Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act of 1997

b)              To deny any ICC/IP employee any right or bene¦t herein provided for or to discharge them for the purpose of preventing them from enjoying any of the rights or bene¦ts provided under this Act. SECTION 25.         Basic Services. — The ICCs/IPs have the right to special measures for the immediate, effective and continuing improvement of their economic and social conditions, including in the areas of employment, vocational training and retraining, housing, sanitation, health and social security. Particular attention shall be paid to the rights and special needs of indigenous women, elderly, youth, children and differently-abled persons. Accordingly, the State shall guarantee the right of ICCs/IPs to government’s basic services which shall include, but not limited to, water and electrical facilities, education, health, and infrastructure. SECTION 26.         Women. — ICC/IP women shall enjoy equal rights and opportunities with men, as regards the social, economic, political and cultural spheres of life. The participation of indigenous women in the decision-making process in all levels, as well as in the development of society, shall be given due respect and recognition. The State shall provide full access to education, maternal and child care, health and nutrition, and housing services to indigenous women. Vocational, technical, professional and other forms of training shall be provided to enable these women to fully participate in all aspects of social life. As far as possible, the State shall ensure that indigenous women have access to all services in their own languages. SECTION 27.         Children and Youth. — The State shall recognize the vital role of the children and youth of ICCs/IPs in nation-building and shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual and social well-being. Towards this end, the State shall support all government programs intended for the development and rearing of the children and youth of ICCs/IPs for civic e¨ciency and establish such mechanisms as may be necessary for the protection of the rights of the indigenous children and youth. SECTION 28.                Integrated System of Education. — The State shall, through the NCIP, provide a complete, adequate and integrated system of education, relevant to the needs of the children and young people of ICCs/IPs. CHAPTER VI Cultural Integrity SECTION 29.         Protection of Indigenous Culture, Traditions and Institutions. — The State shall respect, recognize and protect the right of ICCs/IPs to preserve and protect their culture, traditions and institutions. It shall consider these rights in the formulation and application of national plans and policies.