Statements and alignments

<p>Statement delivered by H.E. Anna Jóhannsdóttir,<br /> Permanent Representative of Iceland to the UN<br /> General Assembly 79th session, 12 December 2024</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President. <br /> <br /> Last month marked the 30th anniversary of the entry into force of UNCLOS, our constitution of the ocean, which sets out the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out. This milestone is a cause for celebration.<br /> <br /> The Convention is a true testament to multilateralism, which has stood the test of time, globally applied, and ever attracting more States Parties, moving us closer to universal participation. Its contribution to the peace, security, and the rules based legal order of our ocean cannot be overstated.<br /> <br /> Mr President. <br /> <br /> Another important step towards better ocean governance was last year’s adoption of the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, commonly referred to as the BBNJ Agreement. Once in force, the Agreement will provide important additions to the regulatory framework of our ocean and provide us with necessary tools to achieve our common objectives.<br /> <br /> We welcome the adoption of GA resolution 78/272 and the establishment of the Preparatory Commission tasked with facilitating the entry into force and the convening of the first meeting of the Conference of the Parties. The first substantive meeting of the Preparatory Commission will be held in April next year, and we look forward to engaging with colleagues to ensure that when the BBNJ Agreement enters into force, we are able to hit the ground running.<br /> <br /> The sustainable use of the ocean remains a cornerstone of Iceland’s prosperity. A healthy and bountiful ocean, with long-term sustainability at the core of all management decisions is for the benefit of all. In international discourse, conservation and sustainable use are often portrayed as separate or even conflicting notions, but in reality, these are two sides of the same coin.<br /> <br /> Mr. President.<br /> <br /> In June this year, the UN Member States came together for a week under the auspices of the Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and Law of the Sea, and discussed a topic of the Ocean as a Source of Sustainable Food. We believe this topic is especially important, as the FAO confirms that the world has been set back 15 years in its fight against hunger and food insecurity, with levels of undernourishment comparable to those in 2008-2009.<br /> <br /> A healthy ocean is an important source of nutrition for billions of people. Moreover, blue food systems support livelihoods around the world. The FAO estimates that 800 million livelihoods are supported by blue food systems. <br /> <br /> The importance of this is reflected in Iceland’s international development policy. The policy mandates that Icelandic authorities shall contribute towards improving the livelihoods and resilience of impoverished societies that rely on fisheries by building capabilities and knowledge for fishing and fish processing.<br /> <br /> Sustainably harvested, nutritious food from the ocean is also of particular importance due to its low carbon intensity. The ocean holds great potential and faces significant challenges for a planet hungry for sustainable sources of food. We are convinced that we can overcome these challenges and together realise the ocean’s potential.<br /> <br /> Mr. President.<br /> <br /> The ocean and climate change are intrinsically interlinked. We must recognize that connection and act accordingly. Ocean acidification is a challenge different from climate change, but the root cause is the same.<br /> <br /> In this regard, the landmark advisory opinion of ITLOS, given to the Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law, is of great value. The opinion highlights the nature of UNLCOS as a living instrument and the constant interplay between law and ever-increasing scientific knowledge. In our mind this is one of the core characteristics of the Law of the Sea.<br /> <br /> Climate change, the science tells us, is taking place and is changing the world as we know it. How drastic the changes will be, depends on how much climate action we take. Iceland strongly supports the guidance of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which is specifically referred to in the Advisory Opinion of ITLOS, and the goal of limiting temperature increase to 1,5°C. We support the phasing out of fossil fuels and ending fossil fuels subsidies.<br /> <br /> This is an important backdrop for discussing the threats of sea-level rise. Addressing the threats brought by rising sea levels is the joint responsibility of all States. Iceland remains supportive of the International Law Commission’s work on this topic, which comes down to the very existence of States. Importantly, all activities to address the threat of sea-level rise must be carried out consistent with the legal framework of UNCLOS.<br /> <br /> Mr President. <br /> <br /> Strengthening multilateral ocean governance, whether at the global or regional level, remains an ongoing task. <br /> <br /> States must cooperate on addressing harmful fisheries subsidies, which are a key factor in the widespread depletion of the world’s fish stocks, including due to illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies was a major achievement in this field. Negotiations continue on Additional Provisions on subsidies leading to overcapacity and overfishing, under the leadership of Iceland. We count on States to join the ongoing push and make every effort possible to conclude these negotiations as soon as possible. What is needed now is the political will to show flexibility and find convergence on the draft text that has been presented in Geneva.<br /> <br /> Likewise, we count on States to conclude negotiations on an international legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution.<br /> <br /> Mr. President.<br /> <br /> Iceland is very much looking forward to the UN Ocean Conference in Nice next year, under the able leadership of Costa Rica and France. We thank them for their efforts, and we are sure that the Conference will help bring increased focus on our joint ocean and accelerate much-needed action.<br /> <br /> I thank you. </p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;line-height:16.0pt;mso-line-height-rule: exactly;tab-stops:92.15pt;">Statement by H.E. Anna Jóhannsdóttir,<br /> Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;line-height:16.0pt;mso-line-height-rule: exactly;tab-stops:92.15pt;">Tenth Emergency Special Session (resumed) of the UN General Assembly <br /> 58th Plenary Meeting, 11 December 2024. <br /> Illegal Israeli actions in Occupied Jerusalem and the rest of the Occupied<br /> Arab Territory, Items 5: draft resolutions (A/ES-10/L.32, A/ES-10/L.33)</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;line-height:16.0pt;mso-line-height-rule: exactly;tab-stops:92.15pt;">&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;line-height:16.0pt;mso-line-height-rule: exactly;tab-stops:92.15pt;">Mr. President,<br /> <br /> The fact that there is still need for us to reconvene this emergency session, more than 14 months into the conflict that broke out following the heinous terrorist attack of 7th of October last year is beyond belief. </p> <p>The ongoing impasse in the Security Council and its continued failure in protecting the humanitarian system in Gaza, averting further escalation and civilian casualties is – to put it mildly – deeply regrettable. <br /> <br /> The violence and the suffering must stop now. A humanitarian catastrophe has unfolded before our eyes. We continue to call on Israel and Hamas to urgently agree to and implement a sustained ceasefire and commend all efforts to try to bring an agreement to fruition. While this ongoing situation continues, we, the international community, are failing close to two million civilians in Gaza, every day. <br /> <br /> The people of Palestine and Israel deserve to live in peace and security, in prosperous and democratic societies. They deserve to live without fear of aggression or terrorist attacks. Iceland has friendly and full diplomatic relations with both Israel and Palestine, and we continue to call for an immediate ceasefire and a credible path towards a two-state solution. <br /> <br /> Iceland has always been, and continues to be, a strong supporter and advocate for international law and the international system. Iceland persistently condemns violations of international law. We demand accountability for such violations, wherever they take place. <br /> <br /> Iceland has consistently condemned in the strongest possible terms the brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks by Hamas in October 2023. There can be no justification for terrorism. We have also repeatedly called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. <br /> <br /> The apparent violations of international humanitarian law in the Gaza conflict are unjustifiable and must end. Too many innocent lives have been lost. <br /> <br /> Mr. President, <br /> <br /> Given the dire humanitarian needs since the start of the Gaza conflict, Iceland has more than doubled humanitarian assistance and other contributions to the oPt. We announced another additional contribution to UNRWA at the Gaza Ministerial Conference in Cairo on December 2. We would like to stress, however, that without humanitarian access, aid cannot reach those in need. <br /> <br /> Desperation, hunger, thirst, diseases and no place of safety; these are the apocalyptic conditions that the Gaza population faces. Under these circumstances, a halt to the operations of UNRWA, the most centrally placed humanitarian organisation responding to the needs of Palestine refugees in the Middle East, would have devastating consequences. <br /> <br /> Furthermore, UNRWA is the main provider of education and health services to millions of Palestine refugees and the consequential vacuum in services and humanitarian aid in Gaza, and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, may further destabilise the situation in these areas, in Israel and in the region, and may fundamentally jeopardize the prospects for a two-state solution. <br /> <br /> Therefore, Iceland has called for the reconsideration of the recent legislation in the Knesset that, if implemented, may prevent UNRWA from carrying out its critical operations in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza. Effectively, UNRWA will no longer be able to fulfil its mandate in the occupied Palestinian territory, a mandate given to it by this august Assembly, its parent organ. It should only be this Assembly that defines it. <br /> <br /> We are keenly aware of the importance of holding UN agencies to the highest standards. We welcome the prompt and thorough follow-up action initiated by the United Nations Secretary-General and the UNRWA Commissioner General following serious allegations directed towards some workers of the Agency. We expect its continued implementation, including the recommendations of the Colonna report. <br /> <br /> Mr. President, <br /> <br /> As I conclude, let me restate the only long-term, sustainable solution to this conflict: A two-state solution, based on international law, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security, and mutual recognition. <br /> There is no better path towards peace and the people of Palestine and Israel deserve nothing less. <br /> <br /> I thank you.</p>

<span><strong>Statement by Gudrun Thorbjornsdottir, Counsellor<br /> Permanent Mission of Iceland to the United Nations<br /> 2nd Preparatory Meeting for Financing for Development<br /> General Debate<br /> 6 December 2024<br /> </strong></span> <div>&nbsp;</div> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <span>Thank you Mr. Chair,<span style="white-space:pre;"> <br /> </span><br /> I am honoured to deliver this statement on behalf of Iceland and would like to express our appreciation to Nepal, Norway, Mexico and Zambia for their leadership excellent work on the elements paper.<br /> <br /> Iceland would like to highlight two points in that regard:&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Firstly, we welcome the emphasis on a renewed global financing framework which would address cross-cutting priorities, such as combatting climate change, ensuring gender equality, advancing good governance, and meeting the needs of the most vulnerable, including those living in extreme poverty and fragile contexts.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Iceland looks forward to seeing those elements reflected in the zero draft.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Secondly, science, technology, innovation (STI) and capacity building can contribute to every sustainable development goal and Iceland has actively supported such initiatives. We therefore welcome a dedicated chapter on this within the elements paper.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> We would especially like to highlight the importance of STI and capacity building in relation to SDG5 on gender equality and express our appreciation for the emphasis on identifying gaps and ensuring gender inclusion when it comes to building a resilient digital public infrastructure and increasing digital public goods.<br /> <br /> There is also a wealth of potential in innovative financing. Iceland has focused on this through our sovereign sustainable financing framework, by issuing green bonds in March of this year, and gender bonds last June.<br /> <br /> Furthermore, Iceland places an importance on STI and capacity building for sustainable use of natural resources.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> This includes sharing our expertise with individuals and institutions in developing countries, such as through our Technical Assistance Programme to enable access and funding for technical experts.<br /> <br /> Iceland also established the GRÓ Centre under the auspices of UNESCO, which works across four thematic areas that have played a significant role in our own development and prosperity: promoting geothermal energy, sustainable fisheries, land restoration and gender equality.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> These training programmes are for working experts from middle- and low-income countries to build their capacity in these fields and empower their local communities.<br /> <br /> Those are simply a few examples of how STI and capacity building can contribute to sustainable use of natural resources and Iceland would like to see further refinement of this element in the zero draft.<br /> <br /> In conclusion, the upcoming FfD4 is an important opportunity to reinforce and build on previous FfD outcomes.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> It will also provide an opportunity to follow up on the commitments made in the Pact for the Future.<br /> <br /> We must work towards an ambitious FfD outcome, and you may count on Iceland’s constructive engagement in the process ahead.<br /> <br /> I thank you.<br /> </span> <div>&nbsp;</div>

<p style="text-align: center;"><span><strong>ICC 23rd Assembly of States Parties The Hague, 2-7 December 2024</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>General Debate </span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span><strong>Ms. Sesselja Sigurðardóttir, Director General, Legal Affairs, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Iceland</strong> </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span>Madame President, </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span>It is an honour to address this assembly today on behalf of the Government of Iceland, a proud State Party to the Rome Statute. We convene this 23rd session of the Assembly at a time where armed conflict grows more rife, more intense and less humane. We face a world that is in grave danger of unravelling into the injustices of war which previous generations worked so hard to prevent. A world where adherence to international law and the rule of law is increasingly challenged. A world that needs the International Criminal Court as profoundly as ever – our court of last resort to prosecute the most serious of crimes. </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span>Madame President, </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span>In times such as these, we reflect back on the mandate we have undertaken as an international community. When the generations that witnessed the greatest horrors of the 20th century came together as the United Nations to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war. </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span>The establishment of a permanent international criminal court was always integral to that mandate. To deliver justice to the victims and communities harmed and put an end to impunity for those who commit atrocities under the veil of official immunities. To work in the interest of peace because without justice, there can be no lasting peace. </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span>Madame President, </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span>We must not forget what a remarkable achievement the establishment of the International Criminal Court was. The lessons we have learned in the 22 years since the Court began operations have emboldened our conviction of the importance of an independent and impartial International Criminal Court to advance and uphold international criminal justice. </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span>The Government of Iceland is proud to have been among the first States to sign and ratify the Rome Statute and, in 2016, the Kampala Amendments on the Crime of Aggression. The international community must be able to redress this core international crime against the most fundamental principle of the UN Charter. We encourage States Parties to ratify the Kampala amendments as soon as possible. Russia’s crime of aggression against Ukraine reminds us of 2 the pressing need for the International Criminal Court to be effectively able to exercise jurisdiction over this crime. Next year’s Review Conference offers an opportunity to address the current limitations of the Kampala Amendments. </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span>Madame President, </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span>A year from now, when the Assembly reconvenes for its 24th session, we very possibly will be faced with an equally or even more challenging international situation. </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span>The Court faces unprecedented threats from external actors for faithfully carrying out its mandate – a mandate it owes to the peoples of the world. This is deeply concerning. Such attacks or threats against the Court, its officials or those who work with it are unacceptable attempts at influencing independent investigations and impartial judicial proceedings. We thank the Court´s officials and staff for their continuous hard work under these challenging circumstances. </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span>I take this opportunity to reiterate Iceland´s unwavering commitment to defend the principles enshrined in the Rome Statute and to the International Criminal Court. In these testing times, we must remain principled in our approach to the work of the Court. </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span>We reaffirm our commitment to cooperate fully with the Court in its investigation and prosecution of the crimes within its jurisdiction. This is essential for the Court´s ability to carry out its mandate. We therefore call upon all States Parties to cooperate with the Court in the interest of international criminal justice and of peace and security. </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span>Madame President, </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span>Victims are at the heart of the Rome Statute system. We commend the work of the Trust Fund for Victims, which plays essential role in ensuring reparations and assistance to thousands of victims. We continue to provide funding to the Trust Fund and call on States Parties and others to contribute to this important endeavour. </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span>Finally, we take this opportunity to welcome Armenia as a new State Party and to commend Ukraine for recently depositing its instrument of ratification. We look forward to welcoming Ukraine as our 125th State Party as of 1 January 2025. </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span>I thank you.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span style="color: #000000;">Statement deliver<span style="font-family: Aptos;">ed by H.E. Pascale Baeriswyl, Permanent Representative of Switzerland</span></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">November 26th 2024</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p>Joint stakeout: Protecting the protectors</p> <p>I’m very honored to deliver this statement on behalf of 117 delegations<br /> committed to upholding humanity and safeguarding civilian lives.</p> <p>Let me begin by paying tribute to all humanitarian and UN personnel, from <br /> the frontline to this very building. Whether you are working for a local NGO,<br /> or for a major international organization, locally recruited or deployed as <br /> an international staff: your work and your dedication is essential to save <br /> lives and to alleviate the suffering of millions of people around the world.</p> <p>You serve tirelessly and courageously under extremely challenging<br /> conditions. Today, there are over 120 armed conflicts around the world. <br /> Humanitarian needs are on the rise. And so is violence against <br /> humanitarian and UN personnel. This is unacceptable.</p> <p>In 2023, more than 500 humanitarian workers were killed, injured, <br /> detained or kidnapped, around the world. National staff constitute the vast <br /> majority, more than 90%, of those affected.</p> <p>And the developments in 2024 are even more alarming. Gaza and the <br /> West Bank are the most dangerous places on earth to be an aid worker, <br /> with over 150 humanitarian personnel killed since the start of the year. <br /> Other contexts having recorded the highest number of casualties are <br /> Sudan, Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and South Sudan.</p> <p>These alarming trends coincide with the year where we mark the 75th <br /> anniversary of the Geneva Conventions and the 25th anniversary of the <br /> Security Council recognizing the protection of civilians as part of its <br /> agenda. These milestones must serve as a call to action. As members of<br /> the United Nations and of the international community at large, we must <br /> join our forces to ensure respect for international humanitarian law.</p> <p>And we heeded the call: Six months ago, the Security Council adopted <br /> Resolution 2730 on the protection of humanitarian personnel and UN and <br /> associated personnel, including national and locally recruited personnel,<br /> and their premises and assets. </p> <p>We reiterate our support for this resolution and call for its immediate <br /> implementation by all actors. We welcome the recommendations of the <br /> Secretary-General on measures to prevent and respond to incidents of <br /> violence against humanitarian and UN personnel, to ensure accountability <br /> in these cases and to enhance their protection. These recommendations <br /> add to the toolbox that allows us to translate political will into action. </p> <p>Because there is no time to waste. We stand together – 117 delegations<br /> – to reaffirm our commitment: </p> <p>1) To respect and protect humanitarian personnel and United Nations <br /> and associated personnel, including national and locally recruited <br /> personnel, in accordance with our obligations under international <br /> law;</p> <p>2) To allow and facilitate, as required by international humanitarian law, <br /> full, safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access to all civilians <br /> in need;</p> <p>3) To hold accountable those who compromise the safety and security <br /> of UN and humanitarian personnel, in violation of international law. </p> <p>We will repeat it as long as it is needed: Civilians, and those who assist <br /> them, must be respected and protected. They are not a target.</p> <p>I thank you</p>

<p>Statement<span></span><span> delivered by H.E. Merete Brattested, Permanent Representative of Norway</span></p> <p><span>November 26^th, 2024 </span></p> <p><span> </span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>President, </p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden and my own country Norway. </p> <p>We thank you for convening this debate following the veto cast by Russia in the Security Council on 18 November. We also welcome the Security Council’s special report to the General Assembly on the use of the veto.</p> <p>The Nordics co-sponsored resolution 76/262 on the ‘veto initiative’. We continue to underline the ‘veto initiative’s’ importance as part of efforts to make the Security Council more transparent and accountable. </p> <p>We are appalled by Russia’s incomprehensible use of the veto. Russia blocked an urgently needed initiative by the United Kingdom and Sierra Leone calling for an immediate ceasefire, protection of civilians and securing access for humanitarian aid. Fourteen members voted in favour. Russia was the only Council member to oppose this call for peace.<br /> <br /> President,</p> <p>The people of Sudan are currently suffering one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. Millions are displaced or have fled to neighbouring countries. Famine has been confirmed.</p> <p>The UN has documented widespread use of violence against civilians by both the Sudan Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. The recent terror unleashed in al-Jazira by the RSF stands out as particularly shocking with reports of widespread use of sexual and gender-based violence. Rape has been used in what appears to be systematic revenge attacks against women and girls in particular. </p> <p>The RSF is also responsible for an ongoing siege of al-Fasher and for the forceful expulsion of ethnic groups in West Darfur. This shows blatant disregard for human life and for international humanitarian law.</p> <p>The UN has reported that both the SAF and the RSF are responsible for large-scale violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, including grave violations against children, which may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.<br /> The Nordics condemn all forms of violence against civilians in Sudan, both by the Sudan Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces and their affiliated groups. </p> <p>The catastrophe now evolving in Sudan is man-made. The responsibility lies upon the warring parties and those fuelling the armed conflict by providing arms and financing. There is no military solution. Sudan needs a ceasefire, negotiations that can secure a sustainable peace and the return to civilian rule. We support inclusive mediation efforts that aim to establish a Sudanese owned and led process and welcome the engagement of the Secretary General’s Personal Envoy Lamamra. Civilian actors including Sudanese women and youth, must be given a platform to meaningfully participate in the peace process. Only a broad and inclusive political process can solve Sudan’s challenges in the long run. All external actors must refrain from fuelling the fire and support Sudan’s path to peace.</p> <p>We call on the parties to honour their commitments made in Jeddah. All parties must comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law. <br /> There should be no impunity for those responsible for mass atrocities. We support the ongoing work of the International Criminal Court in this regard.<br /> <br /> President, </p> <p>The Council does its work on behalf of all UN Member States. Its decisions affect us all, and it should therefore be held accountable by us all.   </p> <p>As a permanent member of the Council, Russia bears a special responsibility to exercise its veto in accordance with the letter and the spirit of the Charter. Last Monday, Russia manifestly failed this responsibility. </p> <p>The General Assembly may discuss any questions relating to the maintenance of international peace and security brought before it by any Member of the United Nations. </p> <p>We strongly urge the Security Council to redouble its efforts, to uphold its responsibility and act on the situation as a matter of urgency. Should this not be possible, the General Assembly must act. The situation in Sudan is too dire for the UN to remain silent. </p> <p>I thank you</p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">Joint Nordic Statement&nbsp;<br /> 8^th special session of the Executive Board of UNESCO, 25 November 2024<br /> <em>Supporting the continuity of UNRWA's educational activities in the occupied Palestinian territory</em></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;"><em><strong>Delivered by Deputy Permanent Delegate, Ms. Kristín Halla Kristinsdóttir </strong></em></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">Madame Chairperson of the Executive Board<br /> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">Madame President of the General-Conference<br /> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">Madame Assistant Director-General<br /> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">Excellencies, distinguished colleagues.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">I deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">The Nordic countries express their deep concern regarding the recent legislative developments in the Knesset that, if implemented, could severely restrict UNRWA’s operations in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza. Effectively, UNRWA will no longer be able to exercise its core tasks as stipulated by UN General Assembly Resolution 302 (IV) of 8 December 1949.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">UNRWA is at present the most centrally placed humanitarian organisation responding to the needs of Palestine refugees in the Middle East. The Agency provides education for over half a million children and adolescents, operating over 700 schools and employing over 20,000 staff. For over 75 years, UNESCO’s technical support and advocacy have been vital in enhancing UNRWA’s capacity to provide equitable education to Palestinian children, reflecting the core values of dignity, resilience, and the universal right to education. Education is not only a fundamental human right</span><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">,</span><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;"> but also a cornerstone for peace, stability, and development. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">Before the war, UNRWA provided 300,000 school-age children in Gaza with education. UNRWA is the only entity able to provide education to the school-age children in Gaza when the war ends. The large-scale resumption of education will be vital to Gaza’s recovery and to a future political solution. UNRWA’s education system includes a human rights education programme that follows UN standards and values and aligns with the UNESCO Recommendation on Education for Peace, Human Rights, and Sustainable Development. Education is crucial in fostering hope, stability, and livelihood opportunities for Palestine refugees, providing them with the knowledge and necessary tools so that they can contribute to the future of their community.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">In the midst of an ongoing catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza following the deplorable terror attack carried out by Hamas on 7 October</span><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;"> 2023</span><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">, a halt to the organisation’s activities may have devastating consequences for the hundreds of thousands of civilians served by UNRWA. The absence of critical services for Palestine refugees in Gaza, and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, may well further destabilise the situation in these areas, in Israel and in the region as a whole, and may fundamentally jeopardize the prospects for a two-state solution.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">The Nordic countries reaffirm their unwavering commitment to the principles of the United Nations and international law, including international humanitarian law. The latter requires all parties to conflicts to ensure the provision of necessary humanitarian aid and the safety of humanitarian workers. The recent legislation approved by the Knesset may -</span><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">if implemented - violate Israel’s obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law,&nbsp;and the provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">The Nordic countries stand united in their support for UNRWA’s indispensable role in providing humanitarian aid and education. UNESCO must do what it can</span><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">,</span><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;"> to support and safeguard necessary activities, ensuring that all Palestine refugee children have access to inclusive and equitable</span><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">, </span><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">quality education, consistent with Sustainable Development Goal </span><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">Four.</span><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">I thank you.</span></p>

<p><strong>Statement by H.E. Elina Kalkku,<br /> the Permanent Representative of Finland to the United Nations<br /> on behalf of the Nordic countries<br /> General Assembly 79th session, agenda item 63: Use of the veto<br /> 20 November 2024</strong></p> <p ><br /> <br /> <br /> <span>President,<br /> <br /> I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Nordic countries: Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Finland.<br /> <br /> The Nordic countries remain firmly committed to the implementation of resolution 76/262, also known as the Veto Initiative. This landmark resolution provides a standing mandate for this Assembly to convene, whenever veto is used, hindering action by the Security Council.<br /> <br /> The Pact for the Future, adopted by consensus in September, recognizes the growing urgency to increase the effectiveness of the United Nations in maintaining international peace and security. As part of our commitments towards a reformed Security Council, we all agreed to intensify efforts to reach a much-needed agreement on the future of the veto, including discussions on limiting its scope and use. As we continue these efforts, an immediate step would be for all Security Council Members to implement fully Article 27(3) of the Charter, which requires a party to a dispute to abstain from voting. The Nordic states also encourage all Member States to join the ACT Code of Conduct and the French-Mexican initiative on Suspension of Veto Powers in Cases of Mass Atrocities.<br /> <br /> The Veto Initiative can play an important role in revitalizing the ability of the UN pursuit of peace. The Charter empowers the General Assembly to consider and make recommendations on any matter within the scope of the Charter, including making recommendations on matters of international peace and security. Throughout its history, the General Assembly has played this role in a number of ways, including through its authority under the ‘Uniting for Peace’ resolution. The Nordic countries are convinced that the General Assembly should play its role more fully, and act more decisively when the Security Council is unable to act. We invite all interested Member States to consider ways for it to do so. The UN, which is at the core of the rules-based multilateral system, cannot be a by-stander while conflicts rage and grow in number and brutality.<br /> <br /> We welcome “the Assembly for Peace”, a digital handbook that provides evidence on the important roles that the General Assembly has played in promoting peace and security, in times when the Security Council has not acted. This is a valuable resource to help us consider such action.<br /> <br /> President,<br /> </span></p> <p><span>Member States have placed the Security Council in the position of trust for the maintenance of international peace and security. Currently, the Council is unfortunately not living up to this responsibility. The Nordic countries remain alarmed by the all too frequent use of the veto in the Security Council. The use of veto, and even the threat of the use of veto, is preventing the Council from acting in accordance with its Charter-based duties in many situations, ranging from Ukraine to the Middle East and beyond. Just two days ago, the Russian Federation irresponsibly vetoed a resolution on cessation of hostilities and protection of civilians in Sudan, where the ongoing conflict has already displaced half of the population and numerous credible reports indicate mass atrocities. Moreover, we just learned that the United States used their veto against a Council resolution on Gaza. Regrettably, veto has also been used to block the Council’s decision-making related to Security Council mandated sanctions and expert bodies supporting their implementation.<br /> <br /> President,<br /> <br /> Since the adoption of resolution 76/262, each Member State that has cast a veto in the Council, has addressed the General Assembly on the reasons for its veto.<br /> <br /> The Assembly debates under this agenda item have enabled a genuine exchange of views on the substantive issue at stake. Expressions of frustration on the inaction of the Council have also been heard. As such, the Veto Initiative has significantly increased interaction, transparency, and ultimately, the accountability between the Council and the Assembly.<br /> <br /> Since the adoption of resolution 76/262 the Council has also produced a special report after each casting of a veto. The Nordic countries welcome the resumption of this practice after more than 50 years. We also reiterate that special reports should not only be produced as a result of a veto.<br /> <br /> President,<br /> <br /> The General Assembly and the Security Council are both principal organs of the United Nations. Both have distinct but shared competence on matters pertaining to international peace and security.<br /> <br /> The primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security has been conferred on the Security Council. In the exercise of this responsibility, as enshrined in Article 24 of the UN Charter, the Council acts on behalf of all UN Member States. This is no minor delegation of powers and responsibilities. Indeed, the Council bears a responsibility towards the entire UN membership with regard to its prompt and effective action for the maintenance of international peace and security. When the Security Council fails to act because of veto, it fails in fulfilling this responsibility towards the wider membership. We salute those Permanent Members and particularly the 10 elected members, who have made efforts towards negotiated compromise resolutions.<br /> <br /> President,<br /> <br /> To conclude, the Nordic countries reaffirm their full commitment to resolution 76/262, which seeks to increase transparency and accountability of the Security Council towards the General Assembly, which represents the entire UN membership, and to enhance the cooperation between the two principal organs.<br /> <br /> We also reaffirm our strongest commitment to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, and the role of the UN in maintaining and promoting international peace and security.<br /> <br /> I thank you.<br /> </span></p> <div>&nbsp;</div>

<strong>Statement by Unni&nbsp;<span>Rambøl, <br /> Counsellor at the Permanent Mission of Norway to the United Nations<br /> on behalf of the Nordic Countries<br /> Meeting of the Third Committee: Adoption of the UNHCR omnibus resolution<br /> 13 November 2024</span></strong><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <span>Chair,<br /> <br /> It is my honor to introduce this resolution on behalf of the Nordic countries, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden and my own country Norway.<br /> <br /> The omnibus resolution on the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is an annual resolution, supporting the humanitarian and non-political mandate of UNHCR.<br /> <br /> This year it has been Norway’s privilege to facilitate the informal consultations on behalf of the Nordic countries.<br /> <br /> This year’s draft resolution calls for the need for strengthened burden- and responsibility sharing with the host countries, the importance of flexible and unearmarked funding and calls for implementation of the pledges made at the two Global Refugee Forums.<br /> <br /> The text furthermore stresses the need to improve the resilience of forcibly displaced persons and their host communities in the context of adverse effects of climate change and disasters. And it strongly condemns attacks and all forms of violence, against humanitarian personnel and UN and associated personnel.<br /> <br /> As per established practice, the draft resolution is the outcome of extensive informal consultations in Geneva. We sincerely thank the Member States for their constructive cooperation in pursuing a text that could enjoy consensus.<br /> <br /> Despite our best joint efforts, silence was broken. Given the strong and cross-regional support for the text, and in line with our approach as facilitator, we have not re-opened negotiations here in New York. We are grateful for the broad support for this approach.<br /> <br /> We recognize that an amendment proposal has been tabled. By quoting the Statute of the UNHCR, we read the amendment as reaffirming the non-political nature of the Office of the UNHCR. In our outreach to Member States, we have heard a clear convergence towards adopting both the amendment and the resolution without a vote – and we kindly ask all Member States to support this approach today.<br /> <br /> With record numbers of persons being forcibly displaced, we believe it is more important than ever that the international community stands united in showing solidarity with the many displaced and the communities and countries generously hosting them.<br /> <br /> In these times, when the humanitarian system is being undermined in several situations, it is also critical that we show strong support to the humanitarian and non-political actors such as the UNHCR.<br /> <br /> We thus encourage all of you to co-sponsor the resolution.<br /> <br /> We also want to inform colleagues that we have to make an oral technical revision in OP 10.<br /> It should read: ‘…to continue contributing to the United Nations system’s collective efforts…’. This should replace ‘…to contribute to the collective efforts of the United Nations system …’<br /> <br /> I thank you.<br /> </span>

