employment important to indigenous peoples in Namibia?

As indigenous peoples came into contact with modern economies and the concept of formalemployment,andastheybecamemoreurbanized,accesstoformallabourandemploymentgainedimportanceamongindigenouspeoplesinNamibia.However,therealizationoftheserightsisseverelyconstrained by the fact thatmost indigenous communities remain illiterate due to lack of formaleducationandtraining.Indigenouspeoples’righttoemploymentshouldbeunderstoodasincludingalso their traditional occupations that are often unprotected and recognized. Indigenous peoples’traditionaleconomies,industriesandtechnologiesprovideinformalemploymentformany.

What are the existing key international and domestic standards on labour rights and employment of indigenous peoples in Namibia?

1) Underarticle17oftheUNDRIP,indigenousindividualsandpeopleshavetherighttoenjoyfullyallrightsestablishedunderapplicableinternationalanddomesticlabourlaw.Statesarerequiredtotakespecificmeasurestoprotectindigenouschildrenfromeconomicexploitationandfromperforminganyworkthatislikelytointerferewiththechild’seducation,ortobeharmfultothechild’shealthorphysical,mental,spiritual,moralorsocialdevelopmenttakingintoaccounttheirspecial vulnerabilities and the importance of education for their empowerment. Indigenouspeoples also have the right not to be subjected to any discriminatory conditions of labourincludingemploymentandsalary.

2) ILOConventionNo.111,whichhasbeenratifiedbyNamibia,providesthatthetermsemploymentandoccupationincludeaccesstovocationaltraining,accesstoemploymentandtoparticularoccupations,andtermsandconditionsofemployment.Itsarticle2stipulates“EachMemberforwhichthisConventionisinforceundertakestodeclareandpursueanationalpolicydesignedto


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promote,bymethodsappropriatetonationalconditionsandpractice,equalityofopportunityand treatment in respect of employment and occupation, with a view to eliminating anydiscriminationinrespectthereof.”

3) Article21(1)(j)ofNamibia’sConstitutionprovidethatallpersonsshallhavetherighttopracticeanyprofession,orcarryonanyoccupation,tradeandbusiness.Howeverthatprovisiondoesnotguaranteeemploymentandindeedmanyindigenouspeoplesareunemployed.

4) Article21(1)(f)isalsoimportantforindigenouspeoplessinceitprovidesthatallpersonshavetherighttowithholdtheirlabourwithoutbeingexposedtocriminalpenalties.However,manyindigenouspeoplesinNamibiacontinuetodoforcedlabourincludingchildlabourespeciallyincommercialfarmswithnorecoursetojusticeduetotheirparticularvulnerabilitiesasaresultofextremepovertyandoftenlackofalternatives.ThatisnotwithstandingthefactthatNamibia’sConstitution article 15 prohibits economic exploitation of children thatwould interferewiththeireducationorharmfultothespiritual,moralorsocialdevelopment.

5) TheSanDevelopmentProgrammehaslaunchedaninitiativetoadoptaffirmativeactionmeasuresacrossgovernmentdepartmentsandregionalcouncilstoprovideemploymentopportunitiesforSanspeakingNamibians.InrecognitionoftheneedtodiversityfromformalemploymentthegovernmentthroughtheSanDevelopmentProgrammehasencouragedandprovidedtrainingforbeekeeping,honeyproduction,coffinmanufacture,aquaculturefarmingandefficientanimalhusbandrytoindigenouscommunitiesaswayofself-sustenance.

9. Access to justiceWhy is access to justice important to indigenous peoples in Namibia?

ThemajorityofindigenouspeoplesinNamibiaareilliterateandliveinremotelocations,resultinginaninaccessibilitytothejusticesystemwhichisoftenavailableinurbanareas.Indigenouspeopleshavetherighttoaccessjusticeandtopromptdecisionthroughjustandfairproceduresfortheresolutionofconflictsanddisputeswithstatesorotherparties,aswellastoeffectiveremediesforallinfringementoftheirindividualandcollectiverights.Justicesystemsofcountriesinwhichliveindigenouspeoplesshouldgivedueconsiderationto thecustoms, traditions, rulesand legal systemsof the indigenouspeoplesconcernedandinternationalhumanrights.


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Indigenouspeopleshavetherighttopromote,developandmaintaintheirinstitutionalstructuresandtheirdistinctivecustoms,spirituality,traditions,procedures,practicesandincaseswheretheyexist,judicialsystemsorcustoms,inaccordancewithinternationalhumanrightsstandards.Thisispartofeffortstorevalueindigenouspeoples’culture,identitiesandinstitutions.

What are the key existing international and domestic standards on access to justice for indigenous peoples in Namibia?

1) According toarticle13of theUNDRIP, the state shall takeeffectivemeasures toensure thatindigenouspeoplesareunderstood in legalandadministrativeproceedings,wherenecessarythroughtheprovisionofinterpretationorbyotherappropriatemeans.

2) Article 3of theAfricanCharter imposesonNamibia theobligationof treating all its citizensequallyandgivingthemequalprotectionofthelaw.

3) Article9oftheILOConvention169providesthat“totheextentcompatiblewiththenationallegalsystemandinternationalrecognisedhumanrights,themethodscustomarilypractisedbythepeoplesconcernedfordealingwithoffencescommittedbytheirmembersshallberespected.Thecustomsofthesepeoplesinregardstopenalmattersshallbetakenintoconsiderationbytheauthoritiesandcourtsdealingswithsuchcases”.

4) TheNamibianConstitutioncontainsimportantsafeguardstoguaranteeaccesstojustice.Article12oftheConstitutionforinstanceprovidesforfairtrialrightsincivilandcriminalproceedings.Article18oftheConstitutionprovidesthatadministrativebodiesandofficialsshallactfairlyandreasonablyandcomplywiththerequirementsimposeduponsuchbodiesbycommonlawandrelevantlegislation.Article25oftheNamibiaConstitutionprovidesfortherightofallinNamibiatoenforcetheirfundamentalhumanrights inacompetentcourtof law.Such individualsandcommunitiesmay also seek legal assistance and advice from the office of theOmbudsman.However,inpracticeaccesstojusticeforindigenousNamibiansremainsconstrainedbyilliteracy,lackofawarenessofthelegalframeworkandrecourse,povertyandindigence,andremotenessoftheirplacesofhabitat.

5) Giventhat indigenouspeoplesrelyonAfricancustomary law, it is importanttonotethattheNamibiaConstitutionarticle66(1)providesthat“boththecustomarylawandthecommonlawofNamibiainforceonthedateofIndependenceshallremainvalidtotheextenttowhichsuchcustomaryorcommonlawdoesnotconflictwiththisConstitutionoranystatutorylaw.


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6) Thatprovisionisgivenpracticalapplicationbyarticle13oftheCommunityCourtsActof2002whichprovidesthat“thecustomarylawofthetraditionalcommunitylyinginthecourtareaofjurisdictionshallapply.”

7) Traditional authorities in Namibia have jurisdiction to determine and resolvematters in thecommunity.AlthoughoneSancommunity, theKhwe fromtheWestCapriviarea isyet tobeformallyrecognisedtheresthavesincebeenrecognisedandintermsofarticle2oftheTraditionalAuthoritiesActof2000,theyhavejurisdictionovermembersofthecommunity.

Part IV: Recommendations and conclusionRecommendations:• Namibiashouldformallyandexpresslyidentifyallitsindigenouspeoplesasdeservingspecificattention

andprotectionoftheirrightsbeyonditscommendableeffortsandinitiativestargetingtheSanthroughtheSanDevelopmentProgramme.SuchacknowledgementandprotectionshouldincludeothermarginalisedandvulnerablecommunitiesnamelytheOvahimba,Ovatue,OvatjimbaandtheOvadhimbasincewhoalsosatisfytheinternationalcriteriaforidentifyingindigenouspeoplesinitsmodernapplicationoftheterm.SuchformalacknowledgementwillnotonlyprovidetheimpetusandjustificationforadoptionofcrosscuttingaffirmativeactionmeasurestoredressthecontinuedmarginalisationanddiscriminationofthesecommunitiesbutwillalsogoalongwayinachievingNamibia’sinternationalanddomesticlegalobligationsrelativetothesegroupsasoutlinedinpartIIabove.

• The lackofofficial statisticson thenumberof indigenous communities inNamibiameans that thestatecannotproperlyplananddesignprogrammestoaddresscomprehensively theplightof thesegroups.ItisthereforeimperativethatdisaggregateddataandstatisticsaregatheredandprovidedforplanningandeffectiveimplementationofanyprogramsandinitiativesaimedatredressingtheplightofindigenouscommunitiesinNamibia.

