Indigenous Rights & International Law Training Course

Introduction

In an increasingly interconnected and globally conscious world, mastering Indigenous Rights & International Law is absolutely critical for legal professionals, human rights advocates, policymakers, and development practitioners seeking to understand and advance the rights of Indigenous Peoples worldwide. This essential training course is meticulously designed to equip government legal advisors, human rights officers, foreign service officers, international organization staff, NGO practitioners, corporate social responsibility managers, and academic researchers with the specialized knowledge and practical skills required for interpreting international instruments on Indigenous Rights, understanding their application in diverse contexts, and engaging with Indigenous Peoples on rights-based approaches. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of key international legal frameworks (e.g., UNDRIP, ILO Convention 169), the historical context of Indigenous marginalization, the principles of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), and the strategic implications of Indigenous rights for sustainable development, environmental protection, and conflict resolution. Our rigorous curriculum emphasizes hands-on analysis of current legal developments, real-world case studies pertinent to complex Indigenous rights challenges, and best practices for fostering respectful and equitable partnerships with Indigenous communities.

This Indigenous legal frameworks and human rights advocacy course is crucial for individuals and organizations striving to move beyond superficial acknowledgements of Indigenous issues towards a proactive, expert-level approach to recognizing and upholding the collective and individual rights of Indigenous Peoples. Mastering FPIC implementation, implementing effective strategies for addressing land and resource rights, and understanding strategies for advocating for Indigenous self-determination are indispensable for building trust, preventing disputes, ensuring equitable benefit sharing, and fostering sustainable and culturally appropriate development. This program offers an unparalleled opportunity to elevate your expertise in strategic Indigenous rights advocacy and inclusive international governance, positioning your organization at the forefront of global efforts to advance Indigenous justice and driving significant long-term value creation through enhanced human rights protection, improved social cohesion, and more effective international cooperation.

Target Audience

• Legal Professionals (Human Rights, Environmental, Corporate Law)
• Human Rights Advocates & NGO Practitioners
• Government Officials (Indigenous Affairs, Justice, Environment, Foreign Affairs)
• International Organization Staff (UN Permanent Forum, UNDP, OHCHR)
• Development & Humanitarian Aid Practitioners
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Managers
• Academics & Researchers in Indigenous Studies & International Law

Course Objectives

• Understand the fundamental concepts of Indigenous Peoples, their rights, and their unique status in international law.
• Learn about the historical and contemporary challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples globally.
• Master the provisions and implications of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
• Develop proficiency in applying the principle of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC).
• Explore best practices for respecting and protecting Indigenous lands, territories, and resources.
• Understand the critical aspects of Indigenous self-determination, traditional governance, and cultural rights.
• Learn about robust strategies for engaging with international mechanisms dedicated to Indigenous rights.
• Identify the critical role of Indigenous knowledge systems and traditional practices in global sustainability.
• Develop skills in advocating for Indigenous rights within national and international policy discussions.
• Understand the nexus between Indigenous rights, climate change, biodiversity, and business practices.
• Explore strategies for preventing and resolving conflicts involving Indigenous Peoples' rights.
• Drive the implementation of rights-based approaches in development, conservation, and resource extraction.
• Position yourself as a leader in advancing Indigenous rights and justice in international affairs.

Duration

5 Days

Course Outline

Module 1. Introduction to Indigenous Peoples & Their Global Context

• Defining Indigenous Peoples: common characteristics and diversity
• Historical overview of colonization, displacement, and marginalization
• The enduring impacts of historical injustices on contemporary Indigenous communities
• The global movement for Indigenous rights and self-determination
• The importance of understanding Indigenous perspectives and worldviews

Module 2. Key International Legal Instruments on Indigenous Rights

• The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP): origins, principles, and significance
• ILO Convention No. 169 concerning Indigenous and Tribal Peoples in Independent Countries
• Provisions in other human rights treaties relevant to Indigenous Peoples
• The role of regional human rights systems in protecting Indigenous rights
• Challenges and opportunities in the implementation of international instruments

Module 3. Land, Territories & Resources: Rights & Protection

• Indigenous customary land tenure systems and their recognition in law
• Rights to ancestral lands, territories, and natural resources
• Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC): principles, implementation, and challenges
• Impact assessments for development projects on Indigenous lands
• Resource extraction, conservation, and Indigenous rights: managing the tensions

Module 4. Self-Determination, Governance & Cultural Rights

• The right to self-determination for Indigenous Peoples: internal and external aspects
• Recognition of Indigenous traditional governance systems and legal pluralism
• Rights to culture, language, identity, and traditional knowledge
• Protection of sacred sites and cultural heritage
• Promoting Indigenous education and health systems

Module 5. International Mechanisms & Advocacy for Indigenous Rights

• The UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII)
• The Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP)
• The UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
• Engaging with human rights treaty bodies and the Universal Periodic Review (UPR)
• Effective advocacy strategies for Indigenous Peoples at the international level

Module 6. Business, Human Rights & Indigenous Peoples

• The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) and Indigenous rights
• Corporate responsibility to respect Indigenous rights
• Due diligence for companies operating on or near Indigenous lands
• Grievance mechanisms and access to remedy for Indigenous communities
• Ethical investment and responsible supply chains in relation to Indigenous Peoples

Module 7. Indigenous Rights in Climate Change, Biodiversity & Development

• The role of Indigenous knowledge in climate change adaptation and mitigation
• Indigenous Peoples as guardians of biodiversity: rights and conservation
• Rights-based approaches to sustainable development affecting Indigenous communities
• Challenges of Indigenous Peoples' participation in global environmental governance
• Future challenges and opportunities for advancing Indigenous rights globally

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.