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Ombudsman’s office says will keep close eye on prior consultation implementation

The office of Peru’s ombudsman said Friday that it will play an important role in supervising the implementation of the prior consultation law, which was signed into law earlier this month by President Ollanta Humala in an attempt to resolve social conflicts in the development of resource projects.

The ombudsman’s Eduardo Vega said that he met with representatives of indigenous communities today to discuss the implementation of the law, state news agency Andina reported. The meeting included Alberto Pizango, the president of the largest indigenous association in Peru, known as Aidesep.

“Our institution will supervise very closely this process, always listening to the voice of the indigenous population,” Vega said.

The law has been strongly supported by international and national rights organizations. It is intended to ensure that Peru’s local laws are in compliance with the International Labor Organization’s Convention 169.

The convention requires the State to consult indigenous people prior to adopting administrative and legislative measures, as well as investment projects and development plans, that could affect their communities.

Government officials have recently said that it could be implemented in early 2012.

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