<p><span><strong>Statement by H.E. Ms. Anna Johannsdottir,<br /> </strong></span><strong>Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations <br /> on behalf of the Nordic countries <br /> Meeting of the United Nations Security Council on Ukraine<br /> 18 November 2024</strong></p> <p> <br /> <span>Thank you, Mr. President.<span style="white-space: pre;"> <br /> </span><br /> I have the honour of delivering this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden and my own country Iceland. I extend my appreciation to USG di Carlo for her briefing on behalf of the Secretary General. Let me also welcome the participation of Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha of Ukraine in today’s meeting.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Today’s Council agenda covers two extremely serious situations. Following this morning’s briefings on the devastation in Gaza and Lebanon, particularly for civilians, we have now turned to the devastating consequences of Russia’s war.<br /> <br /> Wednesday this week marks a grim milestone: 1,000 days of Russia’s harrowing war of aggression against Ukraine – 1,000 days of devastation and suffering for Ukraine’s people. 1,000 days of Russia’s massive attacks on civilian infrastructure in clear violation of the UN Charter. Russia bears sole responsibility for this humanitarian crisis, depriving millions of civilians of access to housing, water, heating, and electricity.&nbsp; Russia’s attacks have severely damaged or destroyed more than half of Ukraine’s energy production capacity.<br /> <br /> Russia’s full-scale war of aggression has had devastating consequences not only in Ukraine, but across the globe. In recent weeks, Russia has intensified its attacks against civilians, critical infrastructure, grain storage facilities, ports and civilian vessels in the Black Sea.<br /> <br /> These attacks have serious repercussions for the world’s most vulnerable populations: those who rely on grain from Ukraine.<br /> <br /> We cannot stand idly by in the face of such actions.<br /> <br /> We will not accept a world where states can invade and subjugate their neighbours with impunity. Let us not forget that in the Ukrainian occupied territories, Russia is conducting a brutal campaign of cultural indoctrination and assimilation of Ukrainian children.<br /> <br /> The United Nations was created precisely to prevent such acts of aggression—to protect the principles of peace, sovereignty, and the right of all nations, large or small, to exist in security and dignity.<br /> <br /> Mr. President,<br /> <br /> While Russia continues its onslaught, others are working doggedly to find a way out of this nightmare. The Ukrainian 10 Point Peace Formula, the Joint Communiqué on a Peace Framework and the recent Ministerial Conference on the Human Dimension of the Peace Formula hosted by Canada with Norway and Ukraine, make vital contributions to finding a way to peace.&nbsp; Any peace initiatives must be in line with the rules and principles of the UN Charter, including respect for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and internationally recognised borders. Any peace plan must also be crafted in collaboration with Ukraine. Russia continues to reject peace and presses forward with its brutal assault on Ukraine.<br /> <br /> Russia has engaged the largest ground forces to be seen in Europe since World War II.&nbsp; In addition to the massive Ukrainian civilian and military casualties, Russia’s aggression over the last 1,000 days has resulted in hundreds of thousands of Russian soldiers killed or wounded, another testament to the depravity of this war.<br /> <br /> These massive losses, mainly of young men in their prime, have driven Russia to seek external support to sustain this illegal war.<br /> <br /> The DPRK and Russia have engaged in illegal weapons transfers—ammunition, artillery, and ballistic missiles—fuelling and prolonging Russia’s aggression and violating numerous Security Council resolutions. All States have an obligation not to aid or assist in an aggression.<br /> <br /> Russia’s decision to train and deploy troops from the DPRK on the battlefield marks a dangerous escalation that further threatens regional and international security. This Council has a duty to condemn this escalation unequivocally.<br /> <br /> The Russian Federation is in continuous violation of international law as well as undermining the status and authority of the Security Council itself.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Russia's desperation will not deter our resolve. We will continue to stand up for the UN Charter and for Ukraine’s right to defend its people and sovereignty in line with international law.<br /> <br /> Mr. President,<br /> <br /> We demand that Russia immediately withdraw its troops from Ukraine, reverse its illegal and dangerous course and end this destructive war.<br /> <br /> Mr. President, while 1,000 days is a long time, there is one thing that has not changed – the Nordics will continue to stand with Ukraine, as we have done for one thousand days. And we will remain by your side in your struggle.<br /> <br /> Thank you.<br /> </span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Norway<br /> </span></strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Monday 4 November 2024, 09:00 – 12:30<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Speaking time: 70 seconds<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Statement by Iceland (no 42 of 102)</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>Iceland welcomes the delegation of Norway and its national report.</span></p> <p><span>In the spirit of constructive engagement, Iceland recommends the following:</span></p> <ol> <li><span>Intensify efforts towards the prevention of gender-based violence against women. </span></li> <li><span>Amend the definition of rape in Article 291 of the Norwegian Penal Code to ensure the inclusion of absence of free consent as a basis for establishing the crime, aligning it with international standards.</span></li> <li><span>Integrate a gender-sensitive approach to violence against women into the design, development and evaluation of laws, policies and measures to prevent and combat all forms of violence covered by the Istanbul Convention. </span></li> <li><span>Ensure that legal gender recognition, the legal framework, and legal procedures include a non-binary or third gender option.</span></li> </ol> <p><span>I wish Norway all success for its review.</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Albania<br /> </span></strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Monday 4 November 2024, 14:30-18:00<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Speaking time: 95 seconds<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Statement by Iceland (no 32 of 81)</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>Iceland welcomes the delegation of Albania and its national report.</span></p> <p><span>In the spirit of constructive engagement, Iceland recommends the following:</span></p> <ol> <li><span>Adopt comprehensive legislation criminalizing all forms of gender-based violence, including femicide and cyberviolence.</span></li> <li><span>Incorporate a definition of rape based on lack of consent into the Criminal Code and ensure that criminal legislation is wholly aligned with international standards. </span></li> <li><span>Ensure legal recognition of gender identity based on the self-determination principle and allow individuals to update their official documents to reflect their gender identity without necessary medical or legal barriers.</span></li> <li><span>Guarantee equal rights for same-sex partnerships through legislative measures.</span></li> <li><span>Ban all non-consensual and non-therapeutic surgeries on intersex infants and ensure their right to bodily autonomy and integrity.</span></li> <li><span>Criminalize hate speech and hate crimes against persons of diverse SOGIESC and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.</span></li> </ol> <p><span>I wish Albania all success for its review.</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Democratic Republic of the Congo<br /> </span></strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Tuesday 5 November 2024, 9:00-12:30<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Speaking time: 70 seconds<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Statement by Iceland (no 46 of 102)</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>Iceland welcomes the delegation of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its national report.</span></p> <p><span>In the spirit of constructive engagement, Iceland recommends the following:</span></p> <ol> <li><span>Abolish the death penalty and ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR.</span></li> <li><span>Take urgent measures to prevent, address and ensure accountability for sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls, including in conflict situations.</span></li> <li><span>Resource and implement the revised action plan to end child marriage.</span></li> <li><span>Ensure that no one is prosecuted by reason of sexual orientation or gender identity, including under Article 176 of the Criminal Code.</span></li> <li><span>Establish national policies to protect persons of diverse SOGIESC from discrimination and repeal all discriminatory legislation that infringes upon their human rights.</span></li> </ol> <p><span>I wish the DRC all success for its review.</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Côte d’Ivoire<br /> </span></strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Tuesday 5 November 2024, 14:30 – 18:00<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Speaking time: 75 seconds<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Statement by Iceland (no 66 of 100)</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>Iceland welcomes the delegation of Côte d’Ivoire and its national report.</span></p> <p><span>In the spirit of constructive engagement, Iceland recommends the following:</span></p> <ol> <li><span>Adopt a comprehensive law to prevent, combat and punish all forms of gender-based violence.</span></li> <li><span>Enact laws that criminalize all forms of domestic violence and amend the Criminal Code to define marital rape based on lack of freely given consent.</span></li> <li><span>Decriminalize abortion under all circumstances and strengthen measures to ensure access to safe abortion and post-abortion services.</span></li> <li><span>Ensure access to information on sexual and reproductive health and rights and introduce SRHR education to school curricula.</span></li> <li><span>Provide legal gender recognition to transgender people and add an “other” category into administrative documents together with masculine/feminine.</span></li> </ol> <p><span>I wish Côte d’Ivoire all success for its review.</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Portugal<br /> </span></strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Wednesday 6 November 2024, 09:00 – 12:30<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Speaking time: 70 seconds<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Statement by Iceland (no 68 of 103)</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>Iceland welcomes the delegation of Portugal and its national report.</span></p> <p><span>In the spirit of constructive engagement, Iceland recommends the following:</span></p> <ol> <li><span>Ensure the effective implementation of the Action Plan on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence. </span></li> <li><span>Revise the Criminal Code to encompass all forms of cyberviolence, classify rape as a public crime and femicide as a distinct crime, and amend the definition of rape by replacing ‘cognisable will’ with ‘consent.’</span></li> <li><span>Raise the minimum age of marriage to 18, without any exceptions. </span></li> <li><span>Amend the constitution to include legal protections for sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics.</span></li> <li><span>Ensure that the legal framework and procedures on legal gender recognition include a non-binary or third gender option.</span></li> </ol> <p><span>I wish Portugal all success for its review.</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Bhutan<br /> </span></strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Wednesday 6 November 2024, 14:30-18:00<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Speaking time: 95 seconds<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Statement by Iceland (no 72 of 78)</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>Iceland welcomes the delegation of Bhutan and its national report.</span></p> <p><span>In the spirit of constructive engagement, Iceland recommends the following:</span></p> <ol> <li><span>Ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR.</span></li> <li><span>Decriminalize abortion under all circumstances.</span></li> <li><span>Align the classification of marital rape in the Penal Code with the classification of rape outside marriage and allocate sufficient resources to ensure the comprehensive protection of victims of gender-based violence.</span></li> <li><span>Ensure access to reproductive health and family planning services for all, including persons of diverse SOGIESC.</span></li> <li><span>Review the Marriage Act of 1980 to ensure it reflects the rights and needs of all, including persons of diverse SOGIESC.</span></li> </ol> <p><span>I wish Bhutan all success for its review.</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Dominica<br /> </span></strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Thursday 7 November 2024, 09:00-12:30<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Speaking time: 120 seconds<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Statement by Iceland (no 22 of 65)</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>Iceland welcomes the delegation of Dominica and its national report.</span></p> <p><span>In the spirit of constructive engagement, Iceland recommends the following:</span></p> <ol> <li><span>Abolish the death penalty and ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR.</span></li> <li><span>Decriminalize abortion under all circumstances and remove all restrictions to access to safe abortion services. </span></li> <li><span>Ensure that the minimum age of marriage is set at 18 with no exceptions.</span></li> <li><span>Amend the Domestic Violence Act to explicitly define rape based on the lack of freely given consent and to apply the same definition to both marital and non-marital rape.</span></li> <li><span>Develop a National Strategic Action Plan to combat gender-based violence and ratify the Optional Protocol to CEDAW.</span></li> <li><span>Adopt comprehensive legislation to protect people of diverse SOGIESC from all forms of discrimination.</span></li> </ol> <p><span>I wish Dominica all success for its review.</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Democratic People's Republic of Korea<br /> </span></strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Thursday 7 November 2024, 14:30-18:00<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Speaking time: 80 seconds<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Statement by Iceland (no 2 of 92)</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>Iceland welcomes the delegation of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and its national report.</span></p> <p><span>In the spirit of constructive engagement, Iceland recommends the following:</span></p> <ol> <li><span>Abolish the death penalty for all crimes and ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR.</span></li> <li><span>Criminalize all forms of gender-based violence against women, establish effective protection and reporting mechanisms, and ensure that the perpetrators of such violence are prosecuted.</span></li> <li><span>Enact laws that prohibit discrimination against women as defined in CEDAW and eliminate gender-based discrimination in social institutions and practices.</span></li> <li><span>Introduce Comprehensive Sexuality Education into the general education curriculum.</span></li> <li><span>Acknowledge the existence of persons of diverse SOGIESC, address discrimination and violence against these groups, and provide them with comprehensive legal protection.</span></li> </ol> <p><span>I wish the DPRK all success for its review.</span></p> <p><span>I thank you. </span></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Brunei Darussalam<br /> </span></strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Friday 8 November 2024, 09:00 – 12:30<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Speaking time: 80 seconds<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Statement by Iceland (no 9 of 91)</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>Iceland welcomes the delegation of Brunei Darussalam and its national report.</span></p> <p><span>In the spirit of constructive engagement, Iceland recommends the following:</span></p> <ol> <li><span>Abolish the death penalty and ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR.</span></li> <li><span>Decriminalize abortion under all circumstances.</span></li> <li><span>Ensure robust protections in the definition of rape and criminalize all non-consensual acts, including those involving authority figures.</span></li> <li><span>Adopt a comprehensive law that criminalizes all forms of domestic violence, ensuring clear protection for victims, including access to justice and support services.</span></li> <li><span>Decriminalize same-sex relations between consenting adults.</span></li> <li><span>Repeal all laws that discriminate against persons of diverse SOGIESC.</span></li> </ol> <p><span>I wish Brunei Darussalam all success for its review.</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Costa Rica<br /> </span></strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Monday 11 November 2024, 09:00 – 12:30<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Speaking time: 7</strong><strong style="text-align: left;">5 seconds<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Statement by Iceland (no 41 of 100)</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>Iceland welcomes the delegation of Costa Rica and its national report.</span></p> <p><span>In the spirit of constructive engagement, Iceland recommends the following:</span></p> <ol> <li><span>Allocate sufficient resources to the comprehensive implementation of the National Policy for Addressing and Preventing Violence against Women of All Ages and ensure the full implementation of Act No. 9406. </span></li> <li><span>Decriminalize abortion under all circumstances and ensure unrestricted access to reproductive health services.</span></li> <li><span>Ban „conversion therapies.“</span></li> <li><span>Respect the right of intersex persons to self-determination and ban medically unnecessary surgeries.</span></li> <li><span>Pass comprehensive legislation to protect persons of diverse SOGIESC from discrimination. </span></li> </ol> <p><span>I wish Costa Rica all success for its review.</span></p> <p><span>I thank you</span></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Equatorial Guinea<br /> </span></strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Monday 11 November 2024, 14:30-18:00<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Speaking time: 9</strong><strong style="text-align: left;">0 seconds<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Statement by Iceland (no 32 of 81)</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>Iceland welcomes the delegation of Equatorial Guinea and its national report.</span></p> <p><span>In the spirit of constructive engagement, Iceland recommends the following:</span></p> <ol> <li><span>Ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR to ensure the permanent abolition of the death penalty. </span></li> <li><span>Adopt a comprehensive law to prevent, combat and punish all forms of gender-based violence, both in public and private spheres.</span></li> <li><span>Decriminalize abortion under all circumstances and ensure access to sexual and reproductive health services and comprehensive sexuality education for all. </span></li> <li><span>Ban “conversion therapies.”</span></li> <li><span>Enact robust legislation to ensure effective protections for persons of diverse SOGIESC from all forms of discrimination.</span></li> </ol> <p><span>I wish Equatorial Guinea all success for its review.</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Ethiopia<br /> </span></strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Tuesday 12 November 2024, 09:00 – 12:30<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Speaking time: 60 seconds<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Statement by Iceland (no 104 of 119)</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>Iceland welcomes the delegation of Ethiopia and its national report.</span></p> <p><span>In the spirit of constructive engagement, Iceland recommends the following:</span></p> <ol> <li><span>Abolish the death penalty and ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR.</span></li> <li><span>Adopt a comprehensive and inclusive law on gender-based violence.</span></li> <li><span>Decriminalize abortion and ensure the effective provision of sexual and reproductive services.</span></li> <li><span>Set the legal age for marriage at 18 years and ensure the implementation of existing legal provisions that protect children, including the ban on FGM.</span></li> <li><span>Decriminalize same-sex sexual relations between consenting adults under the 2004 Criminal Code and ban “conversion therapies”.</span></li> </ol> <p><span>I wish Ethiopia all success for its review.</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Qatar<br /> </span></strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Tuesday 12 November 2024, 14:30-18:00<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Speaking time: 60 seconds<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Statement by Iceland (no 47 of 110)</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>Iceland welcomes the delegation of Qatar and its national report.</span></p> <p><span>In the spirit of constructive engagement, Iceland recommends the following:</span></p> <ol> <li><span>Abolish the death penalty and ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR.</span></li> <li><span>Abolish the male guardianship system.</span></li> <li><span>Adopt legislation to criminalize all forms of gender-based violence, including domestic violence.</span></li> <li><span>Decriminalize abortion under all circumstances and ensure women’s access to sexual and reproductive health care services without guardian permission or a marriage certificate.</span></li> <li><span>Decriminalize same-sex relations between consenting adults.</span></li> </ol> <p><span>I wish Qatar all success for its review.</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Nicaragua<br /> </span></strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Wednesday 13 November 2024, 09:00-12:30<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Speaking time: 80 seconds<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Statement by Iceland (no 84 of 92)</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>Iceland welcomes the delegation of Nicaragua and its national report.</span></p> <p><span>In the spirit of constructive engagement, Iceland recommends the following:</span></p> <ol> <li><span>Ratify the Optional Protocol to CEDAW.</span></li> <li><span>Expand the definition of femicide to ensure it incorporates all gender-</span><span>based killings of women, irrespective of the relationship between the victim and perpetrator.</span></li> <li><span>Decriminalize abortion and ensure access to sexual and reproductive health services for all.</span></li> <li><span>Set the minimum age for marriage at 18, with no exceptions.</span></li> <li><span>Amend the Family Code to recognize the rights of same-sex couples, ensuring equal legal protections and the right to family life.</span></li> <li><span>Enact comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation to protect persons of diverse SOGIESC from all forms of discrimination.</span></li> </ol> <p><span>I wish Nicaragua all success for its review.</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p>

<span></span> <p><span>The undersigned country members of the Global Partnership for Action on Gender-Based Online Harassment and Abuse (Global Partnership) call attention to the critical need to protect children from technology-facilitated violence, exploitation and abuse. We also call attention to the need to recognise that early experience and exposure to violence may increase the likelihood of victimization in adults or violent behaviours, perpetuating a cycle of abuse that spans generations and discouraging young people from engaging fully in public life. We must take an intersectional, life-cycle approach to address all forms of online violence against children (VAC) and technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV).&nbsp; </span></p> <p><span>Today, children at increasingly younger ages are growing up immersed in the digital world. There are many benefits of digital technologies and online platforms and services. However, their design, management and misuse can enable frequent exposure to harmful content and behaviours. It is crucial that the technology sector prioritise a Safety-by-Design approach and combat technology-facilitated violence, exploitation and abuse as a matter of urgency. </span></p> <p><span>The sexual abuse and exploitation of children continues to rise year on year, with perpetrators harnessing new ways to use technology to harm children.</span><span> </span><span>Each year an estimated 300 million children are victims of online sexual abuse and exploitation, with men being the primary offenders, and with girls appearing in more sexual abuse material than boys.</span><span> </span><span>The use of new technologies to create child sexual abuse material, such as generative artificial intelligence, demonstrates how rapidly the threat landscape is evolving.&nbsp; </span></p> <p><span>Exposure to violence is greater for children from marginalised populations, including children with disabilities, LGBTQI+ children, Indigenous children, and unaccompanied children. The specific types of violence these children face may differ from their peers as a result of the multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination they experience. </span></p> <p><span>Further, whilst all children can experience violence, there are distinct gendered differences in the nature, frequency, severity and drivers of such violence. &nbsp;It is important to recognise that boys and girls face different and unique vulnerabilities to sexual exploitation and abuse online. Data show recent rises in distinct gendered forms of abuse, including an increase in boys’ experience of financial sextortion involving demands for money to prevent the sharing of sexual images, as opposed to sextortion that involves demands for additional sexual images, engaging in sexual acts or returning or staying in a romantic relationship, with girls historically more likely than boys to be impacted. Boys are at a greater risk of being radicalized to violence through exposure to gender-based hate online and gendered disinformation campaigns that contribute to normalising dehumanizing beliefs and behaviours related to violent misogyny. </span></p> <p><span>Technology-facilitated VAC and TFGBV share some common risk factors, including a lack of responsive institutions and ineffective legal actions against violence. Harmful social norms contribute to an ecosystem that condones violence. These are amplified in digital spaces that promote violent discipline, amplify harmful forms of masculinity, prioritize family reputation and privacy over victims’ safety and wellbeing and blame victims and survivors. </span></p> <p><span>This is a crisis that transcends borders and generations, which demands a collective global and multistakeholder effort to address. At the Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, we welcome the recognition of the need to make the Internet and technology safer for children.</span></p> <p><span>We call upon states to take action and support evidence-based solutions that protect children and prevent and mitigate the pathways to adult victimization and violence, including through integrating online and technology-facilitated risks into broader violence prevention strategies. We urge the technology sector and other private companies to take appropriate action to respond to these risks, including a commitment to a Safety-by-Design approach to the development and deployment of platforms and technologies and greater investment in Trust and Safety capacities. We ask states and all stakeholders to respect human rights and put in place additional, gender-responsive safety and privacy protections for children, women, girls, and LGBTQI+ persons.</span></p> <p><span>The governments of Canada, Chile, Denmark, Iceland, New Zealand, Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia's eSafety Commissioner gave this joint statement.</span></p> <div> <div id="ftn5"> </div> </div>

<p><span><strong>Statement by H.E. Ms. Anna Johannsdottir,<br /> Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations<br /> on behalf of the Nordic countries<br /> General Assembly 79th session, informal meeting of the plenary to hear a briefing on the United Nations&nbsp;Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA)<br /> <span>6 November 2024</span></strong></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span>Mr. President.<br /> <br /> The Nordic countries are deeply concerned by the recent adoption of legal bills in the Knesset that, if implemented, are likely to prevent UNRWA from continuing its operations in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza. Effectively, UNRWA will no longer be able to exercise its core tasks as stipulated by UN General Assembly Resolution 302 (IV) of 8 December 1949, that is “to carry out […] direct relief and works programmes” for the millions of Palestine refugees living in these areas. It is from this and subsequent UN resolutions that UNRWA’s mandate is derived, and as its parent organ, it is only the General Assembly that can define the UNRWA mandate.<br /> <br /> UNRWA is at present the most centrally placed humanitarian organisation responding to the needs of Palestine refugees in the Middle East. UNRWA provides education for more than half a million children and adolescents, health services covering millions of patient visits annually and social safety net support for the most vulnerable refugees along with an emergency response programme. In the midst of an ongoing catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza following the deplorable terror attack carried out by Hamas on 7 October 2023, a halt to the organisation’s activities may have devastating consequences for the hundreds of thousands of civilians served by UNRWA. The consequential vacuum in services and humanitarian aid for Palestine refugees in Gaza, and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, may well further destabilise the situation in these areas, in Israel and in the region as a whole, and may fundamentally jeopardize the prospects for a two-state solution.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Following serious allegations directed towards some workers of the Agency, we welcome the prompt follow-up action initiated by the United Nations Secretary-General and the UNRWA Commissioner General, and we expect its continued implementation.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Considering the above, the legislation which has now been approved by the Knesset and which restricts UNRWA’s continued operations may—if implemented— violate Israel’s obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, and the legally binding provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice.<br /> <br /> The Nordic countries reaffirm their unwavering commitment to the United Nations and international law, including international humanitarian law. The latter requires all parties to conflicts to ensure that affected populations receive the necessary humanitarian aid to live under adequate material conditions, as well as to ensure the safety of humanitarian workers. It is on this basis that the Nordic countries strongly urge Israel to immediately ensure increased and unhindered humanitarian access to the Palestine refugees that UNRWA was set up to serve.<br /> <br /> I thank you.<br /> </span></p> <div>&nbsp;</div>

<span></span> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:16.0pt;mso-line-height-rule:exactly; tab-stops:92.15pt;"><span><strong>Statement by H.E. Ms. Anna Johannsdottir,<br /> Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations<br /> on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries<br /> General Assembly 79th session, Third Committee, 40nd Plenary Meeting<br /> Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation<br /> and Gender Identity, Mr. Graeme Reid</strong><br /> </span></p> <div>&nbsp;</div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:16.0pt;mso-line-height-rule:exactly; tab-stops:92.15pt;">&nbsp;</p> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <span>Thank you, Chair,&nbsp;<br /> <br /> I speak on behalf of the eight Nordic and Baltic states.<br /> <br /> We thank the Independent Expert for his report and reiterate our unwavering support to his crucial mandate.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> We must ensure that each and every person is able to fully enjoy their human rights, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or sex characteristics.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Chair,&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Human rights related to the electoral participation of LGBTQI+ persons continue to be violated in a myriad of ways, limiting their full, equal and meaningful participation in electoral processes. Equal democratic participation of all individuals, including LGBTQI+ persons, is essential.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Obstacles caused by violence, incitement to violence, hate speech and derogatory rhetoric directed towards LGBTQI+ persons are particularly concerning.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> The use of discriminatory and violence-inducing rhetoric must not be normalised in campaigns or elections. States must take measures to ensure that LGBTQI+ persons are protected, and their democratic rights ensured.<br /> <br /> Independent Expert,&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Your report identifies violence, and threat thereof, as the most prominent obstacle to electoral participation.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> What steps should states take to combat violence, including technology facilitated GBV, against LGBTQI+ persons in the context of campaigns and elections?<br /> <br /> Thank you.<br /> </span> <div>&nbsp;</div>

<p><span>General Assembly 79th session, Third Committee, 1 November 2024</span></p> <p><span><br /> <strong>Interactive Dialogue with the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran</strong></span></p> <p>Madam Chair, <br /> <br /> Iceland congratulates Mai Sato on her recent appointment and thanks her for her first report, laying out her vision for the mandate.<br /> <br /> We express our strong support for the Special Rapporteur’s mandate, which has proved critical to promote human rights and accountability in the Islamic Republic of Iran, alongside and in synergy with other international mechanisms and initiatives. <br /> <br /> Iceland commends the Special Rapporteur’s emphasis on addressing the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran through a holistic and intersectional approach, which is crucial to uncovering the interconnected and compounding nature of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights violations.<br /> <br /> Further, Iceland shares the concerns expressed by the Special Rapporteur regarding continued arbitrary deprivation of life in the country, reflected in an alarming surge in the number of reported executions. <br /> <br /> Ongoing and intensifying repression of civic space, including violent crackdowns on women and girls and minorities highlight the critical need for continued monitoring, engagement and other efforts to foster meaningful improvements on the ground and uphold the rights of the people of Iran.<br /> <br /> To promote accountability and achieve justice, the dire human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran must be addressed, and the longstanding calls of its people for respect for their rights must be met.<br /> <br /> I thank you.</p>

<p>Statement by H.E. Anna Jóhannsdóttir<br /> Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations<br /> on behalf of the Nordic countries</p> <p>General Assembly 79th session, 1 November 2024, 32nd Plenary Meeting<br /> General debate on the Report of the Human Rights Council with<br /> the President of the Council, H.E. Mr. Omar Zniber</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President,<br /> <br /> 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. <br /> <br /> 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. <br /> <br /> Mr. President,<br /> <br /> The Nordic countries are firmly committed to promoting and protecting human rights for everyone, everywhere, and at all times. <br /> <br /> 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. <br /> <br /> The Council is a vital platform for dialogue between states from all regions on the importance of advancing human rights and fundamental freedoms. <br /> <br /> 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. <br /> <br /> 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. <br /> <br /> Mr. President,<br /> <br /> 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. <br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> We must support a vibrant civic space and protect human rights defenders worldwide.<br /> <br /> And dialogue is key, even when we disagree, as the absence of dialogue only serves to protect human rights violators. <br /> <br /> 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. <br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> Mr. President, <br /> <br /> 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. <br /> <br /> 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. <br /> <br /> 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. <br /> <br /> I thank you.</p>

<p><span>We, the Nordics, join the international calls for a thorough and impartial investigation of reported irregularities before and during Georgia’s 26 October parliamentary elections. It is essential to dispel doubts that have been cast on the integrity of the electoral process.<br /> </span></p> <p><span>The Nordic countries have firmly supported Georgia’s goal of Euro-Atlantic integration, based on a set of shared fundamental values.</span></p> <p>In recent years, we have followed Georgia’s political trajectory with growing concern.&nbsp; Policies pursued and legislation introduced by the Government of Georgia have increasingly deviated from a path consistent with the goal of European and Euro-Atlantic integration. Upholding the rule of law and democratic elections is integral to any progress on Georgia’s EU path.</p> <p>As Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Nordic countries, we sincerely hope to see Georgia return to a path that will lead it to its rightful place in the European and Euro-Atlantic family. We will continue to follow events in Georgia closely and will judge the Georgian government based on their actions.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Denmark </p> <p>Elina Valtonen, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland</p> <p>Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland</p> <p>Espen Barth Eide, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Norway</p> <p>Maria Malmer Stenergard, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden</p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Economic and Environmental Implementation Meeting</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Vienna, 29 October 2024</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>EU Closing Statement</span></strong><strong><span></span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Taking stock of the implementation of the OSCE commitments in the field of water management</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>&nbsp;</span></strong></p> <ol> <li><span>We would like to once again thank the Maltese Chairpersonship and the Office of the Coordinator for Economic and Environmental Activities for organising this valuable meeting today. It provided a timely opportunity to take stock of the implementation of the OSCE commitments in the field of water management. We also would like to reiterate our thanks to Ambassador Raunig and commend the dedication and efforts of the Austrian Chair of the Economic and Environmental Committee in advancing dialogue and cooperation in the Second Dimension in the last four years. </span></li> <li><span>We would also like to thank all of the panelists for sharing their experience and best practices. As highlighted by the speakers, advancing work in water management is a key component of the comprehensive approach to security in the OSCE region. In this regard, we welcome further discussion on the critical linkages between water management and security in the OSCE region.</span></li> <li><span>Today’s discussions underscored the importance of fostering good governance in water management, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and promoting sustainable water resource management, including environmental protection and disaster risk management. In this regard, the EU actively promotes transboundary water cooperation as key for peace and security. Building water resilience is essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and combating climate change. We express our support for the valuable work of the OCEEA in this area. </span></li> <li><span>We reiterate our support for the OSCE’s efforts to address the devastating impact of Russia’s war of aggression on Ukraine’s environment and economy, particularly in strengthening disaster risk management and supporting water resource management. We underline the need to assess the damage and remain committed to addressing it within Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction framework. In this context, we welcome the continuation of the ExB project “</span><span>Assessment of environmental impacts of the war against Ukraine and options for remediation”. </span></li> <li><span>In conclusion,</span><span> the EU reaffirms its strong commitment to promoting and advancing cooperation on these issues. In this context, the EU underlines the importance of enhancing the voice and full, equal and meaningful participation and leadership of women and young people in decision making at all levels to improve climate, environment and water policies. </span><span>The EU also stresses the importance of </span><span>ensuring inclusive multi-stakeholder participation, including of civil society.</span> <span>We believe that the OSCE has a relevant and valuable role to play in assisting participating States’ efforts to achieve goals in water management and security, and in implementing our common commitments in the economic and environmental dimension.</span></li> </ol>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Economic and Environmental Implementation Meeting</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Vienna, 29 October 2024</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>EU Opening Statement</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>&nbsp;</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Taking stock of the implementation of the OSCE commitments in the field of water management</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>&nbsp;</span></strong></p> <ol> <li><span>The European Union places great value on the Economic and Environmental Dimension as an integral part of the OSCE's comprehensive approach to </span><span>security</span><span>. The European Union is therefore pleased to take part in the 2024 Economic and Environmental Dimension Implementation Meeting and thanks the Chairpersonship</span> <span>of Malta and the team of the Office of the Coordinator for Economic and Environmental Activities for the organisation</span> <span>of the meeting. We warmly welcome the keynote speakers to our meeting and thank them for their valuable and insightful contributions. </span></li> <li><span>Fostering good governance in the field of water management, climate change adaptation and mitigation, as well as promoting sustainable water management to contribute to stability and security and environmental protection and disaster risk reduction within the OSCE area, is a priority for the European Union and its Member States. </span></li> <li><span>The EU welcomes the adoption of the decision on the 2024 EEDIM. We reiterate the importance of mandated events taking place across all three dimensions, and reiterate our regret that the Human Dimension Implementation Meeting could not take place in its mandated format again this year. </span></li> <li><span>The topic chosen for this year’s EEDIM is of crucial importance in light of Russia’s unprovoked, unjustifiable and illegal war of aggression, which has had a profound environmental and economic impact in Ukraine and beyond, including the Black Sea region. We are deeply concerned about the sustained damage to farmlands, water supply and sewage systems, along with the long-lasting damage to valuable ecosystems, biodiversity and marine sites. These includes areas impacted by the destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP) dam in the Kherson region, as well as the alleged deliberate contamination of the Desna River. More than 650km of the river appear to have been polluted, marking an unprecedented disaster. The weaponisation of the environment violates international law. Military equipment and toxic chemicals in the water, soil and the air could persist for decades, posing long-term risks to human health, societies, ecosystems and biodiversity. </span></li> <li><span>The OSCE should continue providing support to Ukrainian citizens and authorities in order to minimise economic and environmental threats to security, including through the Assessment of the Environmental impacts of the War against Ukraine ExB Project. We underline the need to assess the damage and are committed to addressing it in the context of Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction. Russia and its leadership must and will be held accountable for all the crimes committed and the massive destruction caused by its war of aggression against Ukraine. </span></li> <li><span>The EU recognises that transboundary water cooperation is intrinsically related to climate adaptation and resilience. Due to their transboundary nature, the climate and water crisis, also has linkages to peace and security. Solutions to transboundary water problems, hence need to be found in bilateral or regional dialogue, agreements and institutional frameworks. In this regard, the 10^th UN Water Convention meeting in Ljubljana took place on 23-25 October which was celebrated under the heading “<em>Our Waters, our Future: Transboundary Water Cooperation to Power Climate Resilience</em>”. The Water Convention is a unique international legal instrument and intergovernmental platform to promote the sustainable use of transboundary water resources and facilitate cooperation, and shows how a European good practice within climate related water governance is being leveraged at global scale. Initially negotiated as a regional instrument for Europe (at large), it was opened up for accession to all UN Member States in 2016. Since then, countries all over the world have started acceding the Water Convention. We also welcome the OSCE’s support to cooperation between Moldova and Ukraine for the sustainable use and protection of the Dniester River basin, another excellent example of the importance of transboundary water management.</span></li> <li><span>We strongly believe that promoting sustainable water management and fostering good governance in water management, as well as climate change adaptation and mitigation should remain high on the OSCE agenda and a priority for its work. The EU reaffirms its commitment to advancing cooperation on these issues and strengthening the work of the OSCE second dimension to achieve comprehensive security. In this regard, we pleased to invite you to a Side Event during today’s lunch break, co-organised with the Hungarian EU Presidency, on “Addressing Water Security Challenges in the OSCE region, with a particular focus on Central Asia”. </span></li> </ol>

<p><span>Thank you, Madame/Mister Chair, </span></p> <p><span>Excellencies, distinguished delegates,</span></p> <p><span> The protection and promotion of human rights and democracy is at the heart of Iceland’s foreign policy and integral to ensuring peace, security, and justice. The OSCE, and its comprehensive approach towards security, are key to attaining these goals and one of the great strengths of our organization. </span></p> <p><span>Today, we are faced with a serious pushback against human rights, multilateralism, and democratic values that are anchored in international law, including gender equality and women’s rights. We must work together to reverse these trends and to protect and preserve the values of human dignity and human rights – for all people, in all our countries. </span></p> <p><span>Iceland is grateful to the Chairpersonship of Malta for creating the circumstances for the OSCE Participating States and civil society to engage in important discussions on these critical issues, by convening the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference.</span></p> <p><span>Madame/Mister Chair, Iceland reiterates once again its strong condemnation of Russia’s continued systematic violation and abuse of international humanitarian law and human rights law. </span></p> <p><span>The human impact of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine is immense and wide-ranging, including on Ukraine’s environment and its liveability. We are particularly concerned about Russia’s continued attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, and the toll it exerts on civilians. This war is waged not only against todays Ukrainians, but also against its future generations by deteriorating its environment to its core.</span></p> <p><span>Iceland also calls on Russia to stop the arbitrary deprivation of liberty of Ukrainian civilians, as established by the latest Moscow Mechanism. Thousands of Ukrainian civilians have been unlawfully detained, including SMM staff members, and many subjected to inhumane treatment. Iceland urges Russia to release them and other detainees immediately. Furthermore, the forcible and despicable transfer and deportation of Ukrainian children remains a primary concern. Full accountability and justice must be ensured in accordance with international law.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>Madame/Mister Chair, </span></p> <p><span>Iceland strongly condemns the illegal involvement of Belarusian authorities in Russia’s war. We condemn its enhanced autocracy since the fraudulent elections four years ago and complete disregard for democratic principles, including by attacking the fundamental rights and freedoms of its civil society. The Vienna Mechanism, invoked earlier this year, has to date not been responded to by Belarusian authorities. We call once more on the Belarusian authorities to cease the unlawful detention of Belarusian citizens and release all political prisoners immediately.</span></p> <p><span>Madame/Mister Chair, </span></p> <p><span>Iceland has been committed to support Georgia’s democratic development ever since the restoration of its independence and wishes to see it thrive as a sovereign, democratic nation integrated into the European and Euro-Atlantic community. We will continue to support the Georgian people in their pursuit of a prosperous, democratic future within Europe, including in the upcoming elections on October 26.</span></p> <p><span>However, we are deeply concerned by the path that the Georgian government has chosen, in particular as relates to the adoption of the legislative package on “family values and protection of minors”, as well as the adoption of the “Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence” last May.</span></p> <p><span>Everyone deserves basic human rights free from discrimination. Freedom of expression is fundamental to a well functioning democracy. The values of freedom, human rights, democracy and the rule of law are not a price of admission into the Euro-Atlantic community – they are very real foundation to increased prosperity and peace. We urge Georgia’s political leaders to change course and to repeal the “Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence” and the legislative package on “family values and protection of minors”.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>Madame/Mister Chair, </span></p> <p><span>Tomorrow, on 1 October, Ukraine will celebrate the Day of Ukraine’s Defenders, and in accordance with Ukraine’s inherent right to self-defence, the people of Ukraine have shown that democracy, rule of law, freedom, and human rights are values worth fighting for. Iceland remains firmly committed to Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. We will support Ukraine for as long as it takes. </span></p> <p><span>Iceland looks forward to engaging in the work of the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference in the coming two weeks.</span></p> <p><span>I thank you, Madame/Mister Chair.</span></p>

<span></span> <p class="SpeakingNoteTexte"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Madam Chair,</span></p> <p class="SpeakingNoteTexte"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">I am speaking on behalf of Canada, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, San Marino, the United Kingdom and my own country Switzerland.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">The 10th of October marked the 22^nd World Day against the Death Penalty.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">We categorically oppose the death penalty under all circumstances, it is not consistent with human rights ,including the right to life. In this context,&nbsp;we welcome the fact that the global trend towards the abolition of capital punishment continues unabated in all parts of the world, including the OSCE region. Today, almost three-quarters of states are abolitionist, either in law or in practice. Amid growing pressure on human rights and increasing instability, this positive development – that crosses the globe - should not go unnoticed.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">However, it should also not invite complacency in our collective efforts against the death penalty, especially given recent setbacks observed. Last year, recorded global executions soared to their highest number in almost a decade.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">In light of this, it is important to emphasize that the death penalty neither makes communities safer nor serves as a deterrent to crime. On the contrary, it exacerbates cycles of violence and is often used as a tool of repression. Responding to a crime, no matter how heinous, by committing another crime should never be the solution.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">As of today, only two participating States continue to apply capital punishment: Belarus and the United States. Regarding Belarus, we deeply deplore the fact that the use of the death penalty has been extended twice in recent years. We therefore urge the Belarusian authorities to reverse this trend and establish a moratorium on executions as a first step towards abolition.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">We also remain concerned that capital punishment continues to be used in the United States. We welcome the current moratorium on Federal executions and call on the relevant US authorities to commute all Federal death sentences into prison terms.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Madam Chair,</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Our countries are committed to the universal abolition of the death penalty and call on all States, both within and beyond the OSCE, to completely abolish capital punishment or, as a first step, establish a moratorium on its use. In this context, we urge all participating States to vote in favour of the UN resolution, currently under negotiation at the UN General Assembly, which calls for a moratorium on capital punishment.</span></p> <p class="SpeakingNoteTexte"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Thank you, Madam Chair.</span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

<span></span> <p>Madam Chair, </p> <p>As we mark the International Day of the Girl Child for 2024, we celebrate the potential, strength, and resilience of girls worldwide. <span></span>It is a moment to recognize the challenges girls face, and to consider how to break down those barriers so they get a fair chance to succeed.<span>&nbsp; </span>This year’s theme "Girls’ Vision for the Future" also reminds us that girls are changemakers and that their active and meaningful participation in society and decision-making will put us all on the path for a better, sustainable future.<span>&nbsp; </span></p> <p>Education is one of the most powerful tools for change. Ensuring access to safe, inclusive, and quality education for girls is crucial to both their economic and political empowerment.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Furthermore, protecting the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls is critical so that they can make choices about their bodies, their lives, and their own futures.</p> <p>Regrettably, millions of girls around the world are denied their fundamental human rights. They continue to face inequality and gender-based violence, and do not have equitable access to education or quality healthcare.<span>&nbsp; </span></p> <p>In the OSCE region and on its borders, girls are disproportionately impacted by conflict and crisis.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></p> <p>As a consequence of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, women and girls face displacement, economic uncertainty and an increased risk of trafficking and gender-based violence.<span>&nbsp; </span>Ukrainian children - girls and boys - have had their childhoods and education disrupted.<span>&nbsp; </span></p> <p>In Afghanistan, the Taliban have subjected women and girls to severe human rights violations, systematically banning women and girls from public life, including education, resulting in their social, political, economic and legal marginalization.<span>&nbsp; </span></p> <p>As participating States, as we look to address conflict and crisis, we must remain committed to ensuring gender equality and facilitating the role of women and girls in finding solutions.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></p> <p>In observing the International Day of the Girl Child, let us recommit to listening to girls, investing in proven solutions, and creating a world where every girl can reach her full potential. </p> <p>Thank you,</p>

