49th session of the Human Rights Council: Iceland's Statement about Ukraine, Venezuela, Myanmar, Ethiopia and Afghanistan

Item 4 – General Debate 

21-22 March 2022

Statement by Iceland

Thank you, Mr. President.

We reiterate in the strongest possible terms our condemnation of Russia’s illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. Russian forces continue to demonstrate utter disregard for civilian lives through indiscriminate attacks that can amount to war crimes. We call on Russia to immediately withdraw all military personnel and equipment from Ukraine.

In Venezuela, we remain deeply concerned about restrictions of fundamental freedoms and the erosion of the rule of law. We urge the government to end its policy of repression and to restore judicial independence.

In Myanmar, we call on the military to cease all violations and abuses against the people of Myanmar, including ethnic minorities, and call for accountability and the immediate return to democratic rule.

Mr. President,

We urge all parties to the conflict in Ethiopia to respect international humanitarian law and to ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access across Ethiopia. Accountability must be ensured for all human rights violations and abuses and perpetrators must be held to account. 

Lastly, in Afghanistan, we call for the full enjoyment of human rights of women and girls, including the right to education and the right to work, and strongly condemn the use of violence and arbitrary detention by the Taliban.

I thank you.