Thank you Chair.

Australia supports the important work of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Article 18 of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples outlines the right of Indigenous peoples to participate in decision-making in matters affecting them.

Meaningful participation of Indigenous peoples in UN meetings and forums is imperative to ensure that UN processes deliver outcomes in the interests of Indigenous peoples.

Australia seeks a model of participation that is inclusive and accounts for the diversity of Indigenous peoples across the globe. Indigenous peoples should be able to participate separately in their own right, in matters affecting them.

Australia is committed to implementing the Uluru Statement from the Heart in full, which gives effect to the UNDRIP principles, including supporting a stronger voice in decision making.

We ask, how can we ensure Indigenous participation remains high on the Human Rights Council agenda? We look forward to discussing these issues further at the upcoming workshop.