<p><span>I am delivering this statement on behalf of the eight Nordic-Baltic countries. We fully align with the statement of the European Union but would like to add a few remarks to inform this council on the recent visit of the Nordic and Baltic Foreign Ministers to Moldova on October 15th and Odesa, Ukraine, on October 16th. </span></p> <p><span> Madame Chair, </span></p> <p><span> The delegation was received in Odesa by Ukraine’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha and also met with the Governor of Odesa Oblast, Oleh Kiper. </span></p> <p><span>The visit to Odesa, was a manifestation to show our countries’ unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. </span></p> <p><span> The Nordic-Baltic countries stand together as a united and strong force in supporting Ukraine against Russia´s war of aggression. We will, together, do our utmost to support Ukraine in its heroic fight to win this war. </span></p> <p><span> We fully support Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace based on international law including the UN Charter. Initiatives that do not involve Ukraine, or that compromise its sovereignty and territorial integrity, cannot succeed. We will never recognise Russia’s illegal annexations of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea. Ukraine’s Peace Formula remains the only credible framework and the only way forward. We welcome in this regard the Mini-Summit under Ukraine’s Peace Formula Point 5 on the Restoration of Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity – that is led by Estonia, Ukraine and Argentina and held in the margins of the Crimea Platform in Riga today, October 24th.</span></p> <p><span>Efforts to strengthen military and civilian support for Ukraine is key. We will support Ukraine in the transformation of its defense industry. We will support increased defense production in Ukraine, accelerating the growth of the Ukrainian defense sector while boosting the economy. </span></p> <p><span> During the foreign ministers’ visit to Ukraine, a substantial Nordic-Baltic winter package was announced in response to Ukraine’s most pressing needs due to Russia’s unprecedented, systematic and deliberate attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure. This support, and the already earmarked support for next year, will strengthen Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure, including energy, social resilience, health and humanitarian support. </span></p> <p><span>Despite Russia’s ongoing aggression, Ukraine has made significant progress on its path towards membership in the European Union, and the Nordic-Baltic states will remain active supporters to Ukraine in its continued journey toward EU membership. </span></p> <p><span> We also welcome the concrete progress Ukraine has made since the Vilnius and Washington Summits, and as Ukraine continues this vital work, we will continue to support it on its irreversible path to full Euro-Atlantic integration, including NATO membership. </span></p> <p><span>The Nordic-Baltic states will continue to address the unlawful deportation and forcible transfer of Ukrainian children by the Russian Federation and support efforts for their safe return, and we welcome the Conference on the Human Dimension of the Ukraine Peace Formula on 30-31 October in Montreal, co-hosted by Canada, Ukraine and Norway. We unequivocally condemn Russia’s violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law, and our commitment to holding Russia and its accomplices accountable for all crimes committed will continue. </span></p> <p><span> We also support all efforts of Ukraine and of the wider international community to ensure Russia’s full accountability for the crime of aggression. We stand united in ensuring the soonest possible establishment of a Special Tribunal that would bring Russia’s political and military leadership to account.</span></p> <p><span>Madame Chair, </span></p> <p><span>The Nordic-Baltic countries’ foreign ministers visit to Moldova on October 15th showed support for Moldova’s reforms and resilience in the face of intensified Russian hybrid attacks. The delegation met with Moldova’s Prime Minister Dorin Recean and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mihai Popşoi. Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine has had a significant humanitarian and economic impact in Moldova. We condemn the repeated violations of Moldova’s airspace by Russian missiles and drones. </span></p> <p><span> Moldova’s resilience has been truly remarkable, as well as its generosity towards Ukrainian refugees. The way Moldova is dealing with Russia’s hybrid attacks, including disinformation, is impressive and we stand ready to further support Moldova to enhance their capacity to counter hybrid threats. We reaffirm our commitment to support the resilience, security and stability of Moldova, bilaterally as well as through the EU.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>Strengthening and deepening our security policy dialogue in the region is a priority. In this spirit, we were pleased to sign a memorandum of understanding with Moldova to strengthen institutional capacity and encompassing cooperation, coordination and information sharing to develop effective responses to shared challenges. </span></p> <p><span> On Sunday October 20th, the citizens of Moldova exercised their democratic right to vote in the first round of the presidential elections and in the EU referendum. We commend the authorities for the organisation of the electoral process and of the referendum in accordance with democratic standards. </span></p> <p><span>We welcome that Moldova has voted for European integration. The Nordic Baltic countries will continue support Moldova’s reform efforts on its path to the EU. We condemn the unprecedented malign interference by Russia and its proxies to undermine the democratic process in Moldova. </span></p> <p><span> Thank you.</span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><span><strong><span>O</span></strong></span><span><strong><span>SCE Permanent Council No.1493</span></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span><strong><span>Vienna,</span></strong></span><span><strong><span> 24 October 2024</span></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine</span></strong></p> <ol> <li><span>Once again, the EU condemns in the strongest possible terms Russia’s unprovoked, unjustifiable and illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, which is a blatant violation of international law, including the UN Charter, and OSCE core principles and commitments. </span><span>We urge the aggressor, Russia, to immediately stop its war of aggression, and to completely and unconditionally withdraw all its forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders.</span></li> <li><span>There can be no impunity for war crimes, crimes against humanity and other crimes committed in the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, including the crime of aggression. All those responsible must and will be held accountable. </span></li> <li><span>The EU remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine and reaffirms its unwavering commitment to providing continued multifaceted support to Ukraine and its people for as long as it takes and as intensely as needed, based on Ukraine’s urgent needs. The full-scale invasion of Ukraine is also an attack on a free and democratic Europe. The EU will stand by Ukraine as it fights to retain its independence and sovereignty and regain its territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. </span></li> <li><span>Through its defensive operations to diminish Russia’s capacity to wage its war of aggression, Ukraine is exercising its inherent right to self-defence, in full accordance with international law and as enshrined in Article 51 of the UN Charter. </span></li> <li><span>The EU reiterates its firm support for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in accordance with international law, including the UN Charter, and in line with the key principles and objectives of Ukraine’s Peace Formula, with full respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. </span></li> <li><span>The EU condemns any futile attempts by Russia to forcibly and illegally integrate or annex parts of Ukraine’s territory. </span><span>We reiterate that any </span><span>such attempts constitute a blatant violation of international law, including the UN Charter, and all states have an obligation under international law to not recognise such annexations. Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, Luhansk, as well as Crimea are Ukraine. </span></li> <li><span>Executions of Ukrainian prisoners of war by Russia are increasing, with at least 177 prisoners of war having died in Russian captivity since the beginning of Russia’s war of aggression. Nine Ukrainian prisoners of war were reportedly shot by Russian troops in the Kursk region on 10 October and 16 prisoners of war on 1 October in Donetsk oblast after their surrender. The EU strongly condemns these killings, which represent grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions. They demonstrate Russia’s continued and systematic disregard for international law, and in particular, international humanitarian law. Russia has clear obligations under the United Nations Charter and international law it must fulfil.</span> <p> </p> </li> <li><span>The EU also strongly condemns the repeated violation of the airspace of some EU Member States, such as the recent incidents on 17th and 19th of October involving drones over Romania. Russia must immediately stop these dangerous and irresponsible acts.</span></li> <li><span></span><span>Another grave violation of international law is Russia's repeated illegal conscription in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, forcing Ukrainians to fight against their homeland and their own people. </span><br /> <span></span></li> <li><span>We will continue to demand the immediate release by Russia of all individuals unlawfully deprived of their liberty, including the three arbitrarily detained OSCE officials, and their safe return to their Ukrainian families and communities.</span></li> <li><span></span><span>The EU condemns the persistent shelling by Russia of Ukraine’s critical energy and civilian infrastructure. We support all efforts to urgently increase Ukraine’s energy security before the winter and address the immediate humanitarian and civil protection needs of the Ukrainian population while making Ukraine’s energy system more resilient in the long-term.</span><span> </span></li> <li><span>We reiterate that any action that endangers the safety and security of nuclear facilities is unacceptable and call for further integration of Ukraine’s energy system with the EU’s.</span></li> <li><span>The EU also remains deeply concerned about the fate of all Ukrainian children unlawfully transferred by Russia within the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine or unlawfully deported to Russia and Belarus. We condemn the military re-education and indoctrination, as well as the violation of these children’s rights to their Ukrainian nationality, identity, name and family relations by Russia, as documented by the May 2023 Moscow Mechanism report and other international monitoring mechanisms. The EU reiterates its urgent call on Russia and Belarus to immediately ensure their safe return to Ukraine. We welcome initiatives to help bring Ukrainian children home to their families and communities, including the upcoming Ministerial Conference on the Human Dimensions of Ukraine’s 10-Point Peace Formula in Ottawa on 30-31 October. </span></li> <li><span>We recall the six arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court, including against President Putin for the war crime of the unlawful deportation and transfer of Ukrainian children. All State Parties to the Rome Statute are under the obligation to execute arrest warrants issued by the ICC.</span></li> <li><span>We condemn the continued military support for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine provided by Belarus, as well as Iran and the DPRK. We continue to urge all countries not to provide material or other support for Russia’s war of aggression, which is a blatant violation of international law, including the UN Charter, and the OSCE’s core principles and commitments.</span></li> </ol>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><span><strong><span>O</span></strong></span><span><strong><span>SCE Permanent Council No. 1493</span></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span><strong><span>Vienna, </span></strong></span><span><strong><span>24 October 2024</span></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span><strong><span>&nbsp;</span></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>EU Statement in response to the report</span></strong><strong><span> by the Co-Chairs </span></strong><strong><span>of the Geneva International Discussions</span></strong></p> <ol> <li><span>The European Union welcomes the Co-Chairs of the Geneva International Discussions (GID) at the Permanent Council and thanks them for their address. We also wish to thank the Co-Chairs for their consistent efforts in keeping the GID format operational.</span></li> <li><span>The GID process continues to serve as the only platform where the consequences of the conflict, including issues related to the implementation of the six-point agreement of 12 August 2008 and its implementing measures of 8 September 2008, are addressed. This includes discussions on core issues, such as the non-use of force and international security arrangements, as well as internally displaced persons and refugees. </span></li> <li><span>We urge Russia to make a clear non-use of force statement as we continue to believe that such a commitment, together with the establishment of a verification mechanism, are essential to enhance security, help build confidence and provide space for further political dialogue. We recall that such a statement was already made on numerous occasions by Georgia. </span></li> <li><span>While the discussions on the international security arrangements have not brought any results so far, we encourage further efforts in this direction. </span></li> <li><span>We regret that much needed discussions on IDPs and refugees in Working Group 2 on humanitarian issues continue not to be possible due to the walkout by the Russian, Abkhaz and South Ossetian participants from the meetings of the Working Group. We urge the participants to end this obstructionist practice as it has a damaging effect. </span></li> <li><span>The European Union expresses its concern with regard to the severe and lasting impact this conflict has on the overall security situation in Georgia and the wider region, as well as on the well-being of the conflict-affected populations. The EU condemns the continued illegal Russian military presence and activities in Georgia. We are also concerned about Russia’s attempts to de-facto integrate Georgia’s occupied breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia into Russia’s regulatory and security space, as well as the ongoing “borderisation” activities, the restrictions on the movement of civilians across the administrative boundary lines and the arbitrary detentions of Georgian citizens. Additionally, we condemn Russia’s reported plans to establish a permanent naval base of its Black Sea Fleet in Georgia’s occupied breakaway region of Abkhazia.</span></li> <li><span>The EU reiterates its call on Russia to enable immediate and unimpeded access to Georgia’s occupied breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia for international and regional human rights mechanisms to fully implement their respective mandates. We are seriously concerned about the lasting human rights violations committed therein. We condemn the continuous practice of illegal detentions of Georgian citizens. It is imperative that such incidents as well as any further escalation are prevented, and perpetrators brought to justice. </span></li> <li><span>The EU calls on Russia, as a party to this conflict, to recommit itself to respecting Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders and to fulfil its obligations under the six-point agreement and its subsequent implementing measures in full and without further delay. The EU also urges Russia to ensure the proper follow-up of the landmark judgement of 21 January 2021 of the European Court of Human Rights in the case of Georgia vs Russia. </span></li> <li><span>The EU notes positively that the 121^st Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) meeting took place in Ergneti on 12 September and expresses its hope for a fruitful next meeting, planned for 19 November. The EU once again calls for the earliest possible resumption of the IPRM in Gali, which should be held in accordance with the established practices and without any preconditions.</span></li> <li> <span>We encourage Georgia to engage residents from the occupied breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in the process of building mutual trust and reconciliation, with active participation of representatives from Georgian civil society and NGOs.</span></li> <li> <span>Since October 2008, the European Union has been fully engaged in conflict resolution efforts, including as co-chair in the GID and through the efforts of the EU Special Representative. In this regard, we would like to welcome Magdalena Grono, who will assume her duties on 1 November and wish her all the success in her new role. The EU’s commitment to Georgia’s security is also proven through the continued activities of the EUMM – the only legitimate international presence on the ground. At the same time, we emphasise the importance of enabling the EUMM’s access to both sides of the Administrative Boundary Lines. </span></li> <li> <span>The EU looks forward to the next GID meeting, which has been agreed to take place on 5-6 November 2024.</span></li> <li> <span>As the EU stands united in condemning, in the strongest possible terms, Russia’s unprovoked, unjustified and illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, we also reiterate our condemnation of the blatant breach of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity by the Russian Federation since August 2008. The EU remains unwavering in its support to Georgia’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.</span></li> </ol>

<p>Statement by Iceland<br /> General Assembly 79th session, 23 October 2024<br /> 27th Plenary Meeting of Third Committee<br /> Promotion and protection of human rights (item 71)</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. Chair,</p> <p>Human rights are a key pillar of Iceland’s foreign policy, based on the conviction that all human rights are universal, indivisible, interrelated, and interdependent as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and key human rights treaties. </p> <p>As a member-elect of the Human Rights Council (HRC) from 2025-2027, Iceland plans to do its part in advancing human rights for everyone, everywhere, and at all times. </p> <p>We will continue to engage with countries from all regions of the world in an inclusive manner, recognizing the critical importance of respectful and genuine dialogue for a more efficient and effective Council. </p> <p>It is important to keep in mind that the HRC, just like this Committee, draws strength from its <br /> diversity. None of us are perfect but we can all do better, and we should all aim to do so. We must not shy away from dialogue or from calling out human rights violations, regardless of where they take place or by whom. </p> <p>Mr. Chair, </p> <p>We are witnessing deteriorating human rights situations around the world, with too many states trying to justify discrimination and violence against their citizens. Respecting, protecting, and fulfilling human rights obligations is a crucial commitment which all states must take seriously. </p> <p>Severe and escalating human rights situations worldwide must be addressed, and Iceland will <br /> continue to stand up for those whose rights are under threat or being violated, particularly those who are the most vulnerable. </p> <p>Some of the most severe human rights violations and abuses take place during wars and armed conflicts. But even wars have rules. International human rights law and international humanitarian law have been designed precisely for this reason - when life, dignity and our very humanity are at risk and must be protected. <br /> <br /> In Ukraine, we witness relentless Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure, including schools and hospitals. The horrific terrorist attack by Hamas a year ago and the subsequent war in Gaza is another case in point, where civilians, not least women and children, are subject to unacceptable and indiscriminate attacks, forced displacement, and deprivation of necessities on a scale not seen for decades. </p> <p>We can name Sudan, Myanmar, and the continued rise of violent extremism in the Sahel –<br /> everywhere, civilians bear the brunt of the horrors of war. <br /> The international community needs to be steadfast in its response and commitment to contribute to alleviating the suffering of civilians. </p> <p>Mr. Chair, </p> <p>No one should be discriminated against or denied human rights on the grounds of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, age, religion or belief, sexual orientation or gender identity anywhere in the world. </p> <p>As a member of the HRC, Iceland will continue its focus on accelerating progress on the human rights of women and girls, upholding the rights of children and fighting discrimination against LGBTQI+ persons. </p> <p>Women and girls still face structural inequalities and multiple and intersecting forms of <br /> discrimination. Sexual and gender-based violence, exploitation, abuse and harassment is a <br /> worldwide problem which we must address urgently on all levels. <br /> LGBTQI+ persons face increased discrimination, violence and hatred. Violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is deplorable. Iceland will continue to protect the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons and advocate for the advancement of their rights worldwide. </p> <p>Mr. Chair, </p> <p>The promotion of human rights is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic necessity. It is an integral part of a broader approach that recognizes that the three pillars of the United Nations –peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights – all go hand in hand.</p> <p>We must ensure the effectiveness of the multilateral system, including the UN human rights treaty bodies, to enable it to fulfil its duty to protect the enjoyment and full realisation of human rights for all. </p> <p>I thank you</p>

<p><span>The Nordic countries are deeply concerned by the recent introduction of draft legal bills in the Knesset that, if adopted, would prevent the UNRWA from continuing its operations in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza. Effectively, UNRWA would no longer be able to exercise its core tasks as stipulated by UN General Assembly Resolution 302 (IV) of 8 December 1949, that is “to carry out […] direct relief and works programmes” for the millions of Palestine refugees living in these areas. It is from this and subsequent UN resolutions that UNRWA’s mandate is derived, and as its parent organ, it is only the General Assembly that can define the UNRWA mandate.</span></p> <p><span>UNRWA is at present the most centrally placed humanitarian organisation responding to the needs of Palestine refugees in the Middle East. UNRWA provides education for more than half a million children and adolescents, health services covering millions of patient visits annually and social safety net support for the most vulnerable refugees along with an emergency response programme. In the midst of an ongoing catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, a halt to any of the organisation’s activities would have devastating consequences for the hundreds of thousands of civilians served by UNRWA. The consequential vacuum in services and humanitarian aid for Palestine refugees in Gaza, and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, may well further destabilise the situation in these areas, in Israel and in the region as a whole, and may fundamentally jeopardize the prospects for a two-state solution.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>Following serious allegations directed towards some workers of the Agency, we welcome the prompt follow-up action initiated by the United Nations Secretary-General and the UNRWA Commissioner General, and we expect its continued implementation.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>Considering the above, the proposed draft legal bills that restrict UNRWA’s continued operations may entail the violation of Israel’s obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, and the legally binding provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice.</span></p> <p><span>The Nordic countries reaffirm their unwavering commitment to the United Nations and international law, including international humanitarian law. The latter requires all parties to conflicts to ensure that affected populations receive the necessary humanitarian aid to live under adequate material conditions, as well as to ensure the safety of humanitarian workers. It is on this basis that the Nordic countries call for the proposed legal bills to be reconsidered and strongly urge Israel to ensure continued and unhindered humanitarian access for UNRWA to the Palestine refugees that it was set up to serve.</span></p> <p><span>Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Denmark&nbsp;<br /> Elina Valtonen, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland<br /> Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland<br /> Espen Barth Eide, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Norway<br /> Maria Malmer Stenergard, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden<br /> </span></p> <div>&nbsp;</div>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Beijing+30 Regional Review Meeting<br /> </span></strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Statement by Iceland<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">21-22 October 2024</strong></p> <p><span>Chair,</span></p> <p><span>Iceland welcomes this opportunity to reflect on our progress toward gender equality. </span></p> <p><span>The global backlash against the human rights of women and girls, not least to their sexual reproductive health and rights, and their right to bodily autonomy is gravely concerning. Sexual and gender-based violence remains an epidemic and the gender pay gap has yet to be eliminated. </span></p> <p><span>The backlash shows us how vulnerable the gains we have made toward gender equality are. We must reverse and fight these trends and work together to secure human rights of all women and girls.</span></p> <p><span>Iceland has ranked first on the Global Gender Gap Index for 15 years in a row. While we take pride in this achievement, we recognize that gender equality has not yet been achieved. </span></p> <p><span>Conscious of this fact, Iceland has continued to improve its legal framework, with </span><span>an Act on Gender Equality with a first-ever provision on multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination</span><span> to ensure equal rights for all, and an Act on Gender Autonomy that ensures self-identification for legal gender recognition free from medical or diagnostic requirements. </span></p> <p><span>The gender pay gap has narrowed in Iceland in recent years. The </span><span>remaining gap is mainly due to a gender-segregated labour market</span><span> whereby c</span><span>ertain sectors are still dominated by women and have long been undervalued. </span></p> <p><span>Parental leave for both parents has been instrumental for enhancing gender equality in Iceland. </span><span>Both</span><span> parents now have the right to six months of parental leave, and maximum payments have been raised. </span></p> <p><span>Regrettably,<strong> <strong>sexual and</strong> <strong>gender-based violence </strong></strong>remains one of our most pressing human rights challenges. As part of our commitment to prevent and combat all forms of SGBV, a Parliamentary resolution was adopted to ensure that preventive measures are integrated into all formal and informal education and after school activities. Moreover, in order to address the rise in online violence, the Penal Code was amended and digital sexual violence is now a punishable offense. </span></p> <p><span>Sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls and their right to bodily autonomy is a vital aspect of gender equality. In order to uphold these rights, an Act on Termination of Pregnancy was passed in 2019 guaranteeing access to safe and legal abortion. </span></p> <p><span>Iceland firmly believes that progressive policies aimed at advancing gender equality are the foundation for an inclusive and rights-based society where everyone can prosper.</span><span> Iceland remains steadfast in its commitment to achieving gender equality and eliminating all forms of violence and discrimination against women and girls.</span></p>

<p style="text-align: center;"><span><strong>EU Statement at Sixty-Sixth Session of Working Group A </strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span><strong>Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) </strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span><strong>Vienna, 16-18 October 2024</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span>Chair, </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span>1. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span>2. The EU wishes to thank the Executive Secretary, Dr. Robert Floyd, for his opening statement and for his report on Non-Verification-Related Activities for the period AprilAugust 2024. We express our appreciation to the Chair and Provisional Technical Secretariat, for the timely preparations and informal consultations prior to this Session. We also take note with appreciation of the report of the Advisory Group (AG) and support the recommendations contained therein. </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span>3. The entry into force and universalization of the CTBT remains a priority for the EU. We urge all States that have not yet done so, to sign and ratify the CTBT. We also call upon the remaining Annex 2 States, who still need to sign and ratify the Treaty in order to bring it into force, to do so without any preconditions or further delay. In the meantime, it is crucial for international peace and security that all States fully observe the moratorium on nuclear test explosions or any other nuclear explosion, and refrain from any action contrary to the object and purpose of the Treaty. In this regard, we call on all concerned States to continue to honour their engagements. </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span>4. We congratulate the Group of Friends of the CTBT for the successful organisation of the 11th Ministerial Meeting of the Friends of the CTBT, on 24th September, in New York. The European Union and its Member States were pleased to associate themselves with the Joint Ministerial Statement, reiterating inter alia the call for the Treaty’s entry into force. </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span>Chair, </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span>5. The EU thanks the Provisional Technical Secretariat (PTS) for providing the final draft of the Budget Update Proposal for 2025 and can support it. We take positive note of the introduction of new elements, proposed by the Advisory Group. The share of verification related costs is proposed to increase to 80.5% and it is important that this percentage remains high. We welcome the further optimization and reprioritization of activities, and encourage the PTS to continue its efforts in that regard. </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span>6. We urge all States Signatories to pay their outstanding contributions and arrears without further delay. Paying assessed contributions is not optional, and the failure to do so is inconsistent with the Resolution establishing the Preparatory Commission. We note with concern that assessed contributions paid during the fourth semester of a biennium are difficult - if not impossible - to implement within the financial rules and regulations of the Organisation. Thus, all efforts should be made towards the early payment of assessed contributions for the sake of the verification regime’s efficient operation and the PTS’s financial health. </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span>7. Ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of the verification regime, through an IMS Sustainment Strategy remains essential. We thank the PTS for circulating an additional Information Paper on the financial approach to IMS Sustainment based on technical needs and risk assessment. On the basis of this Paper, States Signatories will have to make tough but important choices about budget size and allocation in the course of the next year. We look forward to further discussions on identifying a sustainable way forward, as regards re-basing the budget from 2026 onwards to support the much needed IMS Sustainment plan. </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span>Chair, </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span>8. The EU has so far contributed over € 29.5 million in extra-budgetary contributions to the CTBTO. This reflects the strong commitment of the EU and its Member States to the Treaty and to its implementation. These funds are being used inter alia to improve the auxiliary seismic station network, to strengthen CTBTO on-site inspection capabilities, and to provide assistance to experts from developing countries through the Technical Experts Support Programme (TESP). In this regard, we welcome the sustained efforts within the CTBTO towards gender equality and equitable geographical representation, including the enhanced participation of female experts in capacity building programmes and activities. </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span>9. Regarding the conclusion of cooperation agreements with other international organisations, the EU would like to reiterate its strong support to the Inter-Agency Response to Radiological and Nuclear Emergencies framework (IACRNE) and encourages the PTS to swiftly provide a proposal to the PrepCom for a renewed agreement on sharing relevant data, in the case of a nuclear accident or crisis. </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span>In conclusion, Chair, </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span>10. We assure you of the EU’s full support and cooperation, and stress that the Report of this Session should be factual and concise, focusing on the administrative and financial issues included on Working Group A’s agenda. </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span>Thank you.</span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees<br /> </span></strong><strong style="text-align: left;">75th session of the Executive Committee<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Statement by Iceland<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">14-18 October 2024</strong></p> <p><span>Madam Chair, High Commissioner, Excellencies.</span></p> <p><span>Firstly, I thank the High Commissioner for an excellent statement at the start of our meeting.</span></p> <p><span>Iceland is grateful as ever for the perseverance of UNHCR staff and partners, at a point in time where it is needed more than ever. The trend in numbers is clear: Two years ago, the number of refugees and displaced persons stood at 100 million; one year ago the number had risen to 110 million. Today, we are looking at a shocking 123 million refugees and displaced persons around the world, and the numbers keep growing. Let us always remember that behind these numbers are individuals, with hopes and dreams like anyone else on this planet.</span></p> <p><span>Humanitarian workers risk their lives every day to serve those most in need. Their work is becoming ever more dangerous. Last year was the most dangerous on record. Iceland joins in honouring the memory of UNHCR colleagues in Lebanon who recently lost their lives, as have too many other humanitarian workers. </span></p> <p><span>This loss of lives is but one manifestation of how respect for international humanitarian law is currently being put to the test, the very year that we mark the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions. To paraphrase the High Commissioner and going back to the very basics: <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Protecting civilians is a legal obligation</span>. </strong>We must restore that collective commitment. Iceland calls on all parties to armed conflicts, whether in the Middle East, Sudan, Ukraine or elsewhere, to respect their legal obligations. International law must prevail, those who violate it must be held accountable and humanitarian access must be ensured.</span></p> <p><span>Madam Chair,</span></p> <p><span>In line with UN Security Council resolution 1325 and the Women, Peace and Security agenda, Iceland emphasises the role of women in decision-making. Conflict has gendered impacts and roots and taking this into account is paramount</span><span>.</span><span> Iceland remains deeply alarmed by the prevalence of sexual and gender-based violence, including in armed conflicts. We join calls for enhanced efforts to prevent and respond to it, including by UNHCR. Similarly, we highlight the need for an intersectional approach when addressing the protection needs of persons of diverse SOGIESC and other persons in vulnerable situations.</span></p> <p><span>As we have heard this week, ending statelessness is an achievable goal. Iceland supports this goal, as signalled by our accession to the UN Conventions on Statelessness three years ago.</span></p> <p><span>Madam Chair, </span></p> <p><span>Iceland strives to be a predictable and flexible partner that prioritises quality funding in its financial contributions to the humanitarian system. For the past years, we have been systematically scaling up, and earlier this year we committed to providing multi-year core funding to UNHCR for the next five years. </span></p> <p><span>We acknowledge that during these challenging times, flexibility is everything to an organisation that is increasingly having to respond on multiple fronts with little or no notice. </span></p> <p><span>Unfortunately, as underlined by the High Commissioner, only 14% of total funding to UNHCR this year is completely flexible. This is highly concerning - at a time when agility can make the whole difference in terms of providing life-saving assistance and protection. In other words, lack of flexibility can be the difference between life and death. </span></p> <p><span>Iceland believes in multilateralism and places its trust in UNHCR and the United Nations as a whole. We urge other partners to follow suit and prioritise quality funding.</span></p> <p><span>In closing, Madam Chair, allow me to reiterate the commitment of Iceland to support the life-saving mandate of UNHCR. The humanitarian workers that “respond, stay and deliver”, regardless of the circumstances, have our utmost respect.</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><span><strong><span>O</span></strong></span><span><strong><span>SCE Permanent Council No. 1492</span></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span><strong><span>Vienna,</span></strong></span><span><strong><span> 17 October 2024</span></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine</span></strong></p> <ol> <li style="text-align: justify;">Once again, the EU condemns in the strongest possible terms Russia’s unprovoked, unjustifiable and illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, which is a blatant violation of international law, including the UN Charter, and OSCE core principles and commitments. We urge the aggressor, Russia, to immediately stop its war of aggression, and to completely and unconditionally withdraw all its forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders.</li> <li>There can be no impunity for war crimes, crimes against humanity and other crimes committed in the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, including the crime of aggression. All those responsible must and will be held accountable. </li> <li>The EU remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine and reaffirms its unwavering commitment to providing continued multifaceted support to Ukraine and its people for as long as it takes and as intensely as needed, based on Ukraine’s urgent needs. The full-scale invasion of Ukraine is also an attack on a free and democratic Europe. The EU will stand by Ukraine as it fights to retain its independence and sovereignty and regain its territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. </li> <li>Through its defensive operations to diminish Russia’s capacity to wage its war of aggression, Ukraine is exercising its inherent right to self-defence, in full accordance with international law and as enshrined in Article 51 of the UN Charter. </li> <li>The EU reiterates its firm support for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in accordance with international law, including the UN Charter, and in line with the key principles and objectives of Ukraine’s Peace Formula, with full respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. </li> <li>The EU condemns any futile attempts by Russia to forcibly and illegally integrate or annex parts of Ukraine’s territory. We reiterate that any such attempts constitute a blatant violation of international law, including the UN Charter, and all states have an obligation under international law to not recognise such annexations. Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, Luhansk, as well as Crimea are Ukraine. </li> <li>Another grave violation of international law is Russia's repeated illegal conscription in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, forcing Ukrainians to fight against their homeland and their own people.</li> <li>The EU also condemns the recent Russian escalatory attacks on civilian vessels docked in Ukrainian ports or carrying Ukrainian grain in the Black Sea, as well as on port infrastructure in Odesa, which have killed and injured several people since 5 October. These deliberate Russian attacks constitute further blatant violations of international law. Ukrainian sea and river ports in Odesa have reportedly been hit more than 200 times since July 2023, which constitutes deliberate attacks on the supply of food for those most in need. We once again call on Russia to stop weaponising food supply and thus jeopardising global food security, and instead, to ensure safe commercial navigation in the Black Sea. The EU and its Member States remain committed to addressing global food security and the needs of countries vulnerable to food insecurity, including through the EU‘s Solidarity Lanes.</li> <li>We deeply mourn the death of Ukrainian journalist Victoria Roshchyna, who went missing in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine and was confirmed dead while in arbitrary detention in Russia. There must be a prompt, effective and impartial investigation into her death. We reiterate our call on Russia to protect journalists and other media actors in accordance with international humanitarian law, and to respect, protect and fulfil the right to freedom of opinion and expression in line with its OSCE commitments and obligations under international law. In this regard, we also demand an end to Russia's ongoing harassment, intimidation and persecution of journalists covering war zones and frontlines. </li> <li>We will continue to demand the immediate release by Russia of all individuals unlawfully deprived of their liberty, including the three arbitrarily detained OSCE officials, and their safe return to Ukraine. </li> <li>The EU also remains deeply concerned about the fate of all Ukrainian children unlawfully transferred by Russia within the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine or unlawfully deported to Russia and Belarus. We condemn the military re-education and indoctrination, as well as the violation of these children’s rights to their Ukrainian nationality, identity, name and family relations by Russia, as documented by the May 2023 Moscow Mechanism report and other international monitoring mechanisms. The EU reiterates its urgent call on Russia and Belarus to immediately ensure their safe return to Ukraine. </li> <li>We recall the six arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court, including against President Putin for the war crime of the unlawful deportation and transfer of Ukrainian children. All State Parties to the Rome Statute are under the obligation to execute arrest warrants issued by the ICC.</li> <li style="text-align: justify;">We condemn the continued military support for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine provided by Belarus, as well as Iran and the DPRK. We continue to urge all countries not to provide material or other support for Russia’s war of aggression, which is a blatant violation of international law, including the UN Charter, and the OSCE’s core principles and commitments.</li> </ol>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>EU Statement in Response to the Acting Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Ms. Cornelia Taylor</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>O</span></strong><span><strong><span>SCE Permanent Council No. 1492</span></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span><strong><span>Vienna,</span></strong></span><strong><span> 17 October 2024</span></strong></p> <ol> <li><span>The European Union warmly welcomes the Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, </span><span>Ms. Cornelia Taylor, and thank her for the biannual report to </span><span>the Permanent Council.</span></li> <li><span>We reiterate our strong support for the valuable work carried out by the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, which has proven itself as a trusted partner of all communities, and contributes to a safe and secure, democratic, prosperous and multi-ethnic Kosovo</span><span>*<a href="file:///C:/Users/r03dabi/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/64BD1MG4/FINAL%20PC%201492%2017%20October%202024%20AHoM%20OMiK.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1">^{<span>^{<span>[1]</span>}</span>}</a></span><span>, based on respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. The EU welcomes the Mission’s balanced approach based on three programmatic pillars: human rights and communities, democratisation, and security and public safety.</span></li> <li><span>The EU welcomes the Mission’s activities on promoting inter-community relations and emphasises the importance of coordination with relevant stakeholders for the protection of the rights of persons belonging to minorities and vulnerable groups. This includes ensuring their safety, protecting their property rights, including against contentious expropriations, and preserving their cultural and religious heritage, including the Special Protective Zones. We highlight the importance of engagement with civil society, including through youth-oriented activities, to enhance inter-ethnic relations and promote dialogue.</span></li> <li><span>Improving the accountability and transparency of institutions remains equally important. We commend the Mission’s continued assistance in strengthening Kosovo’s democratic institutions and its focus on enhancing public safety, the rule of law, and transparent and inclusive good governance at both central and local levels. The EU highly values the Mission’s contributions to enhancing Kosovo’s inter-institutional co-operation in addressing security challenges and risks related to trafficking in human beings, terrorism leading to extremism, organised crime and corruption, as well as hate crimes, and</span> <span>attacks against journalists and public defamation campaigns</span><span>. We particularly appreciate the Mission’s activities in support of Kosovo’s legislative and policy agenda, notably its contribution for the review of thirty-one draft legal and policy acts, and its continuous engagement in the implementation of the EU-funded OSCE Regional Trial Monitoring Project in the Western Balkans. </span></li> <li><span>The EU appreciates the Mission’s monitoring and early warning activities in light of the fragile and complex security environment in the north of Kosovo. We welcome its continued good cooperation and coordination with partners on the ground, including the EU in Kosovo, KFOR, and the UN in support of multilateral efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions and implementing obligations under the EU-facilitated Dialogue.</span></li> <li><span>Recalling its statements on 3 June and 19 September 2023, the EU closely monitors developments in the north of Kosovo. More than a year after </span><span>the violent attack against Kosovo Police in </span><span>Banjska/Banjskë </span><span>on 24th September 2023, the EU reiterates its call on Serbia to swiftly prosecute those responsible for the attacks. In parallel to the investigations, it is important that both sides refrain from any action that could further escalate the situation.</span></li> <li><span>In light of the developments in the four northern municipalities of Leposavić/q, North Mitrovica/e, Zvečan/Zveçan and Zubin Potok, over the last months, the EU stresses that a sustainable political solution for these municipalities can only be achieved through the permanent return of Kosovo Serbs to the institutions and full participation in the election process</span><span>, particularly with the upcoming Assembly elections scheduled for 9 February 2025</span><span>.</span></li> <li><span>Pristina’s decision to lift its ban on imports of Serbian goods at the Merdare border crossing </span><span>is a positive step towards restoring free trade in the region and unblocking decision-making in CEFTA, especially in the context of the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. This Plan aims to bring the Western Balkans closer to the EU single market, boost economic growth and accelerate the regional socio-economic convergence.</span></li> <li><span>The EU reiterates its concern about the </span><span>recent unilateral and uncoordinated actions by Pristina against Belgrade-supported offices and the closure of nine branches of Serbia Postal savings bank in the north of Kosovo that negatively affect the daily lives and living conditions of the local communities and put the fragile security situation on the ground at risk. </span><span>The EU expects both Pristina and Belgrade to address and resolve open issues between them in the EU-facilitated Dialogue. </span></li> <li> <span>We underline that there is no alternative to the EU-facilitated dialogue. The Agreement on the Path to Normalisation and its Implementation Annex,</span> <span>adopted in February and March 2023, offer a clear platform for advancing the normalisation of relations. The obligations stemming from this Agreement remain valid and binding, and have been incorporated in their respective European paths. Its implementation is urgent and crucial for the stability of the entire region and their respective European paths. We call on both sides to fully implement all obligations and past commitments without delay or preconditions, including the establishment of the Association/Community of Serb-Majority Municipalities in Kosovo. </span></li> <li> <span>Finally</span><span>, w</span><span>ith a strong interest in political and security consolidation in the region, the EU remains determined to continue assisting Kosovo towards lasting stability and prosperity. We wish Ms Taylor and the dedicated Mission team every success and assure them of the EU’s resolute support in their important work.</span></li> </ol> <div> <div id="ftn1"> </div> </div>

<p><span><strong>Statement by Gudrun Thorbjornsdottir, Counsellor<br /> Permanent Mission of Iceland to the United Nations<br /> General Assembly 79th session<br /> 13th Plenary Meeting of Second Committee<br /> Sustainable Development (Item 18)<br /> 15 October 2024</strong><br /> </span></p> <div></div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span>Mr./Madame Chair<br /> <br /> The most recent Sustainable Development Goals report reveals alarming stagnation in progress toward the SDGs, and in some cases even regression. With only six years remaining to deliver on our collective commitments - it is vital that we intensify our joint efforts.<br /> <br /> Iceland remains fully committed to the 2030 Agenda and to continuously strengthen our efforts to enhance progress for the SDGs. Earlier this year we amended our climate action plan, and we are now in the process of analysing our negative spillover effects.<br /> <br /> Furthermore, climate action is central to our international development cooperation and Iceland will continue to prioritize funding for climate financing.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> We are proud to work with the Green Climate Fund, the Adaptation Fund and the Nordic Development Fund, to support climate mitigation and adaptation measures. Consistently climate finance accounts for more than 30 percent of Iceland‘s total international development cooperation commitments.<br /> <br /> Strong international cooperation is essential to ensure success of such measures. They are an important part of development cooperation and a prerequisite for increasing our resilience.<br /> <br /> Mr./Madame Chair<br /> <br /> A key task at COP29 will be to agree on the new collective quantified goal for climate finance and we must be ambitious.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> The Fourth International Conference for Financing for Development is also an important opportunity to agree on how different financing streams can accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Government contributions, private sector investment and domestic resource mobilization, all have a vital role to play in this regard.<br /> <br /> Mr./Madame Chair<br /> <br /> The Government of Iceland focuses on the following four objectives when it comes to environmental and climate affairs:&nbsp;<br /> &nbsp; &nbsp; *first, improved mitigation and adaptation capacity;&nbsp;<br /> &nbsp; &nbsp; *second, increased use of and equal access to renewable energy;&nbsp;<br /> &nbsp; &nbsp; *third, protection and sustainable use of oceans and waters;&nbsp;<br /> &nbsp; &nbsp; *and fourth, sustainable land use and restoration of habitats.<br /> <br /> Notably, all efforts in this regard should seek a balance between protection and preservation of biodiversity, and the sustainable use of resources.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> We have also advocated for the health of oceans and waters as an important part of adapting food systems to sustainable solutions, and we are proud to take part in the work of the Aquatic Blue Food Coalition.<br /> <br /> Since early last century Iceland has focused on recovering land quality and limiting land degradation. We continue to support the UNCCD, including through the Group of Friends on Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought, which we proudly chair with Namibia.<br /> <br /> Moreover, Iceland places a particular focus on eradicating energy poverty within our development cooperation, which disproportionately impacts women.<br /> <br /> Mr./Madame Chair<br /> <br /> Gender equality is a prerequisite for sustainable development.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> It can increase the probability of success in combatting major global challenges, such as reaching land degradation neutrality. Therefore, gender equality plays a fundamental role in achieving the SDGs.<br /> <br /> We must also keep in mind that women around the world bear the brunt of the effects of climate change.<br /> <br /> Mr./Madame Chair<br /> <br /> As we embark on this session of the Second Committee, Iceland looks forward to engaging constructively and working with all of you to deliver meaningful outcomes towards the 2030 Agenda.&nbsp;<br /> </span></p> <div>&nbsp;</div>

<p style="text-align: center;"><span><strong>OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation N°1091 Vienna, 16 October 2024 </strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span><strong>EU Statement on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine</strong></span></p> <p><span>1. It is the Russian Federation that is fully responsible for its war of aggression against Ukraine, the overwhelming number of victims, both civilian and military, and the crippling destruction. A destruction Russia started a decade ago with the annexation of the Crimean Peninsula in 2014. Russia is the reason for the dreadful, immense and unspeakable suffering of the many millions who did not choose to be in this war. </span></p> <p><span>2. Mr Chair, we wanted to start today’s intervention by stating this clearly in this Forum, as if Russia may be oblivious of the cause of all the pain and devastation inflicted. It is because Russia has been conducting a war of choice with its fullscale aggression towards Ukraine for more than two and a half years now that participating States have to address its repercussions here, week after week. The EU and its Member States consistently continue to categorically condemn Russia’s unprovoked, unjustifiable and illegal war of aggression in the strongest possible terms. </span></p> <p><span>3. In the last few weeks, Russia escalated its attacks on civilian ships carrying grain from Ukrainian ports. On 6 October in the Odesa region, a civilian cargo ship carrying around 6.000 tons of Ukrainian corn was attacked. Then, on 9 October, two ships were hit with ballistic missiles in the port of Odesa causing the death of at least seven people and leaving eleven injured. And just this Monday, two more civilian vessels were hit in a Russian ballistic missile strike with at least one person killed and eight injured. These recent attacks came shortly after Russia bombarded a ship which was en route to deliver grain to Egypt. </span></p> <p><span>4. However, Russia’s gruesome attacks away from the battlefield do not stop there. Russia has also been targeting Ukrainian port infrastructure further curtailing its food export capacity. We strongly condemn these attacks, which constitute blatant violations of international law. With these actions, Russia continues to not only undermine the freedom of navigation, but more critically to undermine global food security and is thereby actively weaponising hunger. The direct targeting by Russia of food supply from Ukraine has far greater consequences outside of the OSCE area in Africa and elsewhere. As such, it is often the most vulnerable who also suffer the extreme consequences of Russia’s reckless actions and possibly also millions of people outside of Ukraine are at risk. </span></p> <p><span>5. Mr Chair, the EU and its Member States reiterate that Russia must immediately stop its war of aggression, put an end to this unbearable suffering and devastation, and completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders. We strongly condemn the continued military support for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine provided by Belarus, as well as Iran and the DPRK. We urge all countries not to provide any material or support for Russia’s war of aggression, which is a blatant violation of international law, including the UN Charter, and the OSCE core principles and commitments. We reiterate our firm support for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in accordance with international law, including the UN Charter, and in line with the key principles and objectives of Ukraine’s Peace Formula, with full respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. </span></p> <p><span>Thank you.</span></p>

<p><span><strong>Statement by H.E. Anna Johannsdottir,<br /> Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations<br /> General Assembly 79th session<br /> 13th Plenary Meeting of Third Committee<br /> Rights of Children (Item 67)<br /> 14 October 2024</strong></span></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span>Thank you, Madam Chair,<br /> <br /> Iceland firmly believes that the rights of children should be placed at the centre of all policymaking. Every child has the right to grow and prosper to adulthood in good health and education, dignity and peace.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> During our upcoming membership of the Human Rights Council, we will actively promote children’s rights and do all we can to contribute to securing the realization of these rights worldwide.&nbsp;<br /> </span></p> <p><span>Madame Chair,<br /> <br /> We must work together to empower girls all over the world, and support and enable them to prosper. This includes ensuring sexual and reproductive health rights and services for youth, comprehensive sexuality education and protecting the right to bodily autonomy, privacy and self-determination.<br /> <br /> Ensuring girls’ access to education is also imperative to empower girls and young women, in all their diversity, to be agents of change in their communities and beyond. We must take concrete steps to rectify gender disparities and ensure the fundamental right to education for all children, without discrimination.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Madame Chair,&nbsp;<br /> <br /> The misuse of existing and emerging technologies that exacerbate and amplify children’s exposure to risks, harms and exploitation and abuse is of serious concern.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> <br /> The protection of children from sexual exploitation and sexual abuse is a fundamental duty of all States. We will continue to fight child sexual exploitation and abuse as well as of harmful practices, including female genital mutilation and child, early, and forced marriage. We will continue to support initiatives and resolutions at the UN in this regard and maintain our funding of UNICEF, UN Women and UNFPA programmes to accelerate global action in this area.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> <br /> To effectively counter all forms of sexual violence against children, we must join forces to keep these issues high on agendas at all levels. Iceland has, and will continue, to raise the model of the Children’s House, now active or being implemented in 27 countries. The model is based on a child-friendly, interdisciplinary and multiagency centre where diverse professionals work under one roof to effectively investigate suspected child sexual exploitation and sexual abuse cases while simultaneously providing appropriate support for child victims.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Madame Chair,<br /> <br /> Iceland is firmly committed to ending all violence against children, both domestically and globally. Escalating factors such as climate change and socioeconomic disparities render children increasingly vulnerable to violence and demand a firm response, both on the national and international levels.<br /> <br /> Furthermore, we are deeply concerned by the scale and severity of violations committed against children in multiple armed conflicts around the World today. The protection of children in armed conflict is an uncontested obligation under international law. It is therefore unacceptable to see this obligation blatantly disregarded, not only by armed groups and terrorists, but Member States – even a Permanent Member of the Security Council.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Children everywhere, whether in Ukraine, Sudan or the Middle East not only deserve, but are entitled to protection from war, violence, famine and should never have to flee their homes. And we are obliged to protect them. Collectively, we are failing them every day.<br /> <br /> The need to prevent and respond effectively and collectively is more urgent now than ever. This Committee has its own, important role to play.<br /> <br /> All states must commit further to make sure that we leave no child behind, with particular attention paid to those children in the most vulnerable positions.<br /> <br /> I thank you.<br /> </span></p> <div>&nbsp;</div>

