Seizure of land for mining “violation” of indigenous peoples’ rights
The rising global demand for natural resources is infringing on the rights of indigenous peoples according to a UN Human rights expert.
James Anaya the UN expert on the rights of indigenous peoples says with the rapid expansion of mining and exploitation of other natural resources, indigenous peoples were being pushed out of their territories.
Addressing the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, he said indigenous communities have a right to be consulted before the commercial exploitation of resources within their territories.
"That consultation is to take place with the objective of achieving agreement or consent with indigenous peoples. And when a project will involve the removal or displacement of indigenous people such as if often the case with Dams, indigenous peoples have to agree to that, have to agree to the terms of that removal. And it is only in extraordinary circumstances of the highest utmost national interest that indigenous people could be removed without their consent that is my interpretation of the relevant international standards."