The Peruvian Congress has unanimously adopted a historic bill recognizing Indigenous Peoples' rights to prior consultation. The law, which was passed August 23, is based on the International Labour Organization Convention 169 and requires companies to consult with Indigenous communities before undertaking any type of development project such as building mines or drilling for oil. The law is a radical change from the laissez-faire policies of the previous administration, which led to protests and police violence. President Ollanta Humala now has 15 days to sign the legislation into law.
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