<span></span> <p><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">National Statement of Iceland<br /> 220th session of the Executive Board of UNESCO, October 2024</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;"><em><strong>Delivered by Deputy Permanent Delegate of Iceland, Ms. Kristín Halla Kristinsdóttir Gröndal&nbsp;</strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">Madame Chairperson of the Executive Board,&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> </span><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">Madame Director-General,</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;"><br /> </span><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">Madame President of the General Conference,</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;"><br /> </span><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">Excellencies, distinguished colleagues,</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;"></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">As we reflect on the outcomes of the recent Summit of the Future, it is clear that UNESCO’s mandate remains as crucial than ever. UNESCO’s promotion of education, science, culture, and communication is vital for addressing the complex challenges facing us, &nbsp;and for strengthening the foundation for global peace, development and a prosperous future for all. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">All of us here have a responsibility to help advancing those goals.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">One of the key takeaways from the Summit of the Future is the critical role of youth engagement. Young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the change-makers of today. UNESCO must continue to empower youth, providing them with the tools and platforms to voice their ideas and drive innovation. Their active participation in decision-making is essential in achieving our shared goals.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">As we assess the status of the Sustainable Development Goals, UNESCO should focus on Quality Education, Gender Equality, and climate action. Education is the cornerstone of sustainable development, and ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all is paramount. Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world. Climate action, intertwined with these goals, requires our unwavering commitment to protect our planet for future generations.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">The &nbsp;growing and &nbsp;devastating conflicts around the world demand our full attention, and action. We commend UNESCO‘s continuous efforts in supporting Ukraine in combatting the long-term effects of Russia‘s ongoing war of aggression. The expanding catastrophic crises in the Middle-East, with unthinkable human suffering, death and destruction, must come to an end. UNESCO has a role to play when it comes to responding to these crises and others around the world. Leveraging UNESCO‘s expertise within the UN system is important to help rebuild communities and support those affected.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">In Afghanistan, the international community must stand firm in supporting Afghan women and girls, ensuring that their human rights and access to education are upheld at every opportunity. Gender persecution must be unequivocally condemned, and UNESCO’s strong advocacy is vital in this regard. There is a need for a stronger and more focused programmatic support to Afghan women and girls.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">Iceland will present amendments, prepared in consultation with the Group of Friends of Afghanistan, on the draft decision on item 5.I.G. – UNESCO’s actions in support of Afghans.&nbsp;We hope we can count on broad support from all regional groups.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">Dear Colleagues,</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">UNESCO’s mandate in science is only growing in importance. Increasing trust in science and basing our decisions and policies on scientific facts is essential. We must ensure that scientists can work freely and safely to advance knowledge and innovation. Combatting the spread of dis- and misinformation cannot be emphasized enough. Iceland therefore supports the stronger implementation of the 2017 Recommendation on the Safety of Scientists.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">UNESCO must be fully engaged in the fight against climate change – as we all must be. That includes active participation in the work of The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. UNESCO’s programmes must prioritize climate action, integrating it across all areas of its mandate to address this global priority effectively. Our oceans are a vital part of the climate system and the health of our oceans is directly linked to the health of our planet and our future. A strong and well equipped IOC is therefore highly important.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">As the digital age advances at the speed of light,&nbsp; it is crucial to address the impact of artificial intelligence. UNESCO has a pivotal role in ensuring that digital advancements benefit all, including addressing the gender digital divide, protecting minority languages, enhancing education, improving health and well-being, and supporting climate actions. The opportunities and threats posed by AI must be managed with a focus on ethical considerations and inclusivity.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">Dear friends,</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">Our upcoming discussions at the Executive Board will lay the groundwork for the new C5, guiding us through the last stretch of Agenda 2030. Integrity and good governance, including solid control mechanisms, provide the foundation on which trust in the Organization is built. It matters how the Organization handles the funds it is entrusted with, not in least with a view to secure future funding. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">At last let me extend our gratitude to the entire Secretariat team for excellent reports and tireless efforts in preparing for this Board meeting.&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">UNESCO’s work is indispensable in shaping a better future for all. Let us walk the talk and ensure that the Organization is both prepared and well suited to fulfill its mandate. Iceland reaffirms its commitment to support UNESCO’s mission and working collaboratively to achieve our shared goals. Together, we can build a world that is more just, equitable, and sustainable.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">Thank you.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span></p>

<span></span> <p>The European Union expresses its grave concern about the recent escalation along the Blue Line. The EU condemns all attacks against UN missions. It expresses particularly grave concern regarding the attacks by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) against the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which left several peacekeepers wounded. Such attacks against UN peacekeepers constitute a grave violation of international law and are totally unacceptable. These attacks must stop immediately.</p> <p>All actors have an obligation to take necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property and to respect the inviolability of UN premises at all times. We urgently await explanations and a thorough investigation from the Israeli authorities about the attacks against UNIFIL, which plays a fundamental role in the stability of South Lebanon.</p> <p>We urge all parties to fully uphold their obligations to guarantee the safety and security of UNIFIL personnel at all times, and to allow UNIFIL to continue to implement its mandate.</p> <p>The troops and other personnel of UNIFIL, to which sixteen EU Member States currently contribute, are working under difficult conditions in the defence of international peace and security. The EU pays tribute to their professionalism and renews its unwavering support to UNIFIL’s role.</p> <p>We are also deeply concerned by Hezbollah’s continued launch of rockets into Israel that has to stop, and by IDF strikes in densely populated areas of Lebanon, causing a heavy toll on civilians and the displacement of many. We urge all parties to respect International Humanitarian Law, in all circumstances.</p> <p>The EU reiterates its call for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon, and for all parties to commit and work towards the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701.</p> <p>The candidate countries Türkiye, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Ukraine, Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina&nbsp;and Georgia, the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Armenia align themselves with this statement.</p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>OSCE CiO Warsaw Human Dimension Conference</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>30 September - 11 October 2024</span></strong></p> <ol> <li><span>The European Union thanks the Maltese CiO and ODIHR for the excellent organisation of the <strong>Warsaw Human Dimension Conference</strong>. We thank Poland for its traditional hospitality, as well as moderators, introductory speakers, civil society representatives, interpreters and all who contributed to the conference’s success. Many participants took great risks to talk to us, including those who travelled through war-torn Ukraine and those who have found refuge in exile. </span></li> <li><span>While we underline the unique character of the regular Human Dimension Implementation Meeting, we appreciate opportunity for interaction with civil society representatives and other participating States. We have listened to the concerns and issues raised related to the EU and its Member States. We will continue to work on addressing challenges within the EU and we recognise the critical role of civil society in promoting full respect for human rights and democracy.</span> </li> <li><span>In this context, let us underline the crucial work of the autonomous institutions - ODIHR, RFoM and HCNM, in supporting participating States in implementing their OSCE commitments. We also recall that it is our shared responsibility to preserve their strong mandates, ensure their proper leadership, and guarantee their effective functioning.</span></li> <li><span>Over the past two weeks, we have heard shocking accounts of violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, of war crimes, crimes against humanity and other atrocity crimes committed by Russian forces in Ukraine. Let us stress again that there will be no impunity and all those responsible will be held to account</span><span>. This was reaffirmed in the frame of numerous side events, like the one discussing the findings of the most recent Moscow Mechanism and ODIHR monitoring reports, including on the arbitrary deprivation of liberty of Ukrainian civilians and on the fate of Ukrainian children, co-sponsored by the EU and its Member States. </span></li> <li><span>A number of speakers referred to the link between internal repression and external aggression in the context of Russia’s war of aggression. We </span><span>reiterate our call for the immediate and unconditional release</span><span> of all political prisoners in Russia and Belarus, and we stand in solidarity with all those who speak out against repression and human rights violations across the OSCE region.</span> <p><span>Madam/Mr Moderator,</span></p> </li> <li><span>Speakers have deplored the pressure faced by human rights defenders, including women human rights defenders; restrictive legislation; as well as intimidation and violence against journalists and other media actors, online and offline; instances of torture and ill-treatment, discrimination and intolerance. We particularly recall the concerns expressed regarding Georgia’s ‘transparency of foreign influence’ and Kyrgyzstan’s “foreign representatives” legislation, and the threats this form of legislation poses to civil society. We also reiterate our concerns about discriminatory legislation, such as the legislative package on “protection of values and minors” in Georgia, which undermines the fundamental rights of Georgian people. We continue to call on Azerbaijan to release all those imprisoned for exercising their fundamental rights.</span></li> <li><span>Respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms is at the core of our OSCE commitments. The peaceful resolution of all unresolved conflicts in the OSCE region, including those in the Republic of Moldova and in Georgia, with full respect for their territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence within their internationally recognised borders, remains a key priority for the EU. The EU also continues its support for advancing a comprehensive, just, sustainable and lasting peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan based on the principles of recognition of sovereignty, the inviolability of borders and territorial integrity. Respect for human rights in situations of armed conflict and tension is vital. </span></li> <li><span>The EU will continue to stand with human rights defenders and speak out against democratic backsliding and the shrinking space for civil society in the OSCE region. Each and every human rights violation matters and needs to be addressed.</span></li> </ol>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council ‒ 57th session<br /> </span></strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Item 2: General Debate<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Joint statement by Chile on behalf of a group of countries<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">10 September 2024</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>On behalf of a cross-regional group of 57 countries, including my own country, Chile, we deliver this joint statement to voice our grave concern regarding the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan.</span></p> <p><span>Last August marked three years since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. Three years’ worth of over 70 edicts, directives, and statements targeting women and girls and human rights, including closing spaces for them in their own households and communities and at national level. In this regard, we condemn the so-called “new morality law” adopted by the Taliban, which imposes a lengthy list of repressive provisions on women and girls, that goes as far as to even banning their voices from being heard in public and further restricting their freedom of movement without a male relative.</span></p> <p><span>Mr President,</span></p> <p><span>The Taliban claim to protect the human rights of women and girls, but these measures do not only deny them the enjoyment of their human rights and fundamental freedoms, but they eviscerate their autonomy and strip them of their inherent human dignity.</span></p> <p><span>Disempowering and rendering Afghan women and girls invisible, will only worsen the human rights and humanitarian crisis in the country. The international community should consider taking new steps, commensurate with the gravity of the situation on the ground, to provide robust support to Afghan women and help them raise their voices. This kind of support is critical for sustaining the Afghan women’s movement and countering the systematic erasure of women from public life, which may amount gender persecution.</span></p> <p><span>On the eve of the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, we stand with the women and girls of Afghanistan and renew our commitment to their human rights and freedoms. We call to the international community to consider all protection mechanisms available under international human rights law to secure the respect of their rights, in this Council and beyond.</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council ‒ 57th session<br /> </span></strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Item 3: General Debate<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Joint statement by Finland on behalf of a group of countries<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">18 September 2024</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I have the honour to deliver this Joint Statement on behalf of Finland, Malawi and a cross-regional group of countries.</span></p> <p><span>Millions of persons with disabilities continue to face significant barriers in their access to sexual and reproductive health and rights.</span></p> <p><span>These obstacles include discrimination, stigma and stereotypes, restrictive legislation and lack of disability –appropriate information and access to services. Grave human rights violations such as forced sterilization, forced abortion and contraception continue to take place.</span></p> <p><span>We underline that women and girls with disabilities have the same rights as all other persons, including sexual and reproductive health and rights. To be able to enjoy those rights on an equal basis with others, States should implement all necessary legal and policy measures to ensure accessibility and inclusion.</span></p> <p><span>Therefore, we invite States to:</span></p> <ul> <li><span>remove legal barriers and practices that prevent persons with disabilities from accessing quality sexual and reproductive health information, goods and services that support their family planning and sexual and reproductive health and rights;</span></li> <li><span>design and implement, inclusive and accessible comprehensive sexuality education programmes for women and girls with disabilities; and</span></li> <li><span>ensure meaningful participation of persons with disabilities and their representative organizations in public decision-making and health programming related to sexual and reproductive health and rights.</span></li> </ul> <p><span>With these steps we can start to improve the realization of sexual and reproductive health and rights for persons with disabilities around the world, fulfilling the obligations and realizing the principles of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on this vital topic.</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council ‒ 57th session<br /> </span></strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Item 3: General Debate<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Joint statement by the Netherlands on behalf of the Group of Friends of accountability following the aggression against Ukraine (GoF AAU)<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">23 September 2024</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I am honoured to deliver this statement on behalf of the 'Group of Friends of Accountability following the aggression against Ukraine'.</span></p> <p><span>Russia’s unrelenting </span><span>attacks with explosive weapons in populated areas have not only led to numerous civilian deaths and injuries, including of women and children. They have also seriously damaged critical infrastructure, such as the Okhmatdyt <em>children's hospital, and the country’s energy infrastructure</em>.</span></p> <p><span>These attacks on the energy infrastructure could leave millions of civilians in Ukraine without heating, electricity, and water during the coming winter months. Threatening their dignity and imperilling their lives.</span></p> <p><span>Commissioners,</span></p> <p><span>Every time you brief this Council you present further evidence, which you have independently gathered and verified, that a wide range of human rights and humanitarian law violations, many amounting to war crimes have been committed by Russian authorities. </span></p> <p><span>Willful killings, torture, unlawful detention of civilians. The list of these crimes is extensive and continues to grow every day Russia chooses to continue its war of aggression against Ukraine. </span></p> <p><span>We, furthermore, deplore the lack of access for international humanitarian mechanisms to places of detention where Ukrainian PoWs and civilians are held and call on Russia to provide full and unhindered access.</span></p> <p><span>We will continue to seek full accountability, including for the crime of aggression.</span></p> <p><span>Because victims and survivors deserve justice.</span></p> <p><span>We, therefore, welcome the continued detailed and independent reporting of the CoI, as well as the work of the HRMMU and relevant UN Special Procedure mandate holders, the investigation by the Prosecutor of the ICC into the Situation in Ukraine, the operationalization of the ICPA, the work of the Register of Damage for Ukraine, and the work of the Core Group towards the establishment of a tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. </span></p> <p><span>I thank you.<br clear="all" /> </span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council ‒ 57th session<br /> </span></strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Item 4: General Debate<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Joint statement by the United States of America on behalf of the Core Group on Xinjiang<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">24 September 2024</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I read this statement on behalf of the core group of countries that two years ago asked this Council to hold a debate on the situation of human rights in Xinjiang following the publication of the Assessment by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.</span></p> <p><span>That Assessment found that the “extent of arbitrary and discriminatory detention of members of Uyghur and other predominately Muslim groups may constitute international crimes, in particular crimes against humanity.”</span></p> <p><span>Relying extensively on China’s own records, the Assessment further documented systematic use of invasive surveillance on the basis of religion and ethnicity; severe and undue restrictions on cultural, religious, and linguistic identity and expression; torture and sexual and gender-based violence, including forced abortion and sterilization; enforced disappearances and family separations; and forced labour.</span></p> <p><span>Over the past two years, China has had many opportunities to meaningfully address these well-founded concerns.</span></p> <p><span>We regret that China has denied the impartial and objective findings and rejected the recommendations of the OHCHR’s Assessment.&nbsp; During its recent Universal Periodic Review, China rejected many legitimate concerns and dismissively labeled the OHCHR’s Assessment “completely illegal and void.”</span></p> <p><span>We call upon China to engage meaningfully with the United Nations to implement OHCHR’s recommendations and uphold its obligations and commitments, including by promptly releasing all individuals arbitrarily and unjustly detained in Xinjiang, urgently clarifying the fate and whereabouts of missing family members, and facilitating safe contact and reunion.</span></p> <p><span>We commend the efforts of human rights defenders, the courage shown by survivors of forced labour and detention camps, and the persistent calls by families of victims for accountability. We continue to welcome the High Commissioner’s and his Office’s active engagement, independent work, and continued assessment.</span></p> <p><span>The human rights and fundamental freedoms of everyone must be protected.&nbsp; It is incumbent on all of us not to undermine international human rights commitments that benefit us all, and for which all states are accountable.</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span><span><br clear="all" /> </span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council ‒ 57th session<br /> </span></strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Item 5: General Debate<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Joint statement by Latvia on behalf of a group of countries<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">27 September 2024</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of 63 countries.</span></p> <p><span>We, the States subscribing to this statement and representing different regional and legal traditions, are united by our decision to extend standing invitations to special procedures mandate holders of the Human Rights Council and our commitment to honour them.</span></p> <p><span>We welcome the ongoing cooperation between States and UN special procedures, and a significant increase in number of country visits received by States in 2023, as outlined in the latest annual report of the special procedures and presented at the 55^th session of the Human Rights Council. These visits are an essential tool for mandate holders to engage with all actors, create momentum and facilitate dialogue at the national level.</span></p> <p><span>Yet, continuous attacks and threats against mandate holders remain of serious concern – we call on States to </span><span>respect and value the expertise and independence of mandate holders, and to actively engage and cooperate with them. </span><span>We are also concerned about the negative impact of the UN’s liquidity crisis on the implementation of the activities of </span><span>special procedures mandate holders in 2024.</span></p> <p><span>The role and contribution of special procedures to the global human rights agenda throughout the UN system and beyond is critical. We welcome efforts to foster fuller use of human rights mechanisms, including special procedures, to tackle cross-cutting challenges of our time such as climate change or new technologies. Mandate holders as an integral part of the international human rights system continue to play a crucial role by offering essential and innovative solutions to advance the promotion and protection of human rights worldwide.</span></p> <p><span>Whilst recognising that the commitment to receive special procedures is voluntary, we continue to encourage all States that have not done so, especially current members and candidate States of the Human Rights Council, to extend a standing invitation to the Council’s mechanisms and to engage in a constructive and open dialogue with mandate holders.</span></p> <p><span>I thank you</span><span>.</span></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council ‒ 57th session<br /> </span></strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Item 8: General Debate<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Joint statement by Costa Rica on behalf of a group of countries<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">2 October 2024</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I have the honour of delivering this statement on behalf of a cross-regional group of over 50 states.</span></p> <p><span>The Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action (VDPA) stresses the importance of eliminating gender-based violence against women and girls in public and private life, all forms of sexual harassment, exploitation and trafficking in women, and the elimination of gender bias in the administration of justice.</span></p> <p><span>Two years ago, the tragic death while in custody of Jina Mahsa Amini led to an unprecedented movement in the Islamic Republic of Iran, that was violently repressed by the Iranian authorities. </span></p> <p><span>The Fact-Finding Mission on Iran concluded this year that the crime against humanity of persecution on the ground of gender has been committed in the repression of the Women Life Freedom movement. Victims and their families have a right to truth and to justice, there must be accountability for all violations.</span></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>Two years on, the repression continues through other forms.</span></p> <p><span>Patrols of the morality police and other law-enforcement agencies have intensified in the past few months and have been marked by an increasingly violent crackdown on women and girls deemed non-compliant of compulsory veiling laws. This must stop.</span></p> <p><span>Suppression of freedom of expression online and offline and crackdown on social media users have also intensified. Relatives of victims seeking truth and justice are facing harassment. Scores of human rights defenders remain in prison, including 2023 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Narges Mohammadi and other women human rights defenders.</span></p> <p><span>Some of these women human rights defenders are facing capital charges while two were sentenced to death in July. Iran must end these arbitrary detentions and repeal these sentences.</span></p> <p><span>We are also deeply alarmed by the latest increase in reported executions, with an average of three executions per day in August. The death penalty must not be used as an instrument to instil fear within the population and chill dissent. We call on Iran to immediately halt all executions.</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council ‒ 57th session<br /> </span></strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Item 8: General Debate<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Joint statement by the European Union on behalf of a group of countries<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">1 October 2024</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>The European Union has the honour to deliver this Joint Statement on behalf of a group of countries.</span></p> <p><span>The ongoing climate crisis requires immediate accelerated action and strengthened ambition of the whole international community. We again underscore the need to fully integrate human rights in the global responses to climate change and other environmental crises. The global green transition needs to be just and inclusive.</span></p> <p><span>A crucial element to advance this agenda is to ensure transparent, inclusive, safe and meaningful participation and leadership, both online and offline, by civil society, including climate activists, human rights defenders, women, youth, and persons with disabilities and others marginalized, in international climate discussions.</span></p> <p><span>For COP29 to meet the expectations from people worldwide, especially those particularly affected by climate change, such as children and elderly, Indigenous Peoples, citizens of small island states, small scale farmers, just to name a few, the conference needs to provide an enabling environment for civil society, free from intimidation, harassment, arbitrary surveillance and reprisals.</span></p> <p><span>COP29 is an opportunity for the host country to reaffirm its commitment to its obligations under international human rights law and ensure the conditions for the work of a free and independent civil society. We hope that the constructive engagement of civil society with governments at the conference will encourage Azerbaijan to recognize civil society’s role and to respect, protect and fulfil the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of expression, including media freedom in the future.</span></p> <p><span>We must all act together to fulfil our responsibilities towards our planet, present and future generations. Nobody knows this better than those particularly affected. Let’s ensure that their voices can resound strong and free and contribute to all international climate discussions.</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council ‒ 57th session<br /> </span></strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Item 8: General Debate<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Joint statement by Ukraine on behalf of a group of countries<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">2 October 2024</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>This statement is delivered on behalf of 49 states.</span></p> <p><span>We recall the provisions of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action on effective international measures to guarantee and monitor the implementation of human rights standards in respect of people under foreign occupation, and effective legal protection against the violation of their human rights.</span></p> <p><span>These principles were reiterated at the fourth summit of the International Crimea Platform held on 11 September 2024 in Kyiv.</span></p> <p><span>We reiterate our support for the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders extending to its territorial waters, which continues to be violated as a result of Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine.</span></p> <p><span>We </span><span>condemn in the strongest terms Russia’s use of the temporarily occupied Crimean Peninsula for military purposes as well as the means to support the attempted illegal annexation of other Ukrainian regions.</span></p> <p><span>We reiterate our non-recognition of Russia’s illegal attempted annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol, as well as some parts of the Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia, which threatens international security with grave implications for the international order based on the rule</span><span> </span><span>of law.</span></p> <p><span>We condemn the holding by Russia in September of so-called "elections" on the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, which include Crimea, in violation of Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. </span><span>We reiterate that results of the so-called "elections" are null and void, and the so-called "elections" themselves are illegitimate.</span></p> <p><span>We are gravely concerned about the reported continued violations of international humanitarian law and severe violations and abuses of human rights perpetrated against the residents of Crimea, including against persons belonging to the indigenous Crimean Tatar people.</span></p> <p><span>We are equally concerned about the illegal deportation and forcible transfer, as well as indoctrination of Ukrainian children and compelling them to accept Russian citizenship.</span></p> <p><span>We condemn any mobilisation and conscription by the Russian Federation of Ukrainian citizens from the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine into Russian armed forces.</span></p> <p><span>We </span><span>emphasise that</span><span> the </span><span>cessation</span><span> of the Russian </span><span>Federation`s</span><span> war of aggression against Ukraine and </span><span>the reaffirmation of </span><span>sovereignty and </span><span>the </span><span>territorial integrity </span><span>of Ukraine </span><span>within its internationally </span><span>recognised</span><span> borders as well as comprehensive, just and lasting peace for Ukraine</span><span> should be ensured for restoration of respect for</span><span> the United Nations Charter and </span><span>rules and</span><span> principles of international law.</span></p> <p><em><span>I thank you.</span></em></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council ‒ 57th session<br /> </span></strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Item 9: General Debate<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Joint statement by Austria on behalf of a group of countries<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">4 October 2024</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Czech Republic, Slovakia and my own country, Austria, with the support of a cross-regional group of countries.</span></p> <p><span>Since the last year, starting with the </span><span>brutal terrorist attack conducted by Hamas and other terrorist groups against </span><span>Israel on 7 October 2023, there has been an alarming increase in antisemitism and other forms of racial and religious hatred, both online and offline. We have witnessed an escalation of antisemitism around the world, with Jewish individuals and communities facing physical and verbal attacks, harassment, isolation and marginalization. Jewish homes and institutions have been vandalized. Jewish students have been excluded on campuses; antisemitic discourse online has reached alarming levels; people are attacked for showing their Jewish identity.</span></p> <p><span>Antisemitism, racism and all related intolerance and hatred pose a serious threat to human rights, democracy, the rule of law and peaceful coexistence. They undermine the very fabric of our societies. We are also worried by instances of Holocaust distortion and all kind of disinformation, which is a breeding ground of antisemitism.</span></p> <p><span>In today's interconnected and rapidly changing world, where deep-seated divisions and conflicts impact our societies, reconciliation is a cornerstone for building lasting peace. True reconciliation, however, is not an easy journey. It requires listening to each other, peer-to-peer learning, empathy and tolerance.</span></p> <p><span>Today we pledge to reinforce our common efforts to apply collective and concrete actions throughout the entire UN system in order to fight antisemitism, racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and other forms of intolerance, including on the grounds of religion or belief to build more peaceful and inclusive societies.</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <span> <strong><span><br clear="all" /> </span></strong> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council ‒ 57th session<br /> </span></strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Item 9: General Debate<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Joint statement by the European Union on behalf of a group of countries<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">3 October 2024</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I have the honour to deliver this joint statement on behalf of the 27 EU Member States, Australia, Canada, Iceland, Japan, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America.</span></p> <p><span>We are reacting to the statement on behalf of the Russian Federation delivered by a representative of the so-called administration in the territory of Ukraine temporarily controlled by Russia<em><span>.</span></em></span></p> <p><span>We recall the relevant UNGA resolution(s) [A/RES/76/179, A/RES/77/229 /A/RES/78/221/ A/RES/ES-11/4] which recognise(s) the status of this territory as an integral part of Ukraine.</span></p> <p><span>We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, extending to its territorial waters. We reiterate our strongest condemnation of Russia’s aggression and its attempts to acquire Ukraine’s territory by force in flagrant violation of international law, including the UN Charter. We firmly and unequivocally reject, do not and will never recognize the attempted illegal annexation by Russia of Ukraine's regions of Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.</span></p> <p><span>We therefore urge Russia to refrain from letting any representative of the so-called&nbsp;administration in the territories of Ukraine temporarily controlled by Russia intervene on its behalf within the Human Rights Council, or in any other international fora.</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <span> <strong><span><br clear="all" /> </span></strong> </span> <p><strong><span>&nbsp;</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council ‒ 57th session<br /> </span></strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Item 10: General Debate<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Joint statement by the European Union on behalf of a group of countries<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">8 October 2024</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I am making this statement on behalf of a group of countries.</span></p> <p><span>We thank the Office of the High Commissioner for the update on the human rights situation in Ethiopia published on June 14^th.</span></p> <p><span>We welcome the lifting of the State of Emergency in the Amhara region and encourage all parties to engage in peaceful negotiations and dialogue in order to prevent further human rights violations and abuses, and restore peace in Amhara and Oromia. </span></p> <p><span>With regard to Tigray, we call on all parties to </span><span>implement the outstanding provisions of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement.</span></p> <p><span>We welcome the adoption of the Transitional Justice Policy and a roadmap to guide its implementation, and continue to stand ready to support Ethiopia in its efforts to ensure a credible, victim-centred, transparent and independent transitional justice process, in a manner consistent with regional and international human rights standards.</span></p> <p><span>Ethiopia continues to face a challenging human rights situation. </span><span>We are alarmed by the high number of human rights violations and abuses by both state and non-state actors as recorded by the Office. These include those involving arbitrary arrests and detentions, killings and injuries of civilians, torture, enforced disappearances, sexual and gender-based violence and attacks on civilian property.</span></p> <p><span>The ongoing conflicts hamper further progress in Ethiopia, including on the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights. We are also concerned about the constraints on the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly and the silencing of journalists and civil society.</span></p> <p><span>We encourage the Government of Ethiopia to take advantage to the fullest extent of the technical assistance available in the Office of the High Commissioner and encourage the Office to continue to monitor the situation and keep this Council informed.</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council ‒ 57th session<br /> </span></strong><strong style="text-align: left;">High-Level informal Presidential Discussion on New Technologies, Artificial Intelligence, and the Digital Divide<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">Statement by Estonia on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </strong><strong style="text-align: left;">3 September 2024</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states.</span></p> <p><span>We thank you for organizing today’s event and the participants for their contributions.</span></p> <p><span>New technologies are an integral part of numerous reports presented to or mandated by the Council and will be part of all our discussions soon.</span></p> <p><span>New technologies, including AI, hold great potential for the protection and promotion of human rights and for strengthening democracy. However, they also present risks inter alia for the right to privacy, non-discrimination and disinformation.</span></p> <p><span>New technologies and AI need to be addressed in a multistakeholder manner, in compliance with the international human rights law and fundamental principles of fairness, non-discrimination, transparency and legitimacy.</span></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>As members of the Freedom Online Coalition, we cannot stress enough the role of free, open, secure and interoperable internet. We also strongly support initiatives promoting digital literacy, bridging the digital divide, including the gender digital divide, and ensuring human rights online as well as offline.</span></p> <p><span>We believe the Council has a role in addressing the impact of new technologies. This must be done while taking into account the existing mechanisms and processes across sectors and while keeping in mind the efficiency needs of the Council’s work.</span></p> <p><span>We would be interested to hear about how to make best use of the already existing initiatives in this field, including by the Council itself.</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council ‒ 57th session<br /> </span></strong><strong>Item 2: Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar<br /> </strong><strong>Statement by Denmark on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </strong><strong>9 September 2024</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I am honoured to speak on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states.</span></p> <p><span>We are extremely concerned about the escalation of conflict in Myanmar during the reporting period. </span></p> <p><span>The investigations of the IIMM demonstrate the severity of the crimes, related to inter alia:</span></p> <p><span>Indiscriminate or intentional attacks against and killings of civilians, including children;</span></p> <p><span>Torture and other abuses in detention, including sexual and gender-based violence;</span></p> <p><span>Arbitrary detention and unfair trials;</span></p> <p><span>Violent suppression of protests.</span></p> <p><span>Your report states that the Mechanism “possesses substantial evidence that a variety of war crimes and crimes against humanity have been committed.” This is extremely worrying. </span></p> <p><span>It is important that the positive progress of investigation and evidence-gathering obtained by the IIMM this past year continues. This is crucial and necessary for the Mechanism to achieve its ultimate goal: “To enable national and international authorities to deliver justice for the victims of serious international crimes committed in Myanmar.” We, the Nordic Baltic states, strongly support this goal. </span></p> <p><span>Distinguished members, </span></p> <p><span>How can we as States best help you further deliver on your mandate?</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council ‒ 57th session<br /> </span></strong><strong>Item 2: Interactive dialogue on the OHCHR report on Sri Lanka<br /> </strong><strong>Statement by Finland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </strong><strong>9 September 2024</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I speak on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states.</span></p> <p><span>We thank the High Commissioner for this update. We recognize the deep impact of the economic crisis on all in Sri Lanka.</span></p> <p><span>This report sets a call for action. We call on the government to take immediate and credible steps to strengthen accountability and reconciliation efforts, address all violations committed during and after the civil war and put an end to impunity. The tens of thousands of unsolved cases of enforced disappearances should be addressed with urgency. Acts of commemoration need protection. </span></p> <p><span>Ahead of the Presidential elections, we call on repealing or amending existing and proposed laws that restrict civic space and fundamental freedoms as these freedoms are cornerstones of democracy and need special protection.</span></p> <p><span>We support the recommendations of the High Commissioner’s report and call upon Sri Lanka to cooperate fully with the Office in line with resolution 51/1.</span></p> <p><span>High Commissioner, </span></p> <p><span>What should the international community prioritize in supporting accountability in Sri Lanka?</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council ‒ 57th session<br /> </span></strong><strong>Item 2: Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on Afghanistan<br /> </strong><strong>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </strong><strong>9 September 2024</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states.</span></p> <p><span>We thank the Office of the High Commissioner for its stocktaking report, highlighting accountability options and processes for addressing the many grave human rights violations and abuses in Afghanistan.</span></p> <p><span>The gravity of the situation calls for the continuation of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur. We strongly support its renewal.</span></p> <p><span>The de facto authorities continue to issue and enforce draconian decrees. The most recent “law on the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice” that bans women and girls to speak in public makes it extremely difficult, if not impossible, for women to engage in public life.</span></p> <p><span>The de facto authorities’ recent announcement barring the Special Rapporteur from entering Afghanistan is a deplorable development. This obstruction is alarming and could serve to further erode accountability and justice in Afghanistan.</span></p> <p><span>Mr. Bennett,</span></p> <p><span>How can you continue to support the full, equal, and meaningful participation of Afghan women and girls in shaping their future now that you have been blocked from travelling to Afghanistan?</span></p> <p><span>And, how can you support women in Afghanistan in their attempts to pursue a dialogue with the de facto authorities?</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council – 57thsession<br /> </span></strong><strong>Item 2: Interactive Dialogue on the Report of the High Commissioner on Nicaragua<br /> </strong><strong>Statement by Latvia on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </strong><strong>9 September 2024</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states.</span></p> <p><span>We thank the High Commissioner for the latest report on the human rights situation in Nicaragua. </span></p> <p><span>We reiterate once again our call on the Nicaraguan authorities to return to rule of law and full respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms, in line with Nicaragua’s international obligations.</span></p> <p><span>We acknowledge the release of 135 political prisoners, under the US-brokered agreement. Yet, the continuous suppression of any critical manifestation of the rights to freedom of expression, meaningful assembly and association, and ongoing arbitrary detentions in the country remain of grave concern.</span></p> <p><span>We are alarmed by the recent decision of the Nicaraguan authorities to close over 1,500 non-governmental organizations that has led to cancellation of the legal status of more than 5,000 organizations, including religious associations, media outlets and private universities, in Nicaragua.</span></p> <p><span>We urge the Nicaraguan authorities to resume cooperation with international and regional human rights mechanisms, including OHCHR, and to return to full protection of civil and political rights of the Nicaraguan people.</span></p> <p><span>High Commissioner,</span></p> <p><span>What further concrete steps can be taken to enhance the capacity of Nicaraguan civil society organizations?</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council – 57thsession<br /> </span></strong><strong>Item 2: Enhanced Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner on the situation of human rights in the Sudan<br /> </strong><strong>Statement by Norway on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </strong><strong>10 September 2024</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>The Nordic Baltic states thank the Fact-Finding Mission for its report and welcome its conclusions and recommendations. We regret that it has been hampered by the UN liquidity crisis.</span></p> <p><span>The people of Sudan still face a catastrophic humanitarian and human rights crisis. Millions of people have been displaced. Famine has been confirmed in the Zamzam camp in North Darfur. Continued and credible reports of serious violations and abuses committed by both parties are deeply disturbing. They include targeting of civilians, ethnically motivated violence, sexual and gender-based violence, arbitrary arrests and detentions.</span></p> <p><span>We strongly urge the parties to agree to a sustained ceasefire, and to fulfil their obligations under international human rights law and international humanitarian law. Safe and unhindered humanitarian access must be ensured to and within all of Sudan. Civilians must be protected.</span></p> <p><span>The FFM has a unique role to play with respect to future accountability regardless of who the perpetrators might be. It investigates human rights violations and abuses, as well as violations of international humanitarian law, independently and impartially. Only through accountability can we break the cycle of violence that has ridden Sudan for too long.</span></p> <p><span>The FFM has not been granted access to Sudan. We encourage all parties to engage with the Mission, and regional countries to welcome it.</span></p> <p><span>In light of these challenges, what assistance from States is most needed to ensure effective investigations of violations and abuses in Sudan?</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council – 57th session<br /> </span></strong><strong>Item 2: Annual report of HC for Human Rights and report of OHCHR and SG<br /> </strong><strong>General Debate on High Commissioner’s Oral Update<br /> </strong><strong>Statement by Iceland<br /> </strong><strong>11 September 2024</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>We thank the High Commissioner for his troubling account that highlights the increasingly precarious situation of human rights globally and the dire need for an immediate and collective response.</span></p> <p><span>In every region of the world, grave human rights violations and abuses are taking place, resulting in irrevocable harm that disproportionately affects those who bear the least responsibility.</span></p> <p><span>This dire situation must be addressed through the international multilateral system, which is the cornerstone for peace, stability and universal respect for human rights.</span></p> <p><span>International cooperation, transparency, and dialogue are the means through which we generate positive change and strive to uphold the commitments we have made to promote and protect human rights and human dignity.</span></p> <p><span>These commitments transcend borders and bind us together in our shared responsibility to uphold human rights, both within and between States. They unite us and cannot be undermined by deep-seated power dynamics, violence and injustices.</span></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>As we navigate turbulent times, we must lead with empathy, grounded in compassion and our shared humanity.</span></p> <p><span>It is incumbent upon this Council to act decisively to counter prevailing threats to human rights. Only through solidarity and cooperation can we avert further erosion of human rights and create lasting change.</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council ‒ 57th session<br /> </span></strong><strong>Item 3: Interactive Dialogue on the Secretary General’s analytical study on climate change<br /> </strong><strong>Statement by Denmark on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </strong><strong>13 September 2024</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states.</span></p> <p><span>We thank the Secretary-General for his study, which highlights that loss and damage from the adverse effects of climate change may include broad and increasing harms to the enjoyment of a wide range of human rights. Therefore, the need to scale up averting, minimizing, and addressing loss and damage associated with the adverse effects of climate change is increasingly urgent.</span></p> <p><span>While tackling the root causes of climate change and building long-term resilience remain of paramount importance, it is crucial to design more context-specific actions and integrate human rights principles into international and national climate change policymaking.</span></p> <p><span>The strategies and actions need to be human rights based, gender responsive and inclusive, especially towards those living at the frontline of climate change, including Indigenous Peoples, women and children.</span></p> <p><span>We strongly support the ongoing international efforts to find innovative sources for the climate finance to help most vulnerable countries and communities deal with the full spectrum of climate impacts, through accelerated adaptation action and averting, minimizing and addressing economic and non-economic loss and damage. In this context, we underline the importance of the swift operationalisation of the new Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage.</span></p> <p><span>How can we ensure that the voices of civil society, NGOs, Indigenous Peoples, and environmental human rights defenders are taken into account in climate change policymaking?</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council ‒ 57th session<br /> </span></strong><strong>Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation<br /> </strong><strong>Statement by Finland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </strong><strong>16 September 2024</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states.</span></p> <p><span>We thank the Special Rapporteur for his report. The rights to safe and clean drinking water and sanitation belong to all, without discrimination. The realization of these rights requires strong national legislation and consistent monitoring.</span></p> <p><span>We support the report’s emphasis on a sustainable, human rights-based approach to water management. More than a quarter of the world’s population lack access to safely managed drinking water. Women and girls as well as persons with disabilities are among those disproportionately affected.</span></p> <p><span>Inequalities in access to water supply and sanitation services can lead to conflict. However, with collaborative and human rights-based management, water can also be source of peace.</span></p> <p><span>We must ensure that&nbsp;</span><span>water,</span><span>&nbsp;sanitation and hygiene systems are designed and implemented using a gender and disability inclusive approach.</span></p> <p><span>How can we make sure that water resources are managed in a way that addresses the root causes of gender inequality and protects and promotes sexual and reproductive health and rights?</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council ‒ 57th session<br /> </span></strong><strong>Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances<br /> </strong><strong>Statement by Denmark on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </strong><strong>16 September 2024</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states.</span></p> <p><span>We highly appreciate the work done by the Working Group despite the financial challenges.</span></p> <p><span>Your thematic report documents for the first time the systematic interrelation between enforced disappearances and elections. As 2024 is a global election year, we see the need to strengthen the integrity of electoral processes. However, enforced disappearances of participants in elections, often with states’ involvement or compliance, remains a concern. Participants are stripped of their legal protections, and cases often remain unresolved. Such incidents are used to intimidate or limit political opposition. Protecting all human rights, including the right to take part in public affairs and to vote in elections, is essential for the legitimacy of all electoral outcome.</span></p> <p><span>We also share the Working Group’s concern regarding growing numbers of reports about enforced disappearances in the context of armed conflicts. Such systematic practice of enforced disappearance may constitute a crime against humanity. Accountability for such acts is crucial, as it serves justice and acts as a deterrent against future violations. We must continue working towards eradicating enforced disappearances and provide reparations to victims and their families, and ensure that all human rights violators and abusers are held accountable.</span></p> <p><span>Dear Panellists,</span></p> <p><span>What are the most effective measures to prevent enforced disappearances?</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council ‒ 57th session<br /> </span></strong><strong>Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Working Group on arbitrary detention<br /> </strong><strong>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </strong><strong>17 September 2024</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states. </span></p> <p><span>We thank the Working Group for its comprehensive report and commend its efforts to address the issue of arbitrary detention.</span></p> <p><span>Arbitrary detention runs counter to the standards set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and directly undermines the irrefutable right to life, liberty and security. Due process must always be ensured, and the deprivation of liberty must be adequate, necessary and proportionate. </span></p> <p><span>We strongly echo the calls of the Working Group to bring arbitrary detention to an end, and to cease the use of detention as a tool against political opponents, dissidents, human rights defenders, journalists and other individuals exercising their civil and political rights. </span></p> <p><span>We appreciate the efforts of Governments that engage positively with the mandate of the Working Group and we strongly condemn any government’s act of intimidation or reprisals against those who have sought to cooperate with the United Nations and, its mechanisms. </span></p> <p><span>All individuals who are arbitrarily detained must urgently be released and provided with appropriate remedies and reparations. States must strive to end all arbitrary detention, once and for all.</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council – 57thsession<br /> </span></strong><strong>Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the right to development<br /> </strong><strong>Statement by Lithuania on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </strong><strong>17 September 2024</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states.</span></p> <p><span>Mr. Special Rapporteur,</span></p> <p><span>The right to development is rooted in the universality, indivisibility, interrelation, and interdependence of all human rights.</span></p> <p><span>As indicated in your latest report, the right to development from the perspective of children has, to date, received inadequate attention. Children worldwide continue to face numerous challenges. Lack of access to education and care, malnutrition, human trafficking, sexual violence and exploitation, injuries and deaths during armed conflicts hinder their ability to fully enjoy the right to development.</span></p> <p><span>By endorsing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, present generations need to take seriously the right to development of future generations. Development positively contributes to the enjoyment of all human rights when implemented in accordance with international human rights norms and principles. Therefore, children and future generations must not be left behind.</span></p> <p><span>Mr. Special Rapporteur,</span></p> <p><span>Children and future generations will experience disproportionate impacts of climate change, armed conflicts, food insecurities and other challenges even though they have minimal opportunities to mitigate these effects. What are best ways to enable children to meaningfully contribute to the implementation of the right to development compliant with human rights?</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council – 57thsession<br /> </span></strong><strong>Item 3: Panel Discussion on quality education for peace and tolerance for every child<br /> </strong><strong>Statement by Lithuania on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </strong><strong>18 September 2024</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states.</span></p> <p><span>Thank you for convening the discussion on how to develop accessible, inclusive, equitable and quality education for peace and tolerance for every child.</span></p> <p><span>Education plays a pivotal role in cultivating peace and nurturing political leadership that prioritizes empathy and critical thinking. We welcome UNESCO's Recommendation on Education for Peace and Human Rights which outlines the need for education systems to evolve to foster global citizenship and sustainable development. Participation of children in peace-making processes should be one of the key elements in this regard. We need to acknowledge their unique perspectives and potential contributions to peace.</span></p> <p><span>In addition, many girls and women cannot exercise their right to education due to gender inequality. With over 130 million girls denied education globally, it is imperative to take concrete steps to rectify gender disparities and ensure the fundamental right to education for all, without discrimination. These efforts are not only about achieving gender parity but also about empowering girls and young women, in all their diversity, to be agents of change in their communities and beyond. Education, therefore, is not just a pathway to individual development but a cornerstone for building peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable societies.</span></p> <p><span>Dear Panellists,</span></p> <p><span>What can be done to support education leaders to develop curricula that build peace and prevent all forms of violence and human rights violations?</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council ‒ 57th session<br /> </span></strong><strong>Item 4: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Burundi<br /> </strong><strong>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </strong><strong>23 September 2024</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states. </span></p> <p><span>We thank the Special Rapporteur for his comprehensive report.</span></p> <p><span>We remain deeply alarmed by serious human rights violations and abuses in Burundi that continue to take place in the context of widespread impunity for past atrocities and ongoing violations and abuses.</span></p> <p><span>These human rights violations include extrajudicial executions, acts of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, sexual and gender-based violence, and undue restrictions on freedoms of opinion, expression, peaceful assembly and association.</span></p> <p><span>As Burundi approaches its 2025 legislative elections, shrinking civic space combined with violence and intimidation, pose a significant threat to free political participation and further highlight the need for concrete and immediate action to protect human rights and ensure accountability.</span></p> <p><span>At this critical juncture, we urge the Government of Burundi to collaborate effectively with the United Nations mechanisms, including the Special Rapporteur.</span></p> <p><span>In doing so, Burundi can take concrete steps towards ending impunity, addressing human rights violations and abuses, and embark on a crucial shift towards a future guided by respect for human rights.</span></p> <p><span>Mr. Special Rapporteur,</span></p> <p><span>How can the international community support Burundi in ensuring fair and inclusive elections?</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council ‒ 57th session<br /> </span></strong><strong>Item 4: Interactive Dialogue with Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic<br /> </strong><strong>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </strong><strong>23 September 2024</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states. </span></p> <p><span>We strongly support the mandate of the Commission of Inquiry and its work, including its latest report. </span></p> <p><span>Humanitarian needs in the Syrian Arab Republic are at its highest since the start of the conflict in 2011 with a record number of persons in need of whom thirteen million face severe food insecurity. </span><span>Safe, full, unhindered and sustained humanitarian access is imperative.</span></p> <p><span>Despite the ICJ order of 16 November, we are alarmed by reports of deaths, torture and ill-treatment of detainees, including sexual and gender-based violence. We demand an end to violations and abuses of international human rights law and international humanitarian law by all parties.</span></p> <p><span>The critical situation in Syria is exacerbated by indiscriminate and direct attacks by the Syrian Government, and its allies, against civilians and civilian objects and densely populated urban areas.</span></p> <p><span>We urge all relevant actors to cease indiscriminate and direct attacks on civilians and civilian objects, and to take all precautions to curtail harm to civilians. </span><span>Heightened regional tensions resulting from the conflict in Gaza has led to intensified military operations.</span></p> <p><span>We reiterate our full support for international accountability mechanisms, including the IIIM. Those responsible for crimes committed against the people of Syria must be held accountable.</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council – 57thsession<br /> </span></strong><strong>Item 4: Interactive Dialogue with the Group of independent experts on Belarus<br /> </strong><strong>Statement by Finland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </strong><strong>23 September 2024</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>On behalf of the Nordic Baltic states, I thank the independent experts for this update. We highly respect his vital work in collecting evidence of human rights violations and abuses in Belarus.</span></p> <p><span>We remain deeply concerned about the deteriorating human rights situation and strongly condemn the continuing persecution and intimidation campaigns against all segments of Belarusian society.</span></p> <p><span>We stand with the people of Belarus in their demand for democracy. We support the determined and courageous work of Viasna and other civil society organisations, despite brutal repressions.</span></p> <p><span>We urge the State to immediately cease the systemic oppression. We condemn torture and other ill-treatment of political prisoners and call for their immediate and unconditional release, and effective rehabilitation.</span></p> <p><span>We strongly condemn Belarus’ continued support to Russia in its war of aggression against Ukraine. We call for Belarus to end its complicity in the illegal deportation, forcible transfer and re-education of Ukrainian children by Russia.</span></p> <p><span>As the situation keeps deteriorating, what avenues do you see for accountability and reparation for victims?</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council – 57thsession<br /> </span></strong><strong>Item 4: Interactive Dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine<br /> </strong><strong>Statement by Lithuania on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </strong><strong>24 September 2024</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states.</span></p> <p><span>For almost three years Russia – a Permanent member of the Security Council – has been waging its brutal full-scale war of aggression against sovereign Ukraine, causing immense human suffering and widespread destruction. We firmly support the work of the Commission of Inquiry documenting Russia’s outrageous violations of international law, including international human rights law.</span></p> <p><span>Full accountability must and will be ensured for atrocity crimes, including indiscriminate and targeted attacks on civilian infrastructure and deliberate killings of Ukrainian civilians, widespread and systematic torture of civilians and prisoners of war, extrajudicial executions, arbitrary detention and sexual violence. Unlawful forcible transfer, deportation and illegal adoption of thousands of Ukrainian children, aimed at erasing their national identity, indoctrination and militarization, cannot go unpunished.</span></p> <p><span>There will be no just, lasting and sustainable peace without holding Russia’s highest political and military leadership accountable for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. We urge all States to step up efforts to establish as soon as possible a Special Tribunal that would respect international law and enjoy broad cross-regional support.</span></p> <p><span>As I conclude, we would appreciate your insights on how the evidence you have gathered could contribute to the work of the ICC and of the future Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine?</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council – 57thsession<br /> </span></strong><strong>Item 4: Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner’s report on the human rights situation in Myanmar<br /> </strong><strong>Statement by Norway on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </strong><strong>24 September 2024</strong></p> <p><span>High Commissioner, thank you.</span></p> <p><span>We, the Nordic Baltic states, remain deeply disturbed by the human rights crisis in Myanmar, which, in your own words, “continues to plumb the depths of humanity.”</span></p> <p><span>We are appalled by reports of more frequent and brutal violations and abuses committed across the country, with the military regime as the predominant perpetrator.</span></p> <p><span>More people being forced from their homes, including the Rohingya.</span></p> <p><span>More attacks targeting civilian infrastructure, including medical facilities and schools.</span></p> <p><span>More sexual and gender-based violence, including gang rape.</span></p> <p><span>Pervasive torture and ill-treatment in military facilities, including of children.</span></p> <p><span>Continued obstruction of humanitarian efforts, including a blocking of humanitarian aid.</span></p> <p><span>This must stop. We call on all parties and the military regime in particular to do everything they can to put an end to these violations and abuses.</span></p> <p><span>We reiterate the need for well-functioning accountability mechanisms, and for perpetrators to be brought to justice.</span></p> <p><span>We urge for access to be granted for your office and the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar to monitor the situation and gather information independently and impartially. </span></p> <p><span>High Commissioner,</span></p> <p><span>How is your office engaged with actors influencing the human rights situation in Myanmar?</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council – 57thsession<br /> </span></strong><strong>Item 4: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation<br /> </strong><strong>Statement by Latvia on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </strong><strong>23 September 2024</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I speak on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic states.</span></p> <p><span>We thank the Special Rapporteur for her report and strongly support the continuation of her mandate.</span></p> <p><span>We are gravely concerned about the dire human rights situation in Russia.</span></p> <p><span>Russia has systematically stifled dissent, silenced independent media, spread disinformation and repressed civil society organisations. Peaceful protesters face brutal crackdowns, arbitrary arrests and long prison sentences. </span></p> <p><span>Domestic repressions go hand in hand with external aggression threatening the entire international community.</span></p> <p><span>Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and blatant disregard for international law and human rights have fostered a climate of terror and fear across the country. Political prisoners, including human rights defenders, lawyers and journalists are held hostage for leverage, indigenous peoples and persons belonging to minorities are oppressed, LGBTI persons – outlawed and persecuted. </span></p> <p><span>All international instruments must be mobilised to hold Russia accountable for its grave human rights violations.</span></p> <p><span>Madam Special Rapporteur,</span></p> <p><span>How can we ensure greater international scrutiny of Russia’s human rights violations and expand access for human rights monitoring mechanisms inside Russia?</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span><strong><span>Human Rights Council – 57th session<br /> </span></strong></span><strong>Item 4 General Debate: Human rights situations that require the Council’s attention<br /> </strong><strong>Statement by Iceland<br /> </strong><strong>23 September 2024</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>Iceland recognizes the importance of addressing severe and escalating human rights situations that require the urgent attention of this Council.</span></p> <p><span>We are witnessing a deterioration of human rights around the world with too many states trying to justify discrimination and violence against their own citizens.</span></p> <p><span>Some of the most severe human rights violations and abuses take place during wars and armed conflicts, but as the High Commissioner has pointed out: even wars have rules and international human rights and humanitarian law have been designed precisely for moments like these - when life, dignity and our very humanity are at risk.</span></p> <p><span>In Ukraine, we witness relentless Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure, including schools and hospitals. The horrific terrorist attack by Hamas a year ago and the subsequent war in Gaza is another case in point, where civilians, not least women and children, are subject to unacceptable indiscriminate attacks, forced displacement, and deprivation of necessities on a scale not seen in the last two decades. We can name Sudan, Myanmar, and the continued rise of violent extremism in the Sahel – everywhere, civilians bear the brunt of the horrors of war.</span></p> <p><span>This Council needs to be steadfast in its response and commitment to contribute to alleviating the suffering of civilians. Peace, security and human rights go hand in hand.</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council – 57thsession<br /> </span></strong><strong>Items 3 &amp; 5: Panel on states’ obligations on the role of the family in supporting the human rights of its members<br /> </strong><strong>Statement by Finland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </strong><strong>25 September 2024</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I speak on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states. As trailblazers of family-friendly policies, we thank for this topical discussion. Families, in all their diversity and unique ability to foster wellbeing, have a special role in our societies.</span></p> <p><span>States should strive to recognize their diverse situations and needs. Here the importance of economic, social and cultural rights cannot be underestimated. Access to family planning and sexual and reproductive health and rights lays the foundation for a healthy start. Children’s access to quality and affordable daycare and education also means career opportunities for caregivers. Securing property and inheritance rights protects the economic rights and wellbeing of women and children, especially girls.</span></p> <p><span>Sadly, families, including in our own countries, can also have dark sides. Economic abuse, domestic violence, sexual and gender-based violence, including marital rape, female genital mutilation and other human rights violations that may occur in families should not go without accountability.</span></p> <p><span>Distinguished panel,</span></p> <p><span>What measures can States take to ensure a safe and supporting environment for all families, regardless of size, shape, or constellation?</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council – 57thsession<br /> </span></strong><strong>Items 3 &amp; 5: Annual half-day panel discussion on the rights of Indigenous Peoples<br /> </strong><strong>Theme: Laws, policies, judicial decisions and other measures taken by States to achieve the ends of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples<br /> </strong><strong>Statement by Denmark on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </strong><strong>25 September 2024</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>Chairperson, Distinguished Panellists,</span></p> <p><span>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states.</span></p> <p><span>We welcome this year’s study by the Expert Mechanism on the rights of Indigenous Peoples and agree on the importance of measures taken by States to achieve the ends of the UNDRIP.</span></p> <p><span>Article 38 of the UNDRIP is fundamental to achieving the ends of the Declaration. Within the Nordic-Baltic-states there are several examples hereof, which we hope can serve as inspiration for others. These include:</span></p> <p><span>The Act on Greenland Self-Government of 2009, which is based on an agreement between the Governments of Greenland and Denmark as equal partners, and which recognises the people of Greenland as a people pursuant to international law, with the right to self-determination.</span></p> <p><span>The Act on consultation on matters concerning the Sami people, which entered into force in Sweden in 2022.</span></p> <p><span>The Sami Act in Norway, which codifies that the Sami Parliament and other representatives of Sami interests have the right to be consulted in cases that may directly affect Sami interests.</span></p> <p><span>A proposal to renew the Act on the Sámi Parliament, which has been given to the Parliament in Finland and will be dealt with by the Constitutional Law Committee shortly.</span></p> <p><span>Let me conclude by reaffirming the Nordic Baltic states’ full and firm support for the UNDRIP.</span></p> <p><span>Esteemed panellists, how can we as states contribute to raising awareness for the need to take legislative measures to achieve the ends of the Declaration?</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council – 57thsession<br /> </span></strong><strong>Item 3&amp;5: Interactive Dialogue with Expert Mechanism on the rights of Indigenous Peoples<br /> </strong><strong>Statement by Finland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states: Denmark together with Greenland, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden<br /> </strong><strong>23 September 2024</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states, Denmark together with Greenland, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, and my own country, Finland.</span></p> <p><span>At the outset, I wish to recognize the Indigenous Peoples’ representatives present in the room and joining our discussions today. We look forward to hearing your insights and good practices on how to best promote and protect the rights of Indigenous Peoples. </span></p> <p><span>We thank the Expert Mechanism on the Rights for Indigenous Peoples for all their work and have read with interest the annual report. As the Expert Mechanism does, we attach great importance to efforts to enhance the participation of Indigenous Peoples’ representatives and institutions in the work of the Human Rights Council. Indigenous Peoples have knowledge and expertise that will add legitimacy and sustainability to the decisions of the Human Rights Council. Progress has been made and must continue, and we look forward to discussions during the next intersessional meeting in October.&nbsp; We also appreciate the continued focus on the International Decade of Indigenous Languages.</span></p> <p><span>Distinguished Experts, in your view, how can we best work together to enhance Indigenous Peoples’ participation at the Human Rights Council?</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council – 57thsession<br /> </span></strong><strong>Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples<br /> </strong><strong>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states: Denmark together with Greenland, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden<br /> </strong><strong>26 September 2024</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states, </span><span>Denmark together with Greenland, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, and my own country, Iceland.</span></p> <p><span>We thank the Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples for his report on Indigenous persons with disabilities. While 16 per cent of the world’s population are persons with disabilities, the rate among Indigenous Peoples is higher. The report discusses the root causes of this disproportionality, focusing on the ongoing impacts of the structural racial discrimination and the many barriers faced by Indigenous persons with disabilities in the realization of their human rights.</span></p> <p><span>We are aware that Indigenous persons with disabilities are exposed to multiple and intersectional discrimination. To consult Indigenous Peoples on issues affecting them is key to improvement. We need to ensure the right to self-determination for persons with disabilities, and that public service are sensitive to culture and preferences. We therefore very much welcome the participation of Indigenous Peoples in today’s dialogue and appreciate hearing from them how States can best move forward to address the challenges described in the report. </span></p> <p><span>Special Rapporteur,</span></p> <p><span>How can States ensure that the experiences of Indigenous persons with disabilities on how to tackle these barriers are taken into account, despite the challenges described in your report?</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council – 57thsession<br /> </span></strong><strong>Item 5: Interactive Dialogue on the Secretary General’s report on Cooperation with the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights<br /> </strong><strong>Statement by Iceland<br /> </strong><strong>27 September 2024</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>Iceland thanks the Office of the Secretary General for this critical and potentially life-saving report. </span></p> <p><span>Everyone has the right to access and cooperate with the United Nations and its representatives and mechanisms.</span></p> <p><span>Civil society organisations and human rights defenders are invaluable to the promotion and protection of human rights. Their work is crucial to prevent, document and address human rights violations and abuses globally.</span></p> <p><span>Continued monitoring, intimidation, and other forms of coercion and retaliation against CSOs and human rights defenders, both online and offline, by state and non-state actors, are deplorable. </span></p> <p><span>Iceland is deeply alarmed by the severe protection concerns expressed by victims of reprisals as outlined in the Secretary General’s report. The decrease in reporting, combined with victims’ increased requests for anonymity due to fear of further reprisals, shows the gravity of the situation. </span></p> <p><span>Stronger protections mechanisms are needed. If this dangerous trajectory is continued, it both undermines collective commitments and values as well as posing a significant threat to the advancement of human rights globally.</span></p> <p><span>Iceland strongly condemns all acts of intimidation and reprisals across the UN system identified in the report. </span></p> <p><span>Assistant Secretary General,</span></p> <p><span>What concrete steps can States take to better protect those who engage with the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms?</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council – 57thsession<br /> </span></strong><strong>Annual discussion on the integration of a gender perspective throughout the work of the Human Rights Council and that of its mechanisms<br /> </strong><strong>Statement by Estonia on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </strong><strong>30 September 2024</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states.</span></p> <p><span>We welcome the discussion on</span><span> the [integration of a gender perspective throughout</span><span> </span><span>the work of the Human Rights Council – a] topic that needs our consistent and relentless attention.</span></p> <p><span>First of all, we would like to congratulate the President of the Human Rights Council on the </span><span>creation of the Human Rights Council President's Advisory Board on Gender Equality. We are looking forward to hearing more about the work of the Board.</span></p> <p><span>We also commend the steps taken as to the integration of a gender perspective into the work of </span><span>commissions of inquiry </span><span>and fact-finding missions as well as the inclusion of Gender Advisers in their investigation teams.</span></p> <p><span>Nevertheless, the achievements have not been sufficient.</span><span> We must strive to do better for survivors of gender-based crimes, and for ending impunity. We need to </span><span>consider the gender dimensions of all human rights violations and to ensure a truly survivor-centred approach by preventing harm and avoiding re-victimization. </span></p> <p><span>In this regard, it is crucial that the investigative bodies have sufficient capacity and resources to carry out their mandate fully.</span></p> <p><span>Mr President,</span></p> <p><span>In the concept note for today`s discussion the need is highlighted for </span><span>a more thorough analysis on how the pre-existing gender inequalities and gender-based discrimination are exacerbated by conflict.</span></p> <p><span>What steps are foreseen in this regard?</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council – 57thsession<br /> </span></strong><strong>Item 9: Enhanced Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner and the International Independent Expert Mechanism to advance racial justice and equality in law enforcement<br /> </strong><strong>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </strong><strong>2 October 2024</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states. </span></p> <p><span>We thank both the High Commissioner and the International Independent Expert Mechanism for their comprehensive reports, highlighting the importance of ensuring the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms of people of African descent, including against excessive use of force in law enforcement.</span></p> <p><span>Regrettably, systemic racism persists, and discrimination continues to be embedded within various structures, institutions, laws, policies and behaviors in many countries. </span></p> <p><span>We are alarmed by compounded challenges experienced by persons of African descent, including women, children, persons of diverse SOGIESC and persons with disabilities.</span></p> <p><span>Despite positive efforts, significant challenges prevail in combating multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination, which continue to hinder transformative, tangible and durable progress. </span></p> <p><span>These challenges must be addressed through a holistic application that addresses the root causes of systemic racism and ensures the full participation of persons of African descent in public and private life.</span></p> <p><span>Mr. High Commissioner, Madam Kuenyehia, </span></p> <p><span>How can intersectional approaches aimed at advancing racial justice and equality in law enforcement be further implemented at national levels to more efficiently address injustices and ensure accountability and redress for persons of African descent?</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council ‒ 57th session<br /> </span></strong><strong>Item 10: Interactive Dialogue on the oral update of OHCHR on technical assistance and capacity-building for South Sudan<br /> </strong><strong>Statement by Norway on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </strong><strong>7 October 2024</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>On behalf of the Nordic Baltic states, I thank the OHCHR for the update and your important work in South Sudan.</span></p> <p><span>Credible and peaceful elections are a necessary and fundamental component of a political environment that protects and promotes human rights. When South Sudan’s leaders yet again extended the transitional period agreed in the Revitalized Peace Agreement, they once more failed to deliver to the people of South Sudan their first chance to elect their own leaders.</span></p> <p><span>Armed conflict and gross human rights violations continue to be prevalent (in South Sudan). Millions of people remain displaced, deprived and traumatized. Women endure gross sexual and gender-based violence and children suffer egregious violations.</span></p> <p><span>Abuses and violations must stop, and perpetrators held accountable. We urge the transitional government to fully implement Chapter V on transitional justice.</span></p> <p><span>South Sudan’s government has failed in the past to prepare for elections. We urge South Sudan’s leaders to make genuine use of the next two years, and to make full use of the support provided by the Office, so that real progress can been achieved.</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council ‒ 57th session<br /> </span></strong><strong>Item 10: Interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert on Somalia<br /> </strong><strong>Statement by Estonia on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </strong><strong>7 October 2024</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states.</span></p> <p><span>We commend the Federal Government’s efforts to combating and mitigating climate change and preventing its impact on human rights by joining the Taskforce on Access to Climate Finance.</span></p> <p><span>Although we recognize the progress made towards fulfilling Somalia’s international human rights obligations, we remain concerned about ongoing violations and abuses of human rights and international humanitarian law, such as reports of arbitrary arrests, detentions and extrajudicial executions.</span></p> <p><span>We also share your extreme concern regarding the rights of women and girls in Somalia, and the persistence of sexual and gender-based violence, including female genital mutilation</span><span>.</span></p> <p><span>We call upon the Government to take all necessary measures to strengthen its capacity to prevent and address sexual and gender-based violence, and to ensure that survivors are protected and have access to justice and effective remedies.</span></p> <p><span>Madam Independent Expert,</span></p> <p><span>In your opinion, how can we best support your mandate particularly reporting on developments related to sexual and gender-based violence and human rights, particularly rights of children, including related to recent legislative processes?</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council ‒ 57th session<br /> </span></strong><strong>Item 10: Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on the Central African Republic<br /> </strong><strong>Statement by Norway on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </strong><strong>7 October 2024</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states.</span></p> <p><span>We thank the Independent Expert for his dedicated efforts and report from his important work in the Central African Republic.</span></p> <p><span>We welcome the Central African Republic’s adoption of the national human rights policy. However, we remain deeply concerned about the extensive and serious human rights violations and abuses that continue to take place in the context of widespread impunity. We call on the CAR government to investigate all incidents and hold perpetrators accountable.</span></p> <p><span>Women and girls bear a disproportionate burden of negative social, economic, and environmental impacts while having less access to education, land and entrepreneurship, as well as access to justice.</span></p> <p><span>Sexual and gender-based violence is widespread. Gender-based discrimination and exclusion from public and political life remain deeply entrenched.</span></p> <p><span>As we are approaching the local elections, we call on the CAR government to hold free, transparent and fair elections ensuring that they do not lead to discrimination, exclusion or marginalization.</span></p> <p><span>President,</span></p> <p><span>How can the international community support the Central African Republic in ensuring full, effective, and meaningful participation of women in the upcoming elections, including as candidates for political offices?</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council ‒ 57th session<br /> </span></strong><strong>Item 10: Interactive dialogue on technical cooperation in Honduras<br /> </strong><strong>Statement by Latvia on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </strong><strong>7 October 2024</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I have the honour of delivering this statement on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states.</span></p> <p><span>We thank the High Commissioner for his report and for the Office’s continued technical cooperation and assistance to Honduras in spite of the ongoing liquidity crisis.</span></p> <p><span>We commend the Government of Honduras’ political will to advance the human rights agenda and its continued engagement with OHCHR and the human rights mechanisms.</span></p> <p><span>However, we are concerned about the reports of continued structural challenges that persist across the country, namely widespread violence, including sexual and gender-based violence, persistent land conflicts, impunity and an extremely dangerous context for journalists and human rights defenders, particularly those defending rights to land, the environment and the rights of Indigenous Peoples.</span></p> <p><span>We are alarmed by the high number of recorded <em>femicides</em> and violent deaths of LGBTQI+ persons. We urge the Government to take all necessary measures to implement the OHCHR recommendations and strengthen its capacity to prevent and address sexual and gender-based violence, and to ensure that those responsible are held to account.</span></p> <p><span>Mr. Salazar,</span></p> <p><span>How can we continue supporting Honduras in strengthening investigative capacities in cases of sexual and gender-based violence?</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council ‒ 57^th Session<br /> </span></strong><strong>Item 10: Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the report of the High Commissioner on the Democratic Republic of Congo<br /> </strong><strong>Statement by Sweden on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </strong><strong>8 October 2024</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>Thank you, High Commissioner, and the Team of International Experts for your report.</span></p> <p><span>I make this statement on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states.</span></p> <p><span>The situation in the DRC is of serious concern. The escalation of the conflict related to the M23 offensive, has led to serious human rights violations, notably sexual and gender-based violence, and risks a wider regional conflict. We reiterate our call on all armed groups to cease their activities and disarm. The presence of Rwandan troops in DRC and the support provided to the M23 by Rwanda, must end immediately, as well as all support from state actors to armed groups in the DRC, not least the FDLR.</span></p> <p><span>The fight against impunity is crucial. We closely follow the appeal trial of the murders of UN experts Zaida Catalán and Michael Sharp and the investigation into the disappearance of their four Congolese companions. The Congolese legal process is vital to hold all those responsible to account.</span></p> <p><span>Lastly, we call on the Government to reverse its decision to lift the moratorium on the death penalty. We oppose the use of the death penalty under all circumstances.</span></p> <p><span>High Commissioner</span><span>,</span></p> <p><span>How can we make sure that human rights are at the forefront of our joint efforts after the withdrawal of MONUSCO?</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council ‒ 57th session<br /> </span></strong><strong>Item 10: Interactive dialogue with the High Commissioner on the oral update on Ukraine<br /> </strong><strong>Statement by Sweden on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </strong><strong>8 October 2024</strong></p> <p><span>Mr President,</span></p> <p><span>I have the honour of delivering this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</span></p> <p><span>In recent months, Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has reached unprecedented levels, including deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure.</span></p> <p><span>We highlight three important steps to ensure accountability:</span></p> <p><span>The first is human rights monitoring, evidence gathering and investigations, carried out by Ukrainian authorities, other states and international organisations. These include the Commission of Inquiry and the International Criminal Court, among others.</span></p> <p><span>Secondly, we welcome steps taken </span><span>to establish an international compensation mechanism for the damage that Russia’s aggression has caused. We also welcome that the Register of Damage is now operating and</span><span> support the ongoing talks on a Claims Commission.</span></p> <p><span>Thirdly, </span><span>we must continue to uphold international law and the UN Charter and denounce aggression. We welcome the establishment and operation of the International Center for Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. We should act decisively to establish a Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.</span></p> <p><span>Those responsible in Russia must and will be held accountable.</span><span> Accountability and justice are matters of global importance. </span><span>We appreciate the High Commissioner’s relentless work in this area.</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <span> <br clear="all" /> </span> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council ‒ 57th session<br /> </span></strong><strong>Item 10: Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner on interim report on Haiti<br /> </strong><strong>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </strong><strong>8 October 2024</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states.</span></p> <p><span>We thank the Office of the High Commissioner for the interim report and affirm our support to restoring stability, rebuilding democratic institutions, and ensuring accountability in Haiti.</span></p> <p><span>We remain gravely concerned by reports of ongoing and escalating human rights violations and abuses in Haiti.</span></p> <p><span>Violent clashes between gangs and gang attacks against unarmed actors continue to erode the country’s political environment and social fabric, intensifying the dire humanitarian situation and inflicting unimaginable suffering upon civilians.</span></p> <p><span>We are particularly alarmed by the violence’s disproportionate impact on women and children with increasing rates of sexual and gender-based violence and the active recruitment of children.</span></p> <p><span>Despite the grave and ongoing human rights challenges facing Haiti, we commend the progress made towards transitional governance arrangements. In this regard, we also welcome the progress made by the Multinational Security Support mission in restoring public security to the benefit of the Haitian people.</span></p> <p><span>These advancements are crucial to rebuild trust in democratic institutions, foster accountability, and facilitate Haiti’s path towards peace, stability and justice.</span></p> <p><span>High Commissioner,</span></p> <p><span>How can the international community assist in preserving and strengthening efforts towards transitional governance in Haiti?</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p>

