Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1999, published 88th ILC session (2000)

The Committee has examined the Government's first report, which arrived too late to be considered at its previous session. It notes in particular that the first report indicated a number of ways in which plans were being made for the Convention's implementation, but that most of these plans remained to be implemented. This was made far more difficult by the devastation wrought upon the country - particularly in areas inhabited by indigenous peoples - by Hurricane Mitch in 1998. The Committee is therefore addressing a request directly to the Government asking for more detailed and up-to-date information on the progress made on the implementation of the Convention, with particular emphasis on the involvement of the indigenous peoples of the country in decisions affecting them, as required by Article 6 of the Convention.

In this connection, the Committee notes that the Government proposed to amend article 107 of the Constitution, in a way which would have permitted the acquisition of lands along the coastline by private individuals. Indigenous groups in the country are reported to have felt that this would damage their rights to the lands which they traditionally occupy. The Committee understands that the proposal to enact this amendment has now been suspended, but it would be grateful if the Government would provide information in its next report on the current situation.