“It is a human rights minimum that Indigenous peoples are involved in decisions that affect them. The Swedish government must finally grant the elected representation of the Sámi real decision-making powers,” stated Gerrit Jan Hofert, human rights expert at the Society for Threatened Peoples (STP) on the occasion of the upcoming election of the Sameting, the parliament of the Indigenous Sámi, on Sunday (May 18).

So far, the Samteing only has advisory status. “Many Sámi are demanding to finally be granted real co-determination, binding consultation procedures, and more autonomy. A reform of the Sameting is long overdue,” Hofert emphasized.

The human rights organization warned that the rights of the Indigenous population of northern Scandinavia are increasingly under threat from external influences. “The increasing industrialization in Sápmi, the traditional settlement area of ​​the Sámi in Sweden, is a threat not only to the environment but also to the cultural survival of the Sámi,” Hofert explained. The planned construction of an iron ore mine in Kallak would affect the reindeer herders’ most important grazing areas. Despite repeated warnings from the UN, the Swedish government has granted concessions to mining and energy companies without effectively consulting the affected communities.

Further, the Sámi are particularly affected by the climate crisis. Many members of the Indigenous community rely on reindeer herding, which is a cornerstone of the Sámi identity. “Due to rainy winters, thawing soils, and unpredictable weather conditions, reindeer herding is becoming increasingly difficult – putting the community’s cultural resilience to the test. While the Sámi lived in harmony with nature for centuries, their adaptation strategies are now being undermined by political inaction and a lack of support,” Hofert said.

“The Swedish government must guarantee binding consultation rights for all projects affecting Sápmi and support the Sámi’s political self-determination through a reform of the Sameting (Sámi Parliament),” the STP demanded.