New UN Guidance Strengthens the Implementation of Free, Prior and Informed Consent in Business Activities

The United Nations Working Group on the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises has released a new report providing comprehensive guidance on the right of Indigenous Peoples to Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) in the context of business activities.

Published under the Human Rights Council agenda item on the promotion and protection of all human rights, the report examines how States and businesses can better respect, protect, and fulfil Indigenous Peoples’ right to FPIC throughout the entire lifecycle of business projects.

FPIC is a fundamental right recognized under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). It ensures that Indigenous Peoples have the opportunity to make informed decisions about activities that may affect their lands, territories, resources, cultures, and ways of life. Respecting FPIC is essential for protecting Indigenous Peoples’ rights, and for fostering trust, preventing conflict, and supporting more equitable and sustainable development.

The report is publicly available and can be accessed free of charge through the United Nations website. For now, it is only written in English.

Readers are encouraged to explore the full publication and download the document to learn more about the recommendations and practical guidance it offers for strengthening the implementation of Free, Prior and Informed Consent in business activities.