Sometimes others, like the World Bank Group, support the weaker standard of Free, Prior and Informed
Consultation. One part of the World Bank Group is the World Bank, which gives and loans money to governments to
support projects and programmes. Another part is the International Finance Corporation (IFC), which loans money
to companies. The projects, policies and programmes they support are supposed to lead to development, so the
“borrowers” are required to follow certain standards and practices to protect people, the environment and other
rights. Consultation is a part of consent, but it is not the same. It does not allow us to say “Yes” or “No” to projects
that could affect our people, lands, waters, culture and livelihoods. However, the standards of the IFC were being
reviewed at the time this guide was written and it is very likely that the World Bank’s safeguards (called “operational
policies”) will also soon be reviewed to see if they need to be improved. Many Indigenous Peoples’ Organisations and
NGOs have been asking the World Bank Group to change their standards and safeguards to include Free, Prior and
Informed Consent, not just consultation. We do not know if this will happen, when it will happen or if the changes
will fully respect FPIC, but we need to look out for these changes and ask our allies to watch for any changes. If FPIC
is adopted as the standard of the World Bank Group, this will be a very, very important victory. We need to use it and
make sure the Bank and its borrowers respect every aspect of FPIC.
We cannot let them forget that our right under international law and international best practice standards is Free,
Prior and Informed Consent!
Box 2: International “best practice” standards and industry codes of conduct
Hydro-electric Dams:
In 2000 The World Commission on Dams (WCD) released the strongest guidelines for planning hydro dams.
These guidelines accepted that Indigenous Peoples have the right to say ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ to dams on their lands.
Mining:
•
The Extractive Industries Review looked at the impacts of mining, oil and gas projects. It also concluded
that FPIC is a right owed to Indigenous Peoples;
•
The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) includes some of the world’s biggest mining
companies. The ICMM commits its members to respect our rights and to “seek agreement with
Indigenous Peoples;”1
•
The Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) represents many Canadian exploration
companies. Some of these companies work in Guyana. PDAC has adopted voluntary standards called
“e3plus: A Framework for Responsible Exploration.” They encourage respect for Indigenous rights,
including those in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.2
Logging and Timber Plantations:
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) requires loggers to recognise and respect the customary rights and
consent of Indigenous Peoples. The FSC works in 50 countries, although not yet in Guyana.
Protected Areas:
Best practice demands that national parks and nature reserves should only be set up with respect for
Indigenous Peoples’ rights and with our consent, and after an agreement with Indigenous Peoples has been
negotiated. The World Commission on Protected Areas, the World Conservation Union, and the World Wildlife
Fund have all agreed.
Development agencies:
A number of development agencies also accept the principle of FPIC. Some are very clear on their support,
like the United Nations Development Programme and the European Commission. Others only partially support
FPIC, such as the Inter-American Development Bank.
1 See the ICMM “Position Statement: Mining and Indigenous Peoples.” 2008. Available to download at http://www.icmm.com/
page/208/indigenous-peoples. The ICMM’s “Good Practice Guide: Indigenous Peoples and Mining” is also available on the same
website and provides more detailed guidance.
2 See “e3plus: Principles and Guidance.” Page 12, footnote 20. It is available at http://www.pdac.ca/e3plus/index.aspx
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Free, Prior and Informed Consent