Ask the Experts: Consulta Previa

Sonia Meza-Cuadra answers:

Governments aim to make decisions that will improve the economic and social development and welfare of their citizens. But historically, decisions affecting Indigenous and tribal people’s culture, ancestral lands and habitats have too often been made without their participation. ilo 169 and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples seek to redress this situation.

The processes of free, informed prior consent, or consulta previa, have faced several challenges, most of which are rooted in the historical mistrust...

Read this article on the Americas Quarterly website. | Subscribe to AQ.