• Namibia should also adopt a clear and consistent policy framework, strategy and action plan onaddressingthechallengesfacedbyindigenouspeoplesinthecountryinitseffortstoachievevision2030andimportantlyalleviatethesocio,economicandpoliticalexclusionofasignificantsectionofitsvulnerablepopulation-indigenouspeoples.Suchapolicyshouldbemainstreamedandimplementedacross all governmentministries, departments and sectorswith the SanDevelopment Programmeplayingtheleadandcoordinatingrole.


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• TheSanDevelopmentDivisionshouldexpanditsmandatetoaddressthechallengeshighlightedinthisguideandotherstudiesrelativetoallindigenouspeoplesinNamibiaandperhapsconsiderfindingatitlethatcapturestheexpandedmandateoratleastatermthatencapsulatesandalsodealswithothercommunitieswhoareinasimilarpredicamenttothatoftheSan.

• TheGovernmentofNamibiashouldrecognisealltraditionalauthoritiesoftheindigenouscommunitiesincludingtheKhweSanfromWestCapriviregionwhoaretheonlyoutstandingcommunitywithoutsuch a formally recognised traditional governance structure. Of critical importance in this regardwhichappliestoalltraditionalleadershipamongindigenouscommunitiesinNamibiaistheneedforgovernmenttoensurethattraditionalauthoritiesarechoseninlegitimateprocessesestablishedbythetraditionalcommunitythemselvesandinademocraticandtransparentmanner.

• Thelackofsecurityoflandtenureandlegalproofoftitleandownershiptotraditionallandsisamatterofseriousconcern.TheGovernmentofNamibiashouldamend its lawsrelativetoCommunalLandReformActof2002andtheConstitutiontoaccordlegaltitleandabsoluteownershiptoindigenouscommunities,iftheyaretobenefitandeffectivelyutilisethesenaturalresourcelikeotherprivatelandrightholders.

• Namibiashouldadoptlegislationandpoliciestopromoteandprotecttheintellectualpropertyrightsoftraditionalknowledgesystemsespeciallytraditionalmedicine,artandcultureofindigenouspeoples.

• TheNamibiaOmbudsmanastheprincipalstateofficethatisalsomandatedtopromoteandprotecthumanrights inthecountryshouldexpressly includeprotectionof indigenouspeoplesrights intheenvisageddraftingoftheNationalHumanRightsActionPlan.

• Indigenous peoples in Namibia should be effectively consulted and consciously encouraged toparticipateindecision-makingandissuesthataffectthem.

• Therighttohealthandothersocio-economicrightsshouldbeincludedinanamendedConstitutionalBillofRightsofNamibia.Tosuccessfullyimplementtherighttohealth,thestateshouldnotonlyensureandguaranteeequitableaccesstohealthservicesandfacilitiesforindigenouscommunitiesbutshouldimportantlypromoteandregulatetraditionalhealthpracticeandmedicines.


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• Access toeducation, justiceandemploymentare correlatedandhingeon improving literacy levelsamongindigenouscommunities,povertyalleviationandensuringeasyaccesstotheseservices.Thestateshouldimproveitspoliciesandprogrammesdesignedtoensureindigenouspeoplesarepartoftherealisationofitsvision2030byintegratingtheminprogrammesandinitiativesaimedatachievingthatvisiongivingdueregardtotheirparticularcircumstances,culturesandtraditions.

• Thestateshouldconsiderwaiving theschooldevelopment fundorsuch relatedcostswhere it isaburdentoindigenouscommunitiesasseverallyrecommendedbytheNamibiaOmbudsmanandprovidebursariestocoverotherrelatedcoststoindigentindigenouschildrentoensurethattheyattendandremaininschools.Thestateshouldalsoprovidebursariesandensureallindigenouschildrenachievesecondary,vocationaltrainingandtertiaryeducationatthestateexpense.


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ConclusionNamibiahasadopted lawsandstatepolicies inanattempt to respect,promoteandprotect the rightsofindigenouspeoples.However,itshouldnotonlyfocusontheSanpeoplebutequalpoliciesandmeasuresshouldbeadopted for theother indigenouspeoples. Inaddition, itmattersmosthowthesepoliciesandmeasuresarebeimplementedinpractice.Indigenouspeoples’situationwouldimproveonlyaftertherestof thepopulationaccept and regard themasequal. They shouldbe freeof vertical aswell ashorizontaldiscrimination. The population as a whole needs to be educated and made aware of the plight of theindigenouspeople and their particular contribution to society.Only thenwill inclusionof the indigenouspeopleinmainstreamsocietyasdistinctequalsbepossible.


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ENDNOTES1 SeeUnitedNations‘AboutUNPFIIandabriefhistoryofindigenouspeoplesandtheinternationalsystem’

http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/en/history.html(accessed20February2011).2 See Communication 276/2003Centre forMinority RightsDevelopment (Kenya) v Kenya, 27thActivity

Report(2009)para149.3 SeeSDersso‘Peoples’RightundertheAfricanCharteronHumanandPeoples’Rights:Muchadoabout

nothing?’AfricanHumanRightsLawJournal(2005)6.4 2005AfricanCommissionReportpages:86-905 Asabove.6 LegalAssistanceCentre‘AnAssessmentoftheStatusoftheSaninNamibia’April2001.7 InternationalLabourOrganisationandAfricanCommissiononHumanandPeoples’Rights‘CountryReport

ontheConstitutionalandlegislativeProtectionoftherightsofIndigenousPeoples:Namibia’page4.8 Art144oftheConstitution.9 SeeUnitedNations‘ReportoftheSpecialRapporteuronthesituationofhumanrightsandfundamental

freedomsofindigenouspeople’byS.JamesAnaya,submittedtotheHumanRightsCouncil,NinthSessionhttp://daccess-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/G08/149/40/G08114940.pdf?OpenElement(accessed5March2011).

10 NamibiaNationalReportSubmittedinAccordancewithParagraph15(a)oftheAnnextoHumanRightsCouncil Resolution5/1,HumanRightsCouncilWorkingGroupon theUniversal PeriodicReviewTenthSessionGeneva,24January–4February2011,para11.

11 Asabove.12 Art4(3)oftheILOConventionNo169.13 Art19oftheCharter.14 MalawiAfricanAssociationandOthersvMauritiania(2000)AHRLR149(ACHPR2000)17415 Art3(2)oftheProtocoltotheAfricanCharteronHumanandPeoples’RightsontheRightsofWomenin

Africa16 SeeCEDAWCommitteeGeneralRecommendationNo28UNDocCEDAW/C/2010/47/GC.2para917 Cabinetdecision25th/29.11.05/001/18 TheSanDevelopmentProgrammereport2005-2009,5.19 Asabove.


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20 Kapika v Government of Namibia (unreported September 1997). See also SA Corbett Legal ResourceCenter,Namibia‘ACaseStudy:TheProposedEpupaHydopowerDaminNamibia’citedinCountryReportoftheResearchProjectbytheInternationalLabourOrganizationandtheAfricanCommissiononHumanandPeoples’Rightsontheconstitutionalandlegislativeprotectionoftherightsofindigenouspeoples:Namibia,2009,20.

21 See<http://www.ombudsman.org.na/>accessed10August2011.22 ConsultationswiththeOmbudsmanduringpreparationsforthisGuideinApril2011.23 Art19oftheUNDRIP.24 UNDocA/HRC/12/34.25 Art6oftheILOConventionNo169.26 Art19,29.30and32oftheUNDRIP.27 Art13oftheAfricanCharter.28 SouthernAfricanDevelopmentCommunity(SADC)ProtocolonForestry.29 See Country Report of theResearch Project by the International LabourOrganization and theAfrican

CommissiononHumanandPeoples’Rightsontheconstitutionalandlegislativeprotectionoftherightsofindigenouspeoples:Namibia,2009,21.

30 See Report by JR Martinez Cobo, Special Rapporteur of the Sub-Commission on the Prevention ofDiscriminationandProtectionofMinorities:StudyontheProblemofDiscriminationAgainstIndigenousPopulations.UNDocE/CN.4/Sub.2/1986/7/Add.1,para196and197.

31 Art26(1)oftheUNDRIP.32 SeeCommitteeontheEliminationofRacialDiscrimination,GeneralRecommendationNo23:Indigenous

Peoples18August1997,para4and5.33 See Country Report of theResearch Project by the International LabourOrganization and theAfrican

CommissiononHumanandPeoples’Rightsontheconstitutionalandlegislativeprotectionoftherightsofindigenouspeoples:Namibia,2009,27-32.

