Protecting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as an Essential Element of Inclusive Economic Growth

The notion that the fruits of economic growth should be enjoyed by wide sections of society has not always received universal support. Traditional approaches to economics have long focused on the role of market forces as an engine of economic growth rather than on ensuring equitable development outcomes driven by market forces. In practice, however, as a result of a policy of total non-government intervention in the economy, there is growing evidence of unwanted outcomes, such as increased income inequality and persistent poverty levels, which weaken social cohesion. Over time, the number of people who understand that economic development and growth must bring prosperity and well-being for all increases, including among scientists and policy-makers at the national and international levels. This increase in public awareness has led to increased recognition and understanding that growth must be inclusive, including the growth of prosperity and the protection of the rights of all vulnerable groups. Within the framework of this article, special attention is focused on protecting the rights of such a vulnerable category of the population as indigenous peoples. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.