Statement: 2nd Plenary Meeting of Third Committee, General Debate

Statement by H.E. Anna Jóhannsdóttir
Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations
General Assembly 81st session 
2nd Plenary Meeting of Third Committee, General Debate    
1 October 2026

Mr. Chair,

Let me begin by congratulating Ambassador Larsen and the rest of the Bureau on your election. We would like to express our sincere appreciation for your work so far and wish you all the best in guiding the committee through this 81st session.

Mr. Chair,

We are witnessing a deeply troubling global backlash against fundamental human rights. Persistent challenges continue to impact the human rights landscape, with the continued rise in conflicts, democratic backsliding and shrinking of civic space negatively impacting the realization of human rights globally.

Armed conflicts rage across the world, resulting in widespread human rights violations and severe humanitarian crises, often escalated by restrictions on humanitarian access and attacks against humanitarian personnel.

The digital transformation is reshaping our societies and civic space. The same technologies that empower can also be used to monitor, silence, or manipulate. Recognising this is essential, as is taking action to ensure that digital technologies strengthen democratic participation and human rights.

Climate change continues to threaten the effective enjoyment of a range of human rights including those to life, water and sanitation, food, health, housing, and self-determination.

The reintroduction of the death penalty by some states is of grave concern and must be viewed as a step backwards for human rights. Ongoing use of capital punishment as a tool for intimidation and control can never be justified.

These concerning trends underscore the importance of renewed multilateral action. This is not happening in isolation; it is part of a wider erosion of democratic values and the rules-based international order. For a small state like Iceland, whose security and prosperity depend on these values – this is not an abstract concern. It is existential. Human rights are at the core of Iceland’s foreign policy, and they must remain at the heart of our collective efforts.

Mr. Chair,

As a member of the Human Rights Council through 2027, Iceland places particular emphasis on gender equality, LGBTQI+ rights and the rights of children and young persons.

The pushback against gender equality and the rights of women and girls is increasingly more organized, with many countries reshaping laws to restrict freedoms and silence voices.

Women and girls continue to face structural inequalities and multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination. Sexual and gender-based violence, exploitation, abuse and harassment are worldwide problems which we must address urgently on all levels.

Iceland remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing the human rights of women and girls, in all their diversity, with a special focus on working collaboratively towards zero tolerance for sexual and gender-based violence and promoting universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Eradicating disparity between genders is not only the right thing to do, but it also increases the prosperity and well-being of societies.

Mr. Chair,

Too many persons of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics continue to face discrimination and violence solely for being who they are. Iceland remains concerned about alarming crackdowns on civil society organizations and arrests of persons fighting for the recognition of these basic human rights.

These are not isolated incidents; they are part of a broader pattern threatening people’s dignity, equality and safety. No person should have to live in fear of persecution and violence. Discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity is unacceptable.

Human rights are not a zero-sum game and allowing an LGBTQI+ person to live freely does not make anyone else less free. Iceland will continue to protect the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons and advocate for the advancement of their rights worldwide.

Mr. Chair,

Iceland firmly believes that the rights of children should be placed at the centre of all policymaking. Every child has the right to grow and prosper to adulthood in good health and education, dignity and peace.

We must support and enable girls and young women, in all their diversity, to prosper. Ensuring equal access to education is imperative in this regard. This includes providing young people with sexual and reproductive health rights and services, comprehensive sexuality education and protecting their right to bodily autonomy, privacy and self-determination.

We must also continue to fight child sexual exploitation and abuse as well as harmful practices, including female genital mutilation and child, early, and forced marriage.

Mr. Chair,

Iceland condemns in the strongest terms Russia’s ongoing illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. We condemn the targeting of civilians and critical infrastructure, such as energy facilities and heating systems, with devastating effects on all aspects of life. We further condemn the unlawful large-scale deportation and forcible transfer of Ukrainian children, which may amount to crimes against humanity. Russia’s grave violations of international human rights and humanitarian law must end.

In Russia, the systematic erosion of human rights and continued crackdown on civil society is of serious concern. We urge Russia to cease its violations of freedom of opinion and expression, and its dismantling of all forms of independent civic activity and political opposition.

Palestinians continue to face appalling conditions, particularly in Gaza, where basic needs are far from being met. The situation in the West Bank is deteriorating, with unprecedented levels of settler violence and settlement expansions undermining the possibility of a just and lasting peace. Iceland reiterates its strong support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and to the implementation of the two-State solution.

Mr. Chair,

The human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran continues to decline and is further intensified by the ongoing conflict. Iceland is deeply concerned by the escalation in the use of lethal force and mass arrests to suppress protests, as well as the sharp rise in executions and the use of death penalty as a tool of intimidation and control. We call on the Islamic Republic of Iran to immediately end the use of the death penalty, impose a moratorium on executions, and release all persons arbitrarily detained. We further call on all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law and human rights law.

In Afghanistan, the Taliban’s institutionalised and systematic repression of women and girls is intensifying. Afghan women face severe restrictions based on new decrees that further institutionalize discrimination in all aspects of life. Iceland supports Afghan women in calling for the codification of the crime of gender apartheid in international law and calls on the de facto authorities to fulfil Afghanistan’s international human rights obligations and reverse policies and edicts that violate them.

The situation in Sudan remains catastrophic. The relentless war continues to cause mass displacement and widespread civilian suffering where reports of systematic sexual violence are of particular concern. Urgent protection and accountability is vital.

Mr. Chair,

Iceland is deeply committed to the future sustainability of the human rights treaty body system. We must join our efforts to fully implement resolution 68/268 on strengthening the system. To this end, Iceland will be presenting its biannual resolution during this session. We depend on your support, so it can be adopted without a vote, as it has been for 10 years.

Mr. Chair,

As a member of the Human Rights Council, Iceland has prioritised constructive engagement, open dialogue and close cooperation with civil society organisations and human rights defenders.

We firmly believe that human rights are universal, indivisible and interdependent. We will continue to advocate for multilateral cooperation and upholding the principles of human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

Our organisation is built on three pillars; human rights, development and peace and security. One cannot thrive and prosper without the others. The promotion of human rights for everyone, everywhere, at all times, is not simply a moral imperative. It is a strategic necessity, fundamental to upholding our international system.

Let us work together to defend these rights in our work, through this Committee and beyond.

I thank you.