Joint Nordic Statement on the rights of Indigenous Peoples

Check Against Delivery

Chair,

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries: Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and my own, Denmark together with Greenland.

The Nordic countries reaffirm our full and firm commitment to the rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Our compass is set for the universal implementation of the UN Declaration on The Rights of Indigenous Peoples.  Together with other international human rights instruments, it provides a universal framework of minimum standards for the survival, dignity, and well-being of the Indigenous Peoples of the world.

Despite this, Indigenous Peoples are still fighting discrimination and land dispossessions, in all parts of the world. They are, suffering from shrinking civic space, evictions and severe negative consequences of climate change and ill construed conservation efforts. Indigenous Peoples are disproportionately overrepresented among the poor and extremely poor.

It is clear that we need to continue, strengthen, and accelerate our joint efforts if we are to succeed in protecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Chair,

Green transition and the rights of Indigenous Peoples are interdependently linked and we must respect and learn from Indigenous Peoples’ relationship with nature. Indigenous Peoples safeguard 80 per cent of the planet’s biodiversity. At the same time, they are among the most affected by the severe impacts of illegal mining, logging, environmental degradation, and climate change. 

As holders of traditional knowledge and stewards of biodiversity, there is a need to ensure the principle of consultation and participation of Indigenous Peoples in all decisions affecting them. It is crucial not least because Indigenous knowledge and practices can contribute to innovative and sustainable solutions and are hence vital for addressing the biodiversity and climate crises.   

Chair,

The full and effective participation of Indigenous Peoples’ representatives and institutions, such as their own decision-making bodies, across the UN system is of paramount importance and thus a high priority for the Nordic countries. We will continue our efforts to advance this agenda in all relevant fora including here in New York on the “Enhanced participation” agenda. In this regard, we welcome the work of the Indigenous-led organisations leading the charge for a high-level Indigenous status.

We must equally embrace the knowledge and voices of Indigenous women and girls and empower them to be agents and leaders at the local and national levels as well as internationally. The empowerment of Indigenous women should always be considered part of the solution. In this regard, the Nordic Countries are grateful for the work of CEDAW on the General Recommendation 39. on Indigenous women and girls.

Chair,

If we are to create truly sustainable solutions for our future, we must ensure the fulfilment, protection, and promotion of the rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Thank you.