HRC63 - EU Statement - Annual half-day panel discussion on the rights of Indigenous Peoples Theme: Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage: Indigenous Peoples’ rights and engagement

UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

60^th session

Annual half-day panel discussion on the rights of Indigenous Peoples

Theme: Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage: Indigenous Peoples’ rights and engagement

23 September 2026

EU statement 

Honourable Chair,

The European Union wishes to thank the panellists and speakers for this discussion on the rights of Indigenous Peoples in the context of the World Heritage Convention.

We reiterate the EU's continued strong commitment to promote, fulfil and protect the rights of Indigenous Peoples as set out in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and international human rights law. 

Many World Heritage properties are located within the lands and territories of Indigenous Peoples. Indigenous Peoples have long been stewards of these places, with their knowledge, practices and relationship with the land contributing to protecting and transmitting cultural and natural heritage.

When Indigenous Peoples are fully and effectively involved, and their rights as set out in UNDRIP and international human rights law and cultures are respected, World Heritage status can help protect ancestral territories and cultural heritage, support livelihoods and advance self-determined development. We welcome examples of Indigenous-led nominations and participatory site management.

Digital technologies, including AI, can support the documentation, transmission and protection of Indigenous cultural and natural heritage, when developed and used with Indigenous Peoples and in respect of their rights, knowledge and data.

We are concerned, however, that Indigenous Peoples may face exclusion from nomination, governance and management, restrictions on access to their lands and cultural sites, and insufficient recognition of their cultural values and knowledge. In line with UNDRIP, Indigenous Peoples should participate fully, effectively, equally and meaningfully in decisions affecting their rights, and States should consult and cooperate with them in good faith to obtain their free, prior and informed consent.

Distinguished panellists,

Could you share good practices for ensuring Indigenous Peoples’ full, effective, equal and meaningful participation and free, prior and informed consent in World Heritage processes?

Thank you.