WASHINGTON--Fifteen
representatives of indigenous peoples from
different regions
of the world and World Bank management
agreed recently to strengthen the dialogue
on key
development policies aimed at incorporating
indigenous peopleís views into
programs and projects.
In
most of the world there is what closely resembles a
universal During a two-day roundtable held at World
Bank headquarters, representatives of indigenous
peoples and World Bank management discussed the draft
Operational Policy on Indigenous Peoples in an effort
to improve the document before it is presented to
the Bank's Board of Directors.
The participants of the roundtable, including
observers from specialized NGOs and other international
organizations, exchanged ideas on the creation
of a venue for dialogue on issues relevant to indigenous
peoples, such as the control of natural resources,
land and territory, previously informed consent
and resettlement.
Other areas to be considered in future discussions
include the application of international law, criteria
for the identification of indigenous peoples and
judicial reform initiatives that may strengthen
indigenous peoples rights, among other issues.
According
to World Bank Vice President for Sustainable
Development,
Ian Johnson, "this roundtable
opens a strengthened phase in the dialogue with
the indigenous peoplesí leadership. The
climate of cooperation established during these
two days of exchange demonstrates that we can work
together towards the common goal of incorporating
the indigenous peoples perspective in sustainable
development strategies."
Lourdes
Tiban, leader of the Indigenous-Campesino Movement
of
Cotopaxi (MICC) from Ecuador, said, "The
leaders of indigenous peoples at this roundtable
are just a partial representation of the indigenous
peoples and therefore it is important to broaden
participation in the consultation when decisions
on policies such as territories, natural resources,
previous consent, self-definition and free determination
are being taken."
World Bank management agreed to incorporate some
of the suggestions raised by the representatives
of indigenous peoples, including gender considerations,
language related to indigenous peoples living in
urban areas, and land rights that are consistent
with current operational directives.
In regard to other additions or changes raised
by the participants, World Bank management committed
to record and presented them to the Bank's Board
of Directors.
The roundtable agreed to explore how the World
Bank could strengthen its relationship with the
UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Peoples. One idea
considered was an annual meeting which could take
place in conjunction with the regular meetings
of the Forum in New York.
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