Land and Indigenous rights
Land and Indigenous rights
BACKGROUND
Land is much more than property to Indigenous Peoples. It is inextricably linked to their very existence: their culture, livelihood, traditional way of life, and spirituality. However, historical and ongoing infringements on Indigenous Peoples’ land rights over the years have resulted in dispossession, cultural erosion and economic deprivation for many of these communities globally.
Despite making up only 6.2% of the world’s population, Indigenous Peoples either customarily or formally govern approximately 25% of the world’s land. Their stewardship and connection to land are profoundly distinct; for Indigenous Peoples, land has numerous cultural, political, social, economic, and spiritual dimensions and duties.
DEEP DIVE
Across the world, both national and international organisations are recognising the importance of Indigenous Peoples’ relationship to land by recognising their land rights - rights that acknowledge their connections to their ancestrally owned lands and ensure Indigenous Peoples’ right to own, control and use their communal lands, territories and resources.
The protection of these rights is integral, as they allow these communities to preserve and enjoy their ancestral practices and to protect them against external influences.
Many of the injustices endured by Indigenous Peoples are a direct result of colonialism. Colonialism is the practice of attaining full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically. This historical period involved devastating violations on indigenous rights, with many implications that appear to this day.
Despite the end of direct colonial rule in various parts of the world, Indigenous Peoples continue to experience challenges to the full enjoyment of their rights. These challenges are often directly linked to the legacy of colonialism.
"For indigenous communities, land is intrinsically linked to their identity, survival, and cultural heritage, not just an economic commodity."
WHAT NEXT FOR AFRICA?
Research indicates that secure land rights for indigenous communities foster environmental restoration and sustainable management of natural resources.