Joint Nordic Statement delivered by H.E. Ms. Amanda Lind, Swedish Minister for Culture and Democracy, on behalf of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden at the 20th Session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. Item 6: Follow-up to the outcome document of the World Conference on IPs and the 2030 Agenda. 23 April 2021
Thank you Chairperson.
On behalf of the five Nordic countries let me assure you of our strong and unweathering commitment to the rights of indigenous peoples and to fulfilling the goals of the outcome document of the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples. The prosperity of the Inuit and Sami Peoples and respect for the principles of self-determination remain priorities of our governments.
The continued empowerment of indigenous peoples as well as the reinforcement of their cultures are key for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the principle of leaving no one behind. Traditional knowledge is an unquestionable part of viable policies for future sustainable development, targeting both coming and former generations.
The status of indigenous peoples in terms of self-determination varies across the Nordic countries. Since 2009, Greenland has been self-governing in accordance with the Act on Greenland Self-Government. Thus, I am proud that we are initiating new discussions with the Sámi parliaments, aiming to finalise and sign the Nordic Sami Convention after many years of close dialogue and cooperation between Sami Parliaments and government offices. The Nordic Sami Convention will lay the ground for greater steps ahead, most importantly assuring the Sami people a regional framework for the harmonized development in Sweden, Norway and Finland.
Truth and Reconciliation Commissions are part of a historic step forward. Finland, Norway and Sweden establish their own Commissions but they should have contact with each other, assuring a comprehensive and all-encompassing approach to the abuses and wrongdoings committed by the states against the Sami. In a few years’ time all three Commissions will have finalised their work. The truth will lay bare and real steps towards long-term reconciliation can start.
Finally, in light of the Covid-19 crisis, we acknowledge the need to strengthen the resilience of the Indigenous cultures, languages, health and enterprises to prosper even in difficult times.
Thank you.