25 August 2014: The UN Collaborative Programme on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation (UN-REDD) has released a summary of ‘Legal reforms to support indigenous peoples’ rights in the Democratic Republic of Congo.’ The brief presents progress on the recognition of indigenous peoples’ rights in the REDD+ process in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The summary highlights that a law on basic principles of the rights of Indigenous Pygmies Peoples was submitted to the National Assembly. The law was drafted by a group of 50 parliamentarians with support from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and with the engagement of stakeholders and human rights experts. In addition to a national validation workshop, the brief notes that consultations were held with twenty indigenous communities; a best practice in the elaboration of laws protecting indigenous rights, according to the summary.

The brief also discusses the challenges that the law, if adopted, will face, especially ingrained discrimination of indigenous peoples. Despite this anticipated hurdle, the summary notes that the adoption and implementation of the law are important steps in the REDD+ readiness process, especially since the success of REDD+ will be tied to the recognition indigenous peoples’ rights. [Publication: Legal reforms to support indigenous peoples’ rights in the Democratic Republic of Congo]