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Bolivian representative: Development should not come at expense of indigenous displacement

Ronal Boriz Cruz Martinez, indigenous leader and lawyer of Bolivia’s Suyu Suras people

22 May 2026 11:40 (UTC +04:00)

Development should not come at the expense of the displacement of indigenous peoples, Ronal Boriz Cruz Martinez, indigenous leader and lawyer of Bolivia’s Suyu Suras people, said during the session titled “The Rights of Indigenous Peoples: Adequate Housing for All Indigenous Peoples in Their Diversity” held within the framework of WUF13, APA-Economics reports.

According to him, for indigenous peoples, housing is not only a place to live, but also part of a way of life connected to culture, traditions, and land.

Ronal Boriz Cruz Martinez stated that urban expansion in some cases leads to the forced displacement of indigenous peoples from their collective lands. Therefore, the prior informed consent of local communities should be obtained when implementing urban development projects.

He stressed that the collective land rights of indigenous peoples must be protected by legislation, while housing projects should be developed with their participation.

Rahim Tariverdiyev

Ronal Boriz Cruz Martinez Bolivia indigenous peoples WUF13 land rights collective land rights forced displacement urban expansion housing rights indigenous communities urban development prior informed consent cultural heritage indigenous leadership sustainable development APA-Economics Baku