HRC59 - Iceland statement - Presentation of HCHR Annual Report
Human Rights Council – 59th Session
Item 2: Presentation of High Commissioner for Human Rights Annual Report
Statement by Iceland
17 June 2025
Mr. President,
I thank the High Commissioner for the thought-provoking presentation. The number of protracted crises calls for our undivided attention. We are witnessing escalating conflicts with unprecedented consequences for civilians. The starkest example being the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza where a relentless conflict and blockade of life-saving humanitarian assistance are causing acute malnutrition, starvation, illness and death.
International law must be respected. Human rights violations disproportionately affect those who bear the least responsibility. The most vulnerable are falling even further behind, with their rights to food, health and an adequate standard of living under attack.
Globally, civic space is shrinking. Evident by the banning of public gatherings and increasing attacks against civil society and human rights defenders. Anti-rights movements targeting the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women are gaining momentum, funding, and political influence.
As we heard yesterday, discrimination is neither rare nor random. We must redouble our efforts to stand up for human rights for everyone including by rejecting violence and stigmatization and embracing diversity, inclusion and equality.
For this purpose, the multilateral system remains as important as ever, acting as the cornerstone for peace, stability and universal respect for human rights. Dialogue and respect for the rule of law must prevail.
I thank you.