UN expert congratulates Peru for adopting a new law on consultation

The Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people, Professor James Anaya, notes with satisfaction the adoption of the "Law on the right to previous consultation of indigenous and tribal peoples as defined by the ILO Convention 169 concerning Indigenous and Tribal Peoples in Independent Countries" by the Congress of the Republic of Peru on May 19, 2010. "I believe that this represents a significant advance for the national legislation on matters relating to the human rights of indigenous peoples, which could set an important precedent and provide an example of 'good practice' for other countries in the region and in the world."

The Special Rapporteur urges the executive power to enact the law during the period stipulated by national law, and to implement this new legislation in a manner consistent with Peru's international obligations relating to the human rights of indigenous peoples.