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The Committee notes the Government’s reply to the communication of 12 June 2009 by the Association of Health Professionals of Salta (APSADES) and the communication of 31 August 2009 by the Confederation of Workers of Argentina (CTA). It also notes the communication of 27 August 2010 by the Association of Staff of Supervisory Bodies (APOC). The Committee also notes the comments of 31 August 2010 by the CTA. It also notes the comments of 29 October 2010 by the General Confederation of Labour (CGT). The Committee requests the Government to send its comments thereon and on the communication of 28 July 2008 by the Education Workers’ Union of Rio Negro (UNTER) alleging non-observance of Articles 6, 7, 15(2) and 17(2) of the Convention.
Legal personality. The Committee notes that, as of August 2008, 230 communities from around the country were registered in the National Register of Indigenous Communities. The Government reports that, under agreements signed with the provinces of Jujuy and Río Negro, 199 and 14 communities were registered respectively. Taking into account the national register and the provincial registers, approximately 550 communities are registered, although an exact figure cannot be given as there could be duplicate registrations or registrations under different forms of associations. Approximately 60 communities from around the country are in the process of being registered. The Committee also notes that, in the context of the agreement signed with the province of Salta on 9 August 2007 (National Institute of Indigenous Affairs (INAI) Decision No. 379/2007), two workshops were held in 2008 during which agreement was reached on a work programme for completing the analysis of the situation concerning the registration of the legal personality of indigenous communities in the province. Furthermore, agreement is in the process of being reached on the signing of agreements between the INAI-National Registry of Indigenous Communities and the provinces of Buenos Aires, Catamarca and Córdoba. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the decision regarding the case of Consejo Quompi-Lqataxac Nam Qompi de comunidades tobas – C/provincia del Chaco/acción de amparo, in which the Convention and the Provincial Constitution were relied on to order the province of Chaco to set up a register of indigenous communities and organizations with declaratory effect, and to register the Council concerned within five days. The Committee notes that, in connection with that decision, the Chaco Institute for Indigenous Peoples issued Decision No. 277/07, dated 28 August 2007, creating the Register of Communities and Organizations of the Toba, Mocoví and Wichí peoples in the province of Chaco and that registration in that register is declaratory and the communities and organizations are recognized as legal entities under public law. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether the Consejo Quompi-Lqataxac Nam Qompi de comunidades tobas has already been registered and requests the Government to continue providing information on any developments relating to the registration of indigenous communities.
Application of the Convention and federalism. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes that the National Human Rights Secretariat is responsible for disseminating information on the rights of indigenous peoples. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the activities of the above Secretariat aimed at disseminating information on the rights established by the Convention among provincial governments and parliaments. Please also provide information on any legislative measures adopted under the participatory powers established by article 75(17) of the national Constitution in order to ensure that the provincial legislation is in conformity with the Convention.
Lands. Mendoza Huarpe community. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes that the lands of the Huarpe people will be included in the Land Survey Programme for the purposes of regularizing their rights over traditionally occupied lands. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the progress made in regularizing the lands traditionally occupied by the Huarpe people.
Education. The Committee notes that the Government provides information on the activities relating to education carried out under the Ministry of Education, namely: (i) grants for indigenous pupils at secondary school level; (ii) a support programme for indigenous intercultural education which includes an intercultural tutorial project; (iii) support for indigenous students at the tertiary and university levels; and (iv) documentation, recovery and strengthening of ancestral knowledge in indigenous communities and support for the institutional educational projects of national educational establishments relating to interculturalism. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on this matter and hopes that it will take the necessary measures together with the relevant bodies, such as those representing the Indigenous Participation Council (CPI) at the provincial level or the provincial human rights secretariats, so that it is in a position to provide information on the activities carried out in this area by the provincial ministries of education in provinces with an indigenous presence.
The Committee notes a communication from the Association of Health Professionals of Salta (APSADES), of 12 June 2009, forwarded to the Government on 2 October 2009. It also notes a communication from the Confederation of Argentinean Workers (CTA), of 31 August 2009, forwarded to the Government on 18 September 2009. The Committee will examine these communications at its next session together with any observations of the Government in this regard. The Committee requests the Government to respond to the communication of APSADES and CTA.
Follow-up to the representation submitted under article 24 of the ILO Constitution (report of the Governing Body (GB.303/19/7) 12 November 2008.) The Committee recalls that in November 2008, the Governing Body adopted a report on the representation made under article 24 of the ILO Constitution by the Educational Workers’ Union of Río Negro (UNTER), in which the Governing Body examined issues of consultation at national level as well as issues of consultation, participation and performance of traditional activities of indigenous peoples in the province of Río Negro. The Committee notes that, in its report, the Government refers to the Provincial Survey Programme on Indigenous Communities for the Province of Río Negro, which provides for the survey of 124 communities to be executed over the next two years. However, the Committee notes with regret that no information is provided in reply to the recommendations formulated in paragraph 100 of the Governing Body’s report. The Committee therefore asks the Government to provide information, in its next report, with respect to the following recommendations formulated by the Governing Body:
(a) continue making efforts to strengthen the CPI and ensure that, when elections of indigenous representatives are held in all the provinces, all the indigenous communities and all institutions considered by the communities themselves to be representative are invited to participate;
(b) carry out consultations with regard to the bills referred to in paragraphs 12 and 64 of this report and to establish mechanisms to ensure that consultations with indigenous peoples take place whenever legislative or administrative measures that may directly affect them are being considered. The consultations should be carried out sufficiently early so as to be effective and meaningful.
(c) ensure that, in implementing Act No. 26.160, all communities and truly representative institutions of the indigenous peoples likely to be directly affected are consulted and able to participate;
(d) ensure that, in accordance with the principle of concurrent powers of national and provincial authorities, effective consultation and participation mechanisms are established involving all the truly representative organizations of the indigenous peoples, as set out in paragraphs 75, 76 and 80 of this report, in particular in the process of implementing national Act No. 26.160;
(e) in implementing Act No. 26.160 to make substantial efforts, in consultation with and with the participation of the indigenous people of Río Negro Province, to clarify: (1) the difficulties in the procedures for regularizing land, with a view to developing a rapid and accessible procedure that meets the requirements of Article 14, paragraph 3, of the Convention; (2) the question of the levy for land use referred to in paragraph 92 above; (3) any problems in obtaining legal personality; and (4) the issue of dispersed communities and their land rights;
(f) make efforts to ensure that measures are adopted in Río Negro Province, including interim measures, with the participation of the indigenous people involved, to ensure that indigenous stockbreeders have easy access to marks and signs certificates and carry on their activities in conditions of equality, and to strengthen that activity in accordance with the terms of Article 23 of the Convention.
Communication from the UNTER of July 2008. The Committee recalls that in its previous observation it referred to a communication from UNTER, received on 28 July 2008, in which various issues related to the alleged violation of Articles 6, 7, 15(2) and 17(2), of the Convention are raised. The Committee asked the Government to provide information on the points raised in UNTER’s communication, so that it could fully examine these matters in 2009. The Committee notes with regret that such information was not received. The Committee urges the Government to provide complete information in its next report on the issues raised in UNTER’s communication.
Follow-up to the seminar/workshop. The Committee notes that, according to the Government, as a result of the seminar/workshop which took place in May 2007, involving representatives of indigenous communities, social partners, the National Institute of Indigenous Affairs (INAI), the Ministry of Labour and the ILO, among others, proposals and an action plan were drawn up for the purpose of applying the Convention relating to the following points: lands, work, health and social security, vocational training, education and communication, and participation and consultation. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the follow-up to the proposals and action plan, and the results achieved, particularly with regard to participation and consultation.
