77th Session of the Executive Committee of UNHCR - National Statement by Iceland

77th Session of the Executive Committee of UNHCR
National Statement by Iceland
Geneva, 12 October 2026

Mr. Chair, High Commissioner, Excellencies, distinguished delegates,

We warmly welcome you High Commissioner to your first Executive Committee session and I want to assure you of Iceland’s full support.

We thank the High Commissioner for his opening remarks and welcome his commitment to strengthening international protection and advancing durable solutions. We also take this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation to UNHCR staff and partners for their tireless work under increasingly difficult circumstances.

Mr. Chair,

We meet at a time when we are facing a growing number of protracted crises, often characterized by a complex interplay of conflict, climate change, external economic shocks, and a disconcerting lack of respect for international humanitarian law and for those who deliver life-saving assistance. We remain deeply concerned by this trend and the persistent disregard for innocent lives and international humanitarian law.

And so, as we mark the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to international refugee protection. We recognise the challenges faced by countries managing complex refugee movements. These challenges must be addressed through international cooperation, without compromising fundamental protection obligations.

Mr. Chair,

Iceland welcomes the High Commissioner's ambition to move beyond managing displacement towards finding lasting solutions.

The 50 by 35 vision provides an important opportunity for collective action. Progress must be measured by improved protection, greater self-reliance and sustainable solutions, not simply through reduced humanitarian assistance. Durable solutions must remain central to our efforts.

Mr. Chair,

The humanitarian funding crisis poses a grave threat to people forced to flee, whether they be in Ukraine, Sudan or Yemen, because it limits UNHCR's ability to fulfil its protection mandate at a time when it has never been more important. We firmly believe that international solidarity must be demonstrated through concrete action and so this year, Iceland has increased its contributions to UNHCR to over five million dollars, the highest level in the history of our partnership. Iceland remains a steadfast supporter of the principle of good humanitarian donorship as showcased through continued commitment to flexible, predictable and sustained funding, including unearmarked contributions which enable UNHCR to respond swiftly when and where the needs are greatest. We encourage other donors to strengthen their efforts in this regard.

We welcome the High Commissioner's efforts to build a more effective and field-oriented organisation, including through the Humanitarian Reset and the UN80 Initiative. Iceland underlines that ongoing reform must strengthen UNHCR's protection mandate and preserve the expertise needed to assist those most at risk.

Mr. Chair,

Displacement amplifies pre-existing vulnerabilities and inequalities. In time of crises, women and girls face heightened risks of sexual and gender-based violence and exploitation. Further, persons with disabilities, LGBTQI+ persons and other marginalised groups often encounter additional barriers to protection and suffer from formal or informal discrimination, pushing them into severe deprivation and vulnerability to abuse and violence.

Iceland encourages the High Commissioner to ensure that gender equality, and sexual and reproductive health and rights, including gender-based violence prevention, remain central to UNHCR’s work. Continued leadership in addressing statelessness is also welcomed.

Looking ahead to the Global Refugee Forum in 2027, we welcome the High Commissioner's emphasis on strengthening international cooperation and responsibility sharing in support of refugees and host communities. At a time of growing global uncertainty, our commitment to international law, the multilateral system and human dignity must remain unwavering.

We look forward to working closely with you High Commissioner and your capable teams, as well as all partners, to ensure that UNHCR can continue to fulfil its indispensable mandate.

Thank you.