Rio Declaration On Environment and Development: An Assessment

UNCED introduced the concept of “major groups” to cover all sectors
of civil society as partners in sustainable development with official
players in government. Separate chapters in Agenda 21 are dedicated
to the role of each major group, including industry. The three most
visible and active lobby groups, in addition to NGOs, were women,
youth and indigenous peoples’ groups. This was largely the reason
for the specific inclusion of these three principles.
Discussions were most extensive over Principle 22. A number
of countries objected to the term “indigenous peoples” with its
connotation of self-determination. The singular is unfortunately a
step back from existing UN instruments dealing with indigenous
peoples’ issues. China was insistent that local communities be
included, because there were large numbers of such communities in
their country who are not indigenous people but whose knowledge
and traditions should be recognised.
The underlying strain in these negotiations was largely due to
domestic policies of certain countries that did not recognise indigenous
peoples’ rights or where conflicts exist within the country between
indigenous peoples and the State. Reservations were expressed from
both Northern and Southern countries. However, the international
climate was such that to object too vehemently would isolate the
countries concerned.
Principle 23
The environment and natural resources of people under oppression,
domination and occupation shall be protected.
The original G77 and China proposal read as follows:
“Policies promoting or perpetuating apartheid, racial segregation,
discrimination, colonial and other forms of oppression and foreign
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