UN forum highlights free, prior and informed consent

Indigenous leaders at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues emphasized the critical importance of free, prior and informed consent, or FPIC, in protecting tribal rights. Forum Chair Aluki Kotierk (Inuit) called for development “on our terms” and urged embedding Indigenous rights at the center of policy. Albert Barume, UN special rapporteur on Indigenous peoples, described FPIC as a “gatekeeper” safeguarding land, water and self-determination rights. Fawn Sharp (Quinault) noted climate change offers a chance to align global actions with Indigenous worldviews. Leaders stressed that FPIC protocols must be community-led and ongoing, not just formalities imposed by states or companies, with examples from the Maya in Belize, Sarayaku in Ecuador and Kenya illustrating effective models, according to High Country News.