The Declaration on the rights of peasants: a key instrument

CETIM and La Vía Campesina continue to advocate for the implementation of the Declaration on the Rights of Peasants

On 17 December 2018, the United Nations adopted the Declaration on the Rights of Peasants.

The adoption of the Declaration, the result of a 17-year struggle for the recognition of the rights of this particularly vulnerable population, is a historic moment. Respected and effectively implemented, this instrument will be useful, not only for peasants, but for humanity as a whole.

One year after the adoption of this indispensable tool, a joint declaration has been signed by nine special rapporteurs and experts and four members of the United Nations treaty bodies. This document stresses that peasants must participate “in all decision-making processes that may affect their lives, lands, resources and livelihoods” and repeatedly urges States to play a key role in the implementation of the Declaration.

The publication of such a document is a strong sign and a hope for the future of the Declaration on the Rights of Peasants. However, CETIM and La Via Campesina continue to advocate for its implementation. Indeed, the challenge continues on a daily basis.

Order the E-book “The UN Declaration on the Rights of Peasants”