A/80/181 for transition minerals, are affecting how those lands are identified, demarcated, registered and titled. 83. Increasing interest in Indigenous Peoples’ lands appears to be contributing also to a growing trend of criminalization of Indigenous human rights defenders, especially those focused on protecting their territories. In its report for 2023 and 2024, Front Line Defenders indicates that 31 per cent of the human rights defenders killed in 2023 were Indigenous or worked on Indigenous Peoples’ rights. That number is alarmingly disproportionate considering that Indigenous Peoples represent around 5 per cent of the world’s population. 84. The issue of the territories or lands of Indigenous Peoples intersects with international security; however, States often do not recognize the potential contribution of Indigenous Peoples to international security. Numerous Indigenous Peoples’ territories are situated along or span international borders, making them particularly vulnerable to extremist groups and organized criminal networks. These areas frequently experience conflict and migration, and are subjected to the competing geopolitical interests of States. States have responded to international security challenges within Indigenous territories primarily through the militarization of those areas, frequently disregarding Indigenous Peoples and at times viewing them as potential collaborators in activities perceived as threats to national interests. 85. States may be overlooking valuable opportunities to collaborate with Indigenous Peoples to strengthen international security within their strategically significant territories. Leveraging the knowledge, land rights, selfdetermination, cultural values and resilience of Indigenous Peoples can help to make them part of an effective first-line protection against extremism, trafficking, climate change and biodiversity loss on their lands. To achieve this goal, States should forge a new partnership with Indigenous Peoples on international security, as emerging examples show that their involvement enhances security. Such a partnership should be grounded in trust and rights, as stated in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. 86. The Special Rapporteur will continue consultations and research to produce a comprehensive final report in the next reporting cycle. That report will further elaborate on the findings and recommendations presented herein. Stakeholders are invited to contribute to this ongoing dialogue, with the shared goal of advancing justice, dignity and the full realization of Indigenous Peoples’ rights to their lands, territories and resources. B. Recommendations 87. The Special Rapporteur emphasizes that the following recommendations must be implemented in full consultation and cooperation with Indigenous Peoples, ensuring their effective participation and free, prior and informed consent at every stage. Support for human rights mechanisms 88. Member States should provide robust, sustained and predictable support to the United Nations, OHCHR and regional and national human rights mechanisms, particularly those dedicated to the rights of Indigenous Peoples. 25-11701 19/21