Human Rights Council – 60th Session
Item 3&5 - Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples
Statement by Denmark together with Greenland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States
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23.09.2025
President,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States: Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, and my own country, Denmark together with Greenland.
We welcome the Special Rapporteur’s report on the recognition of Indigenous Peoples as fundamental rights holders. Legal recognition rooted in self-identification and respect for cultural uniqueness is vital for addressing historical injustices and advancing equality.
We share your concerns about the frequent conflation of Indigenous Peoples with other groups, such as local communities. Unduly linking of Indigenous Peoples with local communities and other terms contains the risk – intentionally or not – of diluting the specific rights and status of Indigenous Peoples, as set out in the UN Declaration on the rights of Indigenous Peoples and other international human rights instruments.
Special Rapporteur, what are the main obstacles to overcoming this conflation, and how can States improve clarity to better uphold the distinct rights of Indigenous Peoples?
Thank you.