The Teribe and Bribri Indigenous People of Salitre of Costa Rica through the IACHR

Abstract

This essay analyzes the resolution on precautionary measures issued by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) in favor of the Teribe and Bribri indigenous peoples of Salitre, Costa Rica. The measures were granted due to the conflict in their territories, caused by non-indigenous individuals and entities in response to the land reclamation efforts initiated by the indigenous peoples, during which two indigenous leaders were murdered. It also analyzes the Admissibility Report on the petition filed by the Teribe Indigenous People, adopted by the IACHR on July 2, 2020, which alleges the state’s failure to recognize the territory of the Teribe people; the limitation on effective indigenous participation in decision-making and the administration of their traditional territory, particularly with regard to projects carried out there; the disregard for the people’s own or customary institutions and indigenous authorities, and the imposition of state institutions in their place; the planning and initiation of state activities related to a hydroelectric dam without guaranteeing the Teribe Indigenous People’s access to information and to prior, free, and informed consultation; and the absence of effective and adequate judicial remedies. The IACHR determined that the petitioners’ allegations are not manifestly unfounded and require a substantive review of the alleged facts, which are purportedly in violation of the American Convention.