Indigenous Peoples FPIC Protocols

110 B. VIOLATIONS AND REDRESS KEY TOOLS  E-learning modules on relevant legal frameworks  Legislative theatre  Community wellbeing impact assessment worksheet  Principles for public participation in impact assessments  Participatory video  Photo stories  Audio interviews  Identifying relevant social media tools Many communities are subject to negative experiences and human rights violations through interactions with external actors such as government officials, NGOs, researchers, companies, or private landowners. If this happens, the community must discuss the impacts and implications and decide how to respond. Although it may be difficult, the community should strive to be constructive, strategic, and non-violent. Appropriate reactions and responses will differ greatly depending on the local context, cultural sensitivities, and political dynamics (see Box 49 for ideas). Reaching collective agreement within the community before taking action is generally better, even if it takes more time. Internal disagreement is likely to contribute to the overall conflict. Depending on their motivations and aims, external actors may even take advantage of those differences and deliberately further entrench the social rifts. Some communities suffer serious abuses at the hands of the military or private security forces, particularly when trying to address heated conflicts over land and resources. If you or anyone in your community is being threatened or has been the victim of an attack (verbal, psychological, physical, or otherwise), please do not hesitate to notify relevant authorities to resolve the issue through customary or formal legal procedures. Health, safety, and wellbeing are of utmost importance. If you do require legal representation, seek a human rights lawyer with experience in supporting Indigenous peoples and local communities or addressing the particular issue you are facing.  Call emergency community meetings  Inform the general public through print or online newspapers and social media  Inform a human rights advocacy group or your national human rights commission  Engage in mediated dialogues or negotiations with the offender  Lodge a formal complaint with the offending organization  Seek legal support from a pro bono lawyer Box 8: Ideas for responding to human rights violations Key Resources and Websites on Rights Violations Indigenous Peoples Human Rights Defenders Network United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Amnesty International Human Rights Watch Reporters without Borders Global Witness