25 June 2025

EU statement

Mr/Madam Chair,

The European Union thanks the Special Rapporteur for the presentation of her report and reiterates its support for her mandate. 

The EU is committed to the advancement of rule of law and the strengthening of an independent and impartial judiciary. We reaffirm 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. The EU continues supporting Indigenous Peoples including by upholding the principle to free, prior and informed consent in all decisions affecting them. 

We recognize the need for legal frameworks that are inclusive, non-discriminatory, and respectful of diversity, and underline the importance of addressing discrimination and inequalities based on indigenous origin or identity in relation to ensuring civil and political rights, including in access to justice.

We further stress the importance of ensuring fair trials, as well as the services needed to provide access to justice for all, including Indigenous Peoples, throughout the entire judicial process. The EU recognises the need to take steps to remove obstacles to justice for Indigenous Peoples, especially for Indigenous women, children, youth, older persons and persons with disabilities, and the important role of Indigenous Peoples to maintain, develop and strengthen justice systems.

Madam Special Rapporteur,

What are the most typical barriers to access to justice faced by Indigenous women and girls, and what steps could be taken by States to support overcoming these? 

Thank you.