Joint Nordic Statement at the Twenty-second session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues ITEM 4 Discussion on the six mandated areas of the Permanent Forum (economic and social development, culture, environment, education, health and human rights), with reference to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Thank you Chair,
On behalf of the five Nordic countries Denmark together with Greenland, Finland, Iceland, Norway and my own country Sweden, let me assure you of our strong and unwavering commitment to the rights of all Indigenous Peoples.
The past years have taught us that peace, health and security remain key challenges to all of us. The 2030 Agenda remains a universal, indivisible, inclusive and integrated roadmap to a peaceful, healthy, and secure life for current and future generations while respecting the limits of our planet.
To achieve our shared goals, we cannot leave anyone behind, but must be innovative and work together. Indigenous Peoples are carriers of traditional knowledge essential in both climate adaptation and in solutions to solve our shared goals as stipulated in the 2030 Agenda. That we learn from, support and ensure meaningful participation of Indigenous Peoples is a key driver in this work.
An important aspect of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, agreed in December last year by the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, is that it clearly acknowledges the important roles and contributions of not least Indigenous Peoples as partners in conservation, restoration, and sustainable use. We will support the full and effective participation of Indigenous Peoples to ensure its successful implementation.
To improve the participation and collaboration with the indigenous Sami people new laws on consultations are now in force in Finland, Norway and Sweden stipulating a legal obligation for governments and state agencies to consult the Sami people on matters that concern them.
Abuses and wrongdoings committed by our states shall never be repeated. To spread knowledge of past abuses, and enable long-term reconciliation, Truth Commissions are now established in Finland, Norway and Sweden.
Finally, we are deeply concerned about continued attacks and acts of violence against Indigenous Peoples standing up for their rights. The Nordic countries strongly condemn all forms of violence, attacks, harassments, and intimidation - online or offline - against indigenous human rights defenders, not least indigenous women human rights defenders. All states must ensure a safe and enabling space for all human rights defenders. Perpetrators must be held accountable.
Thank you!