The European Union has reaffirmed its commitment to the promotion, protection and fulfilment of the rights of Indigenous Peoples, with a particular focus on the role of Indigenous midwives in safeguarding life and well-being, in a statement issued on 10 August 2026 by the High Representative on behalf of the EU. The statement, published by the EU Delegation to Chile, marks the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, observed annually on 9 August, and underscores the EU's dedication to the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and international human rights law.
The statement highlights that Indigenous Peoples continue to face persistent discrimination worldwide, including disproportionate barriers to healthcare and poorer health outcomes, with Indigenous women and girls particularly affected. It notes that they often experience multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination that limit access to quality healthcare, education and economic opportunities, while increasing exposure to violence, including sexual and gender-based violence and harmful practices. The EU references the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women's General Recommendation number 39, adopted in 2022, which identified patterns of discrimination faced by Indigenous women and girls.
At the same time, the EU recognises the vital role of Indigenous women as leaders and custodians of cultures, languages and knowledge, and their important contribution to promoting the right to health, including sexual and reproductive health. This year's International Day is dedicated specifically to Indigenous midwives and their work in safeguarding life and the well-being of those in their care.
The EU reiterates its commitment to the full and effective implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action and the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development, as well as the outcomes of their review conferences, and reaffirms its commitment to sexual and reproductive health and rights in this context. The statement also reaffirms the EU's support for Indigenous Peoples within and beyond its borders, respecting, protecting and fulfilling their rights as set out in UNDRIP and under international human rights law.
The statement is a declaration of principles and does not announce new funding, programmes or legislative measures. It reflects the EU's ongoing policy stance on Indigenous rights, which has been a consistent element of its external action and human rights diplomacy. The EU's engagement with Indigenous Peoples has included support for their participation in international forums and development cooperation projects, though the statement does not detail specific initiatives.
Stakeholders most directly affected include Indigenous communities, particularly Indigenous women and midwives, who may see increased international attention to their health and rights. EU member states and EU institutions are reaffirmed in their policy commitments, which may influence future funding priorities and diplomatic engagements. Civil society organisations working on Indigenous rights and sexual and reproductive health may find the statement useful for advocacy, while no direct regulatory or financial impact is anticipated for businesses or other economic actors.