How Much Does The Pope Know About Land Rights?

There is no possible debate about the environment and green solutions without addressing land rights. But who would have guessed that Pope Francis had an ace up his sleeve on this one?

While he keeps captivating doubts about his Catholic heart, he stated it very clearly:

“I believe that the central issue is how to reconcile the right to development, both social and cultural, with the protection of the particular characteristics of indigenous peoples and their territories”.

The Pope was referring to the fact that indigenous peoples all over the world are entitled to the right to be consulted on all decisions affecting their lands and lives.

A timely wake-up call?

2017 will mark the 10th anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Even though it is not legally binding, signatory states have committed to consult indigenous communities in any activity that may affect their lives. 

This right is known as the Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) and plays a key role in defining the standards for extractive activities. More than 200 states have ratified this right, but the implementation on the ground is far from closing the gap. National public policies still discriminate indigenous peoples and do not include their visions for sustainable development.

The article hits the nail on the head by explaining why the global conversation on sustainable development is empty if human rights are set aside. It also enriches the debate by unfolding the international legal framework and giving good reasons to understand why indigenous demands are on the rise.

P.S. don't kill the messenger...