Indigenizing the Prior Consultation: Re-thinking the Protection of Indigenous Peoples

Abstract

For many years it has been discussed the necessity of protecting effectively indigenous peoples and their territories from the interventions of companies and States. Nevertheless, the legal framework established for this purpose, particularly the prior consultation as one of the most iconic mechanisms, is ineffective in practice, which justifies the necessity of re-think its purpose, elements and its application. This is due mainly to the existence of structural and ideological flaws since the inception of this instrument, especially to the capitalist ideas, through which biopower has been exercised, as an expression of “legitime” imperialism.

Keywords

• Prior consultation
• indigenous peoples
• colonialism
• Protection