Following more than ten days of protests, Peru's indigenous communities have succeeded in forcing Congress to repeal two decrees promoting private investment in areas inhabited by the indigenous population. President Alan García had hoped the measure, which was designed to facilitate property sales, would increase investment and development in indigenous territory.

But members of the indigenous communities were outraged by the lack of consultation. The Peruvian Constitution and Convention no. 169 of the International Labour Organization (ILO) both protect the rights of indigenous peoples to consultation in such circumstances.

According to IPS Noticias, one of the new decrees (no. 1,015) stipulates that, in order for communal lands to be "taxed, leased, or used in any other way [...] in the interests of private companies", a simple majority of members of community assemblies would need to be in favour. Previous legislation stipulates that a two-thirds majority is required.

On Friday, after more than a week of protests, Congress witnessed an unusual alliance between the opposition and parties that normally support the party currently in power, the Partido Aprista Peruano (PAP, Peruvian Aprista Party). In the end, the PAP was alone in backing the new legislation, with 29 votes in favour and 66 against. But the Government is still intending to push the decrees through parliament, and some indigenous leaders, such as the President of the Interethnic Association for the Development of the Peruvian Jungle (AIDESEP), Alberto Pizango, have threatened the Government with further protests if it fails to overturn the decrees definitively. Pizango has also once again said that the indigenous communities are willing to negotiate.

Further information:

• IPS Noticias: PERÚ: Indígenas ganan batalla en el parlamento
• RPP Noticias: Alberto Pizango: Nativos quieren escuchar decisión final del Ejecutivo
• Prensa Latina: Indígenas hacen advertencia a gobierno peruano