Coordinated and systematic policy
Coordination Council provided for in Act No. 23302. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes with interest that pursuant to INAI Decision No. 042 of 28 February 2008, the Coordination Council provided for in section 5 of Act No. 23302/85 has been created. The Committee notes that pursuant to this Decision, the persons mentioned in the annex are included, on a provisional basis, as the representatives of indigenous communities and shall remain in their posts until replaced by other representatives elected in accordance with the mechanisms established by INAI Decision No. 041/2008. The Committee also notes the establishment of the Advisory Council which has the functions set out in section 15 of Regulatory Decree No. 155/89. While it considers that the establishment of the Coordination Council and the Advisory Council constitutes progress, the Committee requests detailed information on the procedures for the election of indigenous representatives, in particular whether such procedures ensure that the indigenous peoples are able to elect their representatives without any interference. The Committee also requests copies of the decisions mentioned.
Coordination of the various bodies representing indigenous peoples. The Committee notes that the Indigenous Participation Council (CPI) has the functions set out in Act No. 26160, Regulatory Decree No. 1122/07 and Decision No. 587/07 which creates the land survey programme. According to the Government, the CPI has been given considerable recognition by the institutions of the national Government and those of the provincial governments and its minutes are made public to ensure that the communities are aware of the issues dealt with by the CPI. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the distribution of competencies and the coordination mechanisms established between the Coordination Council, the Advisory Council and the CPI.
Lands. Emergency Act No. 26160 on the ownership and possession of traditionally occupied lands. The Committee notes that a central coordination team has been set up in this regard. The Committee notes the detailed information provided by the Government concerning the national programme entitled “Indigenous Communities Land Survey” (Re.Te.Ci.), created under Decision No. 587 of 27 October 2007. Furthermore, the Government indicates that, at the decentralized level, a technical operation team will be set up in each province, which will work in coordination with the CPI and with a member of the provincial executive branch appointed by the Governor. The Committee notes that a “National Coordination Network for the Survey of Lands of Indigenous Communities” has been established and the following instruments have been created to implement the programme: (a) the “jaguar” system, which is a geographical information system; (b) a social community questionnaire, which is a tool for gathering socio-demographic data; (c) a survey of natural and cultural resources; and (d) an administrative procedures and operations manual. As of September 2008, projects were being developed relating to the regularization of lands in Buenos Aires (involving 40 communities), Chaco (involving 40 communities), Río Negro (involving 87 communities) and Salta (involving 330 communities). The Committee notes that the state of emergency declared with regard to the possession and ownership of traditionally occupied lands will last for four years from 23 November 2006, the date on which Act No. 26160 entered into force, and that the suspension of evictions will therefore be lifted on 23 November 2010. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the progress made and difficulties encountered with regard to the regularization of lands traditionally occupied by indigenous peoples, including information on the following:
(i) lands claimed by indigenous peoples, including quantity and percentages by province;
(ii) lands regularized in relation to these percentages; and
(iii) lands to be regularized.
Please also indicate the measures envisaged to guarantee the rights laid down in Article 14 of the Convention if the regularization process has not been completed within the period mentioned.
Advances in case law. The Committee notes with interest the detailed information provided by the Government on new decisions relating to the rights established in the Convention. These decisions appear to be in line with the Convention, in terms of both lands and participation. With regard to lands, the Committee notes, for example, the decision of the Magistrate’s Court of the Fourth District of the Province of Neuquén in the case of Antiman, Víctor Antonio y Linares, José Cristóbal Linares s/usurpación, of 30 October 2007, in which the court recognized the new era with regard to rights over indigenous lands, ruling that it was “an era of recognition, recovery and reassertion of rights enshrined in the Constitution, as a result of which a decision criminalizing the conduct of the Mapuche people on 31 January 2005 would mean going back in time and failing to recognize the current legal and constitutional framework”. With regard to participation and natural resources, the Committee notes that the Supreme Court of Justice, in a decision of 26 March 2009 (S.1144.XLIV, Salas, Dino y otros c/Salta, provincial y Estado Nacional), confirmed the suspension of authorizations for felling and clearing until the completion of an environmental study and stipulated that the study had to be carried out “with the broad participation of the communities living in the affected area”. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on this matter. Furthermore, referring to a 2004 ruling which it noted in its previous comments, declaring that the Forestry Act of the Province of Chaco was unconstitutional because the indigenous communities had not been consulted, the Committee requests the Government to report on the measures taken as a result of the ruling.
The Committee is raising other points in a request addressed directly to the Government.
[The Committee is asked to reply in detail to the present comments in 2010.]
The Committee notes that the Government’s report was received on 30 September 2008, therefore the Committee will examine it at its next session. The Committee notes a communication from the Educational Workers’ Union of Río Negro (UNTER), received on 28 July 2008 and forwarded to the Government of Argentina on 25 August 2008. The Committee notes that the Government has not yet provided any reply to this communication. The Committee will examine the communication in more detail next year together with the Government’s reply. The Committee notes that the communication refers to the following issues.
Legislation. According to the communication, as from the constitutional reform of 1994 and the adoption in January 2007 of National Act No. 26,197 on the “provincialization” of hydrocarbons, it is the provinces that issue permits for prospecting and concessions for the exploitation and transport of hydrocarbons and oversee compliance. The above Act was not submitted to consultation and contains no provisions on the right of consultation and participation laid down in the Convention. Furthermore, Provincial Act No. 3,266 of 1999, regulating the procedure for evaluating environmental impact, is inconsistent with the right of consultation and participation laid down in Articles 6, 7, 15(2) and 17(2) of the Convention. The same criticism is directed to Provincial Act No. 2,669 on Protected Natural Areas (ANPs), as amended by Act No. 3,193.
Bidding and consultation procedures. The communication indicates that the Province of Río Negro has jurisdiction over four geological basins (Neuquina, Colorado, Niriñau and Cañadon Asfalto Meseta de Somuncurá). Bidding processes for prospecting are well under way, and the Neuquina basin has been under intense exploitation for decades. The communication lists the communities living on the lands under exploitation or for which bidding is in progress. It also indicates that further to the Provincial Hydrocarbons Prospection Plan 2006–07, 14 new areas have been pre-awarded in three geological basins without the consultation and participation required by Articles 6, 7 and 15(2) of the Convention.
Protected Natural Areas. According to the communication, to designate an area as an ANP does not imply protection of the lands and the natural and cultural resources of the indigenous peoples, and the Auca Mahuida ANP in Neuquén has been devastated by the work done on oil prospecting and exploitation. The communication states that the ANPs were created on ancestral lands of the Mapuches (Wall-Mapu) and lists them, citing Meseta de Somuncurá, Río Azul-lago Escondido and the Guaitecas cypress forest. It asserts that the right of participation and consultation laid down in the Convention was not observed when the ANPs were created and their management plans drawn up. Although the management plans are required by law to set forth the human necessities to be satisfied, there are no specific bodies or mechanisms for implementing the right of participation and consultation of the indigenous peoples living on lands designated as ANPs.
