Dylan Lang
U.S. Adviser for the Third Committee
New York, New York
October 26, 2023
AS DELIVERED
Thank you, Chair, and thank you, Mr. Special Rapporteur, for your insight on minority issues and for your invaluable service over the past three years, including your visit to the United States.
Members of minority communities across the globe often face legislative, regulatory, and societal challenges that undermine their enjoyment of their rights. It is incumbent upon us all to fight systemic racism, discrimination, and xenophobia in all their forms.
We emphasize the importance of protecting the languages of marginalized ethnic communities. Including Indigenous languages in UN organizations encourages meaningful contributions in UN processes. This creates spaces for a cooperative environment in solving international problems.
In its commitment to supporting and promoting the efforts of Indigenous Peoples to revitalize, develop and freely utilize their languages, we are collaborating with Tribal Nations and the Native Hawaiian communities, including tribal leaders and experts, to develop a 10-Year National Plan on Native Language Revitalization. Additionally, the U.S. Government is managing $3.4 million in federal grants for Native American language resource centers.
We as Member States must hold accountable those who perpetrate violence against and oppress members of marginalized racial, ethnic, and Indigenous communities.
Our question is, what are the most effective ways Member States can support the revitalization of languages of indigenous and other marginalized peoples outside of an educational setting?
I thank you.
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