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This report reviews the laws and policies of Mozambique regarding the recognition of the rights of local communities and indigenous peoples, specifically examining how natural resource extraction, large-scale agriculture, and infrastructure projects impact these rights.

This research paper by Natural Justice examines the dynamics of community-company engagements in the extractive industries, focusing on the power imbalances between corporations and indigenous or local communities. It outlines various types of agreements, evaluates the effectiveness of different engagement models (government-led vs. community-led), and provides a comprehensive overview of international human rights standards and legal frameworks that govern these interactions.

This report by Natural Justice provides a comprehensive review of Mozambique's legal and policy frameworks regarding the rights of local communities and indigenous peoples to land and natural resources. It examines the tension between progressive laws, such as the 1997 Land Law, and a trend toward 're-concentration' of power by the State to facilitate large-scale extractive and agricultural investments. The document highlights systemic failures in community consultation, the marginalization of community-based natural resource management (CBNRM), and the impact of resettlement projects in the mining sector.

This guide, published by Natural Justice in December 2014, provides an overview of regional and international grievance and advocacy mechanisms available to indigenous peoples and local communities. It categorizes these tools into UN human rights systems, regional human rights systems, international and regional financial institutions, industry-specific standards, and other advocacy opportunities, detailing eligibility, processes, and potential barriers for each.

A joint statement urging the United Nations Human Rights Council to increase its focus on the human rights impacts of international financial institutions (IFIs), including multilateral development banks like the World Bank.

A statement from 67 civil society organizations (CSOs) providing recommendations to strengthen the African Development Bank's (AfDB) Independent Review Mechanism (IRM) following a second review by a consultant.

A report by Cecil le Fleur, Chairperson of the National Khoi San Council, regarding his attendance at the 13th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) in New York in May 2014. The document details tensions between the Council and the South African government over the legal recognition of the Khoi and San, as well as international disputes regarding the participation of indigenous peoples in the upcoming World Conference on Indigenous Peoples.

This guide, published by Natural Justice in May 2014, provides an introduction to the social and environmental safeguards and standards associated with REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation). It is designed for forest-dependent communities and facilitators to help them understand international frameworks, identify their rights and responsibilities, and engage in national safeguard development processes to mitigate risks such as land dispossession and ensure equitable benefit sharing.

This commentary analyzes the limitations of the draft European Union (EU) Regulation on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS), arguing that its narrow scope, administrative 'light touch' approach, and specific loopholes undermine the spirit of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Nagoya Protocol.

A statement by Natural Justice reflecting on the legacy of Nelson Mandela following his death, emphasizing his role in South Africa's reconciliation and the ongoing need to fight for equality and justice.

Natural Justice, a not-for-profit association, issued a statement of support for its Fellow in India, Stella James, following her public accounts of sexual harassment. The organization condemned all forms of harassment and abuse of women, particularly within the legal profession, and requested that media refer to James's original statements and respect her privacy.

This briefing by Natural Justice discusses the introduction of the Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2013 in India, detailing its objectives to strengthen wildlife law enforcement and CITES compliance, while critiquing specific provisions regarding penalties in tiger reserves and research permits.

The Mining Zone Peoples’ Solidarity Group has petitioned Sonia Gandhi, Chairperson of the National Advisory Council, to permanently halt iron ore mining in the Khandadhar mountain range of Odisha, India, citing severe environmental devastation and the threat of cultural extinction for the Pauri Bhuiyan tribe.

This report documents the Second Meeting of the Asian Regional Initiative on Biocultural Community Protocols (ARI-BCP), held in Bangalore from February 18 to 20, 2013, to discuss challenges and collaboration on Biocultural Community Protocols (BCPs) across South Asia.

This report by Natural Justice and the Berne Declaration critiques a draft European Commission (EC) Regulation for implementing the Nagoya Protocol. The authors argue that the draft's focus on 'access' as the trigger for user obligations, rather than 'utilisation', creates legal uncertainty for EU users and undermines the Protocol's goal of fair and equitable benefit-sharing.

This report provides a legal and institutional analysis of Indigenous Peoples' and Local Communities Conserved Territories and Areas (ICCAs) in Kenya. It examines the intersection of national legislation, international law, and customary practices across various ecosystems, including pastoralist rangelands, forests, and coastal marine areas. The document highlights the transition from 'trust land' to 'community land' under the 2010 Constitution as a pivotal reform for securing collective tenure and supporting community-led conservation efforts.

This report analyzes the legal and institutional framework of Indigenous Peoples’ and Community Conserved Territories and Areas (ICCAs) in Senegal. It details the transition from state-led conservation to decentralized governance, the role of Communal Natural Reserves (RNCs) and sacred sites, and the challenges regarding formal recognition and sustainability of community-led conservation efforts.

This report analyzes the legal and institutional frameworks in Canada as they relate to Indigenous Peoples' Conserved Territories and Areas (ICCAs). It examines the tension between Canadian state law—characterized by a history of colonialism and assimilation—and the inherent rights of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples to govern their traditional lands and resources.

This 2012 report analyzes the lack of legal recognition for indigenous-led conservation areas (TICCAs) in Panama. It details how the state's National System of Protected Areas (SINAP) often overlaps with indigenous territories, leading to conflicts and the restriction of traditional livelihoods. The report highlights the Guna people's 'Galus' and 'Birias' as effective traditional conservation models and recommends legislative reforms to recognize indigenous land rights and traditional knowledge in biodiversity management.

This report, authored by the Association of Indigenous Village Leaders in Suriname (VIDS), analyzes the legal and institutional frameworks in Suriname regarding Indigenous Peoples' and Local Communities' Conserved Territories and Areas (ICCAs). It concludes that the state fails to legally recognize indigenous and tribal peoples as collectivities or acknowledge their collective rights to traditional lands and resources. This legal vacuum, combined with discriminatory legislation and the prioritization of 'public interest' for state-issued concessions, severely undermines the ability of these communities to govern their territories and conserve biodiversity. The report highlights a significant gap between international human rights standards—including a landmark judgment by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights in the Saramaka case—and national implementation.