Joint Nordic Statament delivered by Mattias Ludvigsson, Swedish Ministry of Culture, on behalf of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden at the 21st Session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues - Item 4, 28 April 2022, New York
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 and to achieving the goals of the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples. On the Nordic level, the respect for the Inuit and Sami Peoples’ right to self-determination remains a priority of our five governments.
Human rights defenders are critical for the promotion and protection of human rights, but defending human rights today often comes with great and unacceptable risk. Indigenous human rights defenders, including women and environmental human rights defenders, are especially exposed to violence and harassment because of their work. All states are obliged to ensure a safe and enabling space for human rights defenders. Perpetrators must be held accountable.
Achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals requires close dialogue and cooperation with the Inuit and Sami peoples. Policies for sustainable development should incorporate traditional knowledge - now and for coming generations.
In Finland, Norway and Sweden, so called ‘laws on consultations’ are now in force. These national laws stipulate a legal obligation for governments and state agencies to consult the Sami people on matters that concern them. This is a step to ensure Sami influence and participation.
Learning from history is a moral obligation. Abuses and wrongdoings committed by our states shall never be repeated. Truth Commissions are now established in Finland, Norway and Sweden to lay the truth bare and prepare the ground for long-term reconciliation.
Since 2009, Greenland has been self-governing in accordance with the Act on Greenland Self-Government. Finland, Norway and Sweden are currently striving to finalise a Nordic Sami Convention. A legally binding Convention will assure the Sami people their rights as an indigenous people as well as state obligations towards the Sami. As a regional framework it will secure a harmonised development of Sami rights in these countries.
Finally, our governments are committed to combat all forms of racism and discrimination against indigenous peoples. Deliberations at this Forum contribute to the shaping of state policies to ensure full and equal rights for all.
Thank you!