A/HRC/48/74 peoples should work together on finding ways to preserve culture without harm, in line with the best interests of the child. IV. COVID-19, moving forward 89. The COVID-19 pandemic will most likely have devastating consequences for indigenous children. Political will is essential to ensure that they are not left behind. States must ensure that there is no erosion of children’s pre-existing degree of enjoyment of their rights during such times of crisis. 90. Children’s voices are key and their participation and consultation on decisions related to them is more critical than ever. They should be supported as agents of change and be engaged in solutions for overcoming the barriers they face in accessing their rights. 91. While the pandemic has exacerbated the pre-existing challenges faced by indigenous children, it is also an opportunity to build back better in a way that reflects the Sustainable Development Goals and prioritizes vulnerable groups such as indigenous children, including through national implementation plans on the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, in line with the commitments States have made to achieve its ends. 17

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