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Protecting Indigenous Peoples in Development Projects by the International ‎Finance Corporation with a Special Focus on the Legal System of Iran

Document Type : Article

Authors

1 Prof., Department of Public Law, Faculty of Law and Political Sciences, University of Tehran, ‎Tehran, Iran‎

2 Ph.D. Student in Oil and Gas Law, Faculty of Law and Political Sciences, University of Tehran, ‎Tehran, Iran‎

Abstract

One of the latest developments in the field of international law is the establishment of a special protective system for indigenous communities in development projects. This development is based on the latest interpretations of the concept of sustainable development, which considers the sustainability of development not only in terms of environmental and economic dimensions but also by preventing adverse social impacts. Additionally, the right to development, as the third generation of human rights, encompasses all human, social, and cultural aspects of human rights as essential characteristics of desirable development. In this context, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) has outlined special rights for indigenous groups, such as the right to consultation and participation, the right to provide informed, prior, and voluntary consent, and access to mechanisms for addressing grievances. In this writing, after describing the operational guidelines of the IFC in support of indigenous rights, the position of indigenous communities within the legal framework of our country will be examined. Unfortunately, despite the constitutional capacity to recognize a dedicated mechanism to guarantee the rights of indigenous groups, ordinary laws in this area suffer from gaps and lack of modernization. Therefore, there is a pressing need today for the drafting and approval of specific legislation focused on the rights of local and indigenous communities in development projects.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

  1. English

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    1. C) Websites:
    2. Ahvaz Novin (2019). The Unfinished Project of Relocating Residents of "oil-contaminated areas" in Masjid Suleiman. Available at: https://ahvaznovin.ir/s/98042387577 (In Persian).
    3. Tasnim (2022). Local Interrupters Blocking Construction Projects/ Dehdasht Interchange Must Be Determined. Available at: https://tn.ai/2766793 (In Persian).
Public Law Studies Quarterly
Volume 55, Issue 1 - Serial Number 41
Spring 2025
April 2025
Pages 51-76
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History
  • Receive Date: 29 April 2023
  • Revise Date: 17 April 2024
  • Accept Date: 15 April 2024
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