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Access to land

The United Nations' "Universal Declaration of Human Rights" states in Article 17 that (1) everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in association with others; and (2) no one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property.

Oxfam works with indigenous communities and people displaced by disasters and conflicts to ensure that their claims to ancestral lands or lands formerly occupied by them are honored and respected by local authorities.

Oxfam's oil, gas, and mining program
Oxfam advocates just government policies and corporate practices in the oil, gas, and mining industries, and supports the right of communities to participate meaningfully in decisions about the use of natural resources.
Working together to end poverty and injustice
An overview of Oxfam America and our approach to poverty relief and lasting social change.
Oxfam in Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean
All across this diverse and beautiful territory, new faces of leadership are emerging. Women, rural communities, and small farmers are adding their voices to the political dialogue, calling on their governments: Hear us now.
Oxfam in South America
To their government officials and to the corporations who want to exploit their lands and natural resources, the indigenous and rural people of South America have a simple, yet important message: "We are here."
OXFAMExchange Winter 2005
Come Together: Building a movement to overcome poverty and change the world
More publications
Oxfam America Organizing Guide
Tips for taking action in your community
Oxfam America House Party Guide
Tools for hosting a high-impact event
More tools for activists
"This is the future"
After centuries of discrimination and a decade of legal work supported by Oxfam, the indigenous Chiquitano of eastern Bolivia people now have legal title to their ancestral territory, Monte Verde.
Our Land, Our Life
The struggle of Carrie and Mary Dann, two Western Shoshone elders, to address the threat mining development poses to the sacred and environmentally sensitive lands of Crescent Valley, Nevada.
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Peru overturns decrees, starts dialogue

Peru overturns decrees, starts dialogue

The government of Peru and indigenous citizens to move from conflict to dialogue on land rights and the best way to consult native people as they work to protect their territory and way of life.

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West Africa asks, "Where is my gold?"

West Africa asks, "Where is my gold?"

Oxfam America and leading civil society organizations in West Africa are launching a week of action aimed at raising public awareness about the mining industry in the region.

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Land and heritage at risk in Ghana

Land and heritage at risk in Ghana

A proposal to mine in a forest reserve raises concerns about the environment and the future of a nearby farming community.

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Joanna Manu: community activist in Ghana

Joanna Manu: community activist in Ghana

Joanna Manu learns how to defend her rights and stands firm in protecting the environment in her community.

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"Without land there is no life"

"Without land there is no life"

Elba Flores, head of research at the Center for Legal Studies and Social Research (CEJIS), describes the struggle of the Chiquitano people to overcome racism.

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"This is the future"

"This is the future"

After centuries of discrimination and a decade of legal work supported by Oxfam, the indigenous Chiquitano people of eastern Bolivia now have legal title to their ancestral territory, Monte Verde.

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First the rivers, then the forests: a fragile balance

First the rivers, then the forests: a fragile balance

Rural communities are struggling to survive as they lose their resources one at a time.

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Bolivian indigenous groups attacked

Bolivian indigenous groups attacked

Oxfam expresses solidarity with Chiquitano indigenous people in eastern Bolivia after their offices are ransacked and leaders are threatened.

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Worldwide competition names Oxfam partner "Environmental Hero"

Worldwide competition names Oxfam partner "Environmental Hero"

Chinese activist recognized for documenting socioeconomic impact of dams.

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