Indigenous Peoples
52
Policies changed
74
Practices changed
47
Initiatives established
Indigenous Peoples protect about 25% of the world's land surface.
Only a fraction of this is legally recognized. This injustice is compounded by the fact that Indigenous Peoples have a special relationship with their lands, territories, and resources, which are central to their cultures, livelihoods, spirituality, and continued existence as distinct peoples.
Evidence shows that forests (and other ecosystems) managed by Indigenous Peoples are less likely to be deforested than similar lands by other forest users. If Indigenous Peoples have land rights over those forests, deforestation rates go down even further.
The role that Indigenous Peoples have played as guardians of our planet benefits all of humanity. This is clear.
But more importantly, it is their right to be there, without fear of expulsion and loss of control over their lands, territories and resources.
People's organisations led by Indigenous communities
46
ORAGNISATIONS
1.2M
PEOPLE REPRESENTED
23
COUNTRIES
Click on a video, meet a member!
ILC's power shift in action
Indigenous youth
resist land grabbing
in Bangladesh
“Our ancestors have lived on this land for hundreds of years. If they have to leave again, where will they go?” - Reng Young Mro, Indigenous Activist
their story
Ogiek Peoples win historic court battle
"The Ogiek people are able to remember the years we have lived in this forest. We have lived in this forest since god created time." - Wilson Memusi Ngusilo, Ogiek elder
their story
Miskitu women secure land rights in Nicaragua
"It is the fight for the respect of our territory, our land and Mother Earth. It is a common good that needs to be protected." - Rose Cunningham, Miskitu indigenous leader
their story
Learn more from ILC's toolkit on Indigenous Peoples and community land rights
From colonialism to COVID-19, indigenous peoples show resilience in the face of evictions
8 August 2020
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Indigenous Peoples Secretariat key ally in demarcation and titling of indigenous territories
17 July 2015
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ILC Toolkit #5: Indigenous Peoples and communities land rights
26 April 2018
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Q’eqchi indigenous youth lead recovery of ancestral lands in Guatemala
24 January 2022
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In Defense of Human Rights: A Monitoring Report on Land Conflicts
10 January 2019
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Mainstreaming Land Rights in the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights
8 December 2021
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