Representation GB.303/19/7. The Committee notes that in November 2008, the Governing Body adopted the report on the representation made under article 24 of the ILO Constitution by the UNTER, alleging the non-observance of certain provisions of the Convention. The report examines the issues of consultation at national level as well as issues of consultation, participation and performance of traditional activities of indigenous peoples in the province of Río Negro. The Committee notes that it has been requested to follow up on the implementation of the recommendations of the Governing Body set out in paragraph 100 of the abovementioned report, in which the Governing Body requested the Government to:
(a) continue making efforts to strengthen the Council for Indigenous Participation (CIP) and ensure that, when elections of indigenous representatives are held in all the provinces, all the indigenous communities and all institutions considered by the communities themselves to be representative are invited to participate;
(b) carry out consultations with regard to the bills referred to in paragraphs 12 and 64 of the Governing Body’s report and to establish mechanisms to ensure that consultations with indigenous peoples take place whenever legislative or administrative measures that may directly affect them are being considered. The consultations should be carried out sufficiently early so as to be effective and meaningful;
(c) ensure that, in implementing Act No. 26,160, all communities and truly representative institutions of the indigenous peoples likely to be directly affected are consulted and able to participate;
(d) ensure that, in accordance with the principle of concurrent powers of national and provincial authorities, effective consultation and participation mechanisms are established in the Río Negro Province involving all the truly representative organizations of the indigenous peoples, as set out in paragraphs 75, 76 and 80 of the Governing Body’s report, in particular in the process of implementing national Act No. 26,160;
(e) in implementing Act No. 26,160 to make substantial efforts, in consultation with, and with the participation of, the indigenous people of Río Negro Province, to clarify: (1) the difficulties in the procedures for regularizing land, with a view to developing a rapid and accessible procedure that meets the requirements of Article 14(3) of the Convention; (2) the question of the levy for land use referred to in paragraph 92 of the Governing Body’s report; (3) any problems in obtaining legal personality; and (4) the issue of dispersed communities and their land rights; and
The Committee requests the Government to provide any additional information regarding the issues raised in the representation and those raised in UNTER’s communication, in particular regarding consultation and participation, so that the Committee may fully examine these matters in 2009.
[The Government is asked to reply in detail to the present comments in 2009.]
1. The Committee notes with interest the Supplementary Survey of Indigenous Peoples conducted by the National Institute for Statistics and Censuses (INDEC) which contains provisional results for some of the regions surveyed, regarding persons recognized as members or first-generation descendants of certain indigenous peoples. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would send the final results of the census as soon as is feasible.
2. The Committee notes that in April 2006, Decree No. 410/06 was signed and that it establishes the organization, hierarchy and dependency of the Secretariat for Social Policy and Human Development of the Ministry of Social Development. It also establishes that the National Indigenous Institute (INAI) comprises two directorates: the Directorate of Lands and the National Register of Indigenous Communities, and the Directorate for the Development of Indigenous Communities. The Committee further notes the increase in the budget assigned to the INAI, which reflects the increasing focus on indigenous matters in public policy.
3. Legal personality. The Committee notes that as well as registration in the INAI register, agreements have been signed with Jujuy, Río Negro, Misiones and Chubut, and another one is to be signed with Salta, and that in the other provinces the communities are applying for legal personality as civil associations. The Committee requests the Government to take steps to ensure that the communities are recognized as indigenous communities since a civil association seems to imply the formation of something new, which is not fully consistent with the Convention’s principle of recognition of a pre-existing reality, and to keep the Committee informed in this regard. The Committee also notes with interest the decision regarding the case of Consejo Quompi-Lqataxac Nam Qompi de comunidades tobas – C/Provincia del Chaco /Acción de amparo, in which the Convention and the Provincial Constitution were relied on to order the Province of Chaco to set up a register of indigenous communities and organizations with declaratory effect, and to register the Council concerned within five days “because the legal personality of indigenous groups is a pre-existing fact of reality and requires unconditional and unqualified recognition by the State; what already exists is thus declared, namely the pre-existence of the personality of indigenous communities and organizations”. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the action taken on the above decision and on the measures adopted to harmonize the various provinces’ treatment of the recognition of indigenous communities, and ensure that the effect of registration is declaratory rather than executory.
4. Customary law. The Committee notes that in the case of Puel, Raúl s/daño (expediente No. 228/98), the High Court of Justice of the province of Neuquén overturned the decision of the lower court and acquitted a member of the Mapuche community on grounds of cultural particularities. The Committee notes that codes of procedure are the responsibility of the provinces and that their amendment shall be the result of a legislative and cultural process to adjust the legislation to international standards. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on any court decisions and on developments in procedural law that concern the principles of the Convention in relation to indigenous customary law.
5. Lands. The Committee notes a number of programmes for the regularization of lands in various provinces, such as Chubut, and the achievements and the difficulties encountered. The Committee notes with regret that Act No. 6920 of Mendoza province has not been applied to the Huarpe Milacayac community because it was found to be unconstitutional. The Committee hopes that the INAI will do its utmost to demarcate and regularize lands traditionally occupied by the abovementioned people and that the Government will keep the Committee informed on this matter and on the demarcation and regularization of lands in the provinces, which will in all likelihood speed up once the new law suspending evictions has been passed.
6. Health. The Committee notes the various health programmes to improve the social and health status of original indigenous communities and their access to health. Please continue to provide information, particularly on any instances of Article 25(2) of the Convention (cooperation with peoples concerned) being applied to community health services.
7. Education. The Committee notes the information on the National Programme for Bilingual Intercultural Education established by Decision No. 549 of 3 June 2004, as well as the participation strategies and the institutionalization of the bilingual intercultural education proposal drawn up in the province of Chaco by the Centre for Information and Training of Indigenous Teachers (CIFMA). Please continue to provide information on the training of bilingual teachers in the various provinces with indigenous communities and, in the case the teachers who do not belong to the indigenous communities, provide information on the training received by them on the respective indigenous language and culture.
8. Articles 3 and 31. The Committee takes note of Presidential Decree No. 1086/05 “Towards a national plan against discrimination”, containing specific proposals for indigenous peoples. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would report on progress in the adoption and the application of the plan as they relate to the Convention.
9. Advances in case law. The Committee notes the information sent by the Government concerning a number of decisions by provincial courts that have recognized the rights of indigenous peoples and communities and which indicate the manner in which the courts apply and develop the provisions of the Convention. On the matter of lands, the Government refers to the case of Sede, Alfredo c/Vila, Herminia y otros s/desalojo (expediente núm. 14012-238.99), heard by the Third Judicial Constituency of Río Negro on 12 August 2004, which ruled that “indigenous ownership and property are new and specific concepts that affect the very concept of ownership and related rights. They have the rank of constitutional and supreme law and are differentiated from and independent of lower civil laws of lower rank; their inclusion in the Civil Code is therefore unnecessary and inappropriate because this would imply a lowering of rank not sought by the authors of the Constitution”. With regard to natural resources and consultation, the Committee notes the decision of 2 May 2006 in the context of amparo: Andrada de Quispe Rosalía Ladiez y otros c/Estado Provincial (expediente núm. 8-105.437/03), ordering “compliance with Article 15(2) of Convention No. 169 of the ILO which is part of our existing legislation, requiring participation by indigenous communities in all administrative acts regarding formalities for lands which may in some way affect their rights, and particularly any proceedings before the Mines Court”. It also notes with interest that in a case brought under the Constitution against the Province of Chaco the court ruled in a decision of 17 December 2004 that the law to reform the Forestry Act was unconstitutional because the government of Chaco had not consulted the indigenous Wichis communities about the law or involved them in its formulation. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the outcome of these cases and on any other cases relevant to the application of the Convention.
10. The Committee notes that points 6 of its observation and 16, 31, 34, 35 and 36 of its direct request concerning the presentation by the Association of Provincial Educators, have been referred for advice to the various administrative departments involved in giving effect to the matters raised. The Committee hopes that the Government will provide this information in its next report.
1. The Committee notes the Government’s detailed report and the annexes thereto. It notes that the Office provided technical assistance on 11 and 12 September 2006 following a request from the Government, with the aim of addressing the issues raised by the Committee in its most recent comments. In that context, the Ministry of Labour’s International Affairs Department examined with the Office the need to strengthen the institutional basis in order to give better effect to the Convention, particularly the bodies responsible for coordinated and systematic action (Articles 2 and 33 of the Convention), and those responsible for consultation, participation and representativeness issues. The Committee notes with particular interest that, according to the report, the Government has adopted and is planning various measures to achieve these objectives gradually.
