We Have Rights: A Community Guide for Indigenous Peoples on the 2009 ADB Safeguard Policy Statement and Accountability Mechanism

The Asia Indigenous Peoples’ Pact (AIPP) is proud to offer this community guide as a response to the continuing need to produce resource materials useful for advocacy work and community actions. In addition, the materials can contribute in strengthening the capacity of member-organizations for local, national and regional engagements.

The Guide also hopes to contribute in building a fully-informed network of indigenous communities and advocates that actively addresses the multi-faceted challenges confronting the world’s indigenous peoples, particularly in Asia where majority of indigenous communities are found.

This Guide focuses on the Asian Development Bank Safeguard Policy Statement of 2009 (ADB 2009 SPS) particularly its safeguard requirements for Indigenous Peoples. In addition, it features the ADB Accountability Mechanism of 2012. It also contains the principles and process of the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC).

Understanding the subject areas covered in this Guide is especially urgent amidst the continuing implementation of development projects by governments funded or assisted by ADB and other Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) that impact on indigenous communities. In addition, there is a need to challenge the prevailing development model that does not fully account for the recognition and protection of indigenous peoples’ rights and welfare.

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