The Awas Tingni case or the future of the territorial rights of the indigenous peoples of the nicaraguan caribbean

Abstract

This writing covers the historical struggle of a Mayangna community Awas Tingni for the defense of their territorial rights, that ended up with an advantageous verdict from Interamerican Court of Human Rights which makes a fact without precedents for the defense of native rights in worldwide area.  The article also describes the complex process through which the community succeeded in the defense of their rights against a forestry concession in their territory, a process which reached to the highest judicial leveis for the defense of human rights in all the American Continent.  The author also analyzes the implications and magnitude of Awas Tingni verdict case for the defense of the native territorial rights within the Interamerican system of human rights.  The article concludes with a reflection on the consequences of the case for future titling processes of the native community lands in the Caribbean Nicaraguan.  Attached to the text is a chronological selection of outstanding excerpts of the verdict.