Joint Statement on behalf of the Nordic Countries at the 25th Session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues on Human Rights Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Read the Nordic Statement at the 25th Session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues on Human rights dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; annual review of progress on the implementation of general recommendation No. 39, delivered by Ms. Janina Hasenson, Deputy Director and Legal Counselor at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, on April 22nd, 2026 in New York.

Chair,

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries: Denmark together with Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Finland.
We thank the Special Rapporteur, Mr. Barume and Ms. Cunningham, the Chair as well as all EMRIP members for their important work.

The Nordic countries reaffirm the importance and independence of UN human rights mechanisms and value their support to the UN and its Member States.

Chair,

The Nordic countries welcome the recent reporting of the Special Rapporteur and EMRIP on issues concerning, inter alia, the recognition of Indigenous Peoples, their right to resources, lands and territories as well as the right of Indigenous Peoples to their traditional economies. The reports provide - not only input and recommendations, including on the adverse impact of the conflation of Indigenous Peoples with local communities - but also valuable information that help us better understand the situation of Indigenous Peoples around the globe.

Chair,

In the current geopolitical situation, it is more important than ever, to discuss also questions around security and defense in the context of Indigenous Peoples and their rights. It is of great importance that Indigenous Peoples are included in these discussions.

The Special Rapporteur has noted in his recent report to the GA that Indigenous Peoples should be considered allies and partners in matters of international security affairs. Dialogue with Indigenous Peoples, including Indigenous women, is indeed important in processes related to the topical geopolitical situations that affect their rights. This applies also to the Arctic region.

The Nordic countries stand ready to continue the discussion and we welcome further recommendations of the mechanisms and this Forum on the best ways to protect and promote the rights of Indigenous Peoples also in matters concerning security and defense policy.

Thank you.