EU Statement - HRC60 - Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

EU Statement - HRC60 - Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

60^th session

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

23 September 2025

EU Statement

Mr/Madame (Vice) President,

We thank the Special Rapporteur for his report, which provides a thematic analysis of the recognition of Indigenous Peoples worldwide, including also pertinent examples from the EU Member States.

The EU will continue promoting the rights of Indigenous Peoples as set out in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and international human rights law. The work of the Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples is critical, and we fully support the renewal of the Special Rapporteur's mandate by another three years.

Your report importantly points out that State recognition neither creates Indigenous Peoples nor grants them their rights. You argue that while the rights of Indigenous Peoples are guaranteed under international law, and they are binding on States regardless of recognition in domestic laws, while without recognition, States cannot fulfil their international obligation. We hope that the report will help states to close the gap in recognition in order to ensure Indigenous Peoples can enjoy their rights as set out in the UNDRIP and international human rights law.

We also hope that the report will contribute towards the full, effective and meaningful participation of Indigenous Peoples in relevant UN bodies, including in meetings of the Human Rights Council, on all issues affecting them. Within the HRC, progress has been made to enhance the participation of Indigenous Peoples, but challenges such as accreditation and language barriers still hinder their full participation. The EU engaged actively in the discussions in this regard and continues to do so.

It is critical for States to collaborate meaningfully with Indigenous Peoples, who have the right, as set out in the UNDRIP, to be involved from the start in shaping policies that affect them, including affecting their rights, livelihoods and lands that they use.

Special Rapporteur,

You recommend that the international community help to ensure that engagement mechanisms reflect the distinct status and rights of Indigenous Peoples, as set out in the UNDRIP and international human rights law. Can you elaborate on how this could best be done?

Thank you.