Expanding road infrastructure in territories with indigenous communities requires an approach that guarantees respect for their collective rights and self-determination. In Guanajuato, Mexico, this process involves establishing consultation procedures with indigenous peoples and communities in accordance with international standards, particularly Convention 169 of the International Labour Organisation (ILO). This poster outlines the outcomes of consultations conducted in 2024 for two road projects involving 13 indigenous communities. Our aim is to highlight the related psychological procedures, challenges and lessons learned.
The right to free, prior and informed consultation is a fundamental collective human right for indigenous peoples. It is recognised nationally in the Political Constitution of the United Mexican States and internationally in ILO Convention 169 and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. In Guanajuato, these processes are based on the 'Protocol for the Implementation of Consultations with Indigenous Peoples and Communities', and the guiding principles of these consultations include good faith, freedom of participation, the cultural relevance of methodologies, the provision of complete and impartial information (including social, cultural, and environmental impact studies), and the active pursuit of agreements. The absence or defect of any of these elements may invalidate the procedure.
Identified needs for these processes include including training on human rights and indigenous rights in a preparatory phase, and establishing ongoing dialogue between ejido leaders, indigenous authorities, and state government authorities.
These experiences demonstrate that consultations with indigenous communities can lead to agreements and prevent conflicts. However, they also highlight a disconnect between the communities' needs and the government's proposals, which, while it may be positive for the state, does not necessarily result in direct benefits for the communities.