HRC58 - Iceland statement - Adoption of A/HRC/58/L31/Rev.1 & L.32: On the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and on Israeli settlements in OPT
Human Rights Council – 58th session
General Comment on draft resolution L.31/Rev1
On The Right of the Palestinian people to self-determination
and
L.32/Rev 1 on Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian GolanStatement by Iceland
4 April 2025
Mr. President,
Iceland supports the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and accordingly recognized Palestine as an independent state in 2011. Similarly, we reiterate our opposition to Israel’s continued illegal settlement activities in the West Bank, including in East Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan.
The humanitarian crisis in the oPt is unprecedented, and the internal forced displacement and rising death toll are further exacerbated by the resumed Israeli attacks after the ceasefire in Gaza collapsed two weeks ago. We urge both sides to return to talks to implement the second phase of the ceasefire deal.
For the record, Iceland reiterates that we do not see the logic behind a permanent agenda item dedicated to one situation. However, the gravity of the situation in Palestine is extraordinary and calls for our undivided attention.
We remain concerned about the lack of dignity for Palestinians living under occupation with deteriorating access to basic infrastructure and basic services, education, and vital health services, including sexual and reproductive health services. We strongly condemn the further escalation of settler violence and urge Israel to protect the population in the territory it occupies, in line with the law of occupation.
We cannot advocate for adherence to international law only for some. International law, including international humanitarian and human rights law, must remain our compass in this conflict, as in others.
Let me reaffirm Iceland’s support for a credible pathway towards peace, both forPalestinians and Israelis, based on a two-state solution.
Iceland supports resolution L.31 and calls on other members to do so as well.
I thank you.