Legal situation of Rapa Nui in the light of the regional norms of international law

Abstract

The aim of the article was to present, as well as to analyse legally, the situation of the population of Rapa Nui (Easter Island) in the light of regional norms of international law. Rapa Nui was annexed by Chile in 1888. Since then violations of the rights of indigenous peoples living on the Island have been observed. The legal situation of the inhabitants of Easter Island is difficult due to the Chilean government’s failure to respect, i.a., the right to self-determination or the right to environmental protection. The research assumption is, therefore, to discuss the actual situation in which indigenous peoples find themselves and then to confront it with the legal situation, which does give the opportunity to improve the difficult position of Rapa Nui. There are a number of American regional norms, along with a series of judgements of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, which might help local people in regaining their freedoms, as well as in improving their material well-being. The research method used was the method of legal analysis, consisting of analysing the content of binding legal regulations, internal law arrangements, regional judiciary, and international agreements regulating the situation of indigenous minorities, as well as internal official data. The results show solid legal possibilities for the Rapa Nui population, which has the basis to enforce its rights in the field of universal civil rights, respect for their constitutional social and economic rights, along with the right to live in the clean natural environments.