HRC58 - NB8 statement - Panel discussion on the question of the death penalty

Human Rights Council - 58th session

Biennial high-level panel discussion on the question of the death penalty

Theme: The contribution of the judiciary to the advancement of human rights
and the question of the death penalty

Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states

25 February 2025

Mr. President,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.

The death penalty cannot be reconciled with the right to life. The Nordic-Baltic countries categorically oppose the use of the death penalty.

We are alarmed by the continuous use of the death penalty for crimes that do not meet the threshold of  “the most serious crimes”. Everyone shall be entitled to a fair and public hearing by a competent, independent and impartial tribunal established by law.

Under no circumstance can the death penalty be applied as a sanction against specific forms of conduct or relations. Executing persons based on their perceived sexual orientation or gender identity, on the basis on thought, conscience, religion or belief is a clear violation of international human rights law.

States that have not yet totally abolished should be on a path towards doing so. In the meantime, we call on all states to introduce an immediate moratorium on executions as a first step towards abolition.

Despite an overall global trend towards the abolition of the death penalty, the total number of executions worldwide continues to rise. We commend the states that have recently taken steps towards abolition and call on others to do the same.

I thank you.