34 TheSanDevelopmentProgrammeReport2005/2009,9.35 Asabove20page27-32..36 InternationalLabourOrganisationandAfricanCommissiononHumanandPeoples’Rights‘CountryReport

ontheConstitutionalandlegislativeProtectionoftherightsofIndigenousPeoples:Namibia’page79.37 Art29oftheCRC.38 Art27oftheILOConvention.39 Art14(2)oftheUNDRIP.40 Art11oftheAfricanChildren’sCharter.


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41 SeetheOmbudsman:Namibia(NHRI)SubmissiontotheUniversalPeriodicReviewMechanism,submittedon28June2010,3.

42 WIMSA,SanRightsinNamibia,2010,5.43 FordetailsseeCountryReportoftheResearchProjectbytheInternationalLabourOrganizationandthe

AfricanCommissiononHumanandPeoples’Rightsontheconstitutionalandlegislativeprotectionoftherightsofindigenouspeoples:Namibia,2009,24.

44 TheSanDevelopmentProgrammeReport2005/2009,7;seealsoRepublicofNamibia,CountryReportfortheUniversalPeriodicReviewbytheUnitedNationsforHumanRightsCouncil,Geneva,2011,2.

45 seeRepublic ofNamibia, Country Report for theUniversal Periodic Reviewby theUnitedNations forHuman Rights Council, Geneva, 2011, 2; Country Report of the Research Project by the InternationalLabourOrganizationandtheAfricanCommissiononHumanandPeoples’Rightsontheconstitutionalandlegislativeprotectionoftherightsofindigenouspeoples:Namibia,2009,27.

46 See Country Report of theResearch Project by the International LabourOrganization and theAfricanCommissiononHumanandPeoples’Rightsontheconstitutionalandlegislativeprotectionoftherightsofindigenouspeoples:Namibia,2009,25.

47 Asabove,8.48 seeRepublic ofNamibia, Country Report for theUniversal Periodic Reviewby theUnitedNations for

HumanRightsCouncil,Geneva,2011,2.49 SeeReportoftheAfricanCommission’sWorkingGroupofExpertsonIndigenousPopulations/Communities

AdoptedbytheAfricanCommissiononHumanandPeoples’Rightsatits28thOrdinarySession2005page49.

50 Art11(1).51 Asabove20.52 SeeMinistryofHealthandSocialServices,officeofthePermanentSecretaryCircularNo12of2010.53 Asabove,para3.4.54 Art12oftheCEDAW.55 Art3oftheICCPR.56 Country Report of the Research Project by the International Labour Organization and the African

CommissiononHumanandPeoples’Rightsontheconstitutionalandlegislativeprotectionoftherightsofindigenouspeoples:Namibia,2009,38.

57 Asabove,38.58 see Country Report of the Research Project by the International LabourOrganization and theAfrican

CommissiononHumanandPeoples’Rightsontheconstitutionalandlegislativeprotectionoftherightsofindigenouspeoples:Namibia,2009,page78.


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59 NamibiaNationalReportSubmittedinAccordancewithParagraph15(a)oftheAnnextoHumanRightsCouncil Resolution5/1,HumanRights CouncilWorkingGroupon theUniversal Periodic ReviewTenthSessionGeneva,24January–4February2011,para10.

60 Art31oftheUNDRIP.61 SeeRepublicofNamibia,ActionProgrammeontheEliminationofChildLabourPopularVersion2010,11,

12,15,17,&19.62 SeeRepublic ofNamibia, Country Report for theUniversal Periodic Reviewby theUnitedNations for

HumanRightsCouncil,Geneva,2011,2.63 Asabove12-15.64 FordetailsseeCountryReportoftheResearchProjectbytheInternationalLabourOrganizationandthe

AfricanCommissiononHumanandPeoples’Rightsontheconstitutionalandlegislativeprotectionoftherightsofindigenouspeoples:Namibia,2009,14.

65 Art40oftheUNDRIP.66 Art34oftheUNDRIP.


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Annex 1United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

The General Assembly, TakingnoteoftherecommendationoftheHumanRightsCouncilcontainedinitsresolution1/2of29June2006,bywhichtheCounciladoptedthetextoftheUnitedNationsDeclarationontheRightsofIndigenousPeoples,

Recalling its resolution 61/178 of 20December 2006, bywhich it decided to defer consideration of andactionontheDeclarationtoallowtimeforfurtherconsultationsthereon,andalsodecidedtoconcludeitsconsiderationbeforetheendofthesixty-firstsessionoftheGeneralAssembly,

AdoptstheUnitedNationsDeclarationontheRightsofIndigenousPeoplesascontainedintheannextothepresentresolution.

Article 1 Indigenouspeopleshavetherighttothefullenjoyment,asacollectiveorasindividuals,ofallhumanrightsandfundamentalfreedomsasrecognizedintheCharteroftheUnitedNations,theUniversalDeclarationofHumanRightsandinternationalhumanrightslaw.

Article 2 Indigenouspeoplesandindividualsarefreeandequaltoallotherpeoplesandindividualsandhavetherighttobefreefromanykindofdiscrimination, intheexerciseoftheirrights, inparticularthatbasedontheirindigenousoriginoridentity.

Article 3 Indigenouspeopleshavetherighttoself-determination.Byvirtueofthatrighttheyfreelydeterminetheirpoliticalstatusandfreelypursuetheireconomic,socialandculturaldevelopment.

Article 4 Indigenous peoples, in exercising their right to self-determination, have the right to autonomy or self-government inmattersrelatingtotheir internaland localaffairs,aswellaswaysandmeansforfinancingtheirautonomousfunctions.


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Article 5 Indigenouspeopleshavetherighttomaintainandstrengthentheirdistinctpolitical,legal,economic,socialand cultural institutions,while retaining their right to participate fully, if they so choose, in thepolitical,economic,socialandculturallifeoftheState.

Article 6 Everyindigenousindividualhastherighttoanationality.

Article 7 1. Indigenous individuals have the rights to life, physical andmental integrity, liberty and security of

person.2. Indigenouspeopleshavethecollectiverighttoliveinfreedom,peaceandsecurityasdistinctpeoples

and shall not be subjected to any act of genocide or any other act of violence, including forciblyremovingchildrenofthegrouptoanothergroup.

Article 8 1. Indigenous peoples and individuals have the right not to be subjected to forced assimilation or

destructionoftheirculture.2. Statesshallprovideeffectivemechanismsforpreventionof,andredressfor:

a. Anyactionwhichhastheaimoreffectofdeprivingthemoftheirintegrityasdistinctpeoples,oroftheirculturalvaluesorethnicidentities;

b. Any action which has the aim or effect of dispossessing them of their lands, territories orresources;

c. Anyformofforcedpopulationtransferwhichhastheaimoreffectofviolatingorundermininganyoftheirrights;

d. Anyformofforcedassimilationorintegration;e. Anyformofpropagandadesignedtopromoteorinciteracialorethnicdiscriminationdirected

againstthem.

Article 9 Indigenous peoples and individuals have the right to belong to an indigenous community or nation, inaccordancewiththetraditionsandcustomsofthecommunityornationconcerned.Nodiscriminationofanykindmayarisefromtheexerciseofsucharight.


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Article 10 Indigenouspeoplesshallnotbeforciblyremovedfromtheirlandsorterritories.Norelocationshalltakeplacewithoutthefree,priorandinformedconsentoftheindigenouspeoplesconcernedandafteragreementonjustandfaircompensationand,wherepossible,withtheoptionofreturn.

Article 11 1. Indigenouspeopleshavetherighttopractiseandrevitalizetheirculturaltraditionsandcustoms.This

includestherighttomaintain,protectanddevelopthepast,presentandfuturemanifestationsoftheircultures,suchasarchaeologicalandhistoricalsites,artefacts,designs,ceremonies,technologiesandvisualandperformingartsandliterature.

2. Statesshallprovideredressthrougheffectivemechanisms,whichmayincluderestitution,developedinconjunctionwithindigenouspeoples,withrespecttotheircultural,intellectual,religiousandspiritualpropertytakenwithouttheirfree,priorandinformedconsentorinviolationoftheirlaws,traditionsandcustoms.

Article 12 1. Indigenouspeopleshavetherighttomanifest,practice,developandteachtheirspiritualandreligious

traditions,customsandceremonies;therighttomaintain,protect,andhaveaccessinprivacytotheirreligiousandculturalsites;therighttotheuseandcontroloftheirceremonialobjects;andtherighttotherepatriationoftheirhumanremains.

2. Statesshallseektoenabletheaccessand/orrepatriationofceremonialobjectsandhumanremainsintheirpossessionthroughfair,transparentandeffectivemechanismsdevelopedinconjunctionwithindigenouspeoplesconcerned.

