Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2008, published 98th ILC session (2009)

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that no indigenous or tribal peoples exist in the territory of Belgium and that the Convention had been ratified in a spirit of international solidarity. The Committee recalls that in its 1992 general observation it invited governments which had ratified the Convention to give consideration to ratifying the Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989 (No. 169). In this regard, the Committee is aware of the discussions in a number of countries concerning the possibility of ratifying Convention No. 169 with a view to supporting the promotion of indigenous peoples’ rights worldwide. In light of the above, the Committee encourages the Government to examine this possibility and to provide information on any further development in this regard.