HRC43

Thank you Mr Vice-President,

Iceland thanks the Special Rapporteur for his report and his dedication to those that defend our human rights.

Human rights defenders play a critical role in the promotion and protection of human rights, especially where they are often most under threat, in conflict and post conflict situations where human rights and humanity itself can be hard to find.

As the rapporteur outlines, this can encompass a diverse set of actors, many that may not traditionally have considered themselves to be human rights defenders. They all deserve a safe environment and protection.

We believe that if the risks and violations that human rights defenders face are addressed, human rights defenders are vital in addressing the root causes of conflict and in that way contribute to conflict prevention or the reoccurrence of conflict.

Finally, Mr. Forst, instead of posing a question to you we would like to thank you for your work as Special Rapporteur. During your time, the mandate has been crucial in supporting the ability of States to deliver on their commitments to provide a safe and enabling environment for human rights defenders.

We state our full support to your mandate and to its renewal at this session. It is vital, now as ever, that your important work continues.

I thank you.