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The Committee notes with interest the Government's detailed first report on the application of this Convention. It is pleased to note here, as it had under Convention No. 107 (the ratification of which was replaced by the ratification of the present Convention), the Government's efforts over recent years to recognize the rights of the indigenous peoples of the country. It takes particular note of the extension of land rights to these peoples, in a systematic and concentrated fashion.

The Committee also notes, however, that the Government's last report under Convention No. 107 and its first report under the present Convention, have spoken of a certain movement in the country away from a recognition of special rights for indigenous peoples, or from programmes specially adapted to their needs, e.g. in the areas of credit facilities and of recognition of customary law. The Committee hopes that the Government will keep it closely informed of developments in these areas in its future reports.