<p><span><strong>Statement by H.E. Anna Johannsdottir,<br /> Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations<br /> General Assembly 79th session<br /> 10th Plenary Meeting of Third Committee<br /> Advancement of Women (Item 27)<br /> <span>9 October 2024</span></strong></span></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span>Thank you, Madam Chair,<br /> <br /> As this is the first time Iceland takes the floor this session, I would like to begin by congratulating you and other members of the Bureau on your election. We look forward to working with you.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Bridging the gender gap is a global challenge. We all need to do more to accelerate progress towards full achievement of gender equality. Iceland will continue to do its part.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Madame Chair,<br /> <br /> Gender equality is one of our main priorities as a member of the Human Rights Council during the period 2025-2027.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Iceland will remain steadfast in its commitment to advancing human rights of women and girls, in all their diversity, with a special focus on;<br /> &nbsp; &nbsp; *working collaboratively towards zero tolerance for sexual and gender-based violence;<br /> &nbsp; &nbsp; *promoting universal access to reproductive health and rights and comprehensive&nbsp;sexuality &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;education;<br /> &nbsp; &nbsp; *working towards achieving equal pay for equal work;<br /> &nbsp; &nbsp; *and finally, because participation of men and boys in the fight for gender equality is<br /> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; crucial, we will continue promoting their engagement in this regard.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Madam Chair,<br /> <br /> Iceland has been a proud champion of gender equality for decades.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Women and girl’s rights are quite simply human rights. It is therefore shocking to see the Taliban continuing to restrict women’s fundamental human rights with discriminatory laws and policies that effectively erase women from public life.<br /> <br /> Therefore, Iceland supports the cross-regional action to hold the Taliban accountable for their grave violations of CEDAW recently announced during the UNGA High Level week.<br /> <br /> Madam Chair,<br /> </span></p> <p><span>We regret that the backlash against the rights of women and girls and gender equality seems to be regressing in all parts of the world.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> To reverse this trend, the fulfilment of sexual and reproductive health and rights is imperative.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> To ensure access for all women and girls to the full range of sexual and reproductive health services they must be aware of, and understand, their ability to realize their reproductive rights – hence the importance of comprehensive sexuality education.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> In addition, they must be able to have control over and decide freely and responsibly on matters relating to their sexuality.<br /> <br /> Madam Chair,<br /> <br /> In Iceland, we continue to make conscious improvements to LGBTQI+ rights.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Our Parliament recently adopted the first national action plan in this regard. These actions of strong policy making have moved Iceland from 18th place on the ILGA Europe Rainbow map to 2nd place in six years.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> While we can be proud of this, our work is nowhere completed.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Despite great progress in recent years, we have a long way to go before we can say we have reached gender equality at home, for all women, men and those who identify as neither.<br /> <br /> Finally, Madame Chair,<br /> <br /> Eradicating disparity between genders is not only the right thing to do, but it also increases prosperity and well-being in societies.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> In Iceland, we not only pride ourselves on valuing our diversity and gender equality, but we have seen first-hand that these values have also made us a stronger society and a more prosperous one.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> This is why we solemnly believe that by working towards gender equality, including in this Committee, we will progress towards a more equal and prosperous world. Let us create it together.<br /> <br /> I thank you.<br /> </span></p> <div>&nbsp;</div>

