Statement by Latvia at the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. General Discussion on Item 3 – health, including in the context of conflicts
21 April 2026
Madam Chair, distinguished members of the Forum,
Indigenous peoples are among the most knowledge-rich communities in our world, but they are also among the most vulnerable ones. Their health, well-being, and the resilience of their societies are not only vital in their own right — they indicate how effectively the international community is upholding its commitments to protect all peoples. When indigenous communities flourish, the world is working; when they suffer, it signals that we are failing in our collective responsibilities.
Latvia, as a committed member of the UN Security Council, addresses this Forum with deep concern about the conditions indigenous peoples face today — in conflict zones, in international institutions, and in rapidly changing social and economic landscapes.
The most urgent concern is the impact of armed conflicts. The ongoing war of aggression waged by Russia against Ukraine continues to cause profound harm to indigenous communities. The Crimean Tatar people of Ukraine face systematic oppression, persecution, and cultural erasure under Russian occupation, as they did during the Soviet era. At the same time, Russia is disproportionately deploying members of its own indigenous communities to the front lines, effectively dismantling those communities. These are not isolated incidents — similar patterns appear in conflicts around the world, where indigenous peoples bear a disproportionate burden of violence.
We recall that the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples explicitly prohibits military activities on indigenous lands and calls for the meaningful protection of indigenous peoples in situations of armed conflict.
The second concern is intimidation and reprisals targeting indigenous representatives who engage with international bodies. Latvia notes documented cases in which indigenous representatives from Russia — who have travelled to forums such as this one — have faced searches and arrests upon their return. This is unacceptable. This Forum and the broader United Nations system must treat such reprisals with the utmost seriousness.
The third concern is the growing displacement of indigenous peoples from their traditional territories. Whether driven by armed conflict, forced removal, or economic pressures, this displacement fragments indigenous societies. Those who leave their traditional lands often lose access to the knowledge systems, healing practices, and intergenerational wisdom that have sustained their communities for centuries. Latvian indigenous people, the Livonians, know this all too well. The illegal Soviet occupation of Latvia during and following the Second World War destroyed the historical homeland of the Livonian people, scattering the community across the country.
Madam Chair,
We urge this Forum to address the impact of conflict, the protection of representation, and the consequences of displacement with urgency, depth, and determination. We encourage the Forum to reflect these concerns in its future reports and recommendations.
I thank you.