"A population has nearly no juridical significance in international law. In general it is a group of indiviuals which may be of relevance for the domestic law of a state. ...

"Peoples" is a term which is often used in international law. ... The consequences of the acceptance of the character of peoples for the indigenous are far-reaching. Peoples have the right to self-determination. This right is one of the basic principles of international law."

Hans-Joachim Heintze, "The Protection of Indigenous Peoples under the ILO Convention", in Amazonia and Siberia: Legal Aspects of the Preservation of the Environment and Development in the Last Open Spaces (London: Graham & Trotman, 1993).