HRC61 - Iceland EoV - A/HRC/61/L.3: Sixtieth anniversary of the adoption of the International Covenants on Human Rights
Human Rights Council – 61st Session
EoV on draft resolution L.3
Sixtieth anniversary of the adoption of the International Covenants on Human Rights
Statement by Iceland
27 March 2026
Mr. President,
Let us be clear: human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and key human rights treaties.
Respecting and protecting human rights and fulfilling human rights obligations is a commitment that Iceland takes seriously.
Iceland has ratified key human rights treaties, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and recognizes the competence of respective treaty bodies to review the human rights situation in Iceland.
In our view, the topic of draft resolution L.3. would have been better addressed in a joint statement rather than a resolution, [as others have mentioned in the room today].
Furthermore, Iceland would like to make the following remarks on the legitimacy of this initiative:
On 24th of February, we marked that four years had passed since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
This ongoing war of aggression is a flagrant violation of international law, including the UN Charter. We cannot stand by as the Charter is violated with impunity and territory is seized by force.
Iceland will stand by the Charter, and we will continue to stand with Ukraine.
In draft resolution L.3, States, parties to the Covenants, are called upon to fully implement their obligations under these instruments.
In this regard, the Russian Federation has demonstrated a consistent pattern of disregard for its commitments under international law, including under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, as documented by relevant treaty bodies.
This is highlighted in the reports of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation, and the reports of the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine.
Mr. President,
Iceland will continue to stand for human rights for everyone, everywhere, at all times.
Iceland will not join consensus on draft resolution L.3.
I thank you.