Human Rights Council – 60^th Session
Item 2: General Debate

Statement delivered by Iceland

9 September 2025

Mr. President

Human rights are under attack globally. Each crisis demands this Council’s full attention and unified response. To meet this challenge, we must set aside polarization and politicization, focusing on our shared responsibility. The lives of millions depend on it.

Ongoing aggression such as by Russia against Ukraine, armed conflicts and deliberate obstruction of humanitarian access continue to cause immense suffering, endangering entire populations and violating their human rights, causing irrevocable harm and disproportionately affecting those least responsible.

After hearing the High Commissioners report and the enhanced ID on Afghanistan, Iceland firmly believes that there is high time for this council to hear the call for a strong accountability mechanism on Afghanistan, comprehensive in time and scope, addressing amongst other things the apparent gender persecution by the de-facto authorities.

In Gaza, relentless hostilities and restrictions of life-saving humanitarian assistance are causing famine, illness and death. We note with concern the High Commissioner’s remarks about the open use of genocidal rhetoric, and the disgraceful dehumanization of Palestinians by senior Israeli officials. Urgent international attention and accountability is needed. Time for action is now.

The international multilateral system remains a cornerstone for peace and the universal protection of human rights. Silence and inaction are not options. Impunity cannot be allowed to prevail.

I thank you.