Human Rights Council – 61^st Session
General Comment on draft resolution L.23/Rev.1
Mental health and human rights
Statement by Iceland
30 March 2026

Mr. President,

Iceland would like to thank Brazil and Portugal for presenting draft resolution L.23/Rev.1 which reflects careful updates and thoughtful streamlining.

Iceland firmly supports the human rights-based approach to mental health embodied in this draft resolution. We welcome the resolution’s clear grounding in the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which Iceland ratified in 2016 and fully incorporated into domestic law last year, accompanied by a National Action Plan that has concrete measures to strengthen its implementation, including in the area of mental health.

Mr. President,

In Iceland’s view, the draft resolution takes a comprehensive approach, placing autonomy and equality at its core, coupled with an emphasis on improving mental health services in a way that respects people’s rights and dignity.

The resolution recognizes that mental health does not exist in isolation but is shaped by the conditions in which people live, work, and belong. In this context, Iceland appreciates the strengthened focus on the social factors of mental health and the meaningful participation of persons with lived experiences.

These key issues closely align with Iceland’s domestic priorities and our wider commitment to equality, inclusion and universal access to essential health services.

Iceland is a cosponsor of this draft resolution and will join consensus  and encourages all members of the Council to do the same.

Thank you.