Step by step of the prior consultation

The prior consultation is an intercultural dialogue that seeks to guarantee the real, timely, and effective participation of ethnic groups and minorities in identifying impacts and management measures for the development of projects, works, or activities that affect them, in order to protect their ethnic and cultural integrity.

This mechanism is based on ILO Convention 169, concerning the main rights of indigenous or tribal peoples. In the case of Colombia, it also applies to black, Afro-Colombian, raizal, and palenquero communities.

The Directorate of Prior Consultation (DCP), attached to the Ministry of the Interior (Mininterior), is the entity responsible for coordinating and ensuring the due process of these consultations.