Amnesty International Report Highlights Threats to Sámi Homelands
A recent report from Amnesty International sheds light on the challenges faced by the indigenous Sámi people in Sweden, Norway, and Finland due to the phenomenon of “green colonialism.” This term refers to the appropriation of land and resources for environmental purposes, which poses a significant threat to Sámi culture and way of life.
The report, developed in collaboration with the Saami Council, a voluntary nongovernmental organization, underscores the human rights violations that occur when Sámi lands are treated as sacrifice zones for global climate goals and green financial interests. Saami Council President Per-Olof Nutti expressed concern over the continuation of industrial activities and exploitation of nature under new labels and justifications, leaving the Sámi with little agency over their future.
Sámi homelands, known as Sápmi, span across northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia, facing challenges from climate change in two significant ways: direct environmental impacts and the rise of green energy projects and extractive industries necessary for the transition to a greener economy.
### Challenges Faced by Sámi Communities
The report delves into three case studies in Norway, Sweden, and Finland, shedding light on the struggles faced by Sámi communities in protecting their lands and way of life. In Norway, the Fosen wind farm was approved in 2010 without Sámi consent, leading to prolonged legal battles. Despite a Supreme Court ruling that deemed the wind farm unconstitutional in 2021, turbines continue to operate due to a settlement reached last year. Similarly, in Finland, the issuance of exploration permits for a mine in Sápmi has sparked outrage among Sámi leaders, who lack sufficient legal mechanisms to safeguard the area. In Sweden, the approval of a nickel mine in Rönnbäcken, situated in reindeer-herding territory, has raised concerns about the impact on the land and the livelihoods of the Sámi community, further exacerbating racism from non-Sámi locals.
Elina Mikola, a researcher at Amnesty International, expressed worry over the escalating land-use conflicts and emphasized the urgent need for solutions to protect Sámi homelands from exploitation and environmental degradation.
### Upholding Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination
The report underscores the collective rights of the Sámi people as enshrined in international treaties and laws, emphasizing the right to self-determination. This right allows Indigenous peoples to determine their political status and future through the exercise of free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC). Despite existing legal frameworks, the report reveals that Sweden, Finland, and Norway have fallen short in implementing FPIC and other international laws aimed at safeguarding Sápmi from exploitation.
The comprehensive report, which took three years to compile, navigated the complexities of intersecting laws across different countries to present a unified perspective on the challenges faced by the Sámi community. By treating the Sámi as a cohesive nation with shared concerns, the report aims to adopt a de-colonial approach that respects their cultural heritage and rights.
### Recommendations for a Sustainable Future
In addition to advocating for FPIC reform, the report puts forth recommendations for Finland, Sweden, and Norway to reassess their regulations and enact laws that bolster the protection of traditional Sámi livelihoods, such as reindeer herding. Furthermore, the authors propose that Sámi people be compensated for their time spent consulting with companies and governments, aligning with international human rights standards that prioritize the preservation of cultural traditions.
As the voices of the Sámi community continue to advocate for their rights and the preservation of their homelands, the report serves as a clarion call for policymakers and stakeholders to take decisive action to uphold indigenous rights and foster sustainable development practices.
Spokespersons from Finland, Norway, and Sweden were unavailable for comment at the time of publication, highlighting the ongoing challenges in engaging with key stakeholders to address the pressing issues facing the Sámi community.