2. The Committee notes with interest that at the Government’s request, a workshop/seminar on the Convention is being organized with technical assistance from the Office for April 2007 and is to be attended by representatives from the bodies that apply the Convention, from the provinces and from indigenous peoples.
3. Article 1, paragraph 2. Self-identification and legal personality. The Committee notes that to obtain recognition, indigenous communities may apply to the National Registrar of Indigenous Communities (ReNaCi) for legal personality, and that in some provinces it can be obtained from provincial registrars, and that the National Indigenous Institute (INAI) helps the communities to prepare the requisite documents. It further notes that there has been progress in the recognition of certain communities, including eight communities in the Province of Río Negro. The Committee hopes that the Government will pursue its efforts to ensure that in the near future, a high proportion of communities obtain recognition and hence full enjoyment of all the rights deriving from it. The Committee notes that the ReNaCi has registered all indigenous communities, whether or not they have legal personality, and requests the Government to send information on the percentage of communities that already have legal personality and the percentage that gain recognition by the time of the Government’s next report, so that the Committee may ascertain the progress made in this matter.
Consultation and coordinated and systematic action
4. Articles 6, 2 and 33. The Committee notes that in order to ensure that indigenous people participate in the “Committee to align the domestic legislation with Convention No. 169”, procedures are being established for such participation. With this in view, the Executive, through the INAI, has promoted the establishment of the Indigenous Participation Council (CPI). According to the report, the CPI is made up of indigenous representatives of all the indigenous peoples in each province, elected by genuine community representatives’ assemblies. A second stage will see the establishment, through the CPI, of the Coordinating Council provided for in Act No. 23302, which will consist of representatives of the Ministries of the Interior, the Economy, Labour, Education and Justice, the provinces and the indigenous peoples. The Coordinating Council’s duties include overseeing the National Register of Indigenous Communities, identifying problems and establishing priorities for solving them, and setting up the INAI’s programme of activities for the long and medium term. Furthermore, at its first national meeting, the CPI set up a bureau for the coordination of representatives at regional level. The Committee hopes that the Government will pursue its efforts to put the Coordinating Council into operation at an early date and that it will report on progress made regarding this matter. It also asks the Government to specify whether the minutes of CPI meetings are public, enabling indigenous communities to keep abreast of issues dealt with in the CPI thus ensuring transparency in consultation and participation procedures and in their results, which will also influence the extent to which they are observed. The Committee would also be grateful if the Government would state whether only communities with legal personality participate or whether other communities may also take part whether or not they have legal personality. While noting with interest that the Government is laying institutional bases for coordinated and systematic application of the Convention, the Committee hopes that the Government will pursue its efforts to strengthen these bodies in order to broaden the institutional basis for further participation of indigenous peoples in public policies affecting them, in accordance with Articles 2 and 33 of the Convention. Please report on progress made in this regard.
5. Article 15, paragraph 2. Natural resources. The Committee notes that a decision of 2006 by the Administrative Tribunal of the Province of Jujuy ordered the provincial government to comply with Article 15(2) of the Convention by allowing the participation of indigenous communities in all administrative proceedings concerning lands which might affect their rights in some way, particularly proceedings before the Administrative Court for Mines. It also notes that a decision of 2004 in the Province of Chaco ruled that the Forestry Act was unconstitutional because the indigenous peoples were not consulted about it. While noting with interest that the courts are applying the provisions of the Convention, which in Argentina take precedence over other laws, the Committee requests the Government to pursue its efforts to incorporate this Article on consultation and natural resources in the legislation in such a way as to ensure uniform application in the various provinces. The Committee hopes that the Government will keep it informed of progress in this respect.
6. Application of the Convention and federalism. The Committee also notes that the Government refers to difficulties in applying some key provisions of the Convention, such as those pertaining to land and natural resources, because of the deepening of federalism that occurred following the constitutional reform of 1994 which placed responsibility for these matters in the hands of the provinces. It notes the priority given to the need to establish federal competence for matters involving indigenous communities and peoples. Furthermore, according to the report, article 75(17) in fine of the Constitution of the Argentine Republic provides for involvement of the provinces in the issuing of legislation, which means that the provinces can take part in developing the rights of indigenous peoples and communities in law, provided they recognize the minimum fundamental rights laid down in the national Constitution, it being understood that in Argentine law international treaties take precedence over the ordinary law. The Committee hopes that the national Government will take the necessary steps to disseminate the rights laid down in the Convention among provincial governments and parliaments, and that it will make use of the abovementioned participation to ensure that the provincial parliaments develop legislation that meets the requirements of the Convention. It also asks the Government to provide information on progress made in this regard.
7. Lands – evictions. The Committee notes with interest the promulgation of Act No. 26160 of 23 November 2006 suspending for four years the execution of any court or administrative decisions or proceedings for the eviction of indigenous communities from lands they traditionally occupy. It also notes with interest that in the first three years following the entry into force of the new law, the INAI is to carry out a survey of the technical, legal and registration aspects of the ownership status of these lands and a fund of 30 million pesos is to be set up for the survey and for the regularization programmes, for which the INAI will be responsible. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the practical application of the Act and on the status of the survey and the regularization process. Noting that the new law is to apply to original indigenous communities “whose legal personality has been registered in the ReNaCi or relevant provincial registry, or pre-existing communities”, it asks the Government to take all necessary steps to speed up recognition of the legal personality of communities that have not yet obtained it and that meet the requirements of Article 1 of the Convention, to specify the meaning of the term “pre-existing communities”, and to keep the Committee informed in this regard.
8. The Committee notes that at its 297th Session in November 2006, the Governing Body declared receivable a representation by the Union of Education Workers of Río Negro (UNTER) alleging non-compliance by the Argentine Government with some provisions of the Convention.
The Committee is also raising other points in a request addressed directly to the Government.
1. The Committee notes the information supplied in the Government’s report. It also refers the Government to its observation on this Convention.
2. Article 1 of the Convention. Scope. The Committee notes that, according to the Government, the National Population and Housing Census of 2001 included an indigenous self-identification variable which will yield more accurate information as to number of indigenous persons in the country. The Committee requests the Government to provide the results of the census with its next report, together with information on any progress made in the preparation of a specific survey on indigenous peoples. It notes that the bill, to which it refers in its observation, requires an indigenous census to be carried out within two years, and requests the Government to keep it informed in this regard.
3. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that it finds that the observations submitted by the Congress of Argentine Workers (CTA) on 30 September 2002 do not meet the requirements for treatment as a representation under article 24 of the ILO Constitution. The Committee points out that those observations were submitted under articles 22 and 23 of the Constitution, and requests the Government to send any comments it deems appropriate on the matters raised by the CTA.
4. Indigenous identity. In its previous comments the Committee noted the CTA’s assertion that the peoples concerned are unable to defend their rights in the courts or before the public administration unless they are able to show that they have legal personality. The CTA further alleged that only 15 per cent of the 850 indigenous communities are recognized by the National Institute of Indigenous Affairs (INAI) and that no consultations were held with the communities themselves on the criteria for such recognition. Furthermore, legal personality granted by a province is not recognized at the national level unless there is a special agreement, and only four of the 20 provinces that have indigenous peoples have concluded such agreements. The Committee likewise noted that pursuant to the constitutional reform of 1994, a resolution was passed (No. 4811/96) establishing requirements for the registration of indigenous communities, the requirements have been simplified, and account is taken of self-identification as a fundamental right. The Committee takes notes of the information supplied by the Government in its report to the effect that in registering at national level the legal personality of indigenous communities, the latter’s customs and forms of organization are respected and that in the provinces agreements to this effect are concluded. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the application of resolution No. 4811/96 in the various provinces, particularly in Neuquén and the provinces which have no agreement with the nation. Please also indicate how central authority and provincial authority in this matter are coordinated. Please provide information on the manner in which it is ensured that indigenous communities participate in, or are consulted on, the formulation of procedures for recognition of legal personality, at both national and provincial levels.
