Rights & advocacy
The international legal architecture protecting Indigenous Peoples, instrument by instrument.
| Instrument / Mechanism | Scope | Nature |
|---|---|---|
| UNDRIP / DNUDPA (2007) | UN Declaration — self-determination (art. 3), lands (art. 26), traditional knowledge (art. 31) | Declarative |
| ILO C169 (1989) | Only binding treaty specific to indigenous peoples — ~24 ratifications, almost none in Africa or Asia | Binding |
| CBD art. 8(j) + Nagoya | Traditional knowledge, benefit-sharing; Kunming-Montreal target 22 on indigenous participation | Binding |
| UNPFII · EMRIP · Special Rapporteur | The three UN mechanisms: permanent forum, expert mechanism, special rapporteur | Declarative |
| ACHPR / CADHP | African Commission — Working Group on Indigenous Populations; landmark decisions | Binding |
First African ruling recognizing indigenous land rights and ordering restitution.
The African Court confirmed the Ogiek's indigenous status and rights over the Mau Forest.