HRC54: Danmark and Greenland deliver statement after country visits by the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
54th session
Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of In-digenous Peoples
28 September 2023
Statement by the Kingdom of Denmark
Thank you, [Mr. President],
Mr. Special Rapporteur, José Francisco Calí Tzay, Denmark and Green-land thank you for your latest annual report and for your presentation here today. You have highlighted an important topic in the protection of Indigenous Peoples’ rights.
We wholeheartedly welcome your report on green financing and fully agree with you that those who are most affected by environmental harm should not bear the costs.
Denmark is a strong defender of the rights of Indigenous Peoples. We promote Indigenous Peoples’ rights in international fora at the UN, in the EU, at the Arctic Council, and in other relevant areas, where topics such as environment, biodiversity, and climate change are discussed.
Our compass is set for the universal implementation of the UN Declara-tion on The Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). The right to self-determination is central, including the right of Indigenous Peoples to par-ticipate in all decisions that affect them.
The process on the participation of Indigenous Peoples’ representatives and institutions in the UN is key in this regard, and therefore, Denmark is actively engaged in exploring constructive avenues for their participation. We need decisions and concrete actions to make it happen.
The principle of “leaving no-one behind” is important in Danish devel-opment cooperation, and in this context, the support to Indigenous Peo-ples’ organisations is important. Closer to home in the Arctic, the support to the Inuit Circumpolar Council is something we prioritise. To reach Indigenous Peoples’ organisations worldwide, the International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA), based in Copenhagen, is a key strategic partner for Denmark.
I will now pass the floor to my colleague, Tove Søvndahl Gant, from the government of Greenland
Mr. Special Rapporteur, allow me to turn to your report following the visit to Denmark and Greenland in February this year.
The collaboration between UN member states and the special procedures is an essential element of the international human rights framework. The dialogue between experts and member states advances the fulfillment, protection, and promotion of human rights in our countries.
On behalf of Denmark and Greenland, I would like to thank you and your team for your visit and for the open and constructive dialogue, we have had throughout the process. It was a pleasure to welcome you and a privilege to discuss issues that are important to both our governments with you.
The rights of Indigenous Peoples is an important priority for the Danish government and for the government of Greenland, Naalakkersuisut.
It is a global agenda, that we have been able to share for at least three decades. We believe that the close and strong cooperation between Denmark and Greenland is the reason why we continue to deliver strong results for the rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Your report points to pertinent challenges in ensuring a just and equal society for all Inuit, whether they live in Denmark or in Greenland.
Most importantly, your report is a welcome reminder of the need for an analysis and debate on how the application of the standards of UNDRIP and ILO169 can be interpreted in countries such as Greenland, where there is an extensive self-governance or autonomy.
Let me conclude by reiterating our full support for your mandate. We commend your valuable contribution to the mandate in promoting the rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Mr. Special Rapporteur, our doors are always open.
We look forward to receiving you in our countries again in the future.
Thank you.
54th session
Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of In-digenous Peoples
28 September 2023
Statement by the Kingdom of Denmark
Thank you, [Mr. President],
Mr. Special Rapporteur, José Francisco Calí Tzay, Denmark and Green-land thank you for your latest annual report and for your presentation here today. You have highlighted an important topic in the protection of Indigenous Peoples’ rights.
We wholeheartedly welcome your report on green financing and fully agree with you that those who are most affected by environmental harm should not bear the costs.
Denmark is a strong defender of the rights of Indigenous Peoples. We promote Indigenous Peoples’ rights in international fora at the UN, in the EU, at the Arctic Council, and in other relevant areas, where topics such as environment, biodiversity, and climate change are discussed.
Our compass is set for the universal implementation of the UN Declara-tion on The Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). The right to self-determination is central, including the right of Indigenous Peoples to par-ticipate in all decisions that affect them.
The process on the participation of Indigenous Peoples’ representatives and institutions in the UN is key in this regard, and therefore, Denmark is actively engaged in exploring constructive avenues for their participation. We need decisions and concrete actions to make it happen.
The principle of “leaving no-one behind” is important in Danish devel-opment cooperation, and in this context, the support to Indigenous Peo-ples’ organisations is important. Closer to home in the Arctic, the support to the Inuit Circumpolar Council is something we prioritise. To reach Indigenous Peoples’ organisations worldwide, the International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA), based in Copenhagen, is a key strategic partner for Denmark.
I will now pass the floor to my colleague, Tove Søvndahl Gant, from the government of Greenland
Mr. Special Rapporteur, allow me to turn to your report following the visit to Denmark and Greenland in February this year.
The collaboration between UN member states and the special procedures is an essential element of the international human rights framework. The dialogue between experts and member states advances the fulfillment, protection, and promotion of human rights in our countries.
On behalf of Denmark and Greenland, I would like to thank you and your team for your visit and for the open and constructive dialogue, we have had throughout the process. It was a pleasure to welcome you and a privilege to discuss issues that are important to both our governments with you.
The rights of Indigenous Peoples is an important priority for the Danish government and for the government of Greenland, Naalakkersuisut.
It is a global agenda, that we have been able to share for at least three decades. We believe that the close and strong cooperation between Denmark and Greenland is the reason why we continue to deliver strong results for the rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Your report points to pertinent challenges in ensuring a just and equal society for all Inuit, whether they live in Denmark or in Greenland.
Most importantly, your report is a welcome reminder of the need for an analysis and debate on how the application of the standards of UNDRIP and ILO169 can be interpreted in countries such as Greenland, where there is an extensive self-governance or autonomy.
Let me conclude by reiterating our full support for your mandate. We commend your valuable contribution to the mandate in promoting the rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Mr. Special Rapporteur, our doors are always open.
We look forward to receiving you in our countries again in the future.
Thank you.