Indigenous Peoples' Rights and Environment

Groups with historical ties to a land/region prior to colonization. They often maintain distinct cultural and social structures and self-identify.

Collective rights belonging to an entire indigenous community, not just individuals. These rights often relate to self-governance and control over lands, territories, and resources.

The right of a people to manage their own affairs, including political, economic, and social development.

A major international agreement that recognizes and protects the rights of indigenous and tribal peoples. It addresses their distinct social, economic, and cultural circumstances.

Communities existing before the arrival of colonial powers. Often maintain distinct customs and ways of life.

Rights held by a group rather than by individual members within the group.

Actions that involve using land owned or controlled by a community, including, building, mining, or other activities.

The forceful or gradual loss of traditional lands to other groups or development, affecting the sustainability of indigenous livelihood.

The right of indigenous communities to use and manage their traditional lands and associated resources.

Basic human rights held by individual members of indigenous communities, including rights to life, education, and culture.

Rights enjoyed by groups or communities, not just individuals, connected to their cultural identity and land. (e.g. right to self-determination).

The fundamental right of a people to freely manage their political status and development.

A declaration from the UN outlining rights of indigenous peoples that is not legally binding .

Rights related to land and resources held collectively by indigenous communities.

Indigenous peoples' rights can be employed to safeguard the environment.

Despite existing international instruments, many indigenous rights are not fully or widely implemented.

An international treaty protecting both individual and collective rights, including the right of all peoples to a favorable environment for their development.

A case about the violation of individual and collective rights of the Ogoni people in Nigeria due to irresponsible oil exploitation.

A case addressing violations of the Endorois people's rights in Kenya, caused by displacement and mining.

A group of people sharing a common history, culture, and religion, considered to be a distinct people entitled to collective rights.

The characteristic of being a distinct people that sets indigenous communities apart, based on shared history, culture, and religion.

Recognizing the right of indigenous peoples to manage their own affairs, including their political, economic, and social development.

safeguarding the natural world and resources that indigenous communities rely on for their livelihoods and cultural practices.

The unique traditions, beliefs, and practices of indigenous peoples, often tied to their relationship with their land.

This international treaty article protects the rights of minorities to maintain their culture, religion, and language.

Traditional territories belonging to indigenous communities, often encompassing their ancestral homelands and resources.

This court has linked the concept of indigenous rights to property rights, recognizing collective ownership.

The practices and customs passed down through generations, often tied to the land and environment.

Indigenous groups often hold land collectively, with ownership belonging to the community rather than individuals. This reflects their traditional values and the close relationship between the group and their territory.

Indigenous peoples' rights can be a powerful tool for environmental protection, as their cultures are deeply intertwined with the land and they often have knowledge about sustainable practices.

Despite international efforts, fully upholding indigenous rights faces challenges like a lack of understanding, lengthy legal proceedings, and weak implementation of judgments.

A case where the Inter-American Court recognized the Saramaka people's collective land rights in Suriname. This case highlights the court's growing focus on indigenous rights.

This case saw the Inter-American Court recognize the Kichwa Indigenous People's right to free, prior, and informed consent for activities on their traditional lands in Ecuador.

For indigenous communities, the connection to land is not just about possession, but also about cultural identity, spiritual practices, and economic survival. It's a fundamental element of their lives.

Indigenous peoples have the right to choose how they govern themselves and manage their development. This right is essential for their self-reliance and cultural preservation.

The Inter-American Court recognized the Mayagna community's collective land rights in Nicaragua, emphasizing the importance of respecting indigenous communities' cultural legacy and transmitting it to future generations.