5. The Committee notes with interest the information supplied by the Government that in the province of Río Negro an agreement has been signed with the Mapuche community for recognition of the legal personality of the various communities. The Committee requests the Government to provide information in its next report on the number of indigenous communities that have acquired legal personality since the signing of the abovementioned agreement.
6. Article 2. Government measures. The Committee notes that the Constitution of the province of Jujuy requires the establishment of standards that will lead to the integration of indigenous peoples. The Committee reminds the Government that, without prejudice to the obligation to afford to members of indigenous communities the same opportunities as to the non-indigenous population, the objective of the Convention is to maintain the integrity of indigenous communities by establishing their right to set their own priorities.
7. Article 3. Human rights and fundamental freedoms. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the status of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the members of the Pilagá and Wichí communities in Lugones, El Quebracho and Las Lomitas in the province of Formosa, and on any complaints of breaches of their human rights and fundamental freedoms, together with details of any measures adopted or envisaged to ensure proper means of redress.
8. Article 4. Special measures of protection. The Committee notes with concern the information in a communication from the ADEP reporting suicides and alcohol problems among members of indigenous communities in the province of Jujuy caused by frustration at the lack of work and projects for young people. The Committee notes in this connection that in its report the Government supplies information on activities carried out under the "Indigenous Culture and Knowledge" programme for the prevention of alcoholism and other forms of addiction and the programme to prevent drug addiction and combat drug trafficking implemented by the INAI and the Programme Secretariat. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide information in its next report on progress made under these programmes and on the effective participation by representatives of the indigenous communities in the preparation, implementation and evaluation of the programmes.
9. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the activities of the "National Programme to Support Humanitarian Action for Indigenous Peoples" (ANAHI).
10. Article 6. Consultation and participation. The Committee notes the content of the Alternative Report of the National Team for Pastoral Social Work and the Ecumenical Movement for Human Rights, which indicates that at the time of publication - July 2003 - there are no representatives of indigenous peoples in the INAI. The Committee requests the Government to provide information in its next report on the current structure of the INAI authorities, and particularly on the participation of representatives of indigenous peoples and the manner in which such representatives are elected. Please also provide information on the amounts assigned to the INAI in the budgets of the last few financial years.
11. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on activities carried out to apply the provisions of the Agreement of the Neuquén Institute for Indigenous Affairs; of the Chaco Institute for Indigenous Peoples; the Misiones Provincial Directorate for Guaraní Affairs; the Chubut Institute for Indigenous Communities; the Santa Fe Provincial Institute for Indigenous Peoples; the Salta Provincial Institute for Indigenous Peoples; the Formosa Institute for Indigenous Communities; and the Río Negro Council for the Development of Indigenous Communities.
12. The Committee requests the Government to provide details of the manner in which the indigenous communities are consulted and participate in actions and policies implemented in the province of Río Negro.
13. Article 7. Development policies. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the manner in which indigenous communities are enabled to decide on their own priorities for development, as required by this Article. The Committee trusts that in its next report the Government will be able to give information on specific cases, indicating in particular the activities conducted under the "Ramón Lista Comprehensive Development Project"; the "Care for Indigenous Peoples Component" (CAPI) of the Programme of Care for Vulnerable Peoples; and the "Project for the Development of Indigenous Communities and the Protection of Biodiversity". The Government is also asked to provide information on the manner in which the indigenous communities concerned have participated in the formulation, implementation and evaluation of the activities conducted under the abovementioned projects, including activities to preserve and protect the environment.
14. The Committee again requests the Government to supply information on any progress made in the passage of the bill submitted to the Senate for the creation of the Programme of Basic Social Infrastructure for Indigenous Communities, indicating the manner in which the indigenous peoples were consulted in its preparation. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide a copy of the bill.
15. Articles 8, 9 and 10. Customs and customary law. The Committee notes the content of the Alternative Report of the National Team for Social Pastoral Work and the Ecumenical Movement for Human Rights, which states that the penal legislation does not deal with the indigenous peoples’ rights laid down in the abovementioned Articles. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the application of these Articles of the Convention in law and in practice, including on the punishment of offences committed within the indigenous communities themselves.
16. Article 12. Access to legal proceedings. The Committee notes the information provided by the Association of Provincial Educators (ADEP) that in the provinces of Jujuy and Chaco, the lack of any courts near to or within reach of the main settlements of indigenous communities makes it difficult for these indigenous people to take legal action to defend their rights under the Convention. The Committee trusts that the Government will be in a position to provide information in its next report on the adoption of measures to give effect to this Article.
17. Article 14. Ownership and possession of lands. In its previous comments the Committee referred to the CTA’s allegation that the forms of ownership provided for in the Civil Code, which is of Roman law origin, are inadequate for the recognition of the possession and ownership of ancestral lands and that their application results in indigenous communities losing most of the claims that they make to land ownership. The Committee further notes that, according to the Alternative Report of the National Team for Social Pastoral Work and the Ecumenical Movement for Human Rights, apart from a few exceptions there are no procedures in operation at either national or provincial level to recognize lands occupied or used by indigenous communities, and that where such procedures do exist, the State has not given the communities political and strategic support.
18. The CTA referred to problems in the province of Río Negro, where there are Mapuche indigenous, and alleged that the provincial government was promoting a review of the ownership of public lands, 75 per cent of which are indigenous, with a view to using them as surety in applying to international financial institutions for new loans. It further stated that the Indigenous Adviser (CAI) of Río Negro was opposed to the policy of regularization of land ownership as proposed by the Río Negro government, that there are cases in the province of irregular cartographic entries, unlawful granting of ownership rights, unlawful purchase of possession rights, unlawful transfers of property and possession of rights acquired illegally, and pressure to sell land at very low prices. In the absence of any comments by the Government on this matter, the Committee reiterates its request for information on the policy of regularizing land title in this province, with an indication of the situation in law and practice.
19. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the manner in which effect is given to section 1 of Act No. 2727 of the province of Misiones, which requires implementation of plans and actions allowing access to land ownership and the promotion of productive activities by the Guaraní communities in this province.
20. The Committee also notes that, according to the Alternative Report of the National Team for Social Pastoral Work and the Ecumenical Movement for Human Rights, in the province of Chaco, 50 per cent of the indigenous communities have either not acquired or not fully acquired title to ownership of the lands they inhabit or use and that those most affected are the Mocoví, followed by the Tobá and Wichí. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken pursuant to the commitments assumed under Decree No. 757 of 1995 regarding the award of lands to indigenous communities in this province.
21. The Committee notes the adoption by the province of Mendoza of Act No. 6920 recognizing the ethnic and cultural pre-existence of the Huarpe Milcayac and ordering expropriation of the lands occupied by this people. It also notes that the State Prosecutor impugned the Act as unconstitutional. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on any ruling given on this matter.
22. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on progress achieved by the national programmes for the regularization and award of lands for the indigenous population of the provinces of Chubut and Jujuy.
23. Dispute settlement. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government to the effect that a Mediation Committee has been created to settle disputes about territorial borders, and that it has an indigenous mediator. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted or envisaged by the provinces that have indigenous communities to inform them about the dispute settlement procedures together with information on the manner in which the indigenous mediator was chosen. The Committee also requests information on action taken by the Mediation Committee or by other mechanisms to settle disputes affecting the Felipin, Cayulef, Marafil, Caupan and Paineo communities in the province of Neuquen; the Mariano Epulef Mapuche community in the province of Chubut; the Mbya Guaranícommunity in the province of Misiones; and the Miraflores Qom indigenous community in the province of Chaco.