Article 13 1. Indigenouspeopleshavetherighttorevitalize,use,developandtransmittofuturegenerationstheir

histories,languages,oraltraditions,philosophies,writingsystemsandliteratures,andtodesignateandretaintheirownnamesforcommunities,placesandpersons.

2. States shall take effectivemeasures to ensure that this right is protected and also to ensure thatindigenouspeoplescanunderstandandbeunderstoodinpolitical,legalandadministrativeproceedings,wherenecessarythroughtheprovisionofinterpretationorbyotherappropriatemeans.


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Article 14 1. Indigenouspeopleshavetherighttoestablishandcontroltheireducationalsystemsandinstitutions

providing education in their own languages, in amanner appropriate to their culturalmethods ofteachingandlearning.

2. Indigenousindividuals,particularlychildren,havetherighttoalllevelsandformsofeducationoftheStatewithoutdiscrimination.

3. Statesshall,inconjunctionwithindigenouspeoples,takeeffectivemeasures,inorderforindigenousindividuals, particularly children, including those living outside their communities, to have access,whenpossible,toaneducationintheirowncultureandprovidedintheirownlanguage.

Article 15 1. Indigenouspeopleshavetherighttothedignityanddiversityoftheircultures,traditions,historiesand

aspirationswhichshallbeappropriatelyreflectedineducationandpublicinformation.2. States shall take effectivemeasures, in consultation and cooperationwith the indigenous peoples

concerned,tocombatprejudiceandeliminatediscriminationandtopromotetolerance,understandingandgoodrelationsamongindigenouspeoplesandallothersegmentsofsociety.

Article 16 1. Indigenouspeopleshavetherighttoestablishtheirownmediaintheirownlanguagesandtohave

accesstoallformsofnon-indigenousmediawithoutdiscrimination.2. StatesshalltakeeffectivemeasurestoensurethatState-ownedmediadulyreflectindigenouscultural

diversity.States,withoutprejudicetoensuringfullfreedomofexpression,shouldencourageprivatelyownedmediatoadequatelyreflectindigenousculturaldiversity.

Article 17 1. Indigenousindividualsandpeopleshavetherighttoenjoyfullyallrightsestablishedunderapplicable

internationalanddomesticlabourlaw.2. Statesshallinconsultationandcooperationwithindigenouspeoplestakespecificmeasurestoprotect

indigenous children fromeconomic exploitation and fromperforming anywork that is likely to behazardousortointerferewiththechild’seducation,ortobeharmfultothechild’shealthorphysical,mental,spiritual,moralorsocialdevelopment,takingintoaccounttheirspecialvulnerabilityandtheimportanceofeducationfortheirempowerment.

3. Indigenousindividualshavetherightnottobesubjectedtoanydiscriminatoryconditionsoflabourand,interalia,employmentorsalary.


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Article 18 Indigenous peoples have the right to participate in decision-making inmatters whichwould affect theirrights,throughrepresentativeschosenbythemselvesinaccordancewiththeirownprocedures,aswellastomaintainanddeveloptheirownindigenousdecision-makinginstitutions.

Article 19 Statesshallconsultandcooperateingoodfaithwiththeindigenouspeoplesconcernedthroughtheirownrepresentative institutions inorder toobtain their free,prior and informed consentbeforeadoptingandimplementinglegislativeoradministrativemeasuresthatmayaffectthem.

Article 20 1. Indigenouspeopleshavetherighttomaintainanddeveloptheirpolitical,economicandsocialsystems

orinstitutions,tobesecureintheenjoymentoftheirownmeansofsubsistenceanddevelopment,andtoengagefreelyinalltheirtraditionalandothereconomicactivities.

2. Indigenouspeoplesdeprivedoftheirmeansofsubsistenceanddevelopmentareentitledtojustandfairredress.

Article 21 1. Indigenouspeopleshavetheright,withoutdiscrimination,totheimprovementoftheireconomicand

socialconditions,including,interalia,intheareasofeducation,employment,vocationaltrainingandretraining,housing,sanitation,healthandsocialsecurity.

2. Statesshall takeeffectivemeasuresand,whereappropriate,specialmeasurestoensurecontinuingimprovementoftheireconomicandsocialconditions.Particularattentionshallbepaidtotherightsandspecialneedsofindigenouselders,women,youth,childrenandpersonswithdisabilities.

Article 22 1. Particularattentionshallbepaidtotherightsandspecialneedsofindigenouselders,women,youth,

childrenandpersonswithdisabilitiesintheimplementationofthisDeclaration.2. Statesshalltakemeasures,inconjunctionwithindigenouspeoples,toensurethatindigenouswomen

andchildrenenjoythefullprotectionandguaranteesagainstallformsofviolenceanddiscrimination.


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Article 23 Indigenouspeopleshave the right todetermineanddeveloppriorities and strategies for exercising theirrighttodevelopment.Inparticular,indigenouspeopleshavetherighttobeactivelyinvolvedindevelopinganddetermininghealth,housingandothereconomicandsocialprogrammesaffectingthemand,asfaraspossible,toadministersuchprogrammesthroughtheirowninstitutions.

Article 24 1. Indigenouspeopleshavetherighttotheirtraditionalmedicinesandtomaintaintheirhealthpractices,

includingtheconservationoftheirvitalmedicinalplants,animalsandminerals.Indigenousindividualsalsohavetherighttoaccess,withoutanydiscrimination,toallsocialandhealthservices.

2. Indigenous individuals have an equal right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard ofphysicalandmentalhealth.Statesshalltakethenecessarystepswithaviewtoachievingprogressivelythefullrealizationofthisright.

Article 25 Indigenouspeopleshavetherighttomaintainandstrengthentheirdistinctivespiritualrelationshipwiththeirtraditionallyownedorotherwiseoccupiedandused lands, territories,watersandcoastal seasandotherresourcesandtoupholdtheirresponsibilitiestofuturegenerationsinthisregard.

Article 26 1. Indigenouspeopleshavetherighttothelands,territoriesandresourceswhichtheyhavetraditionally

owned,occupiedorotherwiseusedoracquired.2. Indigenouspeopleshavetherighttoown,use,developandcontrolthelands,territoriesandresources

thattheypossessbyreasonoftraditionalownershiporothertraditionaloccupationoruse,aswellasthosewhichtheyhaveotherwiseacquired.

3. States shall give legal recognition and protection to these lands, territories and resources. Suchrecognitionshallbeconductedwithduerespecttothecustoms,traditionsandlandtenuresystemsoftheindigenouspeoplesconcerned.


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Article 27 Statesshallestablishandimplement,inconjunctionwithindigenouspeoplesconcerned,afair,independent,impartial, open and transparent process, giving due recognition to indigenous peoples’ laws, traditions,customsandlandtenuresystems,torecognizeandadjudicatetherightsofindigenouspeoplespertainingtotheirlands,territoriesandresources,includingthosewhichweretraditionallyownedorotherwiseoccupiedorused.Indigenouspeoplesshallhavetherighttoparticipateinthisprocess.

Article 28 1. Indigenouspeopleshavetherighttoredress,bymeansthatcanincluderestitutionor,whenthisisnot

possible,just,fairandequitablecompensation,forthelands,territoriesandresourceswhichtheyhavetraditionallyownedorotherwiseoccupiedorused,andwhichhavebeenconfiscated,taken,occupied,usedordamagedwithouttheirfree,priorandinformedconsent.

2. Unlessotherwisefreelyagreeduponbythepeoplesconcerned,compensationshalltaketheformoflands,territoriesandresourcesequalinquality,sizeandlegalstatusorofmonetarycompensationorotherappropriateredress.

Article 29 1. Indigenouspeopleshave the right to the conservationandprotectionof theenvironment and the

productivecapacityoftheir landsorterritoriesandresources.Statesshallestablishand implementassistance programmes for indigenous peoples for such conservation and protection, withoutdiscrimination.

2. Statesshalltakeeffectivemeasurestoensurethatnostorageordisposalofhazardousmaterialsshalltake place in the lands or territories of indigenous peopleswithout their free, prior and informedconsent.

3. States shall also take effective measures to ensure, as needed, that programmes for monitoring,maintainingandrestoringthehealthof indigenouspeoples,asdevelopedand implementedbythepeoplesaffectedbysuchmaterials,aredulyimplemented.

Article 30 1. Militaryactivitiesshallnottakeplaceinthelandsorterritoriesofindigenouspeoples,unlessjustified

byasignificantthreattorelevantpublicinterestorotherwisefreelyagreedwithorrequestedbytheindigenouspeoplesconcerned.


