Human Rights Council – 60th Session
General Comment on draft resolution L.12
Question of the death penalty
Statement delivered by Iceland
7 October 2025

Mr. President,

Iceland thanks the core group for their work on resolution L.12 and for their inclusive and consultative approach to negotiations. Iceland is a longstanding co-sponsor of this initiative, which addresses a matter of fundamental human rights concern.

Iceland opposes the death penalty in all circumstances and for all people. We believe as a matter of principle, that the death penalty has no place in the 21^st century. It brutalises human society, is degrading, and is an affront to human dignity. We remain firmly committed to its universal abolition, and welcome the positive trend we are happy to note that the number of abolitionist states grows with each year.

This resolution rightly reaffirms that, where the death penalty is still applied, strict compliance with international human rights standards is essential. We particularly welcome this year’s focus on equality of arms. Fair trials cannot exist without it, and when denied, the risk of wrongful convictions is profound. In capital cases, such violations result in irreversible miscarriages of justice. We also value the resolution’s attention to the disproportionate impact on marginalized groups and minorities, as well as the discrimination women and girls face in the justice system, particularly in capital punishment cases.

Iceland urges all members to support draft resolution L.12 and opposes all amendments set forward. In case of a vote on the draft. resolution, Iceland will vote in favor.

Thank you.