Private sector stakeholders should, in the application of their guidelines and safeguard policies, ensure the protection of the rights of indigenous peoples, as enshrined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Respect for free, prior and informed consent is essential for enabling indigenous peoples to participate in and engage with private sector activities, including in forestry, agriculture, fishing and extractive industries.
The Permanent Forum welcomes the entry into force of the Regional Agreement on Access to Information, Public Participation and Justice in Environmental Matters in Latin America and the Caribbean (Escazú Agreement) on 22 April 2021 and urges those countries that have not yet signed and ratified the Agreement to do so at the earliest opportunity. The Forum also urges those countries that have ratified the Escazú Agreement to ensure its implementation.