Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Human Rights Council - 54th Session

Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of

Indigenous Peoples

Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries

28 September 2023

Mr. President,

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

We welcome the report presented by the Special Rapporteur on green financing, which provides insight to this important topic.

Indigenous Peoples globally are the most affected by environmental harms. In the Arctic the temperatures continue to rise at three times the global annual average. Climate change threatens nature, and the livelihood of Indigenous Peoples.

When developing green financed projects, two central concepts are human rights-based approach and sustainability. Additionally, it is crucial that politicians and authorities have knowledge of Indigenous Peoples’ culture and traditional ways of living. When projects are planned and developed authorities are obliged to consult with affected Indigenous Peoples.

Consultations with the Indigenous Peoples concerned, including Indigenous women, imply that a real effort should be made with the aim to reach agreement on the proposed measures.

Special Rapporteur: Why are consultations with Indigenous Peoples particularly important in the context of green financing?