A/HRC/27/67
49.
In Trinidad and Tobago, in 2011 the Government approved the grant of 25 acres of
land for the creation of an Amerindian heritage village to protect Amerindian culture and
traditions.
50.
El Salvador is currently working on a constitutional amendment to recognize
indigenous peoples and adopt policies to maintain and develop ethnic and cultural identity,
values and spirituality. It invests in educational initiatives for the revitalization of
indigenous languages, including diplomas in intercultural bilingual education for teachers.
The development and implementation of these programmes is carried out in consultation
with indigenous peoples.
5.
Non-discrimination and equality
51.
Several States, including Chile and Guyana, indicated that their constitutions
provide for non-discrimination and equality.
52.
Some States indicated that the principle of equality prohibited States from treating
any one group differently from another group. The constitution of the Lao People’s
Democratic Republic stipulates that all citizens are equal before the law. According to the
Government, in accordance with the principle of equality, every ethnic group is special and
therefore no one is more special than any other group, which has contributed to peace and
harmony and solidarity among the multi-ethnic Lao peoples.
6.
Lands, territories and resources
53.
Several States mentioned processes under way to demarcate and provide title over
the lands of indigenous peoples. A few States referenced the collective nature of those
titles. Several States indicated that indigenous peoples had certain governmental authority
or jurisdiction over their lands.
54.
The Plurinational State of Bolivia is strengthening the process of land redistribution
and community self-management. It has also published an atlas of indigenous territories.
Chile has relaunched mechanisms to transfer land to indigenous peoples under transparent
and objective conditions. The collective property rights of indigenous peoples in the Congo
are protected by law.
55.
France identified the creation of the Guiana Amazonian Park in French Guiana as
providing protection to indigenous peoples in the area to maintain and preserve their
subsistence practices, as well as preserving the natural resources they exploit.
56.
In Guyana, the constitution of 2003 provides protection for property, including
Amerindian property. Under the Amerindian Act 2006, Amerindians are granted title to
their lands absolutely and for ever. Titling and demarcation of Amerindian villages must
occur with their free, prior and informed consent. Those lands and resources are governed
by village councils, who have rule-making powers governing “the management, use,
preservation, protection and conservation of village lands and resources or any part
thereof”. There has been an increase in the percentage of Amerindian land which has been
titled and demarcated.
57.
New Zealand respects the importance of the relationship of the Maori peoples with
their land and resources, but also maintains the existing legal regimes for ownership and
management of land and natural resources.
58.
The Peruvian constitution protects the rights to land and there is a process for the
recognition and entitlement of such lands.
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