2. In cases in which the State retains the ownership of mineral or sub-surface
resources or rights to other resources pertaining to lands, governments shall establish
or maintain procedures through which they shall consult these peoples, with a view to
ascertaining whether and to what degree their interests would be prejudiced, before
undertaking or permitting any programmes for the exploration or exploitation of such
resources pertaining to their lands. The peoples concerned shall wherever possible
participate in the benefits of such activities, and shall receive fair compensation for
any damages which they may sustain as a result of such activities.
Article 16
1. Subject to the following paragraphs of this Article, the peoples concerned shall not
be removed from the lands which they occupy.
2. Where the relocation of these peoples is considered necessary as an exceptional
measure, such relocation shall take place only with their free and informed consent.
Where their consent cannot be obtained, such relocation shall take place only
following appropriate procedures established by national laws and regulations,
including public inquiries where appropriate, which provide the opportunity for
effective representation of the peoples concerned.
3. Whenever possible, these peoples shall have the right to return to their traditional
lands, as soon as the grounds for relocation cease to exist.
4. When such return is not possible, as determined by agreement or, in the absence of
such agreement, through appropriate procedures, these peoples shall be provided in all
possible cases with lands of quality and legal status at least equal to that of the lands
previously occupied by them, suitable to provide for their present needs and future
development. Where the peoples concerned express a preference for compensation in
money or in kind, they shall be so compensated under appropriate guarantees.
5. Persons thus relocated shall be fully compensated for any resulting loss or injury.
Article 17
1. Procedures established by the peoples concerned for the transmission of land rights
among members of these peoples shall be respected.
2. The peoples concerned shall be consulted whenever consideration is being given to
their capacity to alienate their lands or otherwise transmit their rights outside their
own community.
3. Persons not belonging to these peoples shall be prevented from taking advantage of
their customs or of lack of understanding of the laws on the part of their members to
secure the ownership, possession or use of land belonging to them.
Article 18
Adequate penalties shall be established by law for unauthorised intrusion upon, or use
of, the lands of the peoples concerned, and governments shall take measures to
prevent such offences.