Indigenous Organizations Urge IFC to Establish Consultation Process and Advisory Group
Indigenous Peoples organizations and networks urged the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector lending arm of the World Bank Group “to establish a consultation process specifically for Indigenous Peoples, and a formal Indigenous Peoples Advisory Group (IPAG) as part of the ongoing review of its Sustainability Framework and Performance Standards.”
In the Joint Letter calling for a Dedicated Consultation Process and Mechanism with Indigenous Peoples for the Update of IFC's Sustainability Framework, concerned parties asked the IFC to:
Co-design, resource, and implement, in conjunction with Indigenous Peoples' representatives, a dedicated, meaningful, and time-bound consultation process with Indigenous Peoples for the ongoing update of the IFC's Sustainability Framework
Co-develop, support, resource, and establish, in conjunction with Indigenous Peoples' representatives, an Indigenous Peoples Advisory Group to ensure consistent and informed engagement of Indigenous Peoples in the update, implementation, and monitoring of the Sustainability Framework.
Ensure the consultation process and mechanism are Indigenous-led and grounded in the following principles:
Independence from the influence of the IFC and its borrowers.
Zero tolerance for reprisals against participating Indigenous leaders, including measures to ensure safe spaces for dialogue and provide accessibility support
Representation from diverse Indigenous territories and regions, particularly from those countries where the IFC operates.
Representation from Indigenous women, youth, and other marginalized groups within Indigenous Peoples, and
Establish a clear, substantive mandate to provide independent advice on FPIC implementation across IFC-financed activities/projects, monitor and enforce compliance with the IFC Sustainability Framework, strengthen public accountability of the IFC, and advance Indigenous Peoples' self-determined, Indigenous-led development strategies.
The letter was signed and submitted by Asia Indigenous Peoples Network on Extractive Industries and Energy (AIPNEE), Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP), Community Empowerment and Social Justice Network (CEMSOJ), Indigenous Peoples Rights International (IPRI), Right Energy Partnership with Indigenous Peoples (REP), Securing Indigenous Peoples' Rights in the Green Economy (SIRGE), and Tallgrass Institute