Self-determination and FPIC

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) defines self-determination as the right to freely determine political status and pursue economic, social, and cultural development. It also encompasses the right to autonomy in self-governance concerning international and local affairs.  

Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) serves as a practical expression of self-determination, enabling communities to assert autonomy in decision-making. FPIC is a principle stating that communities have the right to give or withhold consent to anything that affects their lands, which they customarily own, occupy, or use. It ensures that communities are fully informed, have the right to participate in the decision-making process, and can freely express consent without coercion or manipulation.  

Why is it relevant to indigenous people and forest peoples? 

FPIC and self-determination are essential for indigenous peoples and forest peoples as they uphold their rights, autonomy, and sovereignty over their lands, territories, and resources. FPIC ensures indigenous peoples and forest peoples’ participation in decision-making processes affecting their lands and resources, safeguarding their control and management of traditional territories in accordance with their customary laws and practices. 

Both FPIC and self-determination empower indigenous peoples and forest peoples to make informed decisions about development projects, sustainably manage natural resources, and preserve cultural knowledge and identity. However, on a practical level without secured land rights it can be difficult to ensure FPIC is being respected. As an exercise of self-determination Indigenous peoples and forest peoples are increasingly developing their own FPIC laws and protocols that articulate their rules governing how, when and where their FPIC is to be sought, how they will be represented and make their autonomous decisions.