Statement at the OSCE conference against antisemitism (11.02.2025)
I thank you, Mr. Chair.
Iceland thanks Finland for convening this Conference on Addressing Anti-Semitism in the OSCE region.
Human rights are a cornerstone of Iceland’s foreign policy. This means that Iceland is firmly committed to promoting and protecting human rights for everyone, everywhere, and at all times, including both freedom of religion or belief and freedom of opinion and expression.
No one should be denied human rights on the grounds of gender, race, ethnicity, religion or belief. Yet for centuries, millions of people have been victims of violence and hatred based on their religious beliefs.
We must remain vigilant to the risk of rising antisemitism and religious intolerance, especially amidst the alarming rise we witness today. And we must all do our part to ensure that the crisis in the Middle East does not deepen divisions at home.
Antisemitism, racism and all related intolerance and hatred pose a serious threat to human rights, democracy, the rule of law and peaceful coexistence. They poison and undermine the very fabric of our societies. We must stand united in condemning all hatred, discrimination or violence against individuals on the basis of religion or belief.
The 80-year Holocaust Memorial Day in Auschwitz on 27 January, which my Minister, the Icelandic Minister for Foreign Affairs attended, was a stark reminder in this regard. We must never forget the unimaginable horrors of the Second World War, in which over six million Jews were tragically murdered. At home, Iceland is preparing recommendations on how to further commemorate the Holocaust on this day each year, how to increase education about the Holocaust within the Icelandic school system and how to boost vigilance to prejudice and hateful speech.
Iceland remains committed to collaborate with other States, both within the OSCE and other multilateral fora, to ensure that such horrors are never repeated. As a member of the UN Human Rights Council in 2025-2027, Iceland will continue to do its part in combating a global backlash by standing up for those whose rights are under threat or being violated.
I thank you, Mr. Chair.
