48th session of the Human Rights Council: Response to the Oral Update by the High Commissioner for Human Rights

UN Human Rights Council
48th session

Item 2 – General Debate
Response to the Oral Update by the High Commissioner for Human Rights
14 September 2021

Statement by Iceland

(Check against delivery

Thank you Madame President,

I thank the High Commissioner for her comprehensive update.

We share her concerns on Afghanistan and agree that the Council must take robust steps, commensurate with the gravity of the situation, and establish a dedicated human rights mechanism. We remain alarmed by the reports of human rights violations and abuses across the country and are deeply concerned by the non-inclusive political representation recently announced. We must work together to protect hard-won gains and support the respect for human rights, in particular the rights of women and girls. Overall, despite the political and security situation, it is evident that the Afghan people – especially the most vulnerable – need our support.

Madame President,

We are deeply concerned by the reports of increasing serious human rights abuses and violations stemming from the expanding conflict in Northern Ethiopia. The systematic abuses committed in Tigray and the region, including widespread sexual and gender-based violence, forced displacement and obstruction of humanitarian relief must stop, and unhindered humanitarian access must be secured.

I thank you.