Nordic statement at the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

Thank you Chair, and thank you to the panelists for their interesting presentations.

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of Denmark together with Greenland, Finland, Iceland, Norway and my own country Sweden. For our Governments, the promotion and protection of the rights of Indigenous Peoples continue to be a longstanding commitment.

The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples together with other international human rights instruments is a solid ground for our efforts to promote and protect the rights of the Indigenous Peoples in our countries. Fulfilling the objectives of the declaration requires continuous and consistent work at both national and international level. We support the right of Indigenous Peoples to self-determination and influence in matters that affect them as emphasised in the Declaration. Full, meaningful and effective participation is key for ensuring these rights.

Legislation on consultation with the Indigenous Sami People is now in force in Finland, Norway and Sweden. In my own country, Sweden, the Sami Consultation Act was extended last year so that not only the government and its agencies but also municipalities and regions have the obligation to consult the Sami people in matters that are of particular concern to them.

Indigenous Peoples continue to play a key role in shaping the 2030 Agenda and very often have first-hand experience of the issues the agenda seeks to address. In our shared mission to implement international objectives and agreements such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement, the inclusion of Indigenous Peoples in decision-making processes and continued support for their language, culture and traditions are crucial.

The Nordic Governments share a deep concern about continued attacks and acts of violence against Indigenous Peoples and against indigenous human rights defenders. We strongly condemn all forms of violence, harassments, reprisals, and intimidation and remain firmly committed to holding perpetrators accountable.

Our governments remain committed to combatting racism and discrimination, and Action Plans to combat racism including directed towards Indigenous Peoples are in place in Denmark, Finland, Norway and my own country Sweden. The efforts to combat racism must be comprehensive and continue to be effective, measurable, and long-term. 

A crucial step to combat discrimination and abuse today is to learn from the past. Truth commissions have been initiated in Finland and Sweden, and completed in Norway, to survey and examine the policies pursued towards the Sami people. In this regard we welcome the dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Truth, Justice and Reparation initiated with the governments of Finland, Norway and Sweden last year. We remain committed to the continued work of promoting truth and long-term reconciliation.

Thank you.