Peru approves ‘historic’ indigenous rights law 24 August

On Tuesday night, Peru’s Congress unanimously approved a ‘historic’ new law that guarantees indigenous people’s right to free, prior and informed consent to any projects affecting them and their lands.

President Ollanta Humala says he supports consultation, and now has 15 days to sign the bill into law. It is a significant step away from the policies of former Peruvian President Alan Garcia, who vetoed a similar bill.

The ‘Prior Consultation Law’ complies with commitments set out in ILOConvention 169, the only international law designed to protect tribal people’s rights.

to read more, go to:    http://www.survivalinternational.org/news/7618