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28.04.2026 Nordic Statement re. the financing of Indigenous Peoples' work and participation across the multilateral and regional system

Who Erik Laursen, Deputy Permanent Representative of Denmark to the UN
Who Erik Laursen, Deputy Permanent Representative of Denmark to the UN
When 28.04.2026

Checked Against Delivery

Thank you, Chair,

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries: Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and my own, Denmark together with Greenland.

The Nordic countries thank you for the opportunity to address the important topic of financing Indigenous Peoples’ participation across multilateral and regional systems.

We underscore that the full, effective and meaningful participation of Indigenous Peoples is essential for the realization of their rights, as affirmed in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and in international human rights law. We remain committed to enhancing such participation across the multilateral system, including in the Human Rights Council and other United Nations fora.

In this regard, the UN’s financial constraints also affect Indigenous Peoples’ participation, underscoring that sustainable, accessible and adequate funding remains a key enabler. We emphasize the importance of direct support to Indigenous Peoples and their representative institutions, in ways that respect self-determination and promote transparency and accountability. Indigenous Peoples should be recognized as rights-holders and partners, and be meaningfully involved in processes that affect them.

We also highlight the importance of ensuring that Indigenous Peoples’ perspectives are duly reflected in ongoing discussions on the future of the United Nations, including the UN80 reform process.

The Nordic countries remain committed to a human rights-based approach to development, including the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of Indigenous women and girls.

We express concern about reprisals against Indigenous human rights defenders and Indigenous environmental defenders, including those engaging with the United Nations system. Such acts are unacceptable and must be addressed.

The Nordic countries remain committed to continued engagement and partnership with Indigenous Peoples, and to supporting their meaningful participation at all levels.

Thank you.