HRC63 – Iceland GC – A/HRC/63/L.20.Rev1: Human Rights and Indigenous Peoples

Human Rights Council – 63rd Session
General Comment during adoption of draft resolution L.20.Rev1
Human Rights and Indigenous Peoples
Statement by Iceland
6 October 2026

President,

Iceland thanks the core group for its important work on draft resolution L.20.Rev1. We welcome this year’s emphasis on enhancing participation of Indigenous Peoples, including through accessibility across the United Nations system.

The knowledge, perspectives and leadership of Indigenous Peoples are indispensable to addressing some of the defining global challenges of our time. It is vital that Indigenous Peoples, who actively foster peacebuilding and protect much of the world’s biodiversity, have their right to participation fully realised.

Iceland particularly welcomes the continued attention of the resolution to Indigenous women and girls and the recognition of the multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination they may face throughout their lives.

Iceland is a steadfast advocate for sexual and reproductive health and rights whose violations represent the ultimate denial of ones’ self-determination. Redressing sexual and reproductive health rights violations against Indigenous Peoples, as historic and contemporary systemic injustices, is one example of a matter that will only be successful if participation of Indigenous Peoples is prioritised, including those of Indigenous women and girls.

We further welcome efforts by the core group regarding rationalisation and efficiency, including the biannualisation of the resolution.

Iceland is pleased to support resolution L.20.Rev1 and encourages all member States to do the same.

I thank you.