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2. States shall undertake effective consultations with the indigenous peoples concerned, throughappropriateproceduresandinparticularthroughtheirrepresentativeinstitutions,priortousingtheirlandsorterritoriesformilitaryactivities.

Article 31 1. Indigenouspeopleshavetheright tomaintain,control,protectanddeveloptheirculturalheritage,

traditionalknowledgeandtraditionalculturalexpressions,aswellasthemanifestationsoftheirsciences,technologiesandcultures, includinghumanandgenetic resources, seeds,medicines,knowledgeofthepropertiesof fauna andflora, oral traditions, literatures, designs, sports and traditional gamesandvisual andperformingarts. Theyalsohave the right tomaintain, control, protect anddeveloptheirintellectualpropertyoversuchculturalheritage,traditionalknowledge,andtraditionalculturalexpressions.

2. Inconjunctionwithindigenouspeoples,Statesshalltakeeffectivemeasurestorecognizeandprotecttheexerciseoftheserights.

Article 32 1. Indigenous peoples have the right to determine and develop priorities and strategies for the

developmentoruseoftheirlandsorterritoriesandotherresources.2. Statesshallconsultandcooperateingoodfaithwiththeindigenouspeoplesconcernedthroughtheir

ownrepresentativeinstitutionsinordertoobtaintheirfreeandinformedconsentpriortotheapprovalofanyprojectaffectingtheirlandsorterritoriesandotherresources,particularlyinconnectionwiththedevelopment,utilizationorexploitationofmineral,waterorotherresources.

3. Statesshallprovideeffectivemechanismsforjustandfairredressforanysuchactivities,andappropriatemeasures shall be taken tomitigate adverse environmental, economic, social, cultural or spiritualimpact.

Article 33 1. Indigenous peoples have the right to determine their own identity or membership in accordance

withtheircustomsandtraditions.ThisdoesnotimpairtherightofindigenousindividualstoobtaincitizenshipoftheStatesinwhichtheylive.

2. Indigenouspeopleshavetherighttodeterminethestructuresandtoselectthemembershipoftheirinstitutionsinaccordancewiththeirownprocedures.


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Article 34 Indigenouspeopleshavetherighttopromote,developandmaintaintheirinstitutionalstructuresandtheirdistinctivecustoms,spirituality,traditions,procedures,practicesand,inthecaseswheretheyexist,juridicalsystemsorcustoms,inaccordancewithinternationalhumanrightsstandards.

Article 35 Indigenouspeopleshavetherighttodeterminetheresponsibilitiesofindividualstotheircommunities.

Article 36 1.Indigenouspeoples,inparticularthosedividedbyinternationalborders,havetherighttomaintainanddevelopcontacts,relationsandcooperation,includingactivitiesforspiritual,cultural,political,economicandsocialpurposes,withtheirownmembersaswellasotherpeoplesacrossborders.2.States,inconsultationandcooperationwithindigenouspeoples,shalltakeeffectivemeasurestofacilitatetheexerciseandensuretheimplementationofthisright.

Article 37 1. Indigenous peoples have the right to the recognition, observance and enforcement of treaties,

agreementsandother constructivearrangements concludedwithStatesor their successorsand tohaveStateshonourandrespectsuchtreaties,agreementsandotherconstructivearrangements.

2. NothinginthisDeclarationmaybeinterpretedasdiminishingoreliminatingtherightsofindigenouspeoplescontainedintreaties,agreementsandotherconstructivearrangements.

Article 38 States in consultation and cooperation with indigenous peoples, shall take the appropriate measures,includinglegislativemeasures,toachievetheendsofthisDeclaration.

Article 39 IndigenouspeopleshavetherighttohaveaccesstofinancialandtechnicalassistancefromStatesandthroughinternationalcooperation,fortheenjoymentoftherightscontainedinthisDeclaration.


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Article 40 Indigenouspeopleshave the right toaccess toandpromptdecision through justand fairprocedures fortheresolutionofconflictsanddisputeswithStatesorotherparties,aswellastoeffectiveremediesforallinfringementsof their individualandcollective rights.Suchadecisionshallgivedueconsideration to thecustoms,traditions,rulesandlegalsystemsoftheindigenouspeoplesconcernedandinternationalhumanrights.

Article 41 TheorgansandspecializedagenciesoftheUnitedNationssystemandotherintergovernmentalorganizationsshallcontributetothefullrealizationoftheprovisionsofthisDeclarationthroughthemobilization,interalia,offinancialcooperationandtechnicalassistance.Waysandmeansofensuringparticipationofindigenouspeoplesonissuesaffectingthemshallbeestablished.Article 42 TheUnitedNations,itsbodies,includingthePermanentForumonIndigenousIssues,andspecializedagencies,includingatthecountrylevel,andStatesshallpromoterespectforandfullapplicationoftheprovisionsofthisDeclarationandfollowuptheeffectivenessofthisDeclaration.

Article 43 Therightsrecognizedhereinconstitutetheminimumstandardsforthesurvival,dignityandwell-beingoftheindigenouspeoplesoftheworld.

Article 44 All the rights and freedoms recognized herein are equally guaranteed to male and female indigenousindividuals.

Article 45 NothinginthisDeclarationmaybeconstruedasdiminishingorextinguishingtherightsindigenouspeopleshavenowormayacquireinthefuture.

Article 46 1. NothinginthisDeclarationmaybeinterpretedasimplyingforanyState,people,grouporpersonany

righttoengageinanyactivityortoperformanyactcontrarytotheCharteroftheUnitedNationsorconstruedasauthorizingorencouraginganyactionwhichwoulddismemberor impair, totallyor inpart,theterritorialintegrityorpoliticalunityofsovereignandindependentStates.


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2. In theexerciseof the rightsenunciated in thepresentDeclaration,human rightsand fundamentalfreedoms of all shall be respected. The exercise of the rights set forth in this Declaration shall besubjectonlytosuchlimitationsasaredeterminedbylaw,andinaccordancewithinternationalhumanrightsobligations.Anysuchlimitationsshallbenon-discriminatoryandstrictlynecessarysolelyforthepurposeofsecuringduerecognitionandrespectfortherightsandfreedomsofothersandformeetingthejustandmostcompellingrequirementsofademocraticsociety.

3. Theprovisionssetforth inthisDeclarationshallbe interpretedinaccordancewiththeprinciplesofjustice,democracy,respectforhumanrights,equality,non-discrimination,goodgovernanceandgoodfaith.


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Annex2Comvention 169 Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989 TheGeneralConferenceoftheInternationalLabourOrganisation,

HavingbeenconvenedatGenevabytheGoverningBodyoftheInternationalLabourOffice,andhavingmetinits76thSessionon7June1989,and

Noting the international standards contained in the Indigenous and Tribal Populations Convention andRecommendation,1957,and

RecallingthetermsoftheUniversalDeclarationofHumanRights,theInternationalCovenantonEconomic,SocialandCulturalRights,theInternationalCovenantonCivilandPoliticalRights,andthemanyinternationalinstrumentsonthepreventionofdiscrimination,and

Considering that the developments which have taken place in international law since 1957, as well asdevelopments in the situationof indigenous and tribal peoples in all regionsof theworld, havemade itappropriatetoadoptnewinternationalstandardsonthesubjectwithaviewtoremovingtheassimilationistorientationoftheearlierstandards,and

Recognisingtheaspirationsofthesepeoplestoexercisecontrolovertheirowninstitutions,waysoflifeandeconomic development and tomaintain anddevelop their identities, languages and religions,within theframeworkoftheStatesinwhichtheylive,and

NotingthatinmanypartsoftheworldthesepeoplesareunabletoenjoytheirfundamentalhumanrightstothesamedegreeastherestofthepopulationoftheStateswithinwhichtheylive,andthattheirlaws,values,customsandperspectiveshaveoftenbeeneroded,and

Callingattentiontothedistinctivecontributionsofindigenousandtribalpeoplestotheculturaldiversityandsocialandecologicalharmonyofhumankindandtointernationalco-operationandunderstanding,and

Noting that the followingprovisionshavebeen framedwith the co-operationof theUnitedNations, theFood and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, the United Nations Educational, Scientific andCulturalOrganisationandtheWorldHealthOrganisation,aswellasoftheInter-AmericanIndianInstitute,


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atappropriatelevelsandintheirrespectivefields,andthatitisproposedtocontinuethisco-operationinpromotingandsecuringtheapplicationoftheseprovisions,and

HavingdecidedupontheadoptionofcertainproposalswithregardtothepartialrevisionoftheIndigenousandTribalPopulationsConvention,1957(No.107),whichisthefourthitemontheagendaofthesession,andHaving determined that these proposals shall take the form of an international Convention revising theIndigenousandTribalPopulationsConvention,1957;

adoptsthistwenty-seventhdayofJuneoftheyearonethousandninehundredandeighty-ninethefollowingConvention,whichmaybecitedastheIndigenousandTribalPeoplesConvention,1989;

PART I. GENERAL POLICy Article 1 1. ThisConventionappliesto:

(a) tribal peoples in independent countries whose social, cultural and economic conditionsdistinguishthemfromothersectionsofthenationalcommunity,andwhosestatusisregulatedwhollyorpartiallybytheirowncustomsortraditionsorbyspeciallawsorregulations;

(b) peoplesinindependentcountrieswhoareregardedasindigenousonaccountoftheirdescentfromthepopulationswhichinhabitedthecountry,orageographicalregiontowhichthecountrybelongs,atthetimeofconquestorcolonisationortheestablishmentofpresentstateboundariesandwho, irrespectiveof their legal status, retain someor all of their own social, economic,culturalandpoliticalinstitutions.

