Chile Indigenous Law Reform: NGO Ordre de l'Etoile du Sud Highlights Indigenous Rights and the Treaty of Tapihue

Chile Indigenous Law Reform: NGO Ordre de l'Etoile du Sud Highlights Indigenous Rights and Historical Commitments

Paris, France - June 3, 2026 - The NGO Ordre de l'Etoile du Sud is closely monitoring the proposed reform of Chile's Indigenous Law No. 19,253, a key legislative framework governing the rights of Indigenous Peoples in Chile and regulating matters related to Indigenous communities, ancestral lands, and cultural protection.

In this context, the NGO wishes to draw the attention of the international community to the importance of preserving Indigenous Peoples' rights and respecting ancestral territories. Any legislative reform affecting Indigenous communities should be conducted in accordance with applicable international standards, constitutional principles, and existing legal commitments. The organization believes that constructive dialogue and respect for the rule of law are essential to ensuring lasting solutions that promote social cohesion, legal certainty, and mutual understanding.

The NGO recalls the importance of compliance with International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 169 and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). These international instruments recognize fundamental rights, including the principle of prior, free and informed consultation regarding legislative or administrative measures that may affect Indigenous Peoples. They also emphasize the protection of Indigenous cultures, traditions, institutions, and their special relationship with ancestral lands and natural resources.

Ordre de l'Etoile du Sud is also closely following discussions concerning the Treaty of Tapihue of 1825, the historic agreement concluded between the Chilean State and the Mapuche Nation. The significance of this treaty has been publicly acknowledged by former Chilean Presidents Sebastián Piñera and Gabriel Boric. The NGO considers that any reform affecting Indigenous territorial rights should take into account the historical and legal context surrounding this agreement, as well as its place in the historical relationship between the Chilean State and the Mapuche people.

The organization notes that the protection of Indigenous rights remains an important issue not only for Chile but also for the international community. Respect for international commitments, peaceful dialogue between stakeholders, and consideration of historical agreements contribute to democratic governance, the protection of cultural diversity, and the promotion of human rights.

The NGO further emphasizes that Indigenous Peoples have played a vital role in preserving cultural traditions, languages, and knowledge systems that form an integral part of humanity's shared heritage. Protecting these rights and ensuring meaningful participation in decision-making processes are essential components of sustainable development and social stability.

Ordre de l'Etoile du Sud reaffirms its commitment to human rights, intercultural dialogue, the rule of law, and the protection of Indigenous Peoples. The NGO will continue to follow developments related to the proposed reform of Indigenous Law No. 19,253 and encourages all parties involved to pursue solutions based on consultation, mutual respect, and compliance with international legal standards.

Press Contact

NGO Ordre de l'Etoile du Sud
Paris - France

www.ordredeletoiledusud.fr

The NGO Ordre de l'Etoile du Sud operates under the High Patronage of Prince Antoine V of Araucania.

Domaine des Hauts de Vaugrenier
06270 Villeneuve-Loubet France

Ordre de l'Etoile du Sud is a France-based non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting human rights, intercultural dialogue, international cooperation, and the protection of Mapuche Peoples and their cultural heritage.

This release was published on openPR.