La Discretionary administrative function and indigenous consultation

Abstract

The right of indigenous consultation enshrined in Convention 169 of the International Labour Organization provides that governments must consult indigenous peoples whenever legislative or administrative measures may affect them directly. In relation to administrative acts likely to affect indigenous peoples these can be regulated or discretionary. Article 7 of the Regulations governing the right of consultation in Chile limited its application to the discretionary acts. From a broad reading of the administrative law and constitutional order it is not a legitimate restriction of indigenous consultation. The consultation ensures an enhanced democratic participation in favor of indigenous peoples in order to overcome historical conditions of submission mechanism. The ruled character of an administrative act must not be an excuse for compliance with the State duty to consult.