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55th Session of the Human Rights Council 

High-level Segment 

Statement by H.E. Bjarni Benediktsson 

Minister for Foreign Affairs 

 

Mr. President,  

High Commissioner,  

Excellencies,  

 
It is my honour to address the Human Rights Council for the first time. 
 
We stand in the face of a full-scale war in Europe, horrific conflicts in the Middle East and other parts of the world, and polarisation yet again on the rise.  

In these circumstances it is worth remembering the purpose of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in the aftermath of two world wars. It was regarded as a key instrument to prevent future horrors.  

The drafters felt strongly that human rights should never be an afterthought, as “disregard and contempt for human rights had resulted in barbarous acts which had outraged the conscience of mankind.” 

Mr. President, 

Two years on from the brutal invasion of Ukraine, the Kremlin does not seem ready to stop its war of conquest. 

In the face of Russia’s blatant disregard for international law, and Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the international community must continue to support Ukraine and its people, striving for a just peace. 

The establishment of a Register of Damage to record and document evidence and claims for damage, loss, or injury resulting from the Russian aggression was an important step taken in Reykjavík during Iceland’s recent Presidency in the Council of Europe to secure accountability.  

In Russia, all means are used to stifle the smallest sign of opposition. Navalny’s death has become a global symbol of Putin’s fear of his own demise – as the crackdown on free speech and misinformation campaigns used to control the free will of the Russian people reflect so clearly. 

In the Middle East, Iceland has joined calls for a humanitarian ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access, as well as the release of all hostages held by Hamas. Life-saving aid must reach those in need. 

Nothing can justify Hamas’s vicious terrorist attack, which Iceland condemns in the strongest terms. However, in its self-defence, Israel must comply with international law, protect civilians and provide sufficient humanitarian aid, in line with the legally binding orders issued by the International Court of Justice. 

As dire as the situation looks now, there must be a plan for the day after. Iceland recognized the state of Palestine in 2011 and has consistently advocated for the two-state solution. We need a political process paving the way towards that end. 

Mr. President, 

We must work together to reverse the serious backsliding of human rights we have witnessed lately, and secure the universal human rights of all people, regardless of race, religion, beliefs, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity.  

In this context, Iceland has recently committed to doubling its annual core contribution for the next five years in support of the High Commissioner’s Office vital work for universal human rights.  

We must hold up the values of democracy, freedom, and human rights and defend freedom of expression and assembly. And dialogue is key, even when we disagree, as the absence of dialogue only serves to protect human rights violators. 

That is what this body is about.  

This Council is not perfect, but our work here can have a great impact for the benefit of people – and that must be our goal, to improve the lives of people around the world.  

Mr. President.  

This is why Iceland is seeking a seat on the Human Rights Council for the term 2025 to 2027. Our candidature is supported by all the Nordic States.   

If elected, Iceland will actively contribute to the Council’s core mandate of advancing the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms of all people and addressing human rights violations and abuses.  

Other priorities will be the rights of women and girls, children and youth, LGBTI rights and human rights and the environment, where I believe we have a lot to share. 

We will engage with countries from all regions of the world in an inclusive manner towards or common goal of advancing the dignity of equality of all human beings.  

In our quest for peace and our common prosperity, we must bridge the divides and support each other in fulfilling our obligations to uphold the human rights of all people.  

That is what this Council is about.  

Thank you.