Divers Paths to Justice: Legal pluralism and the rights of indigenous peoples in Southeast Asia

This publication reveals that the majority of Southeast Asian countries already have plural legal systems, and to some extent custom is recognised as a source of rights in the legal framework of a number of them. National and international courts have affirmed indigenous peoples’ customary rights in land. And all these countries have endorsed and ratified key international human rights laws and treaties-- thus, the basis for securing indigenous peoples’ rights through a revalidation of customary law exists. The study makes clear that ‘legal pluralism’ is not an arcane field of analysis for academics but lies at the heart of indigenous peoples’ struggles for the recognition of their rights.

You can also view this publication on the Forest Peoples Programme website.

The publication was launched at the workshop “Human Rights and Business: Plural Legal Approaches to Conflict Resolution, Institutional Strengthening and Legal Reform” in Bali, convened by the Indonesian National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) and supporting NGOs SawitWatch and Forest Peoples Programme.

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