HRC63 - Iceland EoV - A/HRC/63/L.26: Human rights and humanitarian crisis in Sudan

Human Rights Council – 63nd Session
Explanation of vote during adoption of draft resolution A/HRC/63/L.26:
Responding to the human rights and humanitarian crisis caused by the ongoing armed conflict in the Sudan
Statement by Iceland
5 October 2026

President,

Iceland thanks the core croup (of United Kingdom, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands and Norway) for presenting draft resolution L.26.

The findings before this Council on the human rights and humanitarian crisis in Sudan are deeply alarming. This includes the fact-finding mission’s reports on mass executions, arbitrary detention, ethnic targeting, torture and abductions as method of warfare in the context of the conflict.

Further, civic space in the country is shrinking rapidly as seen by growing harassment and intimidation of survivors and witnesses and increased threats against journalists, lawyers and human rights defenders.

Iceland remains particularly alarmed by the scale of widespread and systematic conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence, where women and girls are being raped and killed in their homes, or as they flee, or seek food, water or medical care. In this regard, we appreciate the strong emphasis in the draft resolution on survivor-centred responses, accountability, and the participation of women in ceasefire and peace processes.

President,

Independent investigation and documentation of violations, including the preservation of evidence, are essential to combat impunity. Urgent protection and accountability is vital.

The unprecedented levels of violence in Sudan repeatedly documented before this Council, show us why renewing the fact-finding mission’s mandate is urgent. As the only independent investigative body documenting and reporting on atrocities in the country, the FFM’s mandate must be renewed.

The people of Sudan cannot afford further inaction. Iceland will continue to support all efforts to ensure justice for victims and survivors in Sudan.

Iceland therefore supports resolution L.26 and will vote yes. We further call on all members of the Council to do the same.

I thank you.