Observation (CEACR) - adoptée 1992, publiée 79ème session CIT (1992)

The Committee wishes once again to take special note of the Government's attention to resolving problems which arise between the indigenous populations of the country and other citizens, in a spirit of dialogue and negotiation. It notes with satisfaction the improvements made in this regard in one region following its 1987 comments. The Committee refers in particular to the detailed information provided on the involvement of indigenous and tribal communities in discussions concerning economic development in the areas in which they live. This does not mean that no problems arise, but it does indicate that they are approached in a spirit of cooperation.

The Committee wishes to draw the attention of all governments whose countries include indigenous and tribal populations to the approach taken in Panama.

At the same time, the Committee notes that there is a wide variety of institutions, including a number of ministries and their subsidiary bodies, working in this field. Recalling the requirement of Article 2 of the Convention that "Governments shall have the primary responsibility for developing coordinated and systematic action" in this regard, the Committee hopes that it will be possible to ensure that this principle is applied.

The Committee is also raising a number of questions in more detailed comments addressed directly to the Government.