<p><strong>Joint Nordic Statement delivered by Ms.&nbsp;<span>Outi Hyvärinen<br /> Director of Arms Control</span><br /> Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland<br /> First Committee on Disarmament - General Debate<br /> 7 October, 2024</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span>It is an honour to address this Committee on behalf of the Nordic countries; Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and my own country Finland.<br /> <br /> I would like to start by underlining the importance of defending, promoting and further strengthening the respect for international law, including the global architecture for arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation. This is even more essential now when the global security situation keeps deteriorating.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> The Russian Federation continues its illegal and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Russia continues using escalatory rhetoric and nuclear threats as ways of intimidation. Russia has increased tension by announcing deployment of nuclear weapons on Belarussian territory. In addition, Russia has revoked its ratification of the CTBT.<br /> <br /> These and other Russian actions undermine severely European and global security and stability. They affect negatively the multilateral arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament architecture.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> The Nordic countries condemn again Russian war of aggression in Ukraine and demand it to immediately cease its military actions, withdraw its troops from the entire Ukraine and respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty within its internationally recognised borders.<br /> <br /> We are alarmed by the increased arms transfers between Russia and China, Russia and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and Iran respectively. These actions are deeply de-stabilising and contribute only to prolong the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> The war in Gaza is causing immense suffering among the civilian populations. The possibility of a larger regional conflict, with a negative impact on nuclear non-proliferation looms over the Middle East. The Nordic countries reaffirm our commitment to a just and comprehensive resolution of the situation, based on the two state solution.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> There are several other active inter- and intrastate conflicts going on around the globe, while we meet in New York. Every conflict holds a seed for proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and every conflict makes disarmament more difficult.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> It is evident that we must improve our common ability to address and solve conflicts and their negative impact on disarmament.&nbsp; The UN Security Council can and must do better to fulfil its primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Madame Chair,<br /> <br /> The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty remains the cornerstone of the global non-proliferation regime, the essential foundation for nuclear disarmament and an essential element for the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and technology.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> The second session of the Preparatory Committee for the 2026 Review Conference showed States Parties’ strong commitment to the Treaty. At the same time, it is clear that there are diverging priorities for the Treaty implementation. The Nordic countries remain fully committed to comprehensive implementation of all Treaty’s three interrelated pillars. We strive for concrete steps in nuclear disarmament, strengthened measures against proliferation and enhanced actions to advance peaceful uses in the 2026 NPT Review Conference.<br /> <br /> The Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty is an integral part of the nuclear disarmament architecture and key in the NPT implementation. We are encouraged by the many recent ratifications of the CTBT and deeply troubled by the withdrawal of Russia’s ratification. We urge countries outside the Treaty, in particular the remaining Annex II states, to sign and ratify the CTBT. The Nordic Countries are concerned about statements calling for resumption of nuclear testing and demand all States to abide by a moratorium on nuclear test explosions.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Termination of fissile material production and eradication of existing stocks are essential steps in nuclear disarmament. We reaffirm our support for early negotiation and conclusion of a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty. We urge, as a first step, all States concerned to declare and uphold a moratorium on the production of fissile material.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Verification is an essential element of a nuclear disarmament process, and a credible multilateral verification regime in which all States have confidence will also be essential for achieving and maintaining a world without nuclear weapons. We commend the UN Group of Governmental Experts on nuclear disarmament verification, which successfully concluded its work last year. We encourage all States to participate in, and support, further discussions on the establishment of a Group of Scientific and Technical Experts (GSTE) on NDV. Such a GSTE-NDV would provide unique practical benefits in support of the long-term goal of nuclear disarmament and enable States to work collaboratively on NDV in a multilateral setting.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> The Nordic countries pledge our full and continued confidence in and support for the work of the International Atomic Energy Agency. We deplore efforts by some States to politicise and undermine the invaluable work of the Agency.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> The Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement with an Additional Protocol is the current verification standard. The Additional Protocol provides the means for the IAEA to verify the peaceful nature of a country’s nuclear program. We urge all countries to conclude Additional Protocols to their agreements with the IAEA.<br /> <br /> Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has endangered the safety and security of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants. We condemn the Russian actions also in this respect and commend the efforts of the IAEA to ensure nuclear safety and security at the Zaporizhzhya and other Ukrainian nuclear power plants.<br /> <br /> The Nordic countries are concerned about Iran’s highly proliferation sensitive nuclear actitivities and its lack of cooperation with the IAEA. The Agency is currently not able to provide credible assurance that Iran’s nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful. We urge Iran to work with the IAEA towards full compliance with its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement obligations.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> The nuclear and missile programs of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea remain a threat to regional and international peace and security. We are worried about the increased and opaque cooperation between Russia and the DPRK and the unwillingness of some countries to implement the UN Security Council Resolutions on the DPRK. The Nordic countries urge the DPRK to completely, verifiably and irreversibly abandon its illegal nuclear and missile programs.<br /> <br /> Madame Chair.<br /> <br /> The re-emergence of chemical weapons is an urgent threat to international peace and security. This menace must be tackled firmly and collectively. The erosion of norms against the use of weapons of mass destruction has affected the Chemical Weapons Convention. In recent years, we have witnessed the use of chemical weapons on the soils of Malaysia, Ukraine and the UK as well as in Syria, Iraq, and Russia.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> We remain deeply concerned by Russian use of chemical weapons in Ukraine. The increasing number of reports, including by Russian information sources, that Russia is using Riot Control Agents and chloropicrin as a method of warfare in Ukraine is alarming. We recall that such use is prohibited under the Convention, and urge Russia to ensure full compliance with its obligations<br /> <br /> Any use of chemical weapons is a breach of international law and the Chemical Weapons convention and such use may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. Impunity for breaches of the global norms against chemical weapons must not be tolerated.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> We underline our full and unequivocal confidence in the professionalism, objectivity, impartiality, independence and technical expertise of the OPCW’s Technical Secretariat. We express our unwavering commitment to protect the integrity of the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Organization for the Prohibition Chemical Weapons.<br /> <br /> The Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention is a vital pillar of the disarmament regime. The Nordic countries are encouraged by the deliberations of the Working Group on the Strengthening of the Convention. We remain committed to contribute constructively to all items on its agenda and to reach consensus on recommendations and concrete actions to strengthen the convention and its implementation.<br /> <br /> The multilateral export control regimes are integral to the international non-proliferation architecture. The Nordic countries are concerned with increased efforts to politicise export controls, framing them as imposing “undue restrictions” on developing countries and violating international law. On the contrary, export controls foster trust, which is conducive to trade and enhances cooperation on the peaceful uses of technology. Export controls help states fulfil their obligations under UN Security Council Resolution 1540 and the NPT to prevent proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. We support the strengthening of export controls globally, where the existing export control regimes are essential, to improve and facilitate international cooperation on peaceful uses of technology.<br /> <br /> Madame Chair.<br /> <br /> The rapid development and increased use of emerging disruptive technologies are posing a new challenge to international peace and security and have made their regulation a more pressing issue. The Nordic countries support the continued work of the Group of Governmental Experts on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS).&nbsp;<br /> <br /> The Conference on Certain Conventional Weapons remains an appropriate forum to discuss emerging disruptive technologies. We are committed to finding a common ground on a possible future instrument by the end of the group’s current mandate.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> The Nordic countries also welcome the diverse multi stakeholder discussions and initiatives on the responsible use of AI in the military domain. We emphasise the need to keep these and other efforts complementary and inclusive.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> There is an international consensus that international law applies in cyberspace. We must cooperate to strengthen compliance with international law, which is fundamental to maintaining security and stability in cyberspace. All UN Member States have agreed upon a framework for responsible state behaviour in cyberspace, which also includes a set of voluntary non-legally binding norms. Now it is time for compliance and implementation.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Madame Chair.<br /> <br /> Small arms and light weapons kill in a big way. The illicit flows of these weapons remain a central threat to national and regional stability and sustainable development in many countries. The Nordic countries have been a consistent supporter of instruments and measures addressing small arms, specifically the UN Programme of Action. We welcome the outcome of this year’s review conference and call for a determined implementation of its action plan.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> The Nordic countries are committed to the Anti-Personnel Landmine Convention and specifically its humanitarian purpose. The increasing use of anti-personnel mines and subsequent rising victim numbers calls for strengthened implementation of the Convention. We encourage states that have not yet joined the Convention to do so without further delay. We look forward to the upcoming Review Conference and call for the adoption of a strong and ambitious action plan, closing existing gaps. We appreciate the inclusion of inclusive and comprehensive victims’ assistance and new elements such as climate and environmental considerations.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> We call (once again) on all UN Member states to join the Arms Trade Treaty. In this tenth Anniversary year of the entry into force of this landmark Treaty, we recognize its significance as the first and the only international treaty creating legally binding international standards to regulate the international trade in conventional arms. Transparency in arms trade is key to reducing the risk of diversion. In addition to major arms exporters, importers, as well as transit countries, carry special responsibilities in this regard.<br /> <br /> The increasing use of explosive weapons in populated areas poses great risk to civilians and civilian infrastructure. In this context, the EWIPA political declaration is key. If fully implemented, it can improve the way we conduct military operations and ensure compliance with IHL. We encourage all states to endorse the declaration.<br /> <br /> Madame Chair.<br /> <br /> Space is a vital but increasingly contested and congested arena. Space services are critical to the daily functioning of societies and economies. The Nordic countries are firmly committed to the prevention of an arms race in outer space in all its aspects.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> We need to strengthen multilateral cooperation to preserve and enhance the safety, security and sustainability in outer space activities. We welcome the outcome of the GGE on PAROS, which recognized that both binding and non-binding legal measures contribute to PAROS. We welcome efforts to merge the two existing OEWGs and look forward to continued discussions in the UN on the development of norms, rules and principles of responsible behaviour in Outer Space.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> We urge All States to abide by the Outer Space Treaty’s Article IV, which obliges State Parties not to place in orbit around the Earth any objects carrying nuclear weapons or any other kinds of weapons of mass destruction, install such weapons on celestial bodies or station such weapons in outer space in any other manner.<br /> <br /> Madame Chair.<br /> <br /> This year brought some positive developments in the Conference on Disarmament and we would like to thank all the Presidencies for their excellent work. We welcome the establishment of subsidiary bodies and hope their work will continue smoothly early next year.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> However, we deeply regret that the Conference could not agree on the issue of participation. Seventeen states that applied for observer status could not participate in the CD´s work. The Nordic countries have always supported the principles of inclusivity and multilateralism and we hope that next year the Conference could accept the participation of all states willing to contribute to the Conference’s work.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> The Nordic countries emphasise that gender equality and the empowerment of and full inclusion of women into our substantive work should be the order of the day. We accept and expect nothing less.<br /> <br /> Let me also use this opportunity to highlight that Security Council resolution 1325 and subsequent resolutions acknowledge the differentiated impact of armed conflict on women, and that women’s participation is vital to broader objectives for international peace and security. Disarmament and arms control intersect with all four pillars of the WPS agenda: participation, protection, prevention, and relief and recovery.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Madame Chair.<br /> <br /> The state of the world is grim. Tensions are running high. The rules based international system is under attack. This is the time to take action and make the multilateral system function better. This is the time to find common ground and advance disarmament.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> The Nordic countries will make every effort to advance the work of the First Committee and beyond!<br /> </span></p> <div>&nbsp;</div>

<p style="text-align: center;"><span><strong>OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation N°1090 Vienna, 9 October 2024 </strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span><strong>EU Statement on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine</strong></span></p> <p><span>1. Mr Chair, every week, we and other speakers in this forum sadly recount with deep sorrow the ever increasing number of innocent victims since Russia started its fullscale war of aggression against Ukraine over two and a half years ago. Just last Friday, three civilian victims of Russian shelling were reported and each day, the number of fatalities, both civilian and military personnel, increases. Even as the shocking death toll grows, one cannot become accustomed to regularly and routinely hearing of these atrocities. There is immense and unspeakable human suffering behind all of these numbers and as the winter approaches such overwhelming and terrible torment will become even greater, for all the people of Ukraine. </span></p> <p><span>2. The EU and its Member States condemn Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine in the strongest possible terms and admire the courage and resilience of both Ukrainian civilians and soldiers who are resolutely protecting their homeland. We emphasise that there will be no impunity for atrocities committed and all perpetrators will be held to account. </span></p> <p><span>3. Another expression that we and others often refer to in this Forum, that of Ukraine’s ‘internationally recognised borders’, seems to have lost its meaning to one participating State. The Crimean Peninsula, Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia are all part of the integral territory of Ukraine, despite the attempts of the Russian Federation to illegally occupy and annex these territories as well as intervening in the internal affairs of its sovereign neighbour. </span></p> <p><span>4. Today’s Security Dialogue on the Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security and the interventions made strongly underscored that we do have principles, rules and agreements that every participating State has committed to, a solid international framework built and developed over decades. However, we know that one participating State clearly ignores international law and OSCE commitments, and adheres neither to the Code of Conduct itself, nor to the Helsinki Final Act. As such Russia is not only waging a devastating and inexplicable war on a sovereign country but is challenging the rules-based international order. If Russia was to respect its own already existing commitments, it would end its war today. </span></p> <p><span>5. Through its unacceptable and dangerous nuclear rhetoric, by regularly alluding to the use of nuclear weapons in a war of aggression it has itself started, Russia also acts in stark contradiction to the commitments of which it has undertaken to be a guardian. </span></p> <p><span>6. Mr Chair, the EU and its Member States reiterate that Russia must immediately stop its unprovoked, unjustifiable and illegal war of aggression, put an end to this unbearable suffering and devastation caused by Russia, and completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders. We also strongly condemn the continued military support for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine provided by Belarus, as well as the DPRK and Iran, with the recent transfer of Iranian-made ballistic missiles to Russia being a direct threat to European security and representing a further substantive material escalation from the provision of Iranian UAVs and ammunition. We urge all countries not to provide any material or support for Russia’s war of aggression, which is a blatant violation of international law, including the UN Charter, and the OSCE core principles and commitments. </span></p> <p><span>Thank you.</span></p>

<h2>EU Statement on Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security</h2> <p><strong>OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation N°1090 Vienna, 9 October 2024</strong></p> <p><span>1. The European Union and its Member States commend the Danish FSC Chair for selecting the topic of the OSCE Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security for today’s Security Dialogue, notably the particular focus on the accountability of armed forces personnel during conflict. We also thank the participating panellists for their presentations. </span></p> <p><span>2. As we approach 30 years since the adoption of the Code of Conduct, the importance of these commitments remain as relevant today as when they were adopted in 1994. Participating States agreed on this tool designed to preserve peace, prevent conflicts and strengthen international security and cooperation, and to establish democratic control of armed forces, in accordance with international law. In order to achieve these requirements, and thus ensure the effective implementation of the Code, participating States need to abide by their commitments in practice. </span></p> <p><span>3. Understanding the significance of the Code, participating States introduced a comprehensive information exchange on its implementation and decided in 2011 to hold an annual discussion focusing on its implementation which successfully took place every year until 2021. Now, for the third year in a row, it has not been possible to have the focused Annual Discussion on the implementation of Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security due to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. We remind all participating States of their commitments made in this regard and look forward to a responsible and thorough evaluation of the application of the Code of Conduct in the OSCE. In particular, Russia’s heinous actions in the context of its ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine and the support by Belarus, are in violation of most of the Code’s tenets. The Code of Conduct also continues to be relevant in the context of the peaceful resolution of all unresolved conflicts in the OSCE region, including those in the Republic of Moldova and in Georgia with full respect for their territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence within their internationally recognised borders, which remains a key priority for the EU. The EU also continues its support for advancing a sustainable and lasting peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan based on the principles of recognition of sovereignty, the inviolability of borders and territorial integrity. </span></p> <p><span>4. The Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security, as a fundamental OSCE document addresses the issue of democratic control of the armed forces and emphasises the principles of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in the use of force. It provides ethical and political standards on the rule of law, human rights and the principles of international law in the politico-military security dimension, which requires, inter alia, the participating States to adopt measures to ensure compliance with, and the consistency of their defence policies with IHL. It is in the interest of all OSCE participating States to respect the fundamental principles of IHL. </span></p> <p><span>5. Taking into account the importance of IHL in the currently destabilised security landscape in the OSCE area, destabilised through Russia and its war of aggression, we would in particular highlight the duties and rights of armed forces personnel as outlined in section VII of the Code of Conduct in paragraphs 29 to 31 in which participating States commit to, among others, instruct its armed forces personnel in international conventions and commitments governing armed conflict and about individual accountability for their actions. </span></p> <p><span>6. We have the right tool at our disposal. We need to ensure the Code is implemented properly and that all participating States fulfil their commitments. </span></p> <p><span>Thank you.</span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council ‒ 57th session<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Item 10: Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner on interim report on Haiti<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>8 October 2024</span></strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states.</span></p> <p><span>We thank the Office of the High Commissioner for the interim report and affirm our support to restoring stability, rebuilding democratic institutions, and ensuring accountability in Haiti.</span></p> <p><span>We remain gravely concerned by reports of ongoing and escalating human rights violations and abuses in Haiti.</span></p> <p><span>Violent clashes between gangs and gang attacks against unarmed actors continue to erode the country’s political environment and social fabric, intensifying the dire humanitarian situation and inflicting unimaginable suffering upon civilians.</span></p> <p><span>We are particularly alarmed by the violence’s disproportionate impact on women and children with increasing rates of sexual and gender-based violence and the active recruitment of children.</span></p> <p><span>Despite the grave and ongoing human rights challenges facing Haiti, we commend the progress made towards transitional governance arrangements. In this regard, we also welcome the progress made by the Multinational Security Support mission in restoring public security to the benefit of the Haitian people.</span></p> <p><span>These advancements are crucial to rebuild trust in democratic institutions, foster accountability, and facilitate Haiti’s path towards peace, stability and justice.</span></p> <p><span>High Commissioner,</span></p> <p><span>How can the international community assist in preserving and strengthening efforts towards transitional governance in Haiti?</span></p> <p><span>I thank you. </span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council ‒ 57th session<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Item 10: Interactive dialogue with the High Commissioner on the oral update on Ukraine<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Statement by Sweden on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>8 October 2024</span></strong></p> <p><span>Thank you, Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I have the honour of delivering this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</span></p> <p><span>In recent months, Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has reached unprecedented levels, including deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure.</span></p> <p><span>We highlight three important steps to ensure accountability:</span></p> <p><span>The first is human rights monitoring, evidence gathering and investigations, carried out by Ukrainian authorities, other states and international organisations. These include the Commission of Inquiry and the International Criminal Court, among others.</span></p> <p><span>Secondly, we welcome steps taken </span><span>to establish an international compensation mechanism for the damage that Russia’s aggression has caused. We also welcome that the Register of Damage is now operating and</span><span> </span><span>support the ongoing talks on a Claims Commission.</span></p> <p><span>Thirdly, </span><span>we must continue to uphold international law and the UN Charter and denounce aggression. We welcome the establishment and operation of the International Center for Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. We should act decisively to establish a Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.</span></p> <p><span>Those responsible in Russia must and will be held accountable.</span><span> Accountability and justice are matters of global importance. </span><span>We appreciate the High Commissioner’s relentless work in this area.</span></p> <p><span>Thank you.</span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council ‒ 57^th Session<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Item 10: Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the report of the High Commissioner on the Democratic Republic of Congo<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Statement by Sweden on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>8 October 2024</span></strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>Thank you, High Commissioner, and the Team of International Experts for your report.</span></p> <p><span>I make this statement on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states.</span></p> <p><span>The situation in the DRC is of serious concern. The escalation of the conflict related to the M23 offensive, has led to serious human rights violations, notably sexual and gender-based violence, and risks a wider regional conflict. We reiterate our call on </span><span>all armed groups to cease their activities and disarm. The presence of Rwandan troops in DRC and the support provided to the M23 by Rwanda, must end immediately, as well as all support from state actors to armed groups in the DRC, not least the FDLR.</span></p> <p><span>The fight against impunity is crucial. We closely follow the appeal trial of the murders of UN experts Zaida Catalán and Michael Sharp and the investigation into the disappearance of their four Congolese companions. The Congolese legal process is vital to hold all those responsible to account.</span></p> <p><span>Lastly, we call on the Government to reverse its decision to lift the moratorium on the death penalty. We oppose the use of the death penalty under all circumstances.</span></p> <p><span>High Commissioner</span><span>,</span></p> <p><span>How can we make sure that human rights are at the forefront of our joint efforts after the withdrawal of MONUSCO?</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>I thank you.</span></p>

<p><span><strong>Statement by H.E. Ms. Anna Johannsdottir<br /> Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations<br /> General Assembly 79th session<br /> </strong></span><strong>Second Committee – General Debate<br /> 7 October, 2024</strong></p> <div>&nbsp;</div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span>Thank you Chair.<br /> <br /> Allow me to congratulate you and the Bureau on your election and excellent work in steering the Second Committee of the 79th General Assembly. We look forward to working with you during this important session, and you may count on Iceland’s full support and engagement, also within the Bureau.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Mr. Chair.<br /> <br /> The Second Committee begins its work amid multiple global challenges, including devastating armed conflicts, growing climate crisis, increasing food insecurity and geopolitical tensions running high. This is impacting key areas of sustainable development and pushing more people into extreme poverty.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> <br /> The latest Sustainable Development Goals Report revealed a concerning lack of progress, notably nearly half the 17 targets are showing minimal or moderate progress, and progress on over one third has stalled or even regressed.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> It is evident that stronger and more effective international cooperation is needed to meet our collective targets, and it requires a concerted joint effort as well as global solidarity. It is also important to retain the delicate progress made over the last decade.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Mr. Chair.<br /> <br /> The reform of the international financial architecture is an important step towards building greater trust in the multilateral system. It needs to be more efficient, equitable and address both the challenges of present and future generations.<br /> <br /> The growing SDG financing gap is deeply concerning and there is an urgent need for a holistic approach to financing for development. We have an opportunity to secure an ambitious outcome at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development next year.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Iceland will continue to strongly support our bilateral development partners, and last year, we further increased our core funding to our UN partners. In this landscape of multiple crises, flexible and predictable funding is more important than ever.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Mr. Chair.<br /> <br /> We are also convening in the aftermath of an eventful high-level week with important actions agreed at the Summit of the Future. We have revitalized our commitments under the SDGs, and it is imperative that we bring that spirit forward during this session of the Second Committee.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Iceland welcomes the actions agreed at the Summit of the Future on eradicating poverty by investing in human capital and addressing the multidimensional nature of poverty. Eradicating poverty is essential to sustainable development, this includes food security, healthcare, and climate action. Poverty not only deprives people of basic needs but also perpetuates inequality, instability and lack of opportunities.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Iceland remains firmly committed to the 2030 Agenda and our recently adopted policy for international development cooperation is rooted in the vision of the SDGs and the Paris Agreement. The policy has an overarching goal of poverty eradication, respect for human rights and improved living standards, with an emphasis of leaving no one behind.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Mr. Chair.<br /> <br /> Human rights, gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls is an essential prerequisite for sustainable development. This is underlined in the Secretary General´s report on Women in Development, stating that gender equality must be the core of poverty eradication, social protection and labour market policies.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Iceland will continue to focus on gender equality, women’s empowerment, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and eradicating gender-based violence. Crucially, we will increase our efforts to strengthen civil rights and improve social and legal protection for LGBTQI+ persons.<br /> <br /> Mr. Chair.<br /> <br /> Iceland underlines the importance of international cooperation when it comes to addressing global environmental challenges and crises, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, as well as desertification, land and soil degradation, drought and deforestation, and their impacts on health and the environment, which are further exacerbated by persistent levels of poverty, inequality and food insecurity.<br /> <br /> The sustainable use of natural resources must be prioritised and all efforts in this regard should seek a balance between protection and preservation. Renewable energy sources, including geothermal energy, are of great importance to Iceland and we place a particular focus on eradicating energy poverty within our development cooperation.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> A healthy ocean is also a priority for us, in fact it is a matter of economic prosperity and well-being. Sustainable management of the ocean economy is critical to achieving the SDGs and it brings forth a wealth of opportunities. Iceland has advocated for the health of oceans and waters as an important part of adapting food systems to sustainable solutions, and we are proud to take part in the work of the Aquatic Blue Food Coalition.<br /> <br /> Another essential solution to food security and poverty reduction is to achieve land degradation neutrality, in accordance with target 15.3. Land restoration can play a critical role in reducing climate emissions, enhancing food security, biodiversity, water conservation and strengthening social stability. Thus, offering multiple cross-cutting solutions to many of the pressing challenges we face today.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> <br /> In this regard, there lie important opportunities in the anticipated outcomes from the upcoming COP29 in Azerbaijan, and COP16 in Colombia and Saudi Arabia later this year.<br /> <br /> Mr. Chair.<br /> <br /> Speaking of opportunities that lie ahead of us - we are about to embark on a new QCPR cycle. It is important to build on the progress made and identify areas for improvement as we set the course for the next four years.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Iceland stands ready to support and engage constructively in the work of the Second Committee and we look forward to productive discussions with all of you in the coming weeks.<br /> <br /> I thank you.</span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council ‒ 57th session<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Item 10: Interactive dialogue on technical cooperation in Honduras<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Statement by Latvia on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>7 October 2024</span></strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I have the honour of delivering this statement on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states.</span></p> <p><span>We thank the High Commissioner for his report and for the Office’s continued technical cooperation and assistance to Honduras in spite of the ongoing liquidity crisis.</span></p> <p><span>We commend the Government of Honduras’ political will to advance the human rights agenda and its continued engagement with OHCHR and the human rights mechanisms.</span></p> <p><span>However, we are concerned about the reports of continued structural challenges that persist across the country, namely widespread violence, including sexual and gender-based violence, persistent land conflicts, impunity and an extremely dangerous context for journalists and human rights defenders, particularly those defending rights to land, the environment and the rights of Indigenous Peoples.</span></p> <p><span>We are alarmed by the high number of recorded femicides and violent deaths of LGBTQI+ persons. We urge the Government to take all necessary measures to implement the OHCHR recommendations and strengthen its capacity to prevent and address sexual and gender-based violence, and to ensure that those responsible are held to account.</span></p> <p><span>Mr. Salazar,</span></p> <p><span>How can we continue supporting Honduras in strengthening investigative capacities in cases of sexual and gender-based violence?</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council ‒ 57th session<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Item 10: Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on the Central African Republic<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Statement by Norway on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>7 October 2024</span></strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states.</span></p> <p><span>We thank the Independent Expert for his dedicated efforts and report from his important work in the Central African Republic. </span></p> <p><span>We welcome the Central African Republic’s adoption of the national human rights policy. However, we remain deeply concerned about the extensive and serious human rights violations and abuses that continue to take place in the context of widespread impunity. We call on the CAR government to investigate all incidents and hold perpetrators accountable.</span></p> <p><span>Women and girls bear a disproportionate burden of negative social, economic, and environmental impacts while having less access to education, land and entrepreneurship, as well as access to justice.</span></p> <p><span>Sexual and gender-based violence is widespread. Gender-based discrimination and exclusion from public and political life remain deeply entrenched.</span></p> <p><span>As we are approaching the local elections, we call on the CAR government to hold free, transparent and fair elections ensuring that they do not lead to discrimination, exclusion or marginalization.</span></p> <p><span>President,</span></p> <p><span>How can the international community support the Central African Republic in ensuring full, effective, and meaningful participation of women in the upcoming elections, including as candidates for political offices?</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council ‒ 57th session<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Item 10: Interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert on Somalia<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Statement by Estonia on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>7 October 2024</span></strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states.</span></p> <p><span>We commend the Federal Government’s efforts to combating and mitigating climate change and preventing its impact on human rights by joining the Taskforce on Access to Climate Finance.</span></p> <p><span>Although we recognize the progress made towards fulfilling Somalia’s international human rights obligations, we remain concerned about ongoing violations and abuses of human rights and international humanitarian law, such as reports of arbitrary arrests, detentions and extrajudicial executions.</span></p> <p><span>We also share your extreme concern regarding the rights of women and girls in Somalia, and the persistence of sexual and gender-based violence, including female genital mutilation</span><span>.</span></p> <p><span>We call upon the Government to take all necessary measures to strengthen its capacity to prevent and address sexual and gender-based violence, and to ensure that survivors are protected and have access to justice and effective remedies.</span></p> <p><span>Madam Independent Expert,</span></p> <p><span>In your opinion, how can we best support your mandate particularly reporting on developments related to sexual and gender-based violence and human rights, particularly rights of children, including related to recent legislative processes?</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council ‒ 57th session<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Item 10: Interactive Dialogue on the oral update of OHCHR on technical assistance and capacity-building for South Sudan<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Statement by Norway on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>7 October 2024</span></strong></p> <p><span>President,</span></p> <p><span>On behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries, I thank the OHCHR for the update and your important work in South Sudan.</span></p> <p><span>Credible and peaceful elections are a necessary and fundamental component of a political environment that protects and promotes human rights. When South Sudan’s leaders yet again extended the transitional period agreed in the Revitalized Peace Agreement, they once more failed to deliver to the people of South Sudan their first chance to elect their own leaders.</span></p> <p><span>Armed conflict and gross human rights violations continue to be prevalent (in South Sudan). Millions of people remain displaced, deprived and traumatized. Women endure gross sexual and gender-based violence and children suffer egregious violations.</span></p> <p><span>Abuses and violations must stop, and perpetrators held accountable. We urge the transitional government to fully implement Chapter V on transitional justice.</span></p> <p><span>South Sudan’s government has failed in the past to prepare for elections. We urge South Sudan’s leaders to make genuine use of the next two years, and to make full use of the support provided by the Office, so that real progress can been achieved.</span></p> <p><span>Thank you.</span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Conseil Permanent de l’OSCE</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Vienne, 3 Octobre 2024</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Déclaration au nom des Etats membres de l’Union européenne </span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>En réponse à la présentation de la proposition de budget unifié 2025 </span></strong></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <ol> <li><span>Les Etats membres de l’Union européenne vous remercient vivement, Mme la directrice et secrétaire générale par intérim chargée des affaires courantes, pour votre présentation de la proposition de budget unifié pour 2025. </span></li> <li><span>Nos remerciements s’adressent également à la délégation maltaise, notamment à Mme Elisabeth Abela-Hampel, qui a recherché sans relâche un compromis sur la proposition de la présidence pour le budget 2024, dans un contexte difficile.</span></li> <li><span>Nous souhaitons chaleureusement la bienvenue à la délégation finlandaise, en particulier à Mme Lotta Karlsson, et formulons tous nos vœux de succès pour les négociations à venir au sein du Comité consultatif de gestion et finances.</span></li> <li><span>Les États membres de l’Union européenne tiennent à rappeler leur soutien ferme et constant au rôle de l’OSCE pour la sécurité dans toutes ses dimensions, à toutes ses institutions, à l’ensemble de ses missions et activités. Nous déplorons donc les conséquences de l’absence de budget unifié depuis le 1er janvier 2022 qui a mené à un sous-financement de la majorité des structures de l’organisation, dans un contexte de forte inflation. Plus largement, nous regrettons que le recours au mécanisme d’allocations provisoires ait créé des difficultés de gestion additionnelles pour toutes les structures de l’OSCE.</span></li> <li><span>Cette année, le Conseil permanent a déjà dû adopter deux décisions d’autorisation de dépenses supplémentaires pour éviter des déficits dans le budget des activités d’observation électorale du Bureau des Institutions démocratiques et des Droits de l’Homme et dans le budget de l’unité chargée des Conférences et des Services linguistiques du Secrétariat. S’agissant des déficits prévus dans les autres structures, nous avons pris note des mesures d’économie draconiennes mises en place par le Secrétariat début septembre et nous restons déterminés à soutenir une solution qui pourrait maintenir l'ensemble de l'organisation à flot sur le plan financier en 2024. Une telle solution devrait être conforme aux principes et aux engagements de l'OSCE et devrait couvrir toutes les structures - le Secrétariat, les institutions autonomes et les missions de terrain - dans les trois dimensions et dans l'ensemble de l'espace de l'OSCE. En effet, il ne peut y avoir d'OSCE «&nbsp;à la carte.&nbsp;» En outre, en 2023, l’organisation a eu besoin de faire appel pour la première fois de son histoire à des contributions volontaires qui ont couvert certaines dépenses de fonctionnement, afin d’éviter des déficits dans plusieurs structures causées par un niveau de financement insuffisant&nbsp;: cette solution exceptionnelle ne devrait pas devenir la norme.</span></li> <li><span>A cette occasion, nous rappelons qu’une autre solution exceptionnelle a dû être mise en place après la fermeture en 2022 de la mission de terrain de l’Organisation en Ukraine, le Coordinateur de Projets en Ukraine, du fait de la guerre d’agression russe menée contre ce pays. Le Programme de Soutien à l’Ukraine, monté sur une base extrabudgétaire, a permis de maintenir une présence de l’OSCE sur place et nous saluons le déploiement de ses activités dans des projets qui répondent aux besoins des autorités ukrainiennes et qui les aident à surmonter les immenses défis causés par cette guerre qui a bafoué les principes de l’Acte final d’Helsinki avec de graves conséquences pour la stabilité de l'ensemble de la zone et de l’organisation.</span></li> <li><span>Par ailleurs, nous regrettons que le consensus n’ait pas encore été atteint pour adopter les projets de décision sur le rapport financier et les états financiers pour les exercices se terminant le 31 décembre 2023 et le 31 décembre 2022. Les États participants qui s'opposent à cette adoption avancent des raisons sans rapport avec l'objet de ces textes. Ces décisions sont de nature technique et leur blocage ne fera qu'alourdir la charge du Secrétariat et nuire aux intérêts de tous les États participants. Sans adoption de ces décisions, le reliquat de trésorerie pour 2023 ne pourra pas être restitué aux Etats participants selon les modalités et le calendrier prévus dans le règlement financier.</span></li> <li><span>A cette occasion, nous rappelons aussi l’urgence d'adopter sans délai la proposition de la présidence en exercice maltaise pour le budget unifié 2024. Nous saluons les efforts déterminés de la présidence maltaise à cette fin. C’est dans cet esprit que nous appelons les délégations qui n’ont pas encore rejoint le consensus à soutenir cette proposition afin de privilégier l’intérêt de l’Organisation qui est l’intérêt commun de tous les États participants.</span></li> <li><span>Plus généralement, nous appelons tous les États participants à être cohérents avec les engagements pris et à fournir à l’Organisation des moyens financiers adéquats pour les mettre en œuvre, afin de permettre un fonctionnement efficace de l’OSCE dans ses trois dimensions. Nous restons convaincus que l’adoption annuelle d’un budget unifié qui prenne convenablement en considération les besoins des structures est indispensable pour assurer le bon fonctionnement de notre Organisation.</span></li> <li><span>Un budget suffisant est également la base nécessaire pour les réformes qui sont en cours dans l'organisation, y compris la revue fonctionnelle, afin d'en accroître encore l'efficacité et l'efficience. A ce titre, nous saluons le travail déjà réalisé et nous serions intéressés de connaitre le bilan d’étape qui pourrait en être tiré.</span></li> <li><span>Toutefois, les moyens financiers de l’organisation font face à un autre défi&nbsp;: plusieurs délégations ne paient pas leur contribution au budget unifié depuis deux ans, voire plus. Nous appelons ces délégations à faire preuve de responsabilité et à verser leurs contributions au budget unifié afin d'inscrire dans les actes leur attachement à l'organisation. L’absence de budget unifié et l’absence de barèmes de contribution adoptés par consensus peuvent certes créer des difficultés d’ordre juridique et technique, mais l’objectif politique d’un nécessaire soutien à l’Organisation devrait avoir la priorité et permettre de lever ces obstacles.</span></li> <li><span>Nous saluons l'intention de la nouvelle présidence finlandaise du Comité consultatif de Gestion et des Finances de travailler à une planification plus stratégique du processus budgétaire, d'en améliorer l'efficacité et d'envisager la modernisation des méthodes de travail au sein de l'Organisation. Nous soutiendrons la présidence finlandaise dans ses efforts pour adopter le budget unifié pour 2025 dans les délais impartis.</span></li> <li><span>Nous vous remercions, Mme la directrice, ainsi que tous les gestionnaires de fonds pour votre engagement pour le bien de l’organisation. </span></li> </ol>

<p style="text-align: center;"><span><strong>OSCE Forum pour la coopération en matière de sécurité N°1089 Vienna, 2 octobre 2024 </strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span><strong>Déclaration de l’UE sur la guerre d’agression russe contre l’Ukraine</strong></span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>1. Monsieur le Président, la guerre d’agression de la Russie contre l’Ukraine reste à juste titre la priorité qui définit notre travail dans ce Forum et ailleurs, et ce tant que la Russie continuera de mener une guerre injustifiable contre un autre État souverain. Le sort de l’Ukraine affecte la paix et la sécurité en Europe et dans le monde. Il n’y aura pas d’impunité pour ceux qui violent le droit international. </span></p> <p><span>2. Nous continuerons, avec détermination et diligence, à fournir à l’Ukraine un soutien politique, financier, économique, humanitaire, juridique, militaire et diplomatique aussi longtemps qu’il le faudra et aussi intensément que nécessaire. Comme l’a déclaré la semaine dernière le haut représentant de l’UE pour les affaires étrangères et la politique de sécurité, Josep Borrell, au Conseil de Sécurité de l’ONU : « L’Ukraine se défend conformément à son droit de légitime défense en vertu de la Charte des Nations Unies, et elle le fait contre un État doté de l’arme nucléaire. La communauté internationale doit rester déterminée à soutenir la liberté, l’indépendance, la souveraineté et l’intégrité territoriale de l’Ukraine à l’intérieur de ses frontières internationalement reconnues. » </span></p> <p><span>3. En se concentrant maintenant sur l'aspect militaire de ces efforts, les ministres de la Défense de l'UE ont convenu en août que la Mission d’assistance militaire de l’Union Européenne en soutien à l’Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine) formerait 15 000 soldats supplémentaires d'ici la fin de l'hiver. Avec 60 000 soldats déjà formés, l'EUMAM Ukraine a apporté une contribution importante au renforcement des capacités militaires des forces armées ukrainiennes, pour permettre à l'Ukraine de défendre son intégrité territoriale, d'exercer efficacement sa souveraineté et de protéger sa population. Les ministres ont également discuté de la question des munitions que nous continuons de livrer alors que l'industrie augmente ses capacités. 65 % du million de munitions d'artillerie promises ont déjà été livrées. </span></p> <p><span>4. Un autre effort récent est le Bureau de l’UE pour l’innovation en matière de défense, qui a débuté ses activités le mois dernier à Kiev, dans le cadre de la nouvelle stratégie industrielle européenne de défense qui reconnaît le rôle crucial de l’Ukraine en tant que partenaire de l’UE. Le rôle du Bureau consistera à promouvoir la coopération transfrontalière entre les bases technologiques et industrielles de défense ukrainienne et européenne. Il servira de point focal sur le terrain pour les partenaires ukrainiens et agira également comme centre de coordination et d’information. Son rôle inclut notamment l’identification des besoins et des capacités ukrainiennes en matière d’innovation de défense et la facilitation des initiatives conjointes et la coopération. L’UE et ses États membres, ensemble avec le Bureau de l’UE pour l’innovation en matière de défense, contribueront également à promouvoir les activités d’innovation en matière de défense en Ukraine et avec l’Ukraine, en favorisant les initiatives conjointes et en réunissant les start-ups et les innovateurs de l’UE avec l’industrie et les forces armées ukrainiennes. Une base technologique et industrielle de défense ukrainienne solide est essentielle pour la sécurité à long terme de l’Ukraine ainsi que pour sa reconstruction. </span></p> <p><span>5. Monsieur le Président, l’UE et ses États membres réitèrent que la Russie doit immédiatement mettre un terme à sa guerre d’agression non provoquée, injustifiable et illégale, mettre un terme aux souffrances et aux ravages insupportables qu’elle cause, et retirer complètement et sans condition toutes ses forces et son équipement militaire de l’ensemble du territoire ukrainien à l’intérieur de ses frontières internationalement reconnues. Nous condamnons également le soutien militaire continu apporté par la Biélorussie, l’Iran et la RPDC à la guerre d’agression de la Russie contre l’Ukraine. Nous exhortons tous les pays à ne pas fournir de soutien matériel ou autre à la guerre d’agression de la Russie, qui constitue une violation flagrante du droit international, y compris de la Charte des Nations Unies, et des principes et engagements fondamentaux de l’OSCE. </span></p> <p><span>Nous vous remercions.</span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council – 57thsession<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Item 9: Enhanced Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner and the International Independent Expert Mechanism to advance racial justice and equality in law enforcement<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>2 October 2024</span></strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states. </span></p> <p><span>We thank both the High Commissioner and the International Independent Expert Mechanism for their comprehensive reports, highlighting the importance of ensuring the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms of people of African descent, including against excessive use of force in law enforcement.</span></p> <p><span>Regrettably, systemic racism persists, and discrimination continues to be embedded within various structures, institutions, laws, policies and behaviors in many countries. </span></p> <p><span>We are alarmed by compounded challenges experienced by persons of African descent, including women, children, persons of diverse SOGIESC and persons with disabilities.</span></p> <p><span>Despite positive efforts, significant challenges prevail in combating multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination, which continue to hinder transformative, tangible and durable progress. </span></p> <p><span>These challenges must be addressed through a holistic application that addresses the root causes of systemic racism and ensures the full participation of persons of African descent in public and private life.</span></p> <p><span>Mr. High Commissioner, Madam Kuenyehia, </span></p> <p><span>How can intersectional approaches aimed at advancing racial justice and equality in law enforcement be further implemented at national levels to more efficiently address injustices and ensure accountability and redress for persons of African descent?</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>I thank you.</span></p>

<span></span> <p>The EU condemns in the strongest terms Iran’s attack against Israel which constitutes a serious threat to regional security. The EU reiterates its commitment to the security of Israel.</p> <p>Once again, a dangerous cycle of attacks and retaliations risks fuelling an uncontrollable regional escalation which is in no one’s interest. The EU remains fully committed to lower the tensions and contribute to de-escalation to avoid a dangerous regional conflict.</p> <p>The EU is and will continue to be in close contact with all actors to this end. We call on all parties to exercise utmost restraint.</p> <p>The candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Ukraine, Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Georgia, as well as the EFTA countries Iceland and Liechtenstein, members of the European Economic Area, align themselves with this statement.</p>

<p><span><strong>Joint Nordic Statement delivered by H.E. Mr. Alexander Stubb,&nbsp;<br /> President of Finland,<br /> on behalf of the Nordic countries<br /> United Nations Security Council open debate&nbsp;<br /> "Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Leadership for Peace"<br /> 25 September 2024</strong></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span>Mr. President, Excellencies, Colleagues,<br /> <br /> I speak today on behalf of the Nordic countries Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Finland.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> I will focus on three aspects of leadership - and how leadership should be used to end wars and promote peace in Ukraine, Palestine, Sudan and beyond.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> First is the fundamental importance of national leadership. The implementation of Security Council resolutions hinges upon the efforts of member states. Ultimately, most decisions on war and peace are made at the local level. The UN Charter guides all of us to resolve international disputes with words instead of weapons. We can mediate, or support the mediation efforts of others.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> For peace in Gaza, we must use our influence towards compliance with international law, a lasting ceasefire and the release of the remaining hostages. For peace in Ukraine, the aggressor must stop the war, and we must ensure accountability for this blatant violation of the UN Charter by a Permanent Member of this Council. For peace in Sudan, we must find a path towards restoring democratic governance, while meeting the urgent humanitarian needs and ending the atrocious violence against civilians.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> In all conflicts, irrespective of where they occur, we must call out serious violations of international law and support accountability.<br /> <br /> Second, it is this very Council that is entrusted with the primary responsibility for international peace and security. The Council is not always delivering what we expect from it. The veto is one part of this shortcoming. The Nordic countries maintain that the veto should be used with utmost restraint, with maximum transparency and in strict adherence to the UN Charter. The composition of the Security Council needs addressing. It should better reflect the global realities of the 21st century. Africa’s under-representation is particularly glaring. Other imbalances should also be rectified. A seat at this horseshoe is, however, not a privilege but a responsibility. A responsibility to overcome differences, rather than blaming others.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Third, inclusive leadership is our best chance for lasting peace. Peace cannot be forged among the likeminded or like-sized countries alone. We need dialogue and cooperation. Women must be able to meaningfully participate at all levels in peace processes. Young people can make a valuable contribution, and should be able to do so. After all, conflicts are endangering their lives today, as well as their future.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Finally, our ultimate aim must be not just to resolve conflicts, but to prevent them. This requires dedicated and inclusive leadership, from each and every one of us.<br /> <br /> I thank you.&nbsp;<br /> </span></p> <div>&nbsp;</div>

