EU Statement - HRC60 - Annual half-day panel discussion on the rights of Indigenous Peoples

UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

60^th session

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

Theme: Rights of Indigenous Peoples in the context of a just transition to sustainable energy systems, including in relation to critical minerals 

24 September 2025

EU statement 

Honourable Chair,

The European Union wishes to thank the panellists and speakers for this discussion on a very pertinent and timely topic. 

To mitigate and adapt to climate change, bold decisions and changes to the global economy are needed. The EU is at the forefront of the needed green transition. 

For the transition to be sustainable, it needs to be just and inclusive, undertaken in a way that fully respects and protects human rights, including the rights of Indigenous Peoples, as set out in the UNDRIP and international human rights law. Here particular attention must be paid to all women and girls, who are often subject to multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination.

The EU is acutely aware of the risks of human rights abuses, including in extractive industries. That is why the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act pays particular attention to labour rights, human rights and environmental protection. For the selection of Strategic Projects under the Critical Raw Material Act, the EU takes into account compliance with human rights set out in international instruments, guidelines and principles, including UNDRIP. This is particularly important as mining projects are often near or on Indigenous Peoples’ land. 

The reports on the number of Environmental and Land Human Rights Defenders that are killed every year are abhorrent. Many of those killed were defending Indigenous Peoples rights. The increased demand from environmental and land Human Rights defenders for support through the EU-funded ProtectDefenders. EU programme reflects a growing threat. 

Distinguished panelists,          

Can you share best practices of mining projects that did comply with human rights including the rights of Indigenous Peoples in line with UNDRIP? 

Thank you.