19th session of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Item 10 – Preparing for twenty years of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Statement by the Sámi Parliament in Norway, by Governing Council Member Maren Benedicte N. Storslett, 16.07.2027

Chair,

I speak on behalf of the Sami Parliament in Norway.

The Sami Parliament in Norway does not agree with the statement delivered by Norway under this agenda item.

In 2024, EMRIP conducted a country engagement mission to Norway. EMRIPs recommendations from the mission aimed at advancing the implementation of the rights of the Sámi People, as reflected in the Declaration.

Norway incorrectly claims that its legislation and policy were already largely in line with the Declaration when it was adopted in 2007. However, rights to lands, territories and resources – fundamental to the survival of Sámi culture – remain insufficiently recognized in Norway. Nor has the right to Free, Prior and Informed Consent fully been implemented in Norwegian legislation.

This is documented through EMRIP’s country engagement mission to Norway in 2024. It is also documented by the Norwegian Truth and Reconciliation Commision’s report from 2023. 

As we approach the 20th anniversary of the Declaration, Norway should consider the recommendations from the EMRIP country engagement in collaboration with the Sami, and it should also develop an action plan on the implementation of the Declaration.

Thank you.