Distinguished Chair, Members of the Expert Mechanism, Excellencies, Indigenous representatives, and colleagues,

I am honored to address you today on behalf of the Sámi Parliament in Norway in response to the Technical Advisory Note issued by the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples following its country engagement mission to Norway.

First, let me express our sincere gratitude to the Expert Mechanism for its thorough and thoughtful work. The mission, conducted in March 2024, provided a vital opportunity for dialogue between Sámi institutions, the Norwegian state, and international human rights bodies. We especially appreciate the focus on the interconnected rights of the Sámi people—our rights to land, territories, resources, culture, and self-determination.

The Advisory Note highlights several critical areas where Norway must take further steps to fulfill its obligations under international law, including the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, ILO Convention 169, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

We welcome the Expert Mechanism’s emphasis on the right to free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC). While the 2021 amendments to the Sámi Act improved consultation procedures in some regards may be seen a positive improvement, the Sámi Parliament agrees with the Expert Mechanism that these measures remain insufficient, as how they so far have been practiced.

The Sámi Parliament in Norway  would like to emphasize the importance of that the core principle of FPIC should be better integrated into Norwegian law—not only as a procedural formality but as a substantive right that ensures Sámi communities can meaningfully influence decisions affecting our lands and livelihoods.

The report rightly draws attention to ongoing concerns regarding extractive industries, particularly in relation to the Fosen wind power project and the planned mining site at Repparfjord. These projects have proceeded despite Sámi opposition and in some cases in violation of court rulings. We echo the Expert Mechanism’s call for Norway to implement judicial decisions and to ensure that Sámi rights are not overridden by economic interests.

We also support the recommendation to review and revise key legislation. Norwegian laws must be aligned with international standards and must guarantee Sámi participation and benefit-sharing. The Sámi Parliament is ready to contribute constructively to these legislative processes.

Furthermore, we appreciate the call to strengthen the legal recognition of traditional Sámi livelihoods, including coastal fishing and reindeer herding. These are not only economic activities—they are the foundation of our culture, identity, and way of life.

Finally, we welcome the recommendation to continue the dialogue between states and the  Sámi Parliaments regarding the ratification of the Nordic Sámi Convention. While some minor, but essential adjustments still need to be made, this treaty is important for safeguarding Sámi rights across national borders and for promoting cooperation between Sámi parliaments in Norway, Sweden, and Finland.

The Sámi Parliament in Norway would like to re-emphasize, as stated in my speech in this assembly last year, that the rights and land areas of the Sámi in Norway are being subjected to ever increasing pressures. This tendency is a major area for concern for the Sami Parliament.

This situation has accelerated in the meeting with the Norwegian governments policy of “green energy” that takes our land rights, and pristine nature as a commodity and for granted. Something to sacrifice for the greater good of Norwegian Society.

Chair, colleagues,

The Sámi Parliament in Norway remain committed to working in partnership with the Norwegian government and international mechanisms to advance the rights of the Sámi people. We urge Norway to take the recommendations of this Advisory Note seriously and to act with urgency and integrity.

Let us remember: Indigenous rights are not optional. They are binding obligations rooted in justice, dignity, and the right to exist as distinct peoples.

Thank you. Ollu Giitu.