A/80/181 2. Extractive industries, the green energy transition and the rush for rare minerals 48. Indigenous Peoples are already adversely affected by extractive industries, 23 and large-scale energy projects are being pushed into their lands, often without free, prior and informed consent. 24 This pressure has intensified in recent years, with the global rush for transition minerals. 25 Some observers estimate that over 50 per cent of energy transition projects are located on or near Indigenous Peoples’ lands. 26 This trend is already causing the criminalization of defenders of the human rights of Indigenous Peoples, including Indigenous defenders, a trend that is likely to increase in the coming years. 49. In numerous Asian countries, for instance, the expansion of nickel mining, which is critical for electric vehicle batteries, has led to the displacement of Indigenous communities and the militarization of their ancestral lands. Despite legal protections, Indigenous leaders opposing those projects have faced threats, harassment and even violence, something that highlights the deepening risks that they face in the name of the green transition. 27 50. The expansion in Latin America of the so-called “lithium triangle” has sparked opposition from Indigenous Peoples. They argue that the projects threaten their water sources and violate their right to free, prior and informed consent. Despite promises of sustainable development, many Indigenous leaders report exclusion from decision making processes and increasing pressure on their territories in the name of the global energy transition. 28 E. International security and Indigenous Peoples’ territories 51. Indigenous Peoples’ territories can significantly contribute to international security, as outlined below, but States often ignore that potential. The Special Rapporteur will continue to pay attention to this issue, seeking to engage with stakeholders over the coming years. 1. Indigenous Peoples’ territories and international security hotspots 52. Due to their geographical location, Indigenous Peoples’ territories are particularly vulnerable to a range of issues, some of which are set out below. Living in remote or borders areas 53. In many parts of the world, Indigenous Peoples live along borders, with their ancestral lands forming the final square metres of States’ national territories. Other Indigenous Peoples live across countries, as their ancestral lands stretch over several national territories due to arbitrarily drawn boundary lines. 29 These border areas are strategically located, rich in natural resources and biodiversity, and frequently attract __________________ 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 25-11701 See A/HRC/24/41. See A/HRC/36/46. Ibid. International Energy Agency, “Blueprint for action on just and inclusive energy transitions”, June 2025, available at www.iea.org/reports/blueprint-for-action-on-just-and-inclusive-energytransitions. See also https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/energy/protecting-indigenous-peoples-rights-. See A/HRC/9/9/Add.1, paras. 437–440, and communication IDN 1/2019. See also communication GTM 6/2023. See E/CN.17/2011/16 and communications ARG 4/2024 and ARG 11/2024. See also E/C.19/2022/9 and www.business-humanrights.org/en/latest-news/argentina-indigenouscommunities-raise-environmental-human-rights-concerns-over-lithium-mining-companiesactivities/. E/CN.4/Sub.2/1986/7/Add.4, para. 379. See also A/79/160. 13/21