"WHY THE INDIGENOUS AND TRIBAL PEOPLE PROJECT AND WHAT DOES IT DO?"
Briefing organise by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

The debate focused on the different aspects developed by the ILO concerning Indigenous People.

ILO has worked with Indigenous People for the last 20 years, with the aim to promote a social justice and to improve Indigenous People working and living conditions. The ILO convention on Indigenous People of 1989 (n° 169) was ratify by 17 countries and is recognised as the most important tool in this subject. The work done by the ILO in this topic can be divided in two categories: the supervision of the Conventions and technical cooperation. It is the most complete and actual international tool treating living and working conditions of indigenous people and tribes. Apart from the previous convention adopted in 1957 (N°107), convention 169 is unique in this matter. The convention n° 107 was written-up with the help of other UN agencies with the perspective of governing above all and at an international level, the living and working conditions of these peoples.

The approach of the new convention is based on the respect for cultures, living ways, traditions, and habit laws of indigenous peoples and tribes, which are enclosed by this convention. It calls upon the fact that they will continue to exist as part of the national society, with their own identity, structure and traditions. According to this Convention, these structures and ways of living have an enormous value that deserves to be protected. They have the right to take part of the process of taking decisions and their contribution will be precious in the country where they belong.

From a practical point, the ILO participates at three levels. At the international level, it cooperates with the Permanent Forum and the Working Group on Indigenous Peoples on researches and on the publication of directives. At regional level, the ILO cooperates with an exchange of information and experiences. And at national level, it seeks to promote the ratification of the Convention 169 and proposes assistance in its application.

It should be highlighted that a fellowship programme exists to educate Indigenous People on their rights. This allows fighting against discriminations that exist in some States.
For example, the work of ILO in Kenya has contributed to project of revision of the national Constitution.
In addition, the ILO has created an internship program that allows Indigenous People to acquire the bases to promote their rights, to participate and to be consulters in development programs.

In conclusion, the Convention 169 represents the mayor frame of the ILO's intervention. The objective is to defend the rights of indigenous peoples.

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