article would oblige the State to establish separate procédures for the settleraent of disputes with indigenous peoples, which would conflict with the principle of equality before the law. 100. The Chairman/Rapporteur notes that intemational mechanisms already apply to a wide variety of human rights problems arising within States. Likewise, many States themselves have established separate procédures for ensuring the fair settlement of disputes involving spécial groups such as minorities, familles or children. The draft article is flexible and does not require that each and every klnd of dispute resolution mechanlsm be available in each country, but only that there exist mechanisms which are mutually acceptable and fair. The text could be revised for clarity only, to remove any doubt that it applies both to disputes between indigenous peoples and States, and to situations involving infringements of the rights of individuals. E/CN.4/Sub.2/1990/39 page 21 IV. OTHER MATTERS Définition 101. A government observer stated that from the text as it now stands, it ig not clear which criteria were used as a basis for the term "indigenous peoples". It seems to be viewed only in relation to a comparatively small number of ethnie groups which have not been fully integrated into the political and économie structures of existing societies or States. The term "indigenous peoples" could in principle also be applied to ail ethnie groupa (tribes, nationalities, nations) which have occupied particular territories at an earlier stage than settlers belonging to other ethnie communities that continue to inhabit those territories. The draft déclaration should therefore indicate whether the term "indigenous peoples" should be understood broadly or narrowly. 102. Another govemment observer noted that being classified as "indigenous" could tura out to be a limitation rather than an expansion of a group's rights, for example, its right to self-determination. A clear définition 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the rights of indigenous peoples, specifically in the context of dispute resolution and self-determination. It touches on international mechanisms and human rights, but the focus is on the definition and application of the term "indigenous peoples" and its implications on their rights.

**Category**
Humanitarian aid and relief, Education