HRC57 - NB8 statement - Indigenous Peoples - Special Rapporteur

Human Rights Council – 57th session
Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples
Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states: Denmark together with Greenland, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden
26 September 2024

Mr. President,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states, Denmark together with Greenland, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, and my own country, Iceland.

We thank the Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples for his report on Indigenous persons with disabilities. While 16 per cent of the world’s population are persons with disabilities, the rate among Indigenous Peoples is higher. The report discusses the root causes of this disproportionality, focusing on the ongoing impacts of the structural racial discrimination and the many barriers faced by Indigenous persons with disabilities in the realization of their human rights.

We are aware that Indigenous persons with disabilities are exposed to multiple and intersectional discrimination. To consult Indigenous Peoples on issues affecting them is key to improvement. We need to ensure the right to self-determination for persons with disabilities, and that public service are sensitive to culture and preferences. We therefore very much welcome the participation of Indigenous Peoples in today’s dialogue and appreciate hearing from them how States can best move forward to address the challenges described in the report.

Special Rapporteur,

How can States ensure that the experiences of Indigenous persons with disabilities on how to tackle these barriers are taken into account, despite the challenges described in your report?

I thank you.