In 2009, the Self-Government Act set the framework for Greenland to become an independent State. However this process requires Greenland to be economically self-sufficient, which it is not in the present. Exploitation of mineral resources has been proposed as the roadmap to achieve this economic goal.
From an international perspective, there are two international instruments that set the framework for indigenous peoples rights, namely the ILO Convention No.169 (ILO 169) and the UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). These international instruments represent the articulation of human rights in the specific circumstances of indigenous peoples.
This research is focused on the assessment of the implementation in Greenland of ILO 169 and UNDRIP. The case-study of Greenland is selected on the basis of the share of the population self-identified as Inuit (a recognized indigenous people), the current economic development trend towards increased mineral resource activities and the fact that both ILO 169 and UNDRIP have been adopted by Greenland.
The assessment is done by interpreting, conceptualizing and operationalizing the ILO 169 and UNDRIP in the form of the obligations they generate to Greenland. These obligations are assessed with primary sources (interviews) and secondary sources (relevant national legislation including the Mineral Resource Act and historical records)
The conclusions presented in this project are based on whether the Greenlandic government is respecting, protecting and fulfilling of the obligations regarding FPIC, land and natural resources, consultations, participation and development and self-determination.