I have the honor of delivering this statement on behalf of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden, and my own country Norway.
We are committed to the mandate and welcome Professor Ghanea as the new Special Rapporteur.
We welcome that the report addresses the important intersectionality between freedom of religion or belief and the rights of Indigenous Peoples. Their sacred sites are being desecrated, and violence against Indigenous environmental human rights defenders raise serious concerns.
We agree that states should establish consultative mechanisms for Indigenous Peoples to effectively influence decision-making on issues that affect them.
We welcome that the report highlights the specific challenges linked to gender equality and violence against women.
What should states do to strengthen the protection of Indigenous Peoples’ right to freedom of religion or belief, and how can we secure a gender perspective?
Thank you.