HRC63 - Iceland Statement - Item 4: General Debate

Human Rights Council – 63rd Session
Item 4: General Debate
Statement delivered by Iceland
22 September 2026

President,

The human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran continues to decline [and is further intensified by the ongoing conflict]. Iceland is deeply concerned by the escalation in the use of lethal force and mass arrests to suppress protests [and the use of the death penalty as a tool of intimidation and control.] We further call on all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law and human rights law.

In Russia, the [systematic erosion of human rights and] continued crackdown on civil society is of serious concern. We urge Russia to cease its violations of freedom of opinion and expression, and its dismantling of all forms of independent civic activity and political opposition. Iceland further reiterates its condemnation, in the strongest possible terms, of Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine.

In Afghanistan, the Taliban’s institutionalised and systematic repression of women and girls is intensifying. Iceland supports Afghan women in calling for the codification of the crime of gender apartheid in international law.

The situation in the West Bank is deteriorating, with unprecedented levels of settler violence and settlement expansions are undermining the possibility of the two-State solution. Iceland yet again calls on Israel to comply with its obligations under international law [and underlines that the two-State solution remains the only credible way to a just and lasting peace].

Iceland remains concerned about the targeting of CSOs and human rights defenders in Türkiye, and calls for respect for the human rights of everyone, including LGBTQI+ persons.

In closing, Iceland refers to Nordic-Baltic statements made in the interactive dialogues under item 4, [including on Burundi, Venezuela, Russia, Belarus, Iran and Nicaragua].

I thank you.