Human Rights Council - 60^th Session
Item 4 Statement by Iceland

23 September 2025

Mr. President,

Iceland reaffirms the urgent responsibility of this Council to confront grave and escalating human rights violations wherever they occur. The most serious abuses are too often committed in situations of war and armed conflict, where civilians – particularly women and children – continue to bear the heaviest burden.

Israel’s ongoing military operations against and within Palestine are way beyond proportional self-defense and, along with the relentless obstruction of humanitarian assistance, constitute serious violations of international law. The two-state solution remains the only viable and morally justifiable path forward. Iceland once again reiterates the call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the restoration of humanitarian access and the release of all hostages.

Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine continues to inflict devastating human suffering. The deliberate targeting of civilians, as well as schools, hospitals, and critical infrastructure, are grave breaches of international law. We are particularly outraged by the forcible transfer of Ukrainian children, who must be reunited with their families without delay. We call on the Russian Federation to cease immediately its war of aggression and to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In Afghanistan, we reiterate the call for accountability to address long-standing impunity for serious past and ongoing international crimes committed in Afghanistan.

Multilateralism and the international human rights system require our unwavering commitment and resolve.

In closing, Iceland refers to Nordic-Baltic statements, including on Afghanistan, Belarus, Burundi, the DRC, Nicaragua, Myanmar, DPRK, Sudan, Syria and Venezuela.

I thank you.