A new report from Amnesty International highlights how the green transition affects the rights of indigenous peoples. Is the development we see a fair change, or does it risk being transformed into a form of green colonialism?
– The Sami representatives we have interviewed for this report testify that decisions are made above their heads and that their perspective weighs very easily. And I think it will be an illustration, both by current and historical power imbalance, says Anna Johansson, Secretary General Amnesty in Sweden.
Amnesty’s report highlights the situation for the Swedish Sami, where the climate crisis and a growing demand for mines, wind power and other industrial projects pose an acute threat to their culture, traditional lifestyle and the right to self -determination.
– There is a notion that Sapmi, Lapland, is untouched nature. But I would rather compare the area with a Swiss cheese due to the exploitation projects that are happening, says Anna Johansson, secretary general at Amnesty in Sweden.
The Sami situation exposed
For the Swedish Sami, the climate crisis is double. In addition to environmental changes that affect the conditions of reindeer husbandry, a wave of industrial projects is underway on traditional Sami lands. Amnesty especially points out how these projects, combined with a lack of legal security, undermine the Sami rights and strengthen a sense of marginalization.
The report states that the rights of Swedish Sami are not sufficiently protected in today’s legislation. Lack of understanding of Sami culture and values means that consultations often become symbolic rather than fair and meaningful.
-You have a responsibility to be read about the issues you decide on or have judicial power over, so I think this is a bad excuse, says Inger-Ann Omma, board member of Vapsten’s Sami village.
UN criticism of Sweden
This is not the first time Sweden has faced criticism on this issue. The UN has previously criticized Sweden’s handling of Sami rights, especially in connection with mining projects. The criticism applies, among other things, to the Swedish Mineral Act, which allows large industrial establishments in Sami areas without the consent of the Sami villages. This is contrary to international conventions and the UN indigenous declaration from 2007, which clearly prescribes the right to free, informed and negotiated agreement before projects begin on indigenous peoples.
– It is tolerated to be pondered from a political point of view, which is why you do not live up to the Constitution’s protected rights. I feel that this is not done when it comes to Sami issues, says Inger-Ann Omma, board member of Vapsten’s Sami village.
The Consultation Act 2022 is criticized
Sweden introduced a new consultation law to regulate the dialogue with Sami representatives in 2022. The law is a step forward, but it has been criticized for containing extensive exceptions. For example, mining or permit processes for wind power and other environmentally intensive industries are not included. This means that important decisions can be made without the full participation or approval of the Sami.
– All indigenous peoples, to which the Sami belong, must have the right to participate in processes relating to them. We believe that Swedish legislation does not live up to that requirement, says Anna Johansson, secretary general of Amnesty in Sweden.