2. Self-identificationasindigenousortribalshallberegardedasafundamentalcriterionfordeterminingthegroupstowhichtheprovisionsofthisConventionapply.

3. TheuseofthetermpeoplesinthisConventionshallnotbeconstruedashavinganyimplicationsasregardstherightswhichmayattachtothetermunderinternationallaw.

Article 2 1. Governments shall have the responsibility for developing, with the participation of the peoples

concerned,co-ordinatedandsystematicactiontoprotecttherightsofthesepeoplesandtoguaranteerespectfortheirintegrity.


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2. Suchactionshallincludemeasuresfor:(a) ensuring that members of these peoples benefit on an equal footing from the rights and

opportunitieswhichnationallawsandregulationsgranttoothermembersofthepopulation;(b) promotingthefullrealisationofthesocial,economicandculturalrightsofthesepeopleswith

respectfortheirsocialandculturalidentity,theircustomsandtraditionsandtheirinstitutions;(c) assistingthemembersofthepeoplesconcernedtoeliminatesocio-economicgapsthatmayexist

betweenindigenousandothermembersofthenationalcommunity, inamannercompatiblewiththeiraspirationsandwaysoflife.

Article 3 1. Indigenousandtribalpeoplesshallenjoythefullmeasureofhumanrightsandfundamentalfreedoms

without hindrance or discrimination. The provisions of the Convention shall be applied withoutdiscriminationtomaleandfemalemembersofthesepeoples.

2. Noformofforceorcoercionshallbeusedinviolationofthehumanrightsandfundamentalfreedomsofthepeoplesconcerned,includingtherightscontainedinthisConvention.

Article 4 1. Specialmeasuresshallbeadoptedasappropriateforsafeguardingthepersons,institutions,property,

labour,culturesandenvironmentofthepeoplesconcerned.2. Suchspecialmeasuresshallnotbecontrarytothefreely-expressedwishesofthepeoplesconcerned.3. Enjoymentofthegeneralrightsofcitizenship,withoutdiscrimination,shallnotbeprejudicedinany

waybysuchspecialmeasures.

Article 5 InapplyingtheprovisionsofthisConvention:(a) thesocial,cultural, religiousandspiritualvaluesandpracticesof thesepeoplesshallberecognised

andprotected,anddueaccountshallbetakenofthenatureoftheproblemswhichfacethembothasgroupsandasindividuals;

(b) theintegrityofthevalues,practicesandinstitutionsofthesepeoplesshallberespected;(c) policiesaimedatmitigatingthedifficultiesexperiencedbythesepeoplesinfacingnewconditionsof

lifeandworkshallbeadopted,withtheparticipationandco-operationofthepeoplesaffected.


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Article 6 1. InapplyingtheprovisionsofthisConvention,governmentsshall:

(a) consultthepeoplesconcerned,throughappropriateproceduresandinparticularthroughtheirrepresentativeinstitutions,wheneverconsiderationisbeinggiventolegislativeoradministrativemeasureswhichmayaffectthemdirectly;

(b) establishmeansbywhichthesepeoplescanfreelyparticipate,toat leastthesameextentasother sectors of the population, at all levels of decision-making in elective institutions andadministrativeandotherbodiesresponsibleforpoliciesandprogrammeswhichconcernthem;

(c) establishmeansforthefulldevelopmentofthesepeoples’owninstitutionsandinitiatives,andinappropriatecasesprovidetheresourcesnecessaryforthispurpose.

2. TheconsultationscarriedoutinapplicationofthisConventionshallbeundertaken,ingoodfaithandinaformappropriatetothecircumstances,withtheobjectiveofachievingagreementorconsenttotheproposedmeasures.

Article 7 1. The peoples concerned shall have the right to decide their own priorities for the process of

developmentas itaffectstheir lives,beliefs, institutionsandspiritualwell-beingandthe landstheyoccupyorotherwiseuse,andtoexercisecontrol, to theextentpossible,over theirowneconomic,socialandculturaldevelopment.Inaddition,theyshallparticipateintheformulation,implementationandevaluationofplansandprogrammesfornationalandregionaldevelopmentwhichmayaffectthemdirectly.

2. Theimprovementoftheconditionsoflifeandworkandlevelsofhealthandeducationofthepeoplesconcerned,withtheirparticipationandco-operation,shallbeamatterofpriorityinplansfortheoveralleconomicdevelopmentofareastheyinhabit.Specialprojectsfordevelopmentoftheareasinquestionshallalsobesodesignedastopromotesuchimprovement.

3. Governmentsshallensurethat,wheneverappropriate,studiesarecarriedout, inco-operationwiththe peoples concerned, to assess the social, spiritual, cultural and environmental impact on themofplanneddevelopmentactivities.Theresultsof thesestudiesshallbeconsideredas fundamentalcriteriafortheimplementationoftheseactivities.

4. Governmentsshalltakemeasures,inco-operationwiththepeoplesconcerned,toprotectandpreservetheenvironmentoftheterritoriestheyinhabit.


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Article 8 1. Inapplyingnationallawsandregulationstothepeoplesconcerned,dueregardshallbehadtotheir

customsorcustomarylaws.2. Thesepeoplesshallhavetherighttoretaintheirowncustomsandinstitutions,wherethesearenot

incompatiblewith fundamental rightsdefinedby thenational legal systemandwith internationallyrecognisedhuman rights.Procedures shallbeestablished,whenevernecessary, to resolve conflictswhichmayariseintheapplicationofthisprinciple.

3. Theapplicationofparagraphs1and2ofthisArticleshallnotpreventmembersofthesepeoplesfromexercisingtherightsgrantedtoallcitizensandfromassumingthecorrespondingduties.

Article 9 1. Totheextentcompatiblewiththenationallegalsystemandinternationallyrecognisedhumanrights,

themethodscustomarilypractisedbythepeoplesconcernedfordealingwithoffencescommittedbytheirmembersshallberespected.

2. The customs of these peoples in regard to penalmatters shall be taken into consideration by theauthoritiesandcourtsdealingwithsuchcases.

Article 10 1. Inimposingpenaltieslaiddownbygenerallawonmembersofthesepeoplesaccountshallbetakenof

theireconomic,socialandculturalcharacteristics.2. Preferenceshallbegiventomethodsofpunishmentotherthanconfinementinprison.

Article 11 Theexactionfrommembersofthepeoplesconcernedofcompulsorypersonalservicesinanyform,whetherpaidorunpaid,shallbeprohibitedandpunishablebylaw,exceptincasesprescribedbylawforallcitizens.

Article 12 Thepeoplesconcernedshallbesafeguardedagainsttheabuseoftheirrightsandshallbeabletotakelegalproceedings,eitherindividuallyorthroughtheirrepresentativebodies,fortheeffectiveprotectionoftheserights.Measuresshallbetakentoensurethatmembersofthesepeoplescanunderstandandbeunderstoodinlegalproceedings,wherenecessarythroughtheprovisionofinterpretationorbyothereffectivemeans.


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PART II. LAND Article 13 1. In applying the provisions of this Part of the Convention governments shall respect the special

importancefortheculturesandspiritualvaluesofthepeoplesconcernedoftheirrelationshipwiththelandsorterritories,orbothasapplicable,whichtheyoccupyorotherwiseuse,andinparticularthecollectiveaspectsofthisrelationship.

2. TheuseofthetermlandsinArticles15and16shallincludetheconceptofterritories,whichcoversthetotalenvironmentoftheareaswhichthepeoplesconcernedoccupyorotherwiseuse.

