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p. 1 of 8 BACK | NEXT Introduction Definition of Indigenous People Indigenous Peoples and Development Laws and Conventions Affecting Indigenous Peoples Policy Objectives, Processes and, Approaches Organizational Implications and Resource Requirements Policy on Indigenous Peoples Key Elements in an Indigenous Peoples Development Plan

Policy on Indigenous Peoples

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Introduction

Indigenous peoples can be regarded as one of the largest vulnerable segments of society. While differing significantly in terms of culture, identity, economic systems, and social institutions, indigenous peoples as a whole most often reflect specific disadvantage in terms of social indicators, economic status, and quality of life. Indigenous peoples often are not able to participate equally in development processes and share in the benefits of development, and often are not adequately represented in national social, economic, and political processes that direct development. While constituting a relatively small part of the population of the Bank's region, indigenous peoples and their potential vulnerability must be regarded as significant in the Bank's development efforts and interventions.

It is neither desirable nor possible to insulate or exclude indigenous peoples from development. Like dominant or mainstream populations the group or groups in a country that are politically, economically, and culturally most powerful indigenous peoples have developmental aspirations. However, indigenous peoples may not benefit from development programs designed to meet the needs and aspirations of dominant or mainstream populations, and may not be given the opportunity to participate in the planning of such development. There is increasing concern in the international development community that indigenous peoples be afforded opportunities to participate in and benefit from development equally with other segments of society, and have a role and be able to participate in the design of development interventions that affect them.

The legislation and policies of most member countries of the Bank recognize indigenous peoples as citizens. In practice, however, indigenous peoples often experience disadvantage in interaction with dominant and mainstream populations, especially as relates to development. Beyond not benefiting from development nor participating in the planning of development, indigenous peoples can be disadvantaged by of access to ancestral lands and the natural resources and other sources of income contained in these lands; loss of culture, social structures, and institutions; loss of indigenous knowledge; loss of recognition as indigenous peoples; and a lack of opportunities for effective participation in national political and economic processes. Lack of participation in development combined with the loss of access to land and resources have in many cases marginalized indigenous peoples. In some extreme cases, indigenous peoples have suffered physical oppression. In a few cases, indigenous cultures have disintegrated or disappeared.

In its operations, the Bank must recognize and respect the sovereignty of its member countries, including national legislation and policy relating to indigenous peoples and at the same time, recognize a responsibility for ensuring equality of opportunity for indigenous peoples and that its operations and assistance to developing member countries (DMCs) do not negatively affect the welfare and interests of indigenous peoples. If a Bank intervention does affect indigenous peoples negatively, adequate measures must be taken to mitigate the negative impact, or make certain that a compensation plan ensuring that project affected people are as well off with the project as without is prepared and implemented.

This paper addresses policy approaches toward recognizing the circumstances of indigenous peoples and identifying measures toward satisfying their needs and aspirations. The paper focuses on the participation of indigenous peoples in development and mitigation of undesired effects of development. Section II provides a definition of indigenous peoples; Section III addresses issues of indigenous peoples in development; Section IV discusses laws and international conventions that apply and practices of comparator institutions; Section V presents a set of proposed policy objectives, and operational approaches and procedures; and Section VI addresses organizational implications and resource requirements of formal Bank policy addressing indigenous peoples. Section VII presents specific policy recommendations.

This paper is a policy document, setting out policy proposals relating to indigenous peoples in Bank operations. This policy initiative is undertaken in parallel with specific development interventions of the Bank that would address the needs and concerns of indigenous peoples' projects designed to provide specific developmental support to indigenous peoples.

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