HRC59 - Iceland EoV - A/HRC/59/L.24/Rev.2 Violence against women and girls (amendment A/HRC/59/L.28)

Human Rights Council – 59th session
Adoptions: Explanation of vote delivered by Iceland on amendment A/HRC/59/L.28 for resolution A/HRC/59/L.24/Rev.2 as orally revised on Accelerating efforts to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls: prevention through the fulfilment of economic, social and cultural rights

Mr. President,

Iceland strongly supports resolution L.24 as orally revised, which focuses on eliminating and preventing all forms of violence against women and girls through the fulfilment of economic, social and cultural rights.

The achievement of sexual and reproductive health relies on the realization of sexual and reproductive rights, which are indivisible and interdependent from other human rights already recognized in national laws and international human rights documents.

These include women’s and girls’ rights to live free from violence, including to not be subjected to sexual violence or harmful practices, such as child early and forced marriage, or FGM; to choose if, when and with whom to form a family; and to access the education, information and services necessary to make informed choices about their health and lives.

Unfortunately, these rights are often restricted or violated due to discriminatory systems, gender stereotypes and harmful norms which fuel gender inequality and perpetuate cycles of poverty and violence. Ending violence against women and girls requires the respect, protection and fulfillment of sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Iceland will therefore vote against amendment L.28 as well as any other amendments presented to resolution L.24/Rev.2 as orally revised, and calls on all Members of Council to do the same.