Article 14 1. Therightsofownershipandpossessionofthepeoplesconcernedoverthelandswhichtheytraditionally

occupyshallberecognised.Inaddition,measuresshallbetakeninappropriatecasestosafeguardtherightofthepeoplesconcernedtouselandsnotexclusivelyoccupiedbythem,buttowhichtheyhavetraditionallyhadaccessfortheirsubsistenceandtraditionalactivities.Particularattentionshallbepaidtothesituationofnomadicpeoplesandshiftingcultivatorsinthisrespect.

2. Governments shall take steps as necessary to identify the lands which the peoples concernedtraditionallyoccupy,andtoguaranteeeffectiveprotectionoftheirrightsofownershipandpossession.

3. Adequateproceduresshallbeestablishedwithinthenationallegalsystemtoresolvelandclaimsbythepeoplesconcerned.

Article 15 1. Therightsofthepeoplesconcernedtothenaturalresourcespertainingtotheirlandsshallbespecially

safeguarded.Theserightsincludetherightofthesepeoplestoparticipateintheuse,managementandconservationoftheseresources.

2. IncasesinwhichtheStateretainstheownershipofmineralorsub-surfaceresourcesorrightstootherresourcespertainingtolands,governmentsshallestablishormaintainproceduresthroughwhichtheyshallconsultthesepeoples,withaviewtoascertainingwhetherandtowhatdegreetheir interestswould be prejudiced, before undertaking or permitting any programmes for the exploration orexploitationofsuchresourcespertainingtotheirlands.Thepeoplesconcernedshallwhereverpossibleparticipateinthebenefitsofsuchactivities,andshallreceivefaircompensationforanydamageswhichtheymaysustainasaresultofsuchactivities.


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Article 16 1. SubjecttothefollowingparagraphsofthisArticle,thepeoplesconcernedshallnotberemovedfrom

thelandswhichtheyoccupy.2. Where the relocation of these peoples is considered necessary as an exceptional measure, such

relocationshalltakeplaceonlywiththeirfreeandinformedconsent.Wheretheirconsentcannotbeobtained,suchrelocationshalltakeplaceonlyfollowingappropriateproceduresestablishedbynationallawsandregulations,includingpublicinquirieswhereappropriate,whichprovidetheopportunityforeffectiverepresentationofthepeoplesconcerned.

3. Wheneverpossible,thesepeoplesshallhavetherighttoreturntotheirtraditionallands,assoonasthegroundsforrelocationceasetoexist.

4. Whensuchreturnisnotpossible,asdeterminedbyagreementor,intheabsenceofsuchagreement,throughappropriateprocedures, thesepeoplesshallbeprovided inallpossiblecaseswith landsofqualityand legalstatusat leastequal tothatof the landspreviouslyoccupiedbythem,suitabletoprovide for their present needs and future development.Where the peoples concerned express apreferenceforcompensation inmoneyor inkind,theyshallbesocompensatedunderappropriateguarantees.

5. Personsthusrelocatedshallbefullycompensatedforanyresultinglossorinjury.

Article 17 1. Proceduresestablishedbythepeoplesconcernedforthetransmissionoflandrightsamongmembers

ofthesepeoplesshallberespected.2. Thepeoplesconcernedshallbeconsultedwheneverconsiderationisbeinggiventotheircapacityto

alienatetheirlandsorotherwisetransmittheirrightsoutsidetheirowncommunity.3. Personsnotbelongingtothesepeoplesshallbepreventedfromtakingadvantageoftheircustomsor

oflackofunderstandingofthelawsonthepartoftheirmemberstosecuretheownership,possessionoruseoflandbelongingtothem.

Article 18 Adequatepenaltiesshallbeestablishedbylawforunauthorisedintrusionupon,oruseof,thelandsofthepeoplesconcerned,andgovernmentsshalltakemeasurestopreventsuchoffences.


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Article 19 Nationalagrarianprogrammesshallsecuretothepeoplesconcernedtreatmentequivalenttothataccordedtoothersectorsofthepopulationwithregardto:(a) theprovisionofmorelandforthesepeopleswhentheyhavenottheareanecessaryforprovidingthe

essentialsofanormalexistence,orforanypossibleincreaseintheirnumbers;(b) theprovisionofthemeansrequiredtopromotethedevelopmentofthelandswhichthesepeoples

alreadypossess.

PART III. RECRUITMENT AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOyMENT Article 20 1. Governmentsshall,withintheframeworkofnationallawsandregulations,andinco-operationwith

the peoples concerned, adopt special measures to ensure the effective protection with regard torecruitmentandconditionsofemploymentofworkersbelongingtothesepeoples,totheextentthattheyarenoteffectivelyprotectedbylawsapplicabletoworkersingeneral.

2. Governmentsshalldoeverythingpossibletopreventanydiscriminationbetweenworkersbelongingtothepeoplesconcernedandotherworkers,inparticularasregards:(a) admissiontoemployment,includingskilledemployment,aswellasmeasuresforpromotionand

advancement;(b) equalremunerationforworkofequalvalue;(c) medicalandsocialassistance,occupationalsafetyandhealth,allsocialsecuritybenefitsandany

otheroccupationallyrelatedbenefits,andhousing;(d) therightofassociationandfreedomforalllawfultradeunionactivities,andtherighttoconclude

collectiveagreementswithemployersoremployers’organisations.3. Themeasurestakenshallincludemeasurestoensure:

(a) thatworkersbelongingtothepeoplesconcerned,includingseasonal,casualandmigrantworkersinagriculturalandotheremployment,aswellasthoseemployedbylabourcontractors,enjoytheprotectionaffordedbynationallawandpracticetoothersuchworkersinthesamesectors,and that theyare fully informedof their rightsunder labour legislationandof themeansofredressavailabletothem;

(b) thatworkersbelongingtothesepeoplesarenotsubjectedtoworkingconditionshazardoustotheirhealth,inparticularthroughexposuretopesticidesorothertoxicsubstances;


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(c) thatworkers belonging to these peoples are not subjected to coercive recruitment systems,includingbondedlabourandotherformsofdebtservitude;

(d) that workers belonging to these peoples enjoy equal opportunities and equal treatment inemploymentformenandwomen,andprotectionfromsexualharassment.

4. Particularattentionshallbepaidtotheestablishmentofadequatelabourinspectionservicesinareaswhereworkersbelongingtothepeoplesconcernedundertakewageemployment,inordertoensurecompliancewiththeprovisionsofthisPartofthisConvention.

PART IV. VOCATIONAL TRAINING, HANDICRAFTS AND RURAL INDUSTRIES Article 21 Members of the peoples concerned shall enjoy opportunities at least equal to those of other citizens inrespectofvocationaltrainingmeasures.

Article 22 1. Measuresshallbetakentopromotethevoluntaryparticipationofmembersofthepeoplesconcerned

invocationaltrainingprogrammesofgeneralapplication.2. Wheneverexistingprogrammesofvocationaltrainingofgeneralapplicationdonotmeetthespecial

needsofthepeoplesconcerned,governmentsshall,withtheparticipationofthesepeoples,ensuretheprovisionofspecialtrainingprogrammesandfacilities.

3. Any special training programmes shall be basedon the economic environment, social and culturalconditionsandpracticalneedsofthepeoplesconcerned.Anystudiesmadeinthisconnectionshallbecarriedout inco-operationwith thesepeoples,whoshallbeconsultedon theorganisationandoperationofsuchprogrammes.Wherefeasible,thesepeoplesshallprogressivelyassumeresponsibilityfortheorganisationandoperationofsuchspecialtrainingprogrammes,iftheysodecide.

Article 23 1. Handicrafts,ruralandcommunity-basedindustries,andsubsistenceeconomyandtraditionalactivities

of the peoples concerned, such as hunting, fishing, trapping and gathering, shall be recognised asimportant factors in the maintenance of their cultures and in their economic self-reliance anddevelopment.Governmentsshall,withtheparticipationofthesepeopleandwheneverappropriate,ensurethattheseactivitiesarestrengthenedandpromoted.


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2. Upontherequestof thepeoplesconcerned,appropriate technicalandfinancialassistanceshallbeprovidedwhereverpossible,takingintoaccountthetraditionaltechnologiesandculturalcharacteristicsofthesepeoples,aswellastheimportanceofsustainableandequitabledevelopment.

PART V. SOCIAL SECURITy AND HEALTH Article 24 Socialsecurityschemesshallbeextendedprogressivelytocoverthepeoplesconcerned,andappliedwithoutdiscriminationagainstthem.

Article 25 1. Governmentsshallensurethatadequatehealthservicesaremadeavailabletothepeoplesconcerned,

orshallprovidethemwithresourcestoallowthemtodesignanddeliversuchservicesundertheirownresponsibilityandcontrol,sothattheymayenjoythehighestattainablestandardofphysicalandmentalhealth.

