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71. Such arrangements for the exercise of governmental authority need to be complemented by
measures for indigenous peoples to secure proprietary interests in lands and natural resources. In
its article 14 (1), Convention 169 mandates recognition of indigenous peoples “rights of
ownership and possession” over the lands they “traditionally occupy”, which, as understood in
international practice, implies that “traditional possession of their lands by indigenous people has
equivalent effects to those of a State-granted full property title”.7 In addition, Convention 169
upholds indigenous peoples’ right to “use lands not exclusively occupied by them, but to which
they have traditionally had access for their subsistence and traditional activities. Particular
attention shall be paid to the situation of nomadic peoples and shifting cultivators in this
respect”.8
72. The non-exclusive-use rights that are affirmed in the Convention should be understood to
include the rights to use the natural resources on lands in accordance with traditional patterns.
While these basic rights seem to be enjoyed de facto by the Adivasi Janajati communities of
Nepal in some areas, particularly in the mountains, it is not the case in relation to the majority of
communities, where indigenous traditional title seems to be widely disregarded in relation to
claims of State or private ownership, particularly in land distribution schemes and community
user group regimes. These basic rights should be afforded constitutional recognition, and serve
as a normative basis for ongoing discussions on land reform and future legislation.
73. Both Convention 169 and the United Nations Declaration add that Governments are to take
steps to establish procedures to resolve indigenous peoples’ land claims, including compensation
for lands lost without their consent.9 While acknowledging the many difficulties involved in
addressing historical injustices faced by the Adivasi Janajati in relation to their traditional lands
and territories, as well as the pressing need to take into account other societal needs and interests,
the Special Rapporteur considers that redress for these historical injustices should be fully
incorporated in the political agenda as part of the country’s ongoing transition towards
democracy. In reviewing the claims of the Adivasi Janajati over traditional lands and natural
resources, priority should be given to those communities that rely on their traditional economies
for their subsistence, and which are now found in situations of vulnerability or high
marginalization.
4. Cultural integrity
74. Recognition of the right to self-determination for the Adivasi Janajati in the new
constitution of Nepal requires respect and accommodation for the full range of their cultural
attributes, including their languages and religious traditions. Because of the historically rooted
structures that have suppressed indigenous cultures and identities, explicit constitutional
recognition and reparative measures may be required to promote and protect them. Urgently
7
Inter-American Court of Human Rights, Sawhoyamaxa v. Paraguay; see also United Nations
Declaration, arts. 25-26.
8
Convention 169, art. 14 (1).
9
Convention 169, art. 14 (2)-(3); United Nations Declaration, arts. 27-28.