HRC53 - Iceland statement - Oral update of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran

Item 4: Interactive dialogue on the oral update of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran

Statement by Iceland

5 July 2023

Mr President,

Iceland thanks the Experts of the Fact-Finding Mission for their valuable update and reiterates its unwavering support for the mandate.

We welcome the FFM’s interpretation of the mandate, and their carefully crafted approach to collecting, consolidating, analysing and preserving information and evidence of violations by taking a victim-centred and intersectional approach, and by examining how multiple forms of discrimination affect victims of human rights violations.

Iceland is also strongly supportive of the FFM analysing patterns of impunity and identification of individuals and entities responsible for alleged violations and the establishment of facts regarding their responsibility. 

We look forward to the FFM’s findings in HRC 55 and recommendations including on measures for prevention, protection, and reparation and accountability.

We urge the Iranian authorities to reconsider their initial rejection of the mechanism and to heed the Secretary-General’s and the High Commissioners call for full cooperation with the FFM and to accept their request for a country visit.

History has shown that addressing grievances and ensuring accountability is key to justice and reconciliation.

In closing, Madam Chair how can we best support the work of the FFM going forward?