European External Action Service

07/16/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/16/2026 08:25

19th Session - United Nations Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples - EU Statement - Item 8: Panel discussion on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and Artificial[...]

United Nations Expert Mechanism on the

Rights of Indigenous Peoples, 19th Session, 13 - 17th July 2026

Item 8: Panel discussion on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and Artificial Intelligence

EU statement

Distinguished Members of the Expert Mechanism, distinguished Indigenous Peoples' representatives,

The European Union reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the rights of Indigenous Peoples, as affirmed in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and international human rights law.

Artificial intelligence offers important opportunities to support the revitalization of Indigenous languages, preserve cultural heritage and strengthen the transmission of traditional knowledge. At the same time, AI must not reinforce existing inequalities or enable the misuse of Indigenous knowledge, data or cultural expressions.

The EU believes that AI should be safe, secure, trustworthy, human-centric, human rights-based and developed in full respect for human rights. This includes ensuring the meaningful participation of Indigenous Peoples in the design, development and governance of AI systems that affect them, while respecting the principle of free, prior and informed consent and Indigenous data governance.

We welcome the growing number of Indigenous-led initiatives demonstrating how AI can contribute to language revitalization, education and environmental stewardship, while reflecting Indigenous knowledge systems and priorities. Such initiatives show that innovation and respect for Indigenous rights can and should go hand in hand.

Distinguished Members of the Expert Mechanism,

As AI governance continues to evolve globally, how can States best ensure that Indigenous Peoples are genuine partners in shaping AI frameworks, while safeguarding Indigenous data sovereignty and enabling communities to benefit from these technologies on their own terms?

I thank you.

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