Report of the National Inquiry into the Land Rights of Indigenous Peoples 7 iii. Analysing recent judgments and decisions taken by the Courts when tackling issues pertaining to land acquisition by State authorities and adequate compensation being awarded further, including tackling issues on communal ownership and collective rights of indigenous peoples to land; iv. Examining the effectiveness of policies, practices, recommendations and special measures implemented in rectifying violations on indigenous peoples’ land rights; v. Examining whether relevant bodies and/or agencies which are responsible for protecting the rights of indigenous peoples have been successful in carrying out their respective tasks towards remedying complaints on violation of land rights highlighted by affected indigenous peoples; vi. Considering the question of resource exploration and development and make recommendations on ways of accommodating the legitimate concerns and compensating for the impact of such development on indigenous peoples; and vii. Making recommendations on the appropriate terms and conditions upon which indigenous land should be recognised and titles issued. PUBLIC AWARENESS AND EMPOWERING PROCESS OF THE INQUIRY 1.25 It was also the aim of the Inquiry to create and promote more public awareness on the indigenous peoples’ rights to land and their way of life (ToR 4). Towards this end, media involvement is vital to promote transparency for the process, to play an educative role and to provide some form pressure on the relevant authorities. The media, particularly the local media, played an active role throughout the process. However, media self-censorship resulted in considerably lower coverage than expected. A report of the media coverage can be found in the Annex. 1.26 In addition to creating public awareness, the Inquiry is seen as a major empowering platform for the indigenous communities, thereby mobilizing themselves towards protecting their customary land. Communities came together to trace historical evidence to substantiate their stories and claims of NCR land to be presented before the Inquiry. For some, it also meant that a number of villages had to select one representative to speak on their behalf. Women too, also rose to the challenge despite the fact that some have never stood in public to speak. chapter 1_a4.indd 7 7/5/13 6:42 PM