The course aims to provide the theoretical framework for understanding the evolution of
indigenous peoples’ rights since the 1970s.

1. It will discuss the systematic exclusion of indigenous peoples under both domestic and international law.
2. It will address the controversial issue of the historical injustices suffered by indigenous peoples.
3. It will analyze the evolution of indigenous peoples’ rights, especially under the United Nations system.
4. It will look into the effectiveness of the international mechanisms to deal with the violations of indigenous peoples’ rights.

The course will be divided into three lectures. The lecture will be followed by critical reflection and meaningful participation. The means make the end: students are hence expected to come prepared and armed with an open and critical mind.

• Indigenous peoples and historical injustices.
• Evolution of indigenous peoples’ rights: from the ILO Convention 169 (1989) to the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP, 2007).
• The “implementation gap”: effectiveness of the indigenous peoples’ regime in light of the Awas Tingni Case.

Instructor: Prof. Felipe Gomez Isa