24. Article 15. Natural resources. In its previous comments the Committee referred to comments by the CTA alleging an absence of consultations with the indigenous peoples through representative institutions in general, and particularly in connection with natural resource exploration and use. According to the abovementioned organization, it is the Government, not the indigenous communities themselves, that determines the representative persons or institutions. According to the Alternative Report of the National Team for Social Pastoral Work and the Ecumenical Movement for Human Rights, the legislation on exploitation of natural resources does not allow for indigenous peoples to participate and be consulted in their own right, but only in the same capacity as any landowner under the Civil Code. In this connection, the Committee notes the information from the ADEP regarding the situation in the province of Jujuy to the effect that the Mining Code and the provincial legislation make no provision either for consultation of, or joint management and participation by, indigenous peoples regarding natural resources in the lands they traditionally occupy. The ADEP also mentions that a number of indigenous communities have difficulty in obtaining energy and fuel, for example for cooking and heating in student canteens, although there are gas supply lines in the province.
25. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government to the effect that as regards raw materials, there is as yet no legislation on the participation of indigenous communities. The Committee requests the Government to report on any progress made in ensuring consultation of representatives of the indigenous communities particularly in the drafting of legislation for this purpose.
26. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to apply Articles 6, 7 and 15 of the Convention in the following cases: (a) the lands of the Hoktei T’oi community, which has reportedly lodged a complaint for unconstitutional action with the Salta Court of Justice against the deforestation of its land; (b) the case of Lhaka Honhat, lots 55 and 14, in the province of Salta, in which the community has lodged a complaint with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights against the construction of a bridge between Argentina and Paraguay without consultation and without a socio-environmental impact study having been undertaken; (c) the sale by decree in the province of Formosa of 40,000 hectares of Chaco forest in public lands inhabited by Indian and native communities, to the Australian enterprise LIAG for deforestation; and (d) the construction of the North Andean gas pipeline in lands claimed by the Collas and which has allegedly caused three fires in the Yungas forest in the province of Salta. Lastly, the Government is also asked to provide information on the preparation and implementation of the Pilcomayo River Master Plan, the Binational Bermejo River project, and the Paraná-Paraguay waterway project.
27. The Committee requests the Government to supply information on the disputes about the use of natural resources involving the Millaqueo, Cheuquel, Painemil, Kaxipayiñ and Millain Currical Mapuche communities in the province of Neuquen. Please also keep the Committee informed of rulings regarding the complaint filed under the Constitution to the Administrative Tribunal of the province of Jujuy by members of the Liviara and Orosmayo communities alleging injury caused by the mining of alluvial gold in the Orosmayo River basin.
28. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the manner in which indigenous communities share in the benefits of tourism based on their cultural heritage.
29. Article 16. Transfer and relocation. The Committee notes the information supplied in the Government’s report to the effect that there has been no displacement of indigenous communities. It also notes that the procedure for displacement requires the informed and freely given consent of the communities affected. The Committee notes a bill, to which it refers in its observation with the comment that the dislodging and displacement of indigenous peoples is sufficiently serious to warrant emergency legislation. Please provide further information on this matter.
30. Article 19. Agrarian programmes. The Committee notes the information in the Government’s report that there is an Agricultural Social Plan, which is nationwide in scope. The Committee trusts that the Government will provide information in its next report on the assistance afforded to the various indigenous communities through this Plan.
31. Article 20. Conditions of employment. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government to the effect that no specific legislation has been adopted on this subject. The Committee also notes the information supplied by the ADEP, which draws attention to the absence of labour inspectors in mining, the tobacco industry and agriculture in the province of Jujuy, particularly in the La Puna region. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on employment conditions for the members of the indigenous communities working in the mining sector in the province of Jujuy, indicating the number of inspections carried out and the number of infringements reported, if any, stating the reasons and the action taken.
32. The Committee requests the Government to report on the campaigns, carried out in various parts of the country in which there is a large concentration of indigenous labour, to inform workers of their labour rights and the channels available for asserting them, and on the possibility of adopting special safeguard measures, with participation by the peoples concerned.
33. The Committee notes that pursuant to section 25(ñ), (o) and (p) of Act No. 3258 on the indigenous communities of the province of Chaco, the Chaco Institute for Indigenous Communities (IDACH) is responsible for monitoring compliance with labour law, providing indigenous people with legal assistance in filing labour claims avoiding discriminatory practices and disseminating information on labour standards among indigenous workers and their employers. The Committee would be grateful if in its next report the Government would provide information on the measures adopted or envisaged to give effect to these provisions.
34. Articles 21 and 22. Vocational training. The Committee notes the information in the communication from the ADEP to the effect that an alarming number of families are unemployed as a result of mine closures in the province of Jujuy. Please indicate the measures taken to promote, with the participation of the indigenous communities, vocational training programmes in the affected areas allowing such families to be reintegrated in the labour market.
35. Article 23. Rural handicrafts and industries. The Committee notes that, according to the ADEP, there are no programmes in Jujuy to encourage the growing of products that were traditionally part of the indigenous communities’ diet, such as the different varieties of potato, quinoa, maize, chalona, chilcal and chorqui. It also notes that in the rare assistance plans under way, the communities are given dried and canned foods, pasta and other products that are alien to their traditional diet and have less nutritional value. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to assist these communities to return to traditional food growing and to start up programmes to encourage activities geared towards sustainable development.
36. Article 24. Social security. The Committee notes the information in the communication from the ADEP concerning a lack of social security coverage for the members of several indigenous communities in the province of Jujuy. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted or envisaged to extend such coverage to indigenous peoples throughout the country, indicating to the extent possible the affiliation rates of the last few years.
37. Article 25. Health. The Committee notes that according to the information supplied by the Government, the National Health Insurance System was established for the whole population without any social, economic, cultural or geographical discrimination. The Committee notes with concern in this connection that, according to the communication from the ADEP, there are serious malnutrition and infant mortality problems. It also notes the information concerning the scarcity of health personnel - in terms both of numbers and of specializations - in several areas of the province of Jujuy and the lack of adequate transport to visit the various regions or convey persons who need medical care. The Committee requests the Government to provide information in its next report on the measures taken or envisaged to ensure adequate medical care in regions populated by indigenous communities which are far removed from medical centres, together with information on any programmes for training members of the communities themselves.
38. Articles 26 to 29. Education The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government on the activities of the "Inter-cultural Indigenous Education Support" programme and the project "Meeting the Educational Needs of the Indigenous Population" of the Social and Educational Plan (PSE) to develop and improve education in urban and rural indigenous communities. It also notes with interest the information on the activities conducted for pupils of a number of Mapuche, Toba, Mbya-Guaraní, Mocoví, Wichí and Kolla communities which in some cases include teacher training and the production of teaching materials. It notes in particular that in developing teaching materials account is taken of the historical, geographical and cultural features of La Quebrada de Humahuaca, and that teaching materials are being developed in the Wichí language for members of the communities in the province of Formosa.
39. The Committee notes that, according to the Government, in the provinces of Misiones and Salta, despite the legislation, local education policies are still in the experimental phase.
40. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on progress made in inter-cultural bilingual education (EIB), particularly in the development of teaching materials that take into account the cultural differences of indigenous peoples; the training of indigenous teachers; and the participation of the communities in education projects, particularly in the provinces of Misiones and Salta. The Committee requests the Government to provide information in its next report on the activities, and their results, conducted under the other programmes referred to in the report.
41. Article 31. Elimination of prejudice. The Committee requests the Government to provide information in its next report on educational activities to eliminate any prejudice the non-indigenous population may hold towards indigenous people.
42. Article 32. Contacts and cooperation across borders. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on any agreements that may exist with neighbouring countries to facilitate contacts and cooperation between indigenous peoples across borders. The Committee would also be grateful if the Government would provide information on activities conducted under the Cultural Integration Agreement between Argentina and Bolivia concluded pursuant to Act No. 25034 concerning the indigenous communities of both countries.
