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Joint Nordic Statement Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues Item 3

Who Joint Nordic Statement delivered by H.E. Christina Markus Lassen, Permanent Representative of Denmark to the UN
Who Joint Nordic Statement delivered by H.E. Christina Markus Lassen, Permanent Representative of Denmark to the UN
When 16.04.2024

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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 UN Declaration on the rights of Indigenous Peoples and welcome this year’s important theme of the forum.

 

Central to this year’s theme is that of Indigenous Peoples’ right to autonomy and self-government. In this regard, we take note of the study by expert members of the Permanent Forum on “Guiding principles for the implementation of Indigenous Peoples’ rights to autonomy and self-government “. We commend the references in the study on the importance of ensuring both youth engagement strategies as well as gender parity in preparing for strengthening indigenous autonomies and self-governance.

 

Indeed, ensuring youth engagement and gender parity is fully aligned with the Sustainable development goal 16 on promoting "peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels".  A target that we all share, Indigenous Peoples and States alike and across generations. We are of the firm conviction that the support of States and the UN system is essential for Indigenous Peoples contributions to and enjoyment of sustainable development that is inclusive and just. This underlines the importance of keeping youth engagement and gender parity high on the agenda.

 

In closing, allow me to turn to the process on the participation of Indigenous Peoples’ representatives and institutions in the UN. The Nordic countries believe the right to participation is a key element of the right to self-determination and hence highlights the need for all of us to progress. We need decisions and concrete actions to enhance Indigenous Peoples’ full and effective participation in all decisions affecting them.

 

Thank you, Chair.