2. Health services shall, to theextentpossible,becommunity-based.These services shallbeplannedandadministeredinco-operationwiththepeoplesconcernedandtakeintoaccounttheireconomic,geographic,socialandculturalconditionsaswellastheirtraditionalpreventivecare,healingpracticesandmedicines.

3. Thehealthcaresystemshallgivepreferencetothetrainingandemploymentoflocalcommunityhealthworkers,andfocusonprimaryhealthcarewhilemaintainingstronglinkswithotherlevelsofhealthcareservices.

4. Theprovisionofsuchhealthservicesshallbeco-ordinatedwithothersocial,economicandculturalmeasuresinthecountry.


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PART VI. EDUCATION AND MEANS OF COMMUNICATION Article 26 Measuresshallbetakentoensurethatmembersofthepeoplesconcernedhavetheopportunitytoacquireeducationatalllevelsonatleastanequalfootingwiththerestofthenationalcommunity.

Article 27 1. Educationprogrammesandservicesforthepeoplesconcernedshallbedevelopedandimplemented

inco-operationwiththemtoaddresstheirspecialneeds,andshall incorporatetheirhistories,theirknowledge and technologies, their value systems and their further social, economic and culturalaspirations.

2. Thecompetentauthorityshallensurethetrainingofmembersofthesepeoplesandtheirinvolvementin the formulation and implementation of education programmes, with a view to the progressivetransferofresponsibilityfortheconductoftheseprogrammestothesepeoplesasappropriate.

3. Inaddition,governmentsshallrecognisetherightofthesepeoplestoestablishtheirowneducationalinstitutionsandfacilities,providedthatsuchinstitutionsmeetminimumstandardsestablishedbythecompetentauthorityinconsultationwiththesepeoples.Appropriateresourcesshallbeprovidedforthispurpose.

Article 28 1. Childrenbelongingtothepeoplesconcernedshall,whereverpracticable,betaughttoreadandwrite

intheirownindigenouslanguageorinthelanguagemostcommonlyusedbythegrouptowhichtheybelong.When this is notpracticable, the competent authorities shall undertake consultationswiththesepeopleswithaviewtotheadoptionofmeasurestoachievethisobjective.

2. Adequatemeasuresshallbetakentoensurethatthesepeopleshavetheopportunitytoattainfluencyinthenationallanguageorinoneoftheofficiallanguagesofthecountry.

3. Measuresshallbetakentopreserveandpromotethedevelopmentandpracticeof the indigenouslanguagesofthepeoplesconcerned.

Article 29 Theimpartingofgeneralknowledgeandskillsthatwillhelpchildrenbelongingtothepeoplesconcernedtoparticipatefullyandonanequalfootingintheirowncommunityandinthenationalcommunityshallbeanaimofeducationforthesepeoples.


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Article 30 1.Governmentsshalladoptmeasuresappropriatetothetraditionsandculturesofthepeoplesconcerned,tomakeknowntothemtheirrightsandduties,especiallyinregardtolabour,economicopportunities,educationandhealthmatters,socialwelfareandtheirrightsderivingfromthisConvention.2.Ifnecessary,thisshallbedonebymeansofwrittentranslationsandthroughtheuseofmasscommunicationsinthelanguagesofthesepeoples.

Article 31 Educationalmeasuresshallbetakenamongallsectionsofthenationalcommunity,andparticularlyamongthosethatareinmostdirectcontactwiththepeoplesconcerned,withtheobjectofeliminatingprejudicesthattheymayharbourinrespectofthesepeoples.Tothisend,effortsshallbemadetoensurethathistorytextbooksandothereducationalmaterialsprovideafair,accurateandinformativeportrayalofthesocietiesandculturesofthesepeoples.

PART VII. CONTACTS AND CO-OPERATION ACROSS BORDERS Article 32 Governmentsshalltakeappropriatemeasures,includingbymeansofinternationalagreements,tofacilitatecontactsandco-operationbetweenindigenousandtribalpeoplesacrossborders,includingactivitiesintheeconomic,social,cultural,spiritualandenvironmentalfields.

PART VIII. ADMINISTRATION Article 33 1. ThegovernmentalauthorityresponsibleforthematterscoveredinthisConventionshallensurethat

agenciesorotherappropriatemechanismsexisttoadministertheprogrammesaffectingthepeoplesconcerned, and shall ensure that they have themeans necessary for the proper fulfilment of thefunctionsassignedtothem.


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2. Theseprogrammesshallinclude:(a) the planning, co-ordination, execution and evaluation, in co-operation with the peoples

concerned,ofthemeasuresprovidedforinthisConvention;(b) theproposingoflegislativeandothermeasurestothecompetentauthoritiesandsupervisionof

theapplicationofthemeasurestaken,inco-operationwiththepeoplesconcerned.

PART IX. GENERAL PROVISIONS Article 34 ThenatureandscopeofthemeasurestobetakentogiveeffecttothisConventionshallbedeterminedinaflexiblemanner,havingregardtotheconditionscharacteristicofeachcountry.

Article 35 TheapplicationoftheprovisionsofthisConventionshallnotadverselyaffectrightsandbenefitsofthepeoplesconcerned pursuant to other Conventions and Recommendations, international instruments, treaties, ornationallaws,awards,customoragreements.

PART X. FINAL PROVISIONS Article 36 ThisConventionrevisestheIndigenousandTribalPopulationsConvention,1957.

Article 37 TheformalratificationsofthisConventionshallbecommunicatedtotheDirector-GeneraloftheInternationalLabourOfficeforregistration.

Article 38 1. ThisConventionshallbebindingonlyuponthoseMembersoftheInternationalLabourOrganisation

whoseratificationshavebeenregisteredwiththeDirector-General.2. ItshallcomeintoforcetwelvemonthsafterthedateonwhichtheratificationsoftwoMembershave

beenregisteredwiththeDirector-General.3. Thereafter, thisConventionshallcome into force foranyMembertwelvemonthsafterthedateon

whichitsratificationhasbeenregistered.


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Article 39 1. AMemberwhichhasratifiedthisConventionmaydenounceitaftertheexpirationoftenyearsfrom

thedateonwhich theConventionfirst comes into force,byanact communicated to theDirector-GeneraloftheInternationalLabourOfficeforregistration.Suchdenunciationshallnottakeeffectuntiloneyearafterthedateonwhichitisregistered.

2. EachMemberwhichhasratifiedthisConventionandwhichdoesnot,withintheyearfollowingtheexpiration of the period of ten yearsmentioned in the preceding paragraph, exercise the right ofdenunciationprovidedforinthisArticle,willbeboundforanotherperiodoftenyearsand,thereafter,maydenouncethisConventionattheexpirationofeachperiodoftenyearsunderthetermsprovidedforinthisArticle.

Article 40 1. TheDirector-GeneraloftheInternationalLabourOfficeshallnotifyallMembersoftheInternational

LabourOrganisationoftheregistrationofallratificationsanddenunciationscommunicatedtohimbytheMembersoftheOrganisation.

2. When notifying the Members of the Organisation of the registration of the second ratificationcommunicatedtohim,theDirector-GeneralshalldrawtheattentionoftheMembersoftheOrganisationtothedateuponwhichtheConventionwillcomeintoforce.

Article 41 The Director-General of the International Labour Office shall communicate to the Secretary-General oftheUnitedNationsforregistrationinaccordancewithArticle102oftheCharteroftheUnitedNationsfullparticularsofallratificationsandactsofdenunciationregisteredbyhiminaccordancewiththeprovisionsoftheprecedingArticles.

Article 42 AtsuchtimesasitmayconsidernecessarytheGoverningBodyoftheInternationalLabourOfficeshallpresenttotheGeneralConferenceareportontheworkingofthisConventionandshallexaminethedesirabilityofplacingontheagendaoftheConferencethequestionofitsrevisioninwholeorinpart.


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Article 43 1. Should theConferenceadoptanewConvention revising thisConvention inwholeor inpart, then,

unlessthenewConventionotherwiseprovides-(a) theratificationbyaMemberofthenewrevisingConventionshallipsojureinvolvetheimmediate

denunciationofthisConvention,notwithstandingtheprovisionsofArticle39above,ifandwhenthenewrevisingConventionshallhavecomeintoforce;

(b) asfromthedatewhenthenewrevisingConventioncomesintoforcethisConventionshallceasetobeopentoratificationbytheMembers.

2. ThisConventionshall inanycaseremain inforce in itsactualformandcontentforthoseMemberswhichhaveratifieditbuthavenotratifiedtherevisingConvention.

Article 44 TheEnglishandFrenchversionsofthetextofthisConventionareequallyauthoritative.

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