43. Article 33. Administration. The Committee requests the Government to provide information in its next report on the manner in which the activities of the INAI and the many provincial councils and institutes are coordinated in order to apply the Convention, and on coordination between the latter and the recently established "Committee to Align Domestic Legislation with the Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989 (No. 169), of the International Labour Organization".
44. Parts IV, V, VI, VII and VIII of the report form. The Committee requests the Government to provide the information requested under these items.
1. The Committee notes the Government’s report and the enclosed legislative texts. The Committee notes once again that the Government does not state the employers’ and workers’ organizations to which it has sent a copy of the report, and urges it to comply with article 23(2) of the ILO Constitution.
2. The Committee takes note of the Government’s reply to the comments made by the Congress of Argentine Workers (CTA), dated 30 September 2002, supplementing those of 27 September 2001. The Committee also takes note of the content of the Alternative Report of the National Team for Social Pastoral Work and the Ecumenical Movement for Human Rights sent to the ILO Office in Argentina on 7 August 2003 noting the membership of the Confederation of Education Workers of the Argentine Republic (CETERA). The Committee also notes the communication of 28 November 2003 from the Association of Provincial Educators (ADEP) which was sent to the Government of 10 February 2004 for its observations. The Committee notes that as yet the Government has not replied to these communications.
3. The Committee notes that, according to the Government, it has sent a request for detailed information to each province, which will provide inputs to the recently formed "Committee to Align Domestic Legislation with the Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989 (No. 169) of the International Labour Organization". The Committee trusts that the Government will send information in its next report on the matters raised in both the communications of the CTA, particularly on those to which the Committee drew attention in its previous comments.
4. Article 1, paragraph 2, of the Convention. Legal personality. In its previous comments the Committee noted the information from the CTA to the effect that the recognition of indigenous peoples was encountering numerous problems, especially regarding legal personality, which is difficult to obtain owing to long and complicated procedures. The Committee refers to this matter in a direct request.
5. Article 4. Special measures of protection. The Committee notes that, according to the ADEP, deficiencies in health, education and work are affecting the health of members of the indigenous communities in the province of Jujuy, particularly in La Puna, La Quebrada de Humahuaca, Ramal and Valles del Sur, which were brought to light in two field studies carried out in February 2001 and January 2002. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged, with the participation of the peoples concerned, to safeguard the persons, institutions, property, labour, cultures and environment of the indigenous communities in the abovementioned regions.
6. Article 6. Consultation and participation. The Committee expresses its concern at the lack of information on consultation and participation of indigenous peoples pursuant to the Convention, and requests the Government to provide further information on this matter in its next report. The Committee also notes the information in the Government’s report that representatives of the indigenous communities participate, through the Episcopal Commission, in the "Committee to Align Domestic Legislation with the Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989 (No. 169) of the International Labour Organization". The Committee requests the Government to provide information in its next report on the number of representatives of these communities who participate in the abovementioned committee and the criteria for appointing them.
7. Article 14. Ownership and possession of lands. The Committee notes the information in the Government’s report that the legislation is to be aligned with the legal situation deriving from the constitutional reform of 1994 with regard to the regulation of land property rights in the case of indigenous communities. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted or envisaged - with the participation of representatives of the indigenous communities - to align the national and the provincial legislation with the Constitution.
8. In connection with this matter, the Committee notes the communication from the Ministry of Labour, dated 4 October 2004, indicating that the Executive submitted a bill to the Chamber of Deputies to declare an emergency with regard to indigenous ownership and possession of lands traditionally occupied by indigenous communities. The Committee notes that under the proposed legislation, there is to be a stay of execution of judicial decisions ordering removal of indigenous communities from lands they traditionally occupy. There is also to be a procedure for the holding of an indigenous census and the identification of lands that are currently occupied by indigenous communities or from which they have been removed or expelled. Please indicate whether the abovementioned bill has been adopted and provide information on the manner in which the indigenous peoples were consulted. The Committee recalls that according to Article 6 of the Convention, "governments shall ... consult the peoples concerned ... in particular through their representative institutions, whenever consideration is being given to legislative or administrative measures which may affect them directly". Such consultations must furthermore be held before the adoption of such measures. As the bodies in charge of supervising application on the Convention have noted, consultation and participation constitute the cornerstone of Convention No. 169 on which all its provisions are based. The Committee hopes that the Government will provide information on this matter in its next report.
9. The Committee notes with interest the information supplied by the Government in its report indicating the expropriation of three estates located in the provinces of Salta and Jujuy for the benefit of the indigenous communities occupying them. The Committee trusts that the Government will continue to provide information on measures taken to pursue the land award process.
10. The Committee notes that, according to the Government, an agreement has been concluded between the province of Rio Negro and the Mapuche community for the award of lands, in which the Council for the Development of Indigenous communities intervened. The Committee asks the Government to provide information in its next report on the extension of the lands that have been awarded since this agreement was concluded.
11. The Committee notes that, according to the ADEP, there is a lack of information concerning compliance with an agreement concluded between the province of Jujuy and the federal Government - approved by Provincial Law No. 5030 in 1966 - to regularize within two years 1,238,300 hectares of state-owned rural land and 15,583 state-owned urban plots. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on this matter in its next report.
12. Article 15. Natural resources. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government to the effect that the National Constitution establishes that indigenous peoples have the right to participate in the preparation, execution and supervision of any measures that the State or an individual may carry out in their lands and/or area of influence which concern the presence of natural resources including the receipt of benefits therefrom. The Government also indicates that legislation is to be adopted to regulate mechanisms for such participation, and that the State has ownership of raw materials. The Committee requests the Government to keep it informed of progress made in drafting legislation enabling effect to be given to this provision of the National Constitution. Please also indicate whether provision is to be made for the consultation or participation of indigenous representatives in the formulation of such legislation.
13. Article 17, paragraph 1. Transmission of lands. The Committee notes that the information supplied by the Government in its report that there is compliance with the customary rules governing individual or community use and enjoyment of lands awarded on the basis of suitability, use and custom. The Committee observes that the Government says nothing about compliance with the procedures for transmission, and trusts that it will provide such information in its next report and together with any relevant legislative texts.
14. Article 30. Means of communication. The Committee notes with interest the adoption of Act No. 25.607 of 2002 on a campaign to disseminate information on indigenous rights. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide information in its next report on the measures taken or envisaged, with the participation of the indigenous communities, to give effect to this Act.
The Committee raises other matters in a request addressed directly to the Government.
[The Government is asked to reply in detail to the present comments in 2006.]
1. The Committee refers to its observation.
2. The Committee notes that in September 2001, the Congress of Argentinian Workers (CTA) sent detailed observations on the application of the Convention, which were forwarded by the Office to the Government in October 2001. Noting that the Government’s report does not refer to any of the matters raised by the CTA in its observations, the Committee requests the Government to supply information on these matters and, in particular, on the points raised below.
3. With reference to the legislation, the CTA indicates that the Constitution of 1994 introduced a modified regulation respecting indigenous peoples which recognizes the ethnic and cultural pre-existence of indigenous peoples and collective land ownership and possession, among other provisions. However, Act No. 23302 respecting indigenous policy and support for aboriginal communities dates from 1985 and the majority of the national and provincial laws governing this issue were adopted prior to the constitutional reform and have not been brought into conformity with the Convention. The Committee hopes that the Government will examine its legislation with this purpose in mind taking into account the fact that, to do so, by virtue of Article 6 of the Convention, governments shall consult the peoples concerned, through appropriate procedures and in particular through their representative institutions, whenever consideration is being given to legislative or administrative measures which may affect them directly. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide copies of the national and provincial legislation in force relating to indigenous peoples and if it would provide information on the manner in which it intends to bring its legislation into conformity with the Convention, with a copy of any draft legislation on this matter and an indication of the manner in which the indigenous peoples have been consulted.
