STATEMENT
Second intersessional meeting of the Human Rights Council on concrete ways to enhance the participation of Indigenous Peoples in the work of the Council.
Concluding Remarks, as delivered by Ms. Sigrun S. HOLTER First Secretary, Permanent Representative of Norway in Geneva.
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18 October 2024
- Thank you, co-facilitator.
- Indigenous Peoples have shown that they provide valuable contributions to the Council’s work, in this meeting and during the 57th session, building on a long history of contributions to the work of the UN. Enhanced participation by Indigenous Peoples also brings added legitimacy and sustainability to the decisions adopted by this Council.
- Indigenous Peoples have the right to participate in all decision-making concerning themselves. To make this a reality, Norway has reiterated our support to establish a new and independent accreditation mechanism, led by Indigenous Peoples from the seven sociocultural regions.
- The mechanism should have open and inclusive procedures, and transparent accreditation criteria, based on the principles of self-identification and self-determination. We underscore the need for flexibility to ensure respect for the diversity of Indigenous Peoples globally. The Expert Mechanism may serve as an interim accreditation mechanism.
- However, participation demands a safe and enabling environment, free from intimidation and reprisals. We condemn reprisals against Indigenous Peoples and Human Rights Defenders, and support work to strengthen UN mechanisms to prevent and address reprisals.
- Norway would like to thank the OHCHR and the Secretariat for organizing this meeting. We also thank our co-facilitators, Binota Moy Dhamai and Ambassador of Canada Peter MacDougall. We thank all stakeholders for their contributions.
- While important achievements have been made, work remains. Norway reaffirms our commitment to the process of enhancing meaningful participation of Indigenous Peoples in this Council. Moving forward, we should be guided by these two intersessional meetings, the discussion paper and its annex as well as the views of Indigenous Peoples from all over the world.
- Thank you.