National Statement Denmark with Greenland Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues on The Arctic

The rights of Indigenous Peoples remain an important priority for the Danish government and for my government of Greenland, (Naalakkersuisut), and we are grateful for the discussions at this year’s permanent forum.

We commend the emphasis on the inclusion of Indigenous Peoples in all relevant decision-making procedures, appropriate funding for the participation of Indigenous Peoples in international fora and the focus on youth voices – here we particularly extend our support to the youth who, at the forum, have urged for the inclusion of 2SLGBTQIA+.

In the Arctic, the Kingdom of Denmark highly prioritizes the support of the Inuit Circumpolar Council. Furthermore, the full participation of, and consultation with, Indigenous Peoples in the Arctic Council is unique and of utmost importance.  The Kingdom of Denmark’s upcoming chairship of the Arctic Council 2025 to 2027 will work to strengthen this important aspect of the Council.

Last year, the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples visited Denmark and Greenland. We are sincerely grateful for the open and constructive dialogue throughout the process. 

It is our firm conviction that the collaboration between UN member states and the special procedures is an essential element of the international human rights framework. The dialogue between experts and member states advances the fulfillment, protection, and promotion of human rights, and Indigenous Peoples’ rights, in our countries. 

Madam Chair, esteemed colleagues,

The shared history between Denmark and Greenland includes some dark chapters. Some still need to be uncovered and learned from.

In 2022, a documentary podcast disclosed that between the 1960ies and 1980ies, up to 4.500 kalaallit/Greenlandic women and girls had IUDs (a birth control device) inserted by Danish doctors – in many reported cases without consent. These measures had major consequences for the women affected.

These serious reports have prompted an urgent need to fully uncover the Danish Government’s policies and measures for birth control in Greenland during that time.

As a result, Denmark and Greenland have agreed on a historic account of the so-called “coil campaign”, conducted by independent experts, and expected to conclude in May 2025.

Based on the results, we will decide on the next steps for helping the women who were affected.