4. Article 1 of the Convention. With regard to the self-identification of indigenous peoples, the CTA indicates that both the national and the provincial legislation, including the census forms, contain criteria which are not in compliance with the Convention and calls for the indigenous peoples to be consulted for the formulation of questions which would provide guidance for the indigenous census. Please indicate when it is planned to undertake the indigenous census and the manner in which the peoples concerned are participating in its preparation.
5. The CTA alleges that many problems arise in the recognition of indigenous peoples, principally related to obtaining legal personality as a result of long and complex procedures which amount to "more to the granting than the recognition of such personality". It alleges that these have serious repercussions, as the peoples concerned cannot defend their rights in the courts or before the public administration if they have not first acquired legal personality. Of the 850 indigenous communities, it states that only 15 per cent have been recognized by the National Institute of Indigenous Affairs (INAI) and, according to the CTA, no consultations were held with the communities themselves on the criteria for such recognition. Moreover, the legal personality granted at the provincial level has no value at the national level in the absence of special agreements, but only four of the 20 provinces in which indigenous peoples are located are reported to have concluded such agreements. Please indicate the manner in which the functions of the State and the provinces in relation to indigenous affairs are coordinated, and in particular the manner in which effect is given to article 75(17) in fine of the Constitution which, after determining the functions of the Congress with regard to recognition, lands and the management of resources in relation to indigenous affairs, provides that "the provinces may discharge these functions concurrently".
6. Articles 6, 7 and 15. The CTA alleges the absence of consultations with indigenous peoples through representative institutions in general, and particularly with regard to the exploration and exploitation of natural resources. According to these allegations, the State decides on the persons or institutions which are representative, and not the indigenous communities themselves. It adds that, despite the fact that the Constitution of 1994 sets out in article 75(17), referred to above, that the functions of the Congress include ensuring the participation of indigenous peoples in the management of their natural resources and other interests which affect them, in the cases of the Binational Río Bermejo Project and the Paraguay Paraná Waterway Project, there was no participation by the indigenous peoples, but only by provincial and state institutions responsible for indigenous affairs. According to the CTA, it fears that the same may occur with the Río Pilcomayo Master Plan which will affect some one million persons and which is under preparation, and it calls for consultations to be held with the peoples concerned through their own institutions. The Committee hopes that the Government will adopt measures in accordance with these provisions of the Convention and that it will provide information on the situation and the measures adopted in relation to the three projects referred to here.
7. The Committee would also be grateful if the Government would provide information on the following cases referred by the CTA: (a) the lands of the Hoktei T’oi community, which is reported to have lodged an appeal for unconstitutional action with the Court of Justice of Salta against the deforestation of its land; (b) the case of Lhaka Honhat, lots 55 and 14, in the province of Salta, in which the community has lodged a complaint with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights relating to the construction of a bridge between Argentina and Paraguay without consultations and without having undertaken a socio-environmental impact study; (c) the sale by Decree in the province of Formosa of 40,000 hectares of Chaco forests in public lands inhabited by indigenous and Creole communities, to the Australian enterprise LIAG for deforestation; and (d) the construction of the North Andean gas pipeline in lands which are claimed by the Collas and which is reported to have caused three fires in the Yungas forest in the province of Salta. Please also provide information on the measures adopted to give effect to Articles 6, 7 and 15 of the Convention in the cases mentioned here.
8. Land. The CTA states that the forms of ownership provided for in the Civil Code, which is of Roman law origin, are inadequate for the recognition of the possession and ownership of ancestral lands and that their application results in indigenous communities losing most of the claims that they make to land ownership. It refers in particular to the problem in the province of Rio Negro, in which Mapuche Indians live, and alleges that the Government of the province is promoting a review of the ownership of public lands, 75 per cent of which are reported to be indigenous, with a view to using them as a guarantee for international financial institutions in order to obtain new loans. It adds that a study carried out by the State with international assistance, the results of which were published in the study entitled "Patagonia XXI", affirms that the desertification of Patagonia requires the evacuation from rural areas of producers with flocks of fewer than 6,000 sheep and recommends the provision of incentives to encourage the migration of small farmers, which include Mapuche Indians. The Indigenous Adviser in Rio Negro (CAI) is opposed to the policy of the regularization of land ownership as proposed by the Government of Rio Negro. The CTA also alleges that there are cases in the province of irregular cartographic entries, the illegal granting of ownership rights, the illegal purchase of possession rights, unlawful transfers of property and possession rights acquired illegally and pressure to sell land at very low prices. Please provide information on the policy of regularizing land title in the various provinces, including Rio Negro, with an indication of the situation in law and practice. Please indicate in particular the measures adopted or envisaged to determine the lands traditionally occupied by the peoples concerned and to ensure effective protection for their rights of ownership, as well as the procedures used to resolve land claims.
9. The CTA also makes comments on other Articles of the Convention, which the Committee will examine together with the Government’s next report.
1. The Committee notes the Government’s first report and its annexes. It regrets to note that the Government’s brief report only provides information on certain of the Articles of the Convention, and that it does not include the information necessary in a first report to enable the Committee to carry out a detailed examination, such as copies of any relevant national and provincial legislation. It also does not indicate the employers’ and workers’ organizations to which a copy of the report was communicated. In addition, it was received after the beginning of the Committee’s session, too late to be examined in detail this year.
2. The Committee notes that in September 2001, the Congress of Argentinian Workers (CTA) sent detailed observations on the application of the Convention, which were forwarded by the Office to the Government in October 2001. Noting that the Government’s report does not refer to any of the points raised by the CTA in its observations, the Committee requests the Government to provide information in this respect, and particularly on the points indicated below, which are examined in greater detail in a request addressed directly to the Government.
3. With reference to the legislation, the CTA indicates that the Constitution of 1994 introduced an amended regulation relating to indigenous peoples, recognizing the ethnic and cultural pre-existence of indigenous peoples and their collective ownership and possession of lands, among other provisions. Nevertheless, Act No. 23302 respecting indigenous policy and support for aboriginal communities dates from 1985 and the majority of the national and provincial laws on this subject are earlier than the constitutional reform and have not been brought into conformity with the Convention.
4. Article 1 of the Convention. With regard to the self-identification of indigenous peoples, the CTA points out that both the national and provincial legislation, as well as the census forms, contain criteria which are not in compliance with the Convention and it calls for indigenous peoples to be consulted for the formulation of questions which would guide the census of indigenous peoples.
5. The CTA alleges that numerous problems arise in the recognition of indigenous peoples, principally with regard to the granting of legal personality, due to long and complex procedures.
6. Articles 6, 7 and 15. The CTA alleges the absence of consultations with indigenous peoples through representative institutions in general, and particularly in connection with the exploration and exploitation of natural resources.
7. Land. The CTA states that the forms of ownership set out in the Civil Code, which is of Roman law origin, are inadequate for recognition of the ownership and possession of ancestral lands, and that the way they are applied results in indigenous peoples’ losing most of the claims they lodge for land rights.
8. The CTA also makes comments on other Articles of the Convention, which will be examined by the Committee together with the Government’s next report.
9. The Committee notes another communication from the CTA, received in November 2002, indicating among other information that a Bill has been submitted to the Senate establishing the Programme of Basic Social Infrastructure for Indigenous Communities. It requests the Government to provide a copy of this Bill and to indicate the consultations held in accordance with Article 6 of the Convention.
10. The Committee requests the Government to report in detail before 30 September 2003, so that its report can be examined during the Committee’s next session. It also hopes that the Government will communicate a copy of its report to employers’ and workers’ organizations.