<p><strong>Joint Nordic Statement delivered by&nbsp;<span>H.E. Mr. Lars Løkke Rasmussen,&nbsp;<br /> Minister for Foreign Affairs of Denmark,<br /> on behalf of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden<br /> United Nations Security Council Briefing on<br /> "Maintenance of Peace and Security of Ukraine"<br /> 24 September 2024</span></strong></p> <div>&nbsp;</div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span>President,<br /> Distinguished delegates,<br /> &nbsp;<br /> I have the honour to speak on behalf of the five Nordic countries: Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden – and my own country, Denmark.<br /> <br /> First of all, I extend warm thanks to Slovenia for bringing leaders from across the world together. I also thank the Secretary-General for his insightful briefing. And to President Zelensky for outlining the situation in Ukraine – and presenting the Peace Formula.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> President, today marks two years and seven months since Russia began its full-scale illegal invasion of Ukraine. This marked a major escalation of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which started in 2014.<br /> <br /> This cannot be tolerated. It must be condemned. And Russia and its representatives must be held accountable.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Today, the Nordics would like to share three messages.<br /> <br /> Firstly, with its war of aggression, Russia is violating the most basic rules and principles of international law. It is deeply appalling that Russia, a permanent member of the Council, continues to disregard the UN Charter – the cornerstone of this institution.<br /> <br /> The vast destruction and the suffering of the Ukrainian people all stem from Russia’s choice to continue its brutal aggression.<br /> <br /> The Nordic countries will continue to seek full accountability for the crimes committed.&nbsp; Ensuring that Russia and its representatives are held to account is a shared responsibility of us all.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Secondly, we repeat that Russia’s war has grave consequences beyond the European continent.&nbsp; Earlier this month, a ship carrying grain was attacked in the Black Sea. We strongly condemn such attacks, which jeopardize global food supplies.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> President, it is deeply concerning that Russia’s systematic and damaging attacks against Ukraine’s critical infrastructure continue.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Civilians face immense hardship in Ukraine. Nearly 15 million people are already in need of humanitarian assistance.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Russia’s intensified attacks affect the lives of millions. Across all sectors of life, people lack access to water, electricity and heating – and the winter is fast approaching.<br /> <br /> Ending this will require strong, cross-regional support. We urge Member States to support Ukraine in defending its people and rebuilding its infrastructure. To uphold the UN Charter by holding Russia accountable. And to call for a fair and lasting peace.<br /> <br /> This brings me to my third point.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> We need a comprehensive – just – and sustainable peace based on international law, including the UN Charter.<br /> <br /> The Nordics firmly support President Zelensky’s Peace Formula. And we encourage all Member States to do the same.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> The Summit on Peace in June reconfirmed the strong support for the UN Charter and laid the foundation for the way forward.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Any pathway to peace in Ukraine must be grounded in the UN Charter and its key principles, including Ukraine’s sovereignty – independence – and territorial integrity.<br /> <br /> Our commitment to the UN Charter and support for Ukraine remain resolute.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Thank you, President.<br /> </span></p> <div>&nbsp;</div>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council – 57thsession<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Annual discussion on the integration of a gender perspective throughout the work of the Human Rights Council and that of its mechanisms<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Statement by Estonia on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>30 September 2024</span></strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States.</span></p> <p><span>We welcome the discussion on</span><span> the [integration of a gender perspective throughout</span><span> </span><span>the work of the Human Rights Council – a] topic that needs our consistent and relentless attention.</span></p> <p><span>First of all, we would like to congratulate the President of the Human Rights Council <em>(or</em> you<em>- if he`s chairing)</em> on the </span><span>creation of the Human Rights Council President's Advisory Board on Gender Equality. We are looking forward to hearing more about the work of the Board.</span></p> <p><span>We also commend the steps taken as to the integration of a gender perspective into the work of </span><span>commissions of inquiry </span><span>and fact-finding missions as well as the inclusion of Gender Advisers in their investigation teams.</span></p> <p><span>Nevertheless, the achievements have not been sufficient.</span><span> We must strive to do better for survivors of gender-based crimes, and for ending impunity. We need to </span><span>consider the gender dimensions of all human rights violations and to ensure a truly survivor-centred approach by preventing harm and avoiding re-victimization. </span></p> <p><span>In this regard, it is crucial that the investigative bodies have sufficient capacity and resources to carry out their mandate fully.</span></p> <p><span>Mr President,</span></p> <p><span>In the concept note for today`s discussion the need is highlighted for </span><span>a more thorough analysis on how the pre-existing gender inequalities and gender-based discrimination are exacerbated by conflict.</span></p> <p><span>What steps are foreseen in this regard?</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>Thank you.</span></p>

<p><span>Between September 27 and 29, 2024, the foreign ministers of Canada and the Nordic countries met in New York and Iqaluit, Nunavut, for the Canada-Nordic Strategic Dialogue. This meeting delivers on the commitment for foreign ministers to hold a strategic dialogue, made at the Prime Minister level meeting in Iceland, on June 26, 2023. On September 27, 2024, the foreign ministers of Canada, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden and the State Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland met in New York. On September 28 and 29, they traveled to Iqaluit, Nunavut where they were joined by the Foreign Minister of the Faroe Islands and an official from the Government of Greenland (Naalakkersuisut). In Iqaluit, Iceland was represented by the Deputy Permanent Secretary of State / Arctic Ambassador.</span></p> <p><span>Canada and the Nordic countries enjoy a strong and deepening partnership, anchored in our common democratic values, shared interests in the North Atlantic and the Arctic region, as well as our commitment to the rules-based international order, multilateral cooperation, international law, democracy, human rights, and tackling disinformation. The transatlantic relationship is key to our collective security, and we will work together to strengthen this relationship. This is the foundation upon which we commit to work pragmatically together to address complex global challenges, including those arising from challenges to the global order.</span></p> <p><span>In New York, substantive issues were discussed relating to Russia’s illegal and full-scale invasion of Ukraine, transatlantic cooperation, and the concerning developments taking place in the Middle East, including the Gaza Strip. The foreign ministers reiterated their steadfast support to Ukraine in the face of continued Russian aggression and re-affirmed their commitment to continue to provide Ukraine the means to defend itself for as long as it takes. They also condemned the hostile hybrid operations Russia conducts in response to support given to Ukraine.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>The Iqaluit portion of the Dialogue focused on Arctic issues. As Arctic nations, Canada and the Nordic countries share a deep commitment to multilateral cooperation and international law, including UNCLOS. Inclusive engagement with those who live there, including Indigenous peoples, is essential to ensure a stable, prosperous and secure Arctic region. The foreign ministers committed to work together to achieve these goals. To this end, they agreed to explore means through which to deepen security dialogue amongst all like-minded states in the Arctic.</span></p> <p><span>In Iqaluit, the delegation heard valuable perspectives from the Government of Nunavut, Inuit leaders including from Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, National Defence officials and Canadian Rangers on the context, realities and challenges experienced by northerners in the Canadian Arctic. The foreign ministers expressed their strong concern over the intensifying impacts of climate change, notably in the Arctic. They re-affirmed their commitment to work pragmatically together to address complex climate change challenges, to promote sustainable economic growth in the Arctic, to foster regional stability and to support closer collaboration, including North-to-North and Indigenous-to-Indigenous connections.</span></p> <p><span>Canada and the Nordic countries will continue to explore opportunities to deepen collaboration in addressing wildland fires in the North and securing healthy oceans and ecosystem-based resources as part of a comprehensive, knowledge-based, and sustainable approach to ocean management.</span></p> <p><span>The foreign ministers recognize that our countries possess significant deposits of critical minerals and confirm their commitment to promote the responsible development of sustainable and resilient critical mineral value chains and to work together to advance economic well-being, defence and security, infrastructure, energy security and connectivity, including in the Arctic.</span></p> <p><span>The foreign ministers agreed to continue the dialogue on shared policy priorities and to further strengthen the transatlantic cooperation between Canada and the Nordic countries.</span></p>

<p><strong>Statement by H.E. Anna Johannsdottir,<br /> Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations<br /> UNGA79 High-Level Side Event: "The Situation in Gaza and the Implementation of the Two-state Solution as the Path to Just and Comprehensive Peace"<br /> 26 September 2024</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span>Your excellencies,<br /> <br /> I thank the hosts for convening this meeting. It is timely, to say the least. As we meet here today, war is raging in the Middle East and at no time has it been more important to see concrete steps taken to actualize the two-state solution in Israel and Palestine. A political solution in the Middle East is simply overdue and without it, peace will remain elusive.<br /> <br /> Iceland has always been, and will continue to be, a strong supporter and advocate for international law and the international system. Iceland persistently condemns violations of international law. We have demanded accountability for such violations, wherever they take place.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> </span>In Israel and Palestine, Iceland has consistently called for a two-state solution and has friendly and full diplomatic relations with both.&nbsp;</p> <p><span>Iceland established diplomatic relations with Israel and supported its admission to the UN in 1949. Decades later, in 2011, the Icelandic Parliament passed a resolution in support of recognizing the State of Palestine, making Iceland the first western European state to take that step.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Let me stress that Iceland has consistently condemned in the strongest possible terms the brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks by Hamas almost one year ago, on 7 October 2023. There can be no justification for terrorism. We have also repeatedly called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> <br /> At the same time, the apparent violations of international humanitarian law in the Gaza conflict, and now in the Israeli-Hezbollah conflict as well, are unjustifiable and must end. Too many innocent lives have been lost. A humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding before our eyes in Gaza. At the same time, Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestinian territory continues, as does the injustice of Israel’s illegal settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> We all know what needs to happen. We cannot advocate for adherence to international law only for some. International law must remain our compass in this conflict, as in others.<br /> <br /> There is no better path towards peace, and the people[s] of Palestine and Israel deserve nothing less than peace.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Thank you.&nbsp;<br /> </span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council – 57thsession<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Item 5: Interactive Dialogue on the Secretary General’s report on Cooperation with the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Statement by Iceland<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>27</span></strong><strong><span> September 2024</span></strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>Iceland thanks the Office of the Secretary General for this critical and potentially life-saving report. </span></p> <p><span>Everyone has the right to access and cooperate with the United Nations and its representatives and mechanisms.</span></p> <p><span>Civil society organisations and human rights defenders are invaluable to the promotion and protection of human rights. Their work is crucial to prevent, document and address human rights violations and abuses globally.</span></p> <p><span>Continued monitoring, intimidation, and other forms of coercion and retaliation against CSOs and human rights defenders, both online and offline, by state and non-state actors, are deplorable. </span></p> <p><span>Iceland is deeply alarmed by the severe protection concerns expressed by victims of reprisals as outlined in the Secretary General’s report. The decrease in reporting, combined with victims’ increased requests for anonymity due to fear of further reprisals, shows the gravity of the situation. </span></p> <p><span>Stronger protections mechanisms are needed. If this dangerous trajectory is continued, it both undermines collective commitments and values as well as posing a significant threat to the advancement of human rights globally. </span></p> <p><span>Iceland strongly condemns <strong>all</strong> acts of intimidation and reprisals across the UN system identified in the report. </span></p> <p><span>Assistant Secretary General,</span></p> <p><span>What concrete steps can States take to better protect those who engage with the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms?</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.<br clear="all" /> </span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council – 57thsession<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states: Denmark together with Greenland, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>26 September 2024</span></strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states, </span><span>Denmark together with Greenland, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, and my own country, Iceland.</span></p> <p><span>We thank the Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples for his report on Indigenous persons with disabilities. While 16 per cent of the world’s population are persons with disabilities, the rate among Indigenous Peoples is higher. The report discusses the root causes of this disproportionality, focusing on the ongoing impacts of the structural racial discrimination and the many barriers faced by Indigenous persons with disabilities in the realization of their human rights.</span></p> <p><span>We are aware that Indigenous persons with disabilities are exposed to multiple and intersectional discrimination. To consult Indigenous Peoples on issues affecting them is key to improvement. We need to ensure the right to self-determination for persons with disabilities, and that public service are sensitive to culture and preferences. We therefore very much welcome the participation of Indigenous Peoples in today’s dialogue and appreciate hearing from them how States can best move forward to address the challenges described in the report. </span></p> <p><span>Special Rapporteur,</span></p> <p><span>How can States ensure that the experiences of Indigenous persons with disabilities on how to tackle these barriers are taken into account, despite the challenges described in your report?</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p>

<p><span>The following is the text of a joint statement by the Governments of Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, European Union, Finland, France, Germany, Georgia, Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Kingdom of Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Uruguay.</span></p> <p><span>Thirty-three countries plus the European Union and Organization of American States gathered on the margins of the UN General Assembly to discuss our grave concerns about the urgent situation in Venezuela and reiterate our support for respecting democratic principles and upholding human rights there.</span></p> <p><span>We applaud the Venezuelan people for their participation in the July 28 presidential election despite significant challenges. Over 12 million people went to the polls and exercised their right to vote. Their will, as expressed at the ballot box, must be respected. Yet nearly two months have passed since the election, and calls for electoral transparency from both Venezuelans and the international community remain unanswered. International election observers have documented their serious concerns about the transparency and integrity of the electoral process, in particular the refusal of the National Electoral Commission to release detailed and independently verifiable results from polling stations, as required.</span></p> <p><span>We remain gravely concerned by the widespread and ongoing repression as well as reported human rights abuses and violations following the election. These abuses include arbitrary arrests and detentions (including of children), deaths, denials of fair trial guarantees, and intimidation tactics against the democratic opposition and other members of civil society.&nbsp; In the context of violent repression against opposition members, a politically motivated arrest warrant issued on September 3 for presidential candidate Edmundo González Urrutia, who according to publicly available electoral records won the most votes in the July 28 election, forced him to depart the country.</span></p> <p><span>We call for the immediate release of those arbitrarily detained without respect for fair trial guarantees. It is critical that Venezuelans be allowed to express their political opinions peacefully, including through the exercise of freedom of peaceful assembly and expression, without fear of reprisal. We call for an end to the use of excessive force, political violence, and harassment against the opposition and civil society.</span></p> <p><span>We also call for the immediate return of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to Venezuela and the necessary conditions for it to fully carry out its mandate. In addition, we call on Venezuela to uphold and comply with its commitments under International Law, particularly as a party to the Caracas Convention on Diplomatic Asylum of 1954 by affording safe passage to the six asylum seekers currently residing in the official residence of the Republic of Argentina and allowing them to leave Venezuelan territory.</span></p> <p><span>Now is the time for Venezuelan political leaders to begin constructive and inclusive discussions on a transition with guarantees for both sides to resolve the country’s political impasse and restore democratic institutions peacefully in accordance with Venezuelan law, as well as the will of the people as expressed through their votes on July 28.&nbsp; We stand with the millions of Venezuelans who continue to risk their lives and well-being to demand a more democratic, prosperous, and secure future for themselves and their country.</span></p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel1127%20eu%201489pc.pdf" target="_blank">EU Statement on “Responding to Kremlin-Supported Media Organizations’ Covert Activities” (Current Issue to be raised by the US) - OSCE Permanent Council No. 1489 Vienna, 26 September 2024.</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel1125%20eu%201489pc.pdf" target="_blank">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine - OSCE Permanent Council No. 1489 Vienna, 26 September 2024.</a></span>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council – 57thsession<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Item 3&amp;5: Interactive Dialogue with Expert Mechanism on the rights of Indigenous Peoples<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Statement by Finland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states: Denmark together with Greenland, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>26 September 2024</span></strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states, Denmark together with Greenland, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, and my own country, Finland.</span></p> <p><span>At the outset, I wish to recognize the Indigenous Peoples’ representatives present in the room and joining our discussions today. We look forward to hearing your insights and good practices on how to best promote and protect the rights of Indigenous Peoples. </span></p> <p><span>We thank the Expert Mechanism on the Rights for Indigenous Peoples for all their work and have read with interest the annual report. As the Expert Mechanism does, we attach great importance to efforts to enhance the participation of Indigenous Peoples’ representatives and institutions in the work of the Human Rights Council. Indigenous Peoples have knowledge and expertise that will add legitimacy and sustainability to the decisions of the Human Rights Council. Progress has been made and must continue, and we look forward to discussions during the next intersessional meeting in October.&nbsp; We also appreciate the continued focus on the International Decade of Indigenous Languages.</span></p> <p><span>Distinguished Experts, in your view, how can we best work together to enhance Indigenous Peoples’ participation at the Human Rights Council?</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council – 57thsession<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Items 3 &amp; 5: Annual half-day panel discussion on the rights of Indigenous Peoples<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Theme: Laws, policies, judicial decisions and other measures taken by States to achieve the ends of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Statement by Denmark on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>25 September 2024</span></strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>Chairperson, Distinguished Panellists,</span></p> <p><span>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states.</span></p> <p><span>We welcome this year’s study by the Expert Mechanism on the rights of Indigenous Peoples and agree on the importance of measures taken by States to achieve the ends of the UNDRIP.</span></p> <p><span>Article 38 of the UNDRIP is fundamental to achieving the ends of the Declaration. Within the Nordic-Baltic-states there are several examples hereof, which we hope can serve as inspiration for others. These include:</span></p> <ul> <li><span>The Act on Greenland Self-Government of 2009, which is based on an agreement between the Governments of Greenland and Denmark as equal partners, and which recognises the people of Greenland as a people pursuant to international law, with the right to self-determination.</span></li> <li><span>The Act on consultation on matters concerning the Sami people, which entered into force in Sweden in 2022.</span></li> <li><span>The Sami Act in Norway, which codifies that the Sami Parliament and other representatives of Sami interests have the right to be consulted in cases that may directly affect Sami interests.</span></li> <li><span>A proposal to renew the Act on the Sámi Parliament, which has been given to the Parliament in Finland and will be dealt with by the Constitutional Law Committee shortly.</span></li> </ul> <p><span>Let me conclude by reaffirming the Nordic Baltic states’ full and firm support for the UNDRIP.</span></p> <p><span>Esteemed panellists, how can we as states contribute to raising awareness for the need to take legislative measures to achieve the ends of the Declaration?</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Human Rights Council – 57thsession<br /> </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Items 3 &amp; 5: Panel on states’ obligations on the role of the family in supporting the human rights of its members<br /> </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Statement by Finland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">25 September 2024</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mr. President,</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">I speak on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states. As trailblazers of family-friendly policies, we thank for this topical discussion. Families, in all their diversity and unique ability to foster wellbeing, have a special role in our societies.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">States should strive to recognize their diverse situations and needs. Here the importance of economic, social and cultural rights cannot be underestimated. Access to family planning and sexual and reproductive health and rights lays the foundation for a healthy start. Children’s access to quality and affordable daycare and education also means career opportunities for caregivers. Securing property and inheritance rights protects the economic rights and wellbeing of women and children, especially girls.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sadly, families, including in our own countries, can also have dark sides. Economic abuse, domestic violence, sexual and gender-based violence, including marital rape, female genital mutilation and other human rights violations that may occur in families should not go without accountability.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Distinguished panel,</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">What measures can States take to ensure a safe and supporting environment for all families, regardless of size, shape, or constellation?</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">I thank you. </span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><span><strong><span>Human Rights Council – 57th session<br /> </span></strong></span><strong>Item 4 General Debate: Human rights situations that require the Council’s attention<br /> </strong><strong>Statement by Iceland<br /> </strong><strong>24 September 2024</strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>Iceland recognizes the importance of addressing severe and escalating human rights situations that require the urgent attention of this Council.</span></p> <p><span>We are witnessing a deterioration of human rights around the world with too many states trying to justify discrimination and violence against their own citizens. </span></p> <p><span>Some of the most severe human rights violations and abuses take place during wars and armed conflicts, but as the High Commissioner has pointed out: even wars have rules and international human rights and humanitarian law have been designed precisely for moments like these - when life, dignity and our very humanity are at risk. </span></p> <p><span>In Ukraine, we witness relentless Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure, including schools and hospitals. The horrific terrorist attack by Hamas a year ago and the subsequent war in Gaza is another case in point, where civilians, not least women and children, are subject to unacceptable indiscriminate attacks, forced displacement, and deprivation of necessities on a scale not seen in the last two decades. We can name Sudan, Myanmar, and the continued rise of violent extremism in the Sahel – everywhere, civilians bear the brunt of the horrors of war. </span></p> <p><span>This Council needs to be steadfast in its response and commitment to contribute to alleviating the suffering of civilians. Peace, security and human rights go hand in hand.&nbsp; </span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council – 57thsession<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Item 4: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Statement by Latvia on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>24 September 2024</span></strong></p> <p><span>Mr President,</span></p> <p><span>I speak on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic states.</span></p> <p><span>We thank the Special Rapporteur for her report and strongly support the continuation of her mandate.</span></p> <p><span>We are gravely concerned about the dire human rights situation in Russia.</span></p> <p><span>Russia has systematically stifled dissent, silenced independent media, spread disinformation and repressed civil society organisations. Peaceful protesters face brutal crackdowns, arbitrary arrests and long prison sentences. </span></p> <p><span>Domestic repressions go hand in hand with external aggression threatening the entire international community.</span></p> <p><span>Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and blatant disregard for international law and human rights have fostered a climate of terror and fear across the country. Political prisoners, including human rights defenders, lawyers and journalists are held hostage for leverage, indigenous peoples and persons belonging to minorities are oppressed, LGBTI persons – outlawed and persecuted. </span></p> <p><span>All international instruments must be mobilised to hold Russia accountable for its grave human rights violations.</span></p> <p><span>Madam Special Rapporteur,</span></p> <p><span>How can we ensure greater international scrutiny of Russia’s human rights violations and expand access for human rights monitoring mechanisms inside Russia?</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council – 57thsession<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Item 4: Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner’s report on the human rights situation in Myanmar<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Statement by Norway on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>24 September 2024</span></strong></p> <p><span>High Commissioner, thank you. </span></p> <p><span>We, the Nordic Baltic states, remain deeply disturbed by the human rights crisis in Myanmar, which, in your own words, “continues to plumb the depths of humanity.”</span></p> <p><span>We are appalled by reports of more frequent and brutal violations and abuses committed across the country, with the military regime as the predominant perpetrator.</span></p> <p><span>More people being forced from their homes, including the Rohingya.</span></p> <p><span>More attacks targeting civilian infrastructure, including medical facilities and schools.</span></p> <p><span>More sexual and gender-based violence, including gang rape.</span></p> <p><span>Pervasive torture and ill-treatment in military facilities, including of children.</span></p> <p><span>Continued obstruction of humanitarian efforts, including a blocking of humanitarian aid.</span></p> <p><span>This must stop. We call on all parties and the military regime in particular to do everything they can to put an end to these violations and abuses.</span></p> <p><span>We reiterate the need for well-functioning accountability mechanisms, and for perpetrators to be brought to justice.</span></p> <p><span>We urge for access to be granted for your office and the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar to monitor the situation and gather information independently and impartially. </span></p> <p><span>High Commissioner,</span></p> <p><span>How is your office engaged with actors influencing the human rights situation in Myanmar?</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council – 57thsession<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Item 4: Interactive Dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Statement by Lithuania on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>24 September 2024</span></strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states.</span></p> <p><span>For almost three years Russia – a Permanent member of the Security Council – has been waging its brutal full-scale war of aggression against sovereign </span><span>Ukraine, causing immense human suffering and widespread destruction. We firmly support the work of the Commission of Inquiry documenting Russia’s outrageous violations of international law, including international human rights law.</span></p> <p><span>Full accountability must and will be ensured for atrocity crimes, including </span><span>indiscriminate and targeted attacks on civilian infrastructure and deliberate killings of Ukrainian civilians, widespread and systematic torture of civilians and prisoners of war, extrajudicial executions, arbitrary detention and sexual violence. Unlawful forcible transfer, deportation and illegal adoption of thousands of Ukrainian children, aimed at erasing their national identity, indoctrination and militarization, cannot go unpunished.</span></p> <p><span>There will be no just, lasting and sustainable peace without </span><span>holding Russia’s highest political and military leadership accountable for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. We urge all States to step up efforts to establish as soon as possible a Special Tribunal that would respect international law and enjoy broad cross-regional support.</span></p> <p><span>As I conclude, we would appreciate </span><span>your insights on how the evidence you have gathered could contribute to the work of the ICC and of the future Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine?</span></p> <p><span>I thank you. </span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council – 57thsession<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Item 4: Interactive Dialogue with the Group of independent experts on Belarus<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Statement by Finland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>23 September 2024</span></strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>On behalf of the Nordic Baltic states, I thank the independent experts for this update. We highly respect his vital work in collecting evidence of human rights violations and abuses in Belarus.</span></p> <p><span>We remain deeply concerned about the deteriorating human rights situation and strongly condemn the continuing persecution and intimidation campaigns against all segments of Belarusian society. </span></p> <p><span>We stand with the people of Belarus in their demand for democracy. We support the determined and courageous work of Viasna and other civil society organisations, despite brutal repressions.</span></p> <p><span>We urge the State to immediately cease the systemic oppression. We condemn torture and other ill-treatment of political prisoners and call for their immediate and unconditional release, and effective rehabilitation. </span></p> <p><span>We strongly condemn Belarus’ continued support to Russia in its war of aggression against Ukraine. We call for Belarus to end its complicity in the illegal deportation, forcible transfer and re-education of Ukrainian children by Russia. </span></p> <p><span>As the situation keeps deteriorating, what avenues do you see for accountability and reparation for victims?</span></p> <p><span>I thank you. </span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council ‒ 57th session<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Item 4: Interactive Dialogue with Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>23 September 2024</span></strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states. </span></p> <p><span>We strongly support the mandate of the Commission of Inquiry and its work, including its latest report. </span></p> <p><span>Humanitarian needs in the Syrian Arab Republic are at its highest since the start of the conflict in 2011 with a record number of persons in need of whom thirteen million face severe food insecurity. </span><span>Safe, full, unhindered and sustained humanitarian access is imperative.</span></p> <p><span>Despite the ICJ order of 16 November, we are alarmed by reports of deaths, torture and ill-treatment of detainees, including sexual and gender-based violence. We demand an end to violations and abuses of international human rights law and international humanitarian law by all parties.</span></p> <p><span>The critical situation in Syria is exacerbated by indiscriminate and direct attacks by the Syrian Government, and its allies, against civilians and civilian objects and densely populated urban areas.</span></p> <p><span>We urge all relevant actors to cease indiscriminate and direct attacks on civilians and civilian objects, and to take all precautions to curtail harm to civilians. </span><span>Heightened regional tensions resulting from the conflict in Gaza has led to intensified military operations.</span></p> <p><span>We reiterate our full support for international accountability mechanisms, including the IIIM. Those responsible for crimes committed against the people of Syria must be held accountable.</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span>This statement is delivered on behalf of Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Sweden, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>We reaffirm our full support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span> Sixteen years since the Russian Federation’s military invasion of Georgia, we remain deeply concerned over the continued occupation of Georgia’s regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and underline the need for the peaceful resolution of the conflict based on full respect for international law and commitments, including the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>We condemn Russia’s military aggression against Georgia in 2008 in blatant violation of international law and express our concern that Georgia has been a target of Russia’s hybrid tactics as well as conventional warfare ever since regaining its independence. We express our deep concern over Russia’s ongoing illegal military presence as well as military exercises and violation of airspace in Georgia’s Abkhazia and South Ossetia regions. We also reiterate our condemnation of Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine.&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>We welcome Georgia’s compliance with the EU-mediated 12 August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement. We call upon Russia to fulfil immediately its clear obligation under the Ceasefire Agreement to withdraw its forces to pre-conflict positions, as well as its commitments to allow unfettered access for the delivery of humanitarian assistance and not to impede creation of international security arrangements on the ground. We call upon Russia to reverse its recognition of the so-called independence of Georgia’s Abkhazia and South Ossetia regions and to ensure safe and dignified return of all internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees to their homes in a manner consistent with applicable international law.&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>We condemn the steps aiming to incorporate Georgia’s regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia into Russia’s political, military, social, economic, judicial and other spheres, including attempts at implementation of the so-called integration and alliance treaties between Russia and Georgia’s Abkhazia and South Ossetia regions, which constitute a clear violation of international law by the Russian Federation and directly contradict OSCE commitments. We further condemn transferring Sokhumi airport to Russia for reconstruction, and steps taken to establish a permanent Russian naval base in Ochamchire, conducting Russian presidential elections in Abkhazia and South Ossetia regions of Georgia in March 2024 and so-called parliamentary elections in South Ossetia region of Georgia in June 2024. We are concerned over hampering the activities of international organizations operating on the ground and restricting the confidence building efforts. We urge Russia to reverse its steps to incorporate Georgia’s regions into its own government structures.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>We note the January 2021 judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in the case concerning the armed conflict between the Russian Federation and Georgia in August 2008 and its consequences, including its findings that Russia has exercised effective control over Georgia's regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia following the 12 August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement, including through its military presence. The Court established the responsibility of Russia for grave human rights violations in those regions. Moreover, the European Court of Human Rights adopted another judgment on the case “Mamasakhlisi and Others v. Georgia and Russia” on 7 March, 2023, which confirmed the effective control of the Russian Federation over the Abkhazia region of Georgia even before Russia’s war against Georgia in August 2008, and its full responsibility for human rights violations in the occupied region. We recall the decision of the ECHR of 28 April 2023, which ordered the Russian Federation to pay up to 130 million Euros in favour of conflict-affected Georgian citizens. We note the two ECHR judgments of December 19, 2023 - one defining the responsibility of Russia for the killing of Georgian citizen Giga Otkhozoria, and the other affirming Russia’s responsibility for the illegal detentions of Georgian citizens in Abkhazia region of Georgia. In its most recent ruling on April 9, 2024, the ECHR confirmed multiple violations of the European Convention on Human Rights caused by unlawful “borderisation” by the Russian Federation. We call on the Russian Federation to fully comply with these judgments, including by allowing IDPs to return to their homes in safety and dignity.&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>We also note the decision of the International Criminal Court (ICC) of 2022 that issued arrest warrants for war crimes committed against civilians perceived to be ethnic Georgian during Russia’s invasion in 2008 and note the alleged role of the Russian military official uncovered by the investigation. We call on Russia to cooperate with the ICC.&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>We are concerned over the continuous discrimination against Georgians on the grounds of ethnicity in Georgia’s Abkhazia and South Ossetia regions and abuses, including severe restrictions on the enjoyment of rights related to freedom of movement, education, residence and property, particularly in connection with the destruction of the houses of IDPs. We condemn the decision to replace instruction in Georgian language with Russian in schools in both occupied regions. We also condemn obliteration and alteration of Georgian features from the Georgian cultural heritage monuments in both regions. We call on the Russian Federation to enable full and unhindered access by international human rights organisations to the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>We are particularly concerned over the ongoing installation of barbed wire fences and other artificial barriers along the administrative boundary line (ABL) and by the closure of so-called crossing points in the South Ossetia region of Georgia for the last five years. The partial and temporary re-opening of the so-called crossing points cannot be viewed as satisfactory. All so-called crossing points with Abkhazia and South Ossetia regions of Georgia must be reopened for all Georgian citizens residing on both sides of the ABLs.&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>Isolation and continuous restrictions on freedom of movement have further destabilised the situation on the ground and severely impacted the security, safety, well-being, and humanitarian conditions of civilians in conflict-affected areas, preventing their access to family, property, agricultural lands, religious sites and cemeteries as well as Georgian government issued pensions, the free healthcare services and education available in Georgian Government controlled territory. This creates a risk for further depopulation of both regions.&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>We express deep concern over the killings of two innocent Georgian citizens Tamaz Ginturi brutally shot by Russian forces in November 2023 near Lomisi Church in the village of Kirbali, Gori municipality and Vitali Karbaia, beaten to death at the so-called police station in Gali, Abkhazia region in December 2023. We also strongly condemn the killings of Georgian citizens Archil Tatunashvili, Giga Otkhozoria, and Davit Basharuli, and express concern for the death of Irakli Kvaratskhelia in illegal detention at the Russian military base in Abkhazia region. We urge Russia to remove any obstacles to bringing the perpetrators to justice. In this context, we reiterate our support for Georgia’s preventive steps aimed at eradicating impunity and note the OtkhozoriaTatunashvili List adopted by the government of Georgia.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>We remain deeply concerned by ongoing arbitrary detentions around the ABL involving vulnerable groups, and in some cases people with severe health problems. We, call for the immediate and unconditional release of Irakli Bebua, Kristine Takalandze, Asmat Tavadze, and all those under arbitrary detention.&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>We support the effective continuation of the Geneva International Discussions (GID), as the only format with the Russian Federation to address implementation of the EU-mediated 12 August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement, as well as the security, human rights, and humanitarian challenges stemming from Russia’s invasion of Georgia in August 2008. We underline the necessity of progress on the core issues of the discussions, including on the non-use of force, establishing international security arrangements in Georgia’s Abkhazia and South Ossetia regions and ensuring the safe, dignified, and voluntary return of IDPs and refugees in accordance with international law. We regret the permanent disruption of the GID rounds due to walk-outs by participants from Russia and the de facto authorities at the agenda item on IDPs and refugees. We strongly support applying the Women, Peace and Security agenda in the GID in order to facilitate inclusive and sustainable peace and security on the ground.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>We express our support for the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanisms (IPRMs) in Ergneti and Gali and emphasise the important role they can have in preventing any escalation of the conflict and in helping to protect the safety and security of people on the ground. We express our great concern over the lengthy suspension of the Gali IPRM and urge its resumption without further delay or pre-conditions, in line with the ground rules.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>We reaffirm our unwavering support for the EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM) and call upon Russia to allow the EUMM to implement its mandate in full, including by enabling the EUMM’s access in Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>We support the Georgian government’s policy of peaceful settlement of Russia-Georgia conflict and active work on reconciliation and engagement programmes, including “A Step to a Better Future” peace initiative and its supplement “A peace fund for a better future”, aimed at improving the humanitarian and socio-economic conditions of people residing in Georgia’s Abkhazia and South Ossetia regions and at fostering confidence building among divided communities and stand ready to support.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>We encourage the OSCE’s engagement in the process of finding a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Georgia conflict. We regret the closure of the OSCE mission to Georgia in 2009 and encourage the OSCE participating States to decide on the reopening of the OSCE cross-dimensional mission in Georgia, including a monitoring capacity able to operate unhindered across the ABLs. The reopening of the mission would strengthen considerably the OSCE’s engagement in the GID and IPRMs. Furthermore, the re-establishment of a field mission would support the OSCE's work in every phase of the conflict cycle.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>The Group of Friends of Georgia will continue to raise awareness of the conflict and of developments on the ground, hold Russia accountable for its obligations and commitments, and advocate for the conflict’s peaceful resolution.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;<span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council ‒ 57th session<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Item 4: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Burundi<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>23 September 2024</span></strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states. </span></p> <p><span>We thank the Special Rapporteur for his comprehensive report.</span></p> <p><span>We remain deeply alarmed by serious human rights violations and abuses in Burundi that continue to take place in the context of widespread impunity for past atrocities and ongoing violations and abuses. </span></p> <p><span>These human rights violations include extrajudicial executions, acts of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, sexual and gender-based violence, and undue restrictions on freedoms of opinion, expression, peaceful assembly and association.</span></p> <p><span>As Burundi approaches its 2025 legislative elections, shrinking civic space combined with violence and intimidation, pose a significant threat to free political participation and further highlight the need for concrete and immediate action to protect human rights and ensure accountability.</span></p> <p><span>At this critical juncture, we urge the Government of Burundi to collaborate effectively with the United Nations mechanisms, including the Special Rapporteur.</span></p> <p><span>In doing so, Burundi can take concrete steps towards ending impunity, addressing human rights violations and abuses, and embark on a crucial shift towards a future guided by respect for human rights. </span></p> <p><span>Mr. Special Rapporteur, </span></p> <p><span>How can the international community support Burundi in ensuring fair and inclusive elections?</span></p> <p><span>I thank you. </span></p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel1088%20eu%201488pc.pdf" target="_blank">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine -&nbsp;<span>OSCE Permanent Council No. 1488 Vienna, 19 September 2024.</span></a></span>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Thank you, Madam Chair. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I have the honour of delivering this statement on behalf of Canada, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and my own country, the United Kingdom.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">30 August marked the annual International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances. As such, at today’s Permanent Council, we would like to state our strong condemnation of enforced disappearances.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to ending this serious human rights violation. In addition, we recall and reiterate the OSCE commitments we all made in adopting the 2020 Tirana Ministerial Council Decision on the Prevention and Eradication of Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman Degrading Treatment or Punishment.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Testimonies collected by this year’s Moscow Mechanism experts, international organisations and civil society actors suggest that the Russian Federation has consistently and deliberately used incommunicado detention with respect to Ukrainian civilians. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-size: 8pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">In some cases the Moscow Mechanism experts found that family members had received no information about detained family members for periods of more than two years.&nbsp; <a>In these circumstances, they concluded that the Russian Federation had violated the absolute prohibition on incommunicado detention and enforced disappearances under international humanitarian law and international human rights law.&nbsp;</a></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a></a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;">We unreservedly condemn the actions of the Russian authorities. Russia must confirm who it is holding, where, and why. It must also comply with its obligation to grant unhindered access to the ICRC and other appropriate humanitarian organisations. Russia must cease committing enforced disappearances and release all of those who have been detained in contravention of international law. Or, to repeat the Moscow Mechanism experts’ recommendation to the Russian Federation, Russia must:</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">“Immediately cease the practice of holding people incommunicado and/or subjecting them to enforced disappearances … ensure that persons deprived of their liberty are held only in an officially recognized places of detention and accurate information on the detention of such persons and their place or places of detention … is made promptly available to their family members, their counsel or to any other persons having a legitimate interest in the information”.</span></em></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Enforced disappearance is inexcusable and despicable, wherever and whenever it takes place in our region. We express serious concern about enforced disappearances in Turkmenistan and call on Turkmenistan to uphold its OSCE commitments in this regard.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;">In closing, we jointly reaffirm our commitment to ending enforced disappearances. We stand in solidarity with the victims and survivors of enforced disappearances, as well as their loved ones, in Ukraine, across the OSCE region and around the world.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span>Thank you, Madam Chair. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>I am delivering this statement on behalf of the following participating States, who are members of the Informal Group of Friends of Democratic Belarus: Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czechia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, the United States, and my own country, Iceland. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>The following participating States are also joining this statement: Albania, Austria, Liechtenstein, Moldova.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>August 9 marked four years since the fraudulent presidential election in Belarus. Despite the lack of a democratic mandate from his country’s citizens, Alyaksandr Lukashenka declared himself the winner and ensconced himself for a sixth term in office. Authorities responded to the peaceful protests that sprung up across the country with widespread and brutal crackdowns. Security forces arrested and imprisoned thousands of Belarusians, including mothers and fathers, teachers, students, tradespeople, human rights defenders, journalists, pensioners, and others, many of whom reported being subjected to torture and ill-treatment. Those demanding new, free and fair elections were labelled “extremists” and, according to the amendments to the Criminal Code, may even face the death penalty.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>In the four years since that fateful day, Belarusian authorities have only intensified the repression that has accompanied Lukashenka’s complete disregard for democratic principles and the will of the people. Authorities have unjustly detained tens of thousands of Belarusian citizens, simply for exercising their human rights and fundamental freedoms. According to Human Rights Center Viasna, Belarus has convicted at least 5,400 people in politically motivated criminal cases. Despite some recent releases, approximately 1,400 political prisoners remain behind bars, although the real number is likely much higher. Since July 11, when a group of 38 participating States invoked the Vienna Mechanism to inquire about the conditions of detained prisoners, Belarus has refused to provide any response to the questions raised. Belarus has also failed to comply with the recommendations of the 2020 and 2023 Moscow Mechanism expert missions’ reports.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>Madam Chair, we call for the immediate and unconditional release of the roughly 1,400 political prisoners and a large-scale reform of existing laws to end systemic political repression in Belarus. We call on the Belarusian authorities to fully implement their international obligations and OSCE commitments, including by taking all necessary steps to create conditions for free, fair, and democratic elections. 3 We also urge them to implement the recommendations in the 2023 Moscow Mechanism report, including but not limited to: </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Bringing criminal and administrative codes into full compliance with international obligations and commitments; and </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Repealing laws targeting independent organizations and media for political purposes.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>In the meantime, we will continue to speak out about the horrible repression taking place in Belarus, engage with Belarusian civil society to promote accountability for human rights violations, and support international efforts to hold the perpetrators to account. The Belarusian people’s refusal to be muzzled and their continued call – even at great personal risk – for democratic elections and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms are a testament to their strength, bravery, and resilience.&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>Thank you, Madam Chair.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="text-align: center;"><span><strong>EU Statement on Agenda item 2 (d): Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition </strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span><strong>Twelfth session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) </strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span><strong>Vienna, 14-18 September 2024</strong></span></p> <p><span>Distinguished President, </span></p> <p><span>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its Member States. […] President, Each and every region in the world is affected by the proliferation of illicit firearms and ammunition that fuel transnational organised crime, terrorism, conflicts and violence. In Europe, some cities are experiencing increasing gang violence involving firearms. In this regard, the Firearms Protocol remains a key international instrument to prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit manufacturing of and trafficking in firearms, their parts and components and ammunition. </span></p> <p><span>The EU greatly appreciates UNODC’s legislative and technical assistance to States, training for investigation and prosecution, and other capacity building activities to facilitate the implementation of the Firearms Protocol. We are supporting multiple projects with the EU Global Illicit Flows Programme [GIFP], such as the UNODC’s Countering Firearms Trafficking Project and Project DISRUPT. </span></p> <p><span>Most EU activities are implemented with the help of regional organisations, such as the League of Arab States in the MENA region or the Organisation of American States in Latin America. In the Western Balkans, the EU supports a comprehensive Roadmap with the aim to significantly reduce the illicit flows of firearms, ammunition and explosives, which has recently been extended beyond 2024. The goals of this regional Roadmap are aligned with the goals of the current EU Action Plan on firearms trafficking.</span></p> <p><span> Furthermore, the EU is a longstanding supporter of the Arms Trade Treaty and the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons. We encourage further synergies between relevant international instruments to ensure their effective implementation, further involvement of civil society, and the integration of a gender perspective in all activities. </span></p> <p><span>Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has increased the threat of illicit firearms trafficking to the EU as well as to other regions. The EU continues to condemn in the strongest possible terms Russia’s violations of international law and calls on Russia to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. We recall that Ukraine has an inherent right of self-defence, in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter and the right to acquire legitimate means with which to defend itself. </span></p> <p><span>President, </span></p> <p><span>Over the last two years, we have been reviewing the EU Regulation [258/2012] that implements Article 10 of the Firearms Protocol, setting out the general requirements for export, import and transit licencing or authorisation systems. Last spring, a political agreement was reached in Brussels to update the Regulation. This revision will bring about new rules harmonising all EU procedures on import, export and transit of firearms for civilian use. These procedures will be fully digital and will reinforce the secure movements of firearms and their traceability. The new rules also establish a simplified procedure for the temporary import and export of firearms for hunters, sport shooters, historical reenactors and exhibitors. There will be a stricter application of the technical standards for alarm and signal weapons, stricter rules on semi-finished firearms components, and measures to better control the final destination of firearms exported by European manufactures. </span></p> <p><span>The convertibility of alarm and signal weapons poses a well-documented threat. In 2019, the EU established technical standards for these weapons, which could serve as a useful reference for future discussions at the UN level. </span></p> <p><span>Lastly, the EU has focused on the implementation of Article 5 of the UN Firearms Protocol. We have evaluated the criminalisation of offenses related to firearms in the EU Member States and started the preparation of a legislative initiative. The aim is to establish minimum common criminal law standards, and also specifically criminalise the use of blueprints to illegally manufacture firearms with 3D technology. Next to the three offences mentioned in Article 5 of the Firearms Protocol, we will explore the need for minimum EU common criminal law standards for all offences mentioned in the UN legislative guide for the implementation of the Protocol. </span></p> <p><span>Thank you, President.&nbsp;</span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council – 57thsession<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Item 3: Panel Discussion on quality education for peace and tolerance for every child<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Statement by Lithuania on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>18 September 2024</span></strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President, </span></p> <p><span>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states.</span></p> <p><span>Thank you for convening the discussion on how to develop accessible, inclusive, equitable and quality education for peace and tolerance for every child.</span></p> <p><span>Education plays a pivotal role in cultivating peace and nurturing political leadership that prioritizes empathy and critical thinking. We welcome UNESCO's Recommendation on Education for Peace and Human Rights which outlines the need for education systems to evolve to foster global citizenship and sustainable development. Participation of children in peace-making processes should be one of the key elements in this regard. We need to acknowledge their unique perspectives and potential contributions to peace.</span></p> <p><span>In addition, many girls and women cannot exercise their right to education due to gender inequality. With over 130 million girls denied education globally, it is imperative to take concrete steps to rectify gender disparities and ensure the fundamental right to education for all, without discrimination. These efforts are not only about achieving gender parity but also about empowering girls and young women, in all their diversity, to be agents of change in their communities and beyond. Education, therefore, is not just a pathway to individual development but a cornerstone for building peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable societies.</span></p> <p><span>Dear Panellists,</span></p> <p><span>What can be done to support education leaders to develop curricula that build peace and prevent all forms of violence and human rights violations?</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council – 57thsession<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the right to development<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Statement by Lithuania on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>17 September 2024</span></strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states.</span></p> <p><span>Mr. Special Rapporteur,</span></p> <p><span>The right to development is rooted in the universality, indivisibility, interrelation, and interdependence of all human rights.</span></p> <p><span>As indicated in your latest report, the right to development from the perspective of children has, to date, received inadequate attention. Children worldwide continue to face numerous challenges. Lack of access to education and care, malnutrition, human trafficking, sexual violence and exploitation, injuries and deaths during armed conflicts hinder their ability to fully enjoy the right to development.</span></p> <p><span>By endorsing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, present generations need to take seriously the right to development of future generations. Development positively contributes to the enjoyment of all human rights when implemented in accordance with international human rights norms and principles. Therefore, children and future generations must not be left behind.</span></p> <p><span>Mr. Special Rapporteur,</span></p> <p><span>Children and future generations will experience disproportionate impacts of climate change, armed conflicts, food insecurities and other challenges even though they have minimal opportunities to mitigate these effects. What are best ways to enable children to meaningfully contribute to the implementation of the right to development compliant with human rights?</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council ‒ 57th session<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Working Group on arbitrary detention<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>17 September 2024</span></strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states. </span></p> <p><span>We thank the Working Group for its comprehensive report and commend its efforts to address the issue of arbitrary detention.</span></p> <p><span>Arbitrary detention runs counter to the standards set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and directly undermines the irrefutable right to life, liberty and security. Due process must always be ensured, and the deprivation of liberty must be adequate, necessary and proportionate. </span></p> <p><span>We strongly echo the calls of the Working Group to bring arbitrary detention to an end, and to cease the use of detention as a tool against political opponents, dissidents, human rights defenders, journalists and other individuals exercising their civil and political rights. </span></p> <p><span>We appreciate the efforts of Governments that engage positively with the mandate of the Working Group and we strongly condemn any government’s act of intimidation or reprisals against those who have sought to cooperate with the United Nations and, its mechanisms. </span></p> <p><span>All individuals who are arbitrarily detained must urgently be released and provided with appropriate remedies and reparations. States must strive to end all arbitrary detention, once and for all. </span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council ‒ 57th session<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Statement by Denmark on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>16 September 2024</span></strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states.</span></p> <p><span>We highly appreciate the work done by the Working Group </span><span>despite the financial challenges.</span></p> <p><span>Your thematic report documents for the first time the systematic interrelation between enforced disappearances and elections. As 2024 is a global election year, we see the need to strengthen the integrity of electoral processes. However, enforced disappearances of participants in elections, often with states’ involvement or compliance, remains a concern. Participants are stripped of their legal protections, and cases often remain unresolved. Such incidents are used to intimidate or limit political opposition. Protecting all human rights, including the right to take part in public affairs and to vote in elections, is essential for the legitimacy of all electoral outcome.</span></p> <p><span>We also share the Working Group’s concern regarding growing numbers of reports about enforced disappearances in the context of armed conflicts. Such systematic practice of enforced disappearance may constitute a crime against humanity. Accountability for such acts is crucial, as it serves justice and acts as a deterrent against future violations. We must continue working towards eradicating enforced disappearances and provide reparations to victims and their families, and ensure that all human rights violators and abusers are held accountable.</span></p> <p><span>Dear Panellists,</span></p> <p><span>What are the most effective measures to prevent enforced disappearances?</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council ‒ 57th session<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Statement by Finland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>16 September 2024</span></strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states.</span></p> <p><span>We thank the Special Rapporteur for his report. The rights to safe and clean drinking water and sanitation belong to all, without discrimination. The realization of these rights requires strong national legislation and consistent monitoring. </span></p> <p><span>We support the report’s emphasis on a sustainable, human rights-based approach to water management. More than a quarter of the world’s population lack access to safely managed drinking water. Women and girls as well as persons with disabilities are among those disproportionately affected.</span></p> <p><span>Inequalities in access to water supply and sanitation services can lead to conflict. However, with collaborative and human rights-based management, water can also be source of peace. </span></p> <p><span>We must ensure that&nbsp;</span><span>water,</span><span>&nbsp;sanitation and hygiene systems are designed and implemented using a gender and disability inclusive approach.</span></p> <p><span>How can we make sure that water resources are managed in a way that addresses the root causes of gender inequality and protects and promotes sexual and reproductive health and rights?</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council ‒ 57th session<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Item 3: Interactive Dialogue on the Secretary General’s analytical study on climate change<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Statement by Denmark on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>13 September 2024</span></strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states.</span></p> <p><span>We thank the Secretary-General for his study, which highlights that loss and damage from the adverse effects of climate change may include broad and increasing harms to the enjoyment of a wide range of human rights. Therefore, the need to scale up averting, minimizing, and addressing loss and damage associated with the adverse effects of climate change is increasingly urgent.</span></p> <p><span>While tackling the root causes of climate change and building long-term resilience remain of paramount importance, it is crucial to design more context-specific actions and integrate human rights principles into international and national climate change policy-making.</span></p> <p><span>The strategies and actions need to be human rights based, gender responsive and inclusive, especially towards those living at the frontline of climate change, including Indigenous Peoples, women and children.</span></p> <p><span>We strongly support the ongoing international efforts to find innovative sources for the climate finance to help most vulnerable countries and communities deal with the full spectrum of climate impacts, through accelerated adaptation action and averting, minimizing and addressing economic and non-economic loss and damage. In this context, we underline the importance of the swift operationalisation of the new Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage.</span></p> <p><span>How can we ensure that the voices of civil society, NGOs, Indigenous Peoples, and environmental human rights defenders are taken into account in climate change policy-making?</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span><strong>Joint Nordic statement delivered by H.E. Anna Karin Eneström,<br /> Permanent Representative of Sweden<br /> United Nations Security Council Briefing on&nbsp;<br /> "Maintenance of Peace and Security of Ukraine"<br /> </strong></span><strong>10 September 2024</strong></p> <div>&nbsp;</div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span>Thank you, President.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> I have the honour to speak on behalf of the five Nordic countries, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway – and my own country, Sweden.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> We thank OCHA for its briefing, and for shedding light on yet another horrendous wave of Russian attacks on civilians and civilian objects in Ukraine, including residential buildings, hospitals, water treatment plants, places of worship, schools and playgrounds.<br /> <br /> President, in its war of aggression, Russia has chosen terror to achieve its political goal: the subjugation of Ukraine, and the annexation of sovereign Ukrainian territory.&nbsp;<br /> This blatant disregard for international law and human lives requires the strongest of condemnations. It requires that those responsible are held to account, and that the international community remains firm in its support for a just and sustainable peace in line with international law, the UN charter and relevant GA-resolutions.<br /> <br /> President, for years, in this very chamber, we’ve heard Russia’s attempts to justify its aggression. We’ve heard that Ukraine, NATO or “the West” in general were poised to launch an attack on Russia. We’ve heard the Russian stories about killer mosquitoes, secret nuclear programmes, or bio-labs in Ukraine.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> In reality, all these Russian claims were made to sow confusion and hide the simple truth that the Ukrainian people had chosen something that the Kremlin feared more than anything else: democracy, liberty and justice.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> For Kremlin, the uncomfortable truth is that there is no Russophobic conspiracy.&nbsp;<br /> What there is, is an overwhelming global majority of UN member states that seek to uphold international law and the UN Charter. A majority that seeks to protect the inviolability of sovereignty and territorial integrity. A majority that refuses to accept spheres of influence, or that might makes right.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> President, to our Ukrainian friends, and to the rest of the world, we have but one message: we will stand by Ukraine for as long as it takes. President Zelensky’s ten-point peace plan is a sustainable path towards peace, and it should continue to enjoy global support.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> To Russia we say this: leave Ukraine. Choose a future where the great potential of the Russian people is used to advance mankind, not bomb its neighbours.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Until a comprehensive, just and sustainable peace has been reached in line with international law and the UN charter, we demand that Russia ensures safe, timely and unimpeded humanitarian access to the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. We demand that you allow UN inspectors to verify your unsubstantiated claims of civilian casualties. And we demand you allow the UN and the ICRC to visit Ukrainian prisoners of war. International humanitarian law requires it.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Thank you.<br /> </span></p> <div>&nbsp;</div>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council – 57th session<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Item 2: Annual report of HC for Human Rights and report of OHCHR and SG<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>General Debate on High Commissioner’s Oral Update<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Statement by Iceland<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>11 September 2024</span></strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>We thank the High Commissioner for his troubling account that highlights the increasingly precarious situation of human rights globally and the dire need for an immediate and collective response. </span></p> <p><span>In every region of the world, grave human rights violations and abuses are taking place, resulting in irrevocable harm that disproportionately affects those who bear the least responsibility. </span></p> <p><span>This dire situation must be addressed through the international multilateral system, which is the cornerstone for peace, stability and universal respect for human rights. </span></p> <p><span>International cooperation, transparency, and dialogue are the means through which we generate positive change and strive to uphold the commitments we have made to promote and protect human rights and human dignity. </span></p> <p><span>These commitments transcend borders and bind us together in our shared responsibility to uphold human rights, both within and between States. They unite us and cannot be undermined by deep-seated power dynamics, violence and injustices.&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></p> <p><span>Mr. President, </span></p> <p><span>As we navigate turbulent times, we must lead with empathy, grounded in compassion and our shared humanity. </span></p> <p><span>It is incumbent upon this Council to act decisively to counter prevailing threats to human rights. Only through solidarity and cooperation can we avert further erosion of human rights and create lasting change. </span></p> <p><span>I thank you. </span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council – 57thsession<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Item 2: Enhanced Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner on the situation of human rights in the Sudan<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Statement by Norway on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>10 September 2024</span></strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>The Nordic Baltic states thank the Fact-Finding Mission for its report and welcome its conclusions and recommendations. We regret that it has been hampered by the UN liquidity crisis.</span></p> <p><span>The people of Sudan still face a catastrophic humanitarian and human rights crisis. Millions of people have been displaced. Famine has been confirmed in the Zamzam camp in North Darfur. Continued and credible reports of serious violations and abuses committed by both parties are deeply disturbing. They include targeting of civilians, ethnically motivated violence, sexual and gender-based violence, arbitrary arrests and detentions.</span></p> <p><span>We strongly urge the parties to agree to a sustained ceasefire, and to fulfil their obligations under international human rights law and international humanitarian law. Safe and unhindered humanitarian access must be ensured to and within all of Sudan. Civilians must be protected.</span></p> <p><span>The FFM has a unique role to play with respect to future accountability regardless of who the perpetrators might be. It investigates human rights violations and abuses, as well as violations of international humanitarian law, independently and impartially. Only through accountability can we break the cycle of violence that has ridden Sudan for too long.</span></p> <p><span>The FFM has not been granted access to Sudan. We encourage all parties to engage with the Mission, and regional countries to welcome it.</span></p> <p><span>In light of these challenges, what assistance from States is most needed to ensure effective investigations of violations and abuses in Sudan?</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council – 57thsession<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Item 2: Interactive Dialogue on the Report of the High Commissioner on Nicaragua<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Statement by Latvia on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>9 September 2024</span></strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states. We thank the High Commissioner for the latest report on the human rights situation in Nicaragua. </span></p> <p><span>We reiterate once again our call on the Nicaraguan authorities to return to rule of law and full respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms, in line with Nicaragua’s international obligations. </span></p> <p><span>We acknowledge the release of 135 political prisoners, under the US-brokered agreement. Yet, the continuous suppression of any critical manifestation of the rights to freedom of expression, meaningful assembly and association, and ongoing arbitrary detentions in the country remain of grave concern. </span></p> <p><span>We are alarmed by the recent decision of the Nicaraguan authorities to close over 1,500 non-governmental organizations that has led to cancellation of the legal status of more than 5,000 organizations, including religious associations, media outlets and private universities, in Nicaragua. </span></p> <p><span>We urge the Nicaraguan authorities to resume cooperation with international and regional human rights mechanisms, including OHCHR, and to return to full protection of civil and political rights of the Nicaraguan people. </span></p> <p><span>Mr. High Commissioner, </span></p> <p><span>What further concrete steps can be taken to enhance the capacity of Nicaraguan civil society organizations?</span></p> <p><span>I thank you. </span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council ‒ 57th session<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Item 2: Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on Afghanistan<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>9 September 2024</span></strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states. </span></p> <p><span>We thank the Office of the High Commissioner for its stocktaking report, highlighting accountability options and processes for addressing the many grave human rights violations and abuses in Afghanistan.</span></p> <p><span>The gravity of the situation calls for the continuation of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur. We strongly support its renewal. </span></p> <p><span>The de facto authorities continue to issue and enforce draconian decrees. The most recent “law on the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice” that bans women and girls to speak in public makes it extremely difficult, if not impossible, for women to engage in public life. </span></p> <p><span>The de facto authorities’ recent announcement barring the Special Rapporteur from entering Afghanistan is a deplorable development. This obstruction is alarming and could serve to further erode accountability and justice in Afghanistan. </span></p> <p><span>Mr. Bennett, </span></p> <p><span>How can you continue to support the full, equal, and meaningful participation of Afghan women and girls in shaping their future now that you have been blocked from travelling to Afghanistan? </span></p> <p><span>And, how can you support women in Afghanistan in their attempts to pursue a dialogue with the de facto authorities?</span></p> <p><span>I thank you. </span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council ‒ 57th session<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Item 2: Interactive dialogue on the OHCHR report on Sri Lanka<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>Statement by Finland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </span></strong><strong><span>9 September 2024</span></strong></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>I speak on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states. We thank the High Commissioner for this update. We recognize the deep impact of the economic crisis on all in Sri Lanka.</span></p> <p><span>This report sets a call for action. We call on the government to take immediate and credible steps to strengthen accountability and reconciliation efforts, address all violations committed during and after the civil war and put an end to impunity. The tens of thousands of unsolved cases of enforced disappearances should be addressed with urgency. Acts of commemoration need protection. </span></p> <p><span>Ahead of the Presidential elections, we call on repealing or amending existing and proposed laws that restrict civic space and fundamental freedoms as these freedoms are cornerstones of democracy and need special protection.</span></p> <p><span>We support the recommendations of the High Commissioner’s report and call upon Sri Lanka to cooperate fully with the Office in line with resolution 51/1.</span></p> <p><span>High Commissioner, what should the international community prioritize in supporting accountability in Sri Lanka?</span></p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span lang="EN-GB">Human Rights Council ‒ 57th session<br /> </span></strong><strong style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-GB">Item 2: Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar<br /> </span></strong><strong style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-GB">&nbsp;Statement by Denmark on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states<br /> </span></strong><strong style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-GB">9 September 2024</span></strong></p> <p><span lang="EN-GB">Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span lang="EN-GB">I am honoured to speak on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states.</span></p> <p><span lang="EN-GB">We are extremely concerned about the escalation of conflict in Myanmar during the reporting period. </span></p> <p><span lang="EN-GB">The investigations of the IIMM demonstrate the severity of the crimes, related to inter alia: </span></p> <p><span lang="EN-US">·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><span lang="EN-US">Indiscriminate or intentional attacks against and killings of civilians, including children; </span></p> <p><span lang="EN-US">·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><span lang="EN-US">Torture and other abuses in detention, including sexual and gender-based violence; </span></p> <p><span lang="EN-US">·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><span lang="EN-US">Arbitrary detention and unfair trials; </span></p> <p><span lang="EN-US">·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><span lang="EN-US">Violent suppression of protests</span></p> <p><span lang="EN-GB">Your report states that the Mechanism “possesses substantial evidence that a variety of war crimes and crimes against humanity have been committed.” This is extremely worrying. </span></p> <p><span lang="EN-GB">It is important that the positive progress of investigation and evidence-gathering obtained by the IIMM this past year continues. This is crucial and necessary for the Mechanism to achieve its ultimate goal: “To enable national and international authorities to deliver justice for the victims of serious international crimes committed in Myanmar.” We, the Nordic Baltic states, strongly support this goal. </span></p> <p><span lang="EN-GB">Distinguished members, </span></p> <p><span lang="EN-GB">How can we as States best help you further deliver on your mandate?</span></p> <p><span lang="EN-GB">I thank you. </span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council ‒ 57th session<br /> </strong><strong>High-Level informal Presidential Discussion on New Technologies, Artificial Intelligence, and the Digital Divide<br /> </strong><strong>Statement by Estonia on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries<br /> </strong><strong>3 September 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states. </p> <p>We thank you for organizing today’s event and the participants for their contributions. </p> <p>New technologies are an integral part of numerous reports presented to or mandated by the Council and will be part of all our discussions soon. </p> <p>New technologies, including AI, hold great potential for the protection and promotion of human rights and for strengthening democracy. However, they also present risks inter alia for the right to privacy, non-discrimination and disinformation. </p> <p>New technologies and AI need to be addressed in a multi-stakeholder manner, in compliance with the international human rights law and fundamental principles of fairness, non-discrimination, transparency and legitimacy. </p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>As members of the Freedom Online Coalition, we cannot stress enough the role of free, open, secure and interoperable internet. We also strongly support initiatives promoting digital literacy, bridging the digital divide, including the gender digital divide, and ensuring human rights online as well as offline. </p> <p>We believe the Council has a role in addressing the impact of new technologies. This must be done while taking into account the existing mechanisms and processes across sectors and while keeping in mind the efficiency needs of the Council’s work.</p> <p>We would be interested to hear about how to make best use of the already existing initiatives in this field, including by the Council itself.</p> <p>I thank you.</p>

