The Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy (IPLP) Program at the University of Arizona has submitted a legal brief to the two Presidential Commissions established by the President of Tanzania to address land disputes and assess the relocation process in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA). The brief reminds the Government of Tanzania of its binding human rights obligations under international and regional law.

In April 2025, IPLP submitted a comprehensive legal analysis affirming that the Maasai meet all established international criteria to be recognized as Indigenous Peoples. The brief emphasizes Tanzania’s legal obligations to respect and protect the Maasai’s rights to self-identification, land, culture, and Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC).

The report offers 10 key recommendations, including the formal recognition of the Maasai as Indigenous Peoples, the full implementation of the Maasai right to consultation and FPIC, the provision of effective remedies and reparations, and the adoption of a rights-based approach to conservation.

Read the full Brief: