In their most recent bulletin, the World Rainforest Movement (WRM) reports the recommendations of a joint WRM/Friends of the Earth International publication to be released at the World Summit on Sustainable Development, which will be held in Johannesburg, South Africa, from August 26 to September 7, 2002. The report emphasizes the importance of recognizing indigenous peoples’ land rights and of promoting land reforms in order to assure an equitable distribution of agricultural lands. The organizations also address the multilateral financial institutions, particularly the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, requesting that they take steps to assess the potential negative impacts of their programs on indigenous peoples and the environment.
