Statement by H.E. Anna Jóhannsdóttir
Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations
on behalf of the Nordic countries

General Assembly 79th session, 1 November 2024, 32nd Plenary Meeting
General debate on the Report of the Human Rights Council with
the President of the Council, H.E. Mr. Omar Zniber

Mr. President,

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden and my own country Iceland, as a Nordic member-elect of the Human Rights Council for the term 2025-2027.

I thank the President of the Human Rights Council for his presentation of the report from the Council, which gives us the opportunity to discuss and reflect upon its work.

Mr. President,

The Nordic countries are firmly committed to promoting and protecting human rights for everyone, everywhere, and at all times.

With the Human Rights Council being the preeminent multilateral forum dedicated to the advancement of human rights, the Nordic countries attach great importance to its mandate. Further improvements of synergies, as well as the division of labour, between the HRC and the Third Committee are crucial, while at the same time ensuring that the mandate, the independence and the work of the HRC is respected.

The Council is a vital platform for dialogue between states from all regions on the importance of advancing human rights and fundamental freedoms.

This is why the Nordic countries emphasise the importance of engaging in the Council’s work. Finland has served on the Council since early 2022 and Iceland was elected here by the General Assembly in October to serve as a member of the Human Rights Council for the term 2025 to 2027.

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

Mr. President,

Unfortunately, we are witnessing a backlash to human rights and democratic norms worldwide. Human rights obligations are not respected, and we see attempts to weakening established human rights norms. We face a full-scale war in Europe, horrific conflicts with an unacceptable civilian death toll in the Middle East and other parts of the world, and autocratic tendencies yet again on the rise.

Against this backdrop, we stress that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights - drafted as a key instrument to prevent future horrors - is more relevant than ever.

We must uphold the promise we made in adopting the UDHR. We must hold up the values of democracy, freedom, and human rights, including freedom of expression and assembly.

We must support a vibrant civic space and protect human rights defenders worldwide.

And dialogue is key, even when we disagree, as the absence of dialogue only serves to protect human rights violators.

Our work in the Council can have a great impact for the benefit of people around the world – and that must be our goal, to improve the lives of individuals on the ground.

In this context, the Nordic countries stand firm in support of the High Commissioner’s Office vital work for the promotion and protection of human rights, including through adequate, predictable and sustainable financing.

Mr. President,

Reflecting on the work of the Human Rights Council over the past year, important resolutions have been passed on dire human rights situations in the world, including in Russia, Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, Sudan, and Ukraine in the context of Russia’s war. The Nordic countries have also engaged in the Council’s discussions on the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza. Furthermore, critical resolutions on the elimination of gender-based discrimination and violence were adopted.

The Nordic countries will continue to engage in open and constructive dialogue with all members of the Human Rights Council, recognising that the Council draws strength from its diversity.

We will stand up for those whose human rights are under threat or being violated and encourage all UN Member States to fulfill their human rights obligations in order to progress towards our common goal of advancing the dignity and equality of everyone.

I thank you.