Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley

The World Heritage Convention, human rights and Indigenous Peoples

The World Heritage Convention, while rooted in universalistic aims and state-centrism, has shown inconsistent adherence to international human rights standards, particularly concerning Indigenous Peoples' rights. Despite a recent shift towards recognizing Indigenous worldviews and cultural continuity, the system remains Eurocentric, limiting equitable participation. A case study analysis of five sites—including the Kenya Lake System in Kenya—reveals variance among states and committees in upholding these standards. The research suggests that broadening World Heritage value concepts and aligning with human rights frameworks could enhance protection for Indigenous Peoples, though current practices fall short.