Free, prior and informed consent
Free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) represents the highest standard possible for the involvement of Indigenous Peoples in decision-making processes about large projects.
FPIC entitles indigenous peoples to determine the outcome of decision-making that affects them – it is not merely a right to be consulted about projects that others will ultimately make decisions about. FPIC offers the best guarantee that the negative impacts of large projects will be avoided, and that Indigenous Peoples’ economic, social and cultural rights will be protected.
FPIC means that indigenous peoples must be informed about mining, logging, dams, palm oil and other large projects in a timely manner. They must be given the opportunity to approve (or reject) projects prior to the commencement of operations. This includes participation in setting the terms and conditions that address the economic, social and environmental impacts of all phases of the project.
FPIC is recognised in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples [PDF].
Oxfam Resources
Free, prior and informed consent guides
Oxfam’s guides to Free, Prior and Informed Consent will help communities have a say about projects that may impact on their land, livelihood and environment. It contains information about FPIC, who has this right, and how this can help people have a say about mines, dams, logging and other large infrastructure projects which may affect them in some way.
FPIC guides are currently available in: English, Dutch, French, Indonesian, Khmer, Laos, Mongolian, Papua New Guinea pidgin, Portuguese, Spanish, Swahili, Tetum and Vietnamese.
Peruse the FPIC guides online.
Free, prior and informed consent trainer’s manuals
Our trainer’s manual Strengthening Community Understanding of Free, Prior and Informed Consent complements the guide and is a practical resource for trainers to help them plan and deliver FPIC training programs. The manual is not just for experienced trainers, facilitators or educators – it is for people who want to develop and build their skills and confidence in preparing and delivering training.
FPIC trainer’s manuals are currently available in: English, French, Portuguese, Swahili, Tetum, Chinese and Vietnamese.
Peruse the FPIC trainer’s manuals online.
Free, prior and informed consent training cards
Oxfam has also produced a series of Free, Prior and Informed Consent training cards to be used in FPIC training programs. FPIC training cards are currently available in: English, Dutch, French, Portuguese, Indonesian, Nyungwe, Spanish and Swahili.
Peruse the FPIC training cards online.
Find out more:
- Learn about FPIC in Australia
- Learn about Australian mining company commitments’ to free, prior and informed consent.
- Learn more about oil, gas and mining company positions on community consent – community consent index 2015
- To learn more on the Forum Theatre Methodology, watch the Forum Theatre and Forum Theatre Games videos. Both were produced by Oxfam partner, EarthRights International.
