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Updated Nornickel Policy Towards the Indigenous

 

Nornickel established new policy guidelines, which were formulated with support of northern indigenous communities and associations.

Photo by Nornickel.

The document was developed with the participation of independent experts and in consultation with indigenous communities and associations. It takes into account international standards, UN guidelines, and best practices of interaction with indigenous peoples in various situations, due diligence measures, and the principle of free, prior, and informed consent.

The company acknowledges the vulnerability of indigenous peoples, thus suggesting that an independent audit should be conducted every three years to review the implementation of the policy, agreements, and programs developed with the participation and for the benefit of indigenous peoples. A mechanism for handling complaints is also provided.

The Policy is based on the following fundamental principles:
– recognition of individual and collective rights of Indigenous Peoples,
– recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ own development priorities,
– recognition of the vulnerability of Indigenous Peoples from various factors of natural
and anthropogenic impact,
– recognition of the right of Indigenous Peoples to participate in decision-making on
issues that affect them,
– eradication of discrimination,
– development of equal, respectful dialogue and long-term cooperation with Indigenous
Peoples,
– allocation of adequate resources to organize engagement with Indigenous Peoples
”.

The new policy is more detailed and is based on the opinions of UN experts and representatives of indigenous peoples. It will establish a framework for the development of corporate interaction in the regions.

Source: The Arctic Century and Association of Small Indigenous Peoples SOYUZ.

20.09.2024