Indigenous groups in the Philippines have established a new watchdog network to oversee the implementation of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997. The network, named FPIC Watch‑Philippines, was formed during a meeting in Baguio City that brought together indigenous peoples’ organizations, legal and human‑rights groups, civil society advocates, academic and research institutions, and other stakeholders. The groups agreed that the rights of indigenous peoples to ancestral domains, lands, territories, and resources are inherent, collective, and non‑negotiable. They also reaffirmed the right of indigenous communities to self‑determination and to give or withhold their Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), a principle enshrined in both the IPRA and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). FPIC Watch‑Philippines will monitor FPIC processes that affect ancestral domains, provide support to affected communities, document violations and irregularities, and pursue accountability by engaging government agencies, corporations, and investors. The network will use evidence‑based legal and policy analysis to hold parties responsible for any breaches of indigenous rights. One of the convenors said he was moved by an account shared by an indigenous participant during the formation of the network: “Hindi naman para sa among mga katutubo ang FPIC kundi para lang sa mga negosyo.” (The FPIC is not for our indigenous people but only for businesses.) The network also committed to handling information responsibly, contributing expertise and resources, and maintaining the independence of each member organization and its existing initiatives.
Article source: The Daily Tribune | Image credit: The Daily Tribune