This open letter calls on the European Union (EU) to include rights to self-determination, to lands, territories and resource, and to free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) in the upcoming Directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence.

The letter was sent to EU policymakers by 21 organisations that represent indigenous and tribal peoples, and communities who share an experience of collective ownership, management and use of lands, territories and natural resources. It is also endorsed by 50 human rights and environmental organisations who support the recommendations promoted by these groups.

The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive is currently in its final stages of negotiations and policymakers in the European Parliament, the Council, and the European Commission have an opportunity to change course and make a positive impact for people and forests by upholding the EU’s own human rights commitments and its international obligations in the Directive.

The open letter warns that while the upcoming Directive aims to halt the adverse impacts of business on human rights and the environment, inside and outside Europe, it will not achieve this in its current state.