<span></span> <p>The EU urges immediate humanitarian pauses to enable the vaccination of all children in Gaza against the poliovirus. The Gaza Strip has been polio-free for the last 25 years. It is alarming that poliovirus was detected and that the first case was confirmed there again in July affecting children. An epidemic among a population already weakened by over 10 months of fighting and displacement, malnourishment, lack of basic health services, and deplorable sanitary conditions, as well as further spread internationally, must be avoided.</p> <p>The EU joins the call by the United Nations Secretary General and the World Health Organisation for immediate humanitarian pauses in Gaza to allow for the polio vaccination campaign to take place. Two rounds of the campaign are expected to be rolled out in the Strip in the coming weeks in collaboration with the World Health Organisation and UNICEF, providing two drops of novel oral polio vaccine type 2 to more than 640 000 children under ten years of age. The EU welcomes the delivery of more than 1.2 million oral polio vaccines as well as the cooperation by Israel in delivering the vaccines to Gaza, and underlines the importance of further cooperation by all sides with WHO, UNRWA and UNICEF to conduct the vaccination rollout. Commitment to the humanitarian pauses by all parties will be crucial to allow the successful and timely implementation of these urgent campaigns. Protecting healthcare facilities and their workers and ensuring safe access for children and families to vaccination sites will be essential to this end.</p> <p>The EU has consistently reiterated its concern about the catastrophic situation in Gaza and supported the ongoing negotiations for a deal on a ceasefire and the release of all hostages. The EU and its member states are jointly the biggest humanitarian donor in Gaza. The EU remains fully committed to providing humanitarian aid and support to Palestinians affected by the war in Gaza, including through the continuation of the EU Humanitarian Air Bridge operations, increased funding to support health facilities and assistance via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism as well as humanitarian actors – both UN agencies and NGOs - on the ground.</p> <p>The candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Ukraine, Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina&nbsp;and Georgia, the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Armenia align themselves with this statement.</p>

<p>As Nordic countries, Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden deeply regret Israel’s decision to no longer facilitate Norway’s representation to the Palestinian Authority (PA) and revoke the diplomatic status for Norwegian diplomats dealing with the PA. As a consequence of Israel’s decision, Norway's Representative Office in Palestine is closed until further notice, which also directly impacts consular services for some of our citizens.&nbsp;</p> <p>The decision is a set back against the fulfilment of the Oslo accords and the two-state solution. Norway has a long history of working constructively for peace and stability in the Middle East. The current situation calls for more diplomacy – not less – to promote de-escalation and foster long-term stability, to the benefit of Israelis and Palestinians alike.</p> <p>We urge Israel to reconsider.</p>

<span>On this World Humanitarian Day, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, San Marino, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States would like to recognize the extraordinary efforts of humanitarian workers around the globe. Whether in response to conflicts, political violence, natural disasters, climate shocks — local and international humanitarian workers are among the first responders working to keep people safe, healthy, and fed often at great risk to themselves. These brave individuals take risks in the service of humanity.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> &nbsp;<br /> We are deeply concerned by incidents of violence, threats, intimidation, misinformation and kidnapping targeting humanitarian workers around the world. Last year was the most dangerous on record, as hundreds of humanitarian aid workers tragically lost their lives while serving the most vulnerable. Their loss is felt deeply by their families and loved ones, and we express our profound gratitude for their service and sacrifice.&nbsp;<br /> &nbsp;<br /> We emphasize the importance of safe and unhindered humanitarian access to deliver aid to those in urgent need. We call upon all parties to conflicts around the world to ensure the protection of humanitarian workers and to respect International Humanitarian Law. It is imperative that all parties to conflict enable and preserve the space for humanitarian organizations to operate in accordance with the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence.&nbsp;<br /> &nbsp;<br /> As we honor the unwavering commitment and bravery of humanitarian workers today, we stress that protecting them and ensuring their ability to perform their vital work is a collective responsibility. Today and every day, we must all stand together to safeguard those who selflessly serve humanity.</span>

<section> <div>The European Union fully supports the call by the Leaders of the US, Egypt and Qatar to conclude the ceasefire and hostages and detainees release deal.</div> </section><section> <div> <div data-layout="12"> <p>The EU has consistently supported the tireless efforts by the US, Egypt and Qatar to facilitate the negotiations to end the conflict and welcomed the adoption of the UN Security Council Resolution 2735, based on the principles outlined by President Biden on 31 May 2024. Last June, EU leaders, while recognising Israel’s right to defend itself, called for the full implementation of the terms of the ceasefire proposal without delay and without conditions.</p> <p>The EU has repeatedly reiterated its deep concern with the situation in Gaza and deplored the loss of civilian life, noting the unacceptable number of civilian casualties. The deal on ceasefire and hostages and detainees release is urgently needed. That deal will also pave the way for a regional de-escalation.</p> <hr /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Ukraine, Republic of Moldova and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Georgia, the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Armenia align themselves with this statement.</p> </div> </div> </section>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/2024-07-15%20Diplomatic%20Community%20Pride%20Statement%20final%20ENGLISH.pdf">Diplomatic Community Pride 2024 Statement (English)</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/2024-07-18%20Diplomatic%20Community%20Pride%20Statement%20SLOVAK.pdf">Diplomatic Community Pride 2024 Statement (Slovak)</a></span></p>

<p><span><strong>On the Occasion of World Day&nbsp;Against Trafficking in Persons</strong><br /> As delivered by Political Officer Erol Ozakcay<br /> to the Permanent Council, Vienna<br /> July 25, 2024</span></p> <p><span>I am delivering this statement on behalf of Canada, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, the United Kingdom, and my own country, the United States. On July 30th, we will join people around the globe to recognize the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.</span></p> <p><span>This year’s theme implores us all to Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking. In the OSCE region, children are subjected to trafficking in all its forms, including victimization for forced labor, for forced criminality, and for sexual exploitation. Russia’s war against Ukraine has precipitated the largest displacement of people in Europe since the Second World War. Ukrainian refugees and internally displaced persons continue to face a heightened risk of trafficking. Children, who globally make up an estimated one-third of trafficking victims, are especially vulnerable. Russia’s actions have separated many Ukrainians from their families and other support networks, increasing their susceptibility to trafficking.</span></p> <p><span>Across the OSCE region, we must do more. This includes supporting prevention efforts to stop trafficking before it happens and tailoring victim protection with a focus on the needs of the child. It also means increasing the prosecution of those responsible and enhancing partnerships to tackle the transnational nature of the crime.</span></p> <p><span>We welcome holistic, victim- and survivor-centered, gender-responsive, trauma-informed, and culturally and age-appropriate care for child victims and survivors. We encourage all participating States to further adopt best practices to support them. These include establishing child-friendly spaces for care, tailoring training for service providers, and implementing national referral mechanisms that reduce the risk of re-exploitation and mitigate the lasting effects of human trafficking.</span></p> <p><span>Addressing emerging trafficking trends and the unique vulnerabilities of children to familial trafficking and extraterritorial sexual exploitation and abuse requires cross-dimensional approaches.</span></p> <p><span>Mister Chair, all young people deserve a childhood free from exploitation. We strongly support the efforts of the Special Representative Dr. Kari Johnstone and her office, as well as the work of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights and the field missions and other teams within OSCE executive structures to combat human trafficking.</span></p> <p><span></span>Their work, especially to prevent and respond to trafficking amid the humanitarian crisis stemming from Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, remains essential to fulfill our OSCE commitments.</p>

<p><span>JOINT STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR JOCELYN KINNEAR ON “FOLLOW UP ON THE JULY 11th INVOCATION OF THE VIENNA MECHANISM”</span></p> <p><span>1484th MEETING OF THE PERMANENT COUNCIL<br /> 25 July 2024</span></p> <p><span></span>Madam Chair,</p> <p>I am delivering this statement on behalf of the following participating States, who are members of the informal Group of Friends of Democratic Belarus: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States, and my own country, Canada.</p> <p>The following participating States are also joining this statement: Albania, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Liechtenstein, Moldova, North Macedonia, Slovakia, Switzerland and Ukraine.</p> <p>On July 11th , this group of participating States invoked the Vienna Mechanism and conveyed a letter to Belarus posing eleven questions regarding the conditions of detention of prisoners, and reprisals against their family members. As of today, Belarus has failed to respond to these questions.</p> <p>In the letter, we referenced the findings of the OSCE Moscow Mechanism Expert Mission Report, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, as well as reporting from leading civil society groups. Despite repeated denials by Belarus, there is ever-increasing evidence of the use of arrest, prosecution and detention as instruments of repression, and of the systematic mistreatment and abuse of political prisoners.</p> <p>At the recent 56th session of the Human Rights Council, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus, Ms. Anaïs Marin, described ongoing deterioration, with repressive measures being used to target Belarusian citizens inside and outside the country.</p> <p><span>The Special Rapporteur expressed particular concern about the ill-treatment of individuals convicted on politically motivated charges. Based on corroborated witness accounts, she reported that political prisoners faced harsher treatment, were frequently subjected to solitary confinement and incommunicado detention, and prohibited from receiving correspondence, packages, and medicine. She expressed acute concern that deliberately imposed malnutrition and ill-treatment, and inappropriate or untimely health care were negatively affecting the health of many of these individuals, including cases leading to hospitalizations and even deaths.</span></p> <p><span>On July 2nd , Ms. Marin and seven other UN special rapporteurs, as well as the Working Groups on Arbitrary Detention, on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances AND on Discrimination against Women and Girls issued a letter urging Belarusian authorities to pardon all imprisoned older persons jailed on political charges who were excluded from the July 2024 amnesty law. They noted that most of them are serving prison sentences of up to 25 years, some are detained in pretrial detention, and some have been subjected to compulsory psychiatric care. Several detainees suffer chronic diseases, acute or grave illnesses, and some are persons with disabilities.</span></p> <p><span>Madam Chair,</span></p> <p><span>July 14th marked the third anniversary of the detention of Ales Bialiatski, chairman of Viasna Human Rights Center, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, and winner of the Democracy Defender Initiative Award. We have heard disturbing reports about his treatment including that he has been subject to solitary confinement, that he does not receive correspondence from relatives and friends, and that he has been denied access to necessary medications and medical treatment.</span></p> <p><span>Mr. Bialiatski’s detention is tragically symbolic. His organization – Viasna – continues to document the status of over 1400 political prisoners currently held by Belarusian authorities. These 1400 individuals, in turn, are only a fraction of the thousands of individuals who have been in and out of detention since 2020 for daring to exercise their rights to freedom of expression, freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of association.</span></p> <p><span>The response of the Belarusian authorities in this Council is only denial and obfuscation and cynical claims to “non-interference in internal affairs.”</span></p> <p><span>We remind Belarus that they have a binding obligation under international law, articulated in Article 10 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to ensure that all persons in Belarus that are deprived of their liberty “shall be treated with humanity and with respect for the inherent dignity of the human person.”</span></p> <p><span>We take note of the recent release of several political prisoners. Regrettably, however, this is only a fraction of the individuals at risk.</span></p> <p><span></span>In their “Shadow Report” on the implementation of the Moscow Mechanism report recommendations, the Coalition of Belarusian Human Rights Organizations reported that there are at least 252 political prisoners who face significant risks of mistreatment while incarcerated, including vulnerable individuals such as those with disabilities, serious health conditions, seniors, and minors.</p> <p>On July 12th , over 50 Nobel Laureates from across the globe - authors, activists, journalists, physicians and scientists – released a joint appeal urging “Lukashenko to show humanity and compassion by freeing all citizens recognized by human rights defenders as political prisoners.”</p> <p><span>In this regard, we reiterate the questions posed in our letter of July 11th.</span></p> <p><span>We call on Belarusian authorities to immediately release on humanitarian grounds all political prisoners facing serious health issues or chronic conditions. We further call for the unconditional release of all 1400+ political prisoners held in Belarus and for an end to the harassment and targeting of their families.</span></p> <p><span>Finally, we call on all OSCE participating States to ensure that extradition of Belarusian citizens to Belarus complies with international law, recognising that Belarusian human rights defenders, media workers and those in political opposition can face particular risks in Belarus.</span></p> <p><span>Thank you, Madam Chair.</span></p>

<p><span>JOINT STATEMENT ON THE REPORT OF THE EXTERNAL AUDITOR AND THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE</span></p> <p><span>As delivered by Ambassador Anne-Kirsti Karlsen at the Permanent Council,</span></p> <p><span>Vienna, 18 July 2024</span></p> <p><span><br /> Madam Chair,</span></p> <p><span>I am making this statement in my national capacity, and also on behalf of Canada, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland.</span></p> <p><span>I would like to begin by thanking the External Auditor – the Austrian Court of Audit – for their detailed report, and their efforts this past year. We fully support the work carried out by the External Auditor, and regard it as essential to ensuring the good governance of this organization, and the efficient use of its resources.</span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span>We note the report’s recommendation that an External Auditor be appointed at all times, and stress that we must always have an External Auditor in place. We expect all participating States to engage productively and proactively in future discussions on this issue, such that we may appoint an External Auditor, and protect the reputation of our organization.</p> <p><span>We welcome the recommendations made in the External Auditor’s report, particularly that which pertains to modifying Financial Regulation 3.02, allowing for greater flexibility in provisional transfers of funds between Main Programmes and Programmes in times when a budget is not approved.</span></p> <p><span>Madam Chair,&nbsp;</span></p> <p>We thank the Audit Committee for its annual report. We are particularly concerned by the account of the impact of the lack of a unified budget on the work of the Office of Internal Oversight. The Office of Internal Oversight requires proper human and financial resources to fulfil its tasks. This can only be achieved through the adoption of a unified budget.</p> <p><span>The lack of an approved unified budget is affecting all aspects of the OSCE’s work. The reports of the External Auditor and the Office of Internal Oversight confirm this. This situation is unsustainable, and inexcusable. We underline, once again, the necessity of all participating States engaging productively in all financial and budgetary matters. And reaffirm our support to the Chairpersonship’s efforts to adopt a budget, sooner rather than later.</span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span>Thank you, Madam Chair.</p>

<p><span>JOINT STATEMENT DELIVERED BY AMBASSADOR JOCELYN KINNEAR&nbsp;</span>UNDER CURENT ISSUE:&nbsp;“RUSSIA’S DETENTION OF OSCE OFFICIALS AS PART OF ITS WAR OF AGRESSION AGAINST UKRAINE”</p> <p><span>1483rd MEETING OF THE PERMANENT COUNCIL</span></p> <p><span>18 July 2024</span></p> <p><span><br /> Mr. Chair,</span></p> <p><span>I am delivering this statement on behalf of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and my own country, Canada.</span></p> <p><span>Last week, on Friday, 12 July 2024, OSCE official Vadym Golda was “sentenced” to 14 years in prison on charges of alleged espionage, following so-called "legal proceedings" in the Ukrainian territory of Donetsk, currently under temporary occupation by the Russian Federation. He becomes the third member of the Special Monitoring Mission to face such a fate.</span></p> <p><span>Our countries stand together with the Chairpersonship and the OSCE Secretary General in unequivocally condemning the “sentencing” of Mr. Golda, as we have equally condemned the 2022 “sentencing” of his colleagues Maxim Petrov and Dmytro Shabanov. The unjust “sentencing” of all three officials, following their arbitrary detention and illegitimate legal proceedings, is unacceptable. This is yet another action taken by Russia in complete contradiction of its commitments under the Helsinki Final Act. All three officials served diligently and professionally in the Special Monitoring Mission at the request of all participating states, including the Russian Federation.</span></p> <p><span><br /> We echo the Chairpersonship and OSCE Secretary General’s concerns regarding their well-being. Their detention and the inhumane treatment which they have suffered are unjustifiable.</span></p> <p><span><br /> The families of the unjustly detained SMM officials live in anguish over their loved ones' fate and desperately seek their release. We join them in their call for their loved ones’ freedom. Their continued detention undermines our collective security, as well as the spirit of co-operation in the OSCE.</span></p> <p><span>The detention of these three individuals is also part of wider pattern of behavior by Russia. The Moscow Mechanism report of April 2024 found that thousands of Ukrainian civilians have been unlawfully detained under the pretense of various unjustifiable accusations, and that many have been subject to torture and other forms of inhumane treatment.</span></p> <p><span>We call on the Russian Federation to immediately cease these unlawful practices, to ensure the humane treatment of all detainees and to release unconditionally all unlawfully detained Ukrainian civilians.</span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span>Thank you, Mr. Chair.</p>

<p>Statement by Ms. Ásta Bjarnadóttir,<br /> Specialist on Sustainable Development at the Prime Minister’s Office<br /> High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development</p> <p>16 July 2023, General Debate<br /> <br /> <br /> Madame/Mr. Chair, Excellencies<br /> <br /> As we collectively face challenging, and in some ways daunting times, effective global cooperation is the only way forward. We must remind ourselves that all societies, regardless of size, can have a positive global impact on the 2030 Agenda. <br /> <br /> The UN member states have agreed on what needs to be done. However, as the latest data on our collective progress towards the SDGs suggests, there is a clear need for a closer look at how we intend to deliver on our commitments. <br /> <br /> Therefore, Iceland welcomes the upcoming Summit of the Future and hopes for a new international consensus on how we deliver a better present for all, whilst safeguarding the future for upcoming generations.<br /> <br /> Iceland believes the Nordic region has much to offer in this respect. The newly published Nordic Voluntary Subnational Review showcases good practice examples from the Nordic municipalities and highlights the importance of a whole of society approach to the SDGs with a meaningful and inclusive youth participation.<br /> <br /> Iceland shares the Nordic vision for sustainable development and monitors national wellbeing indicators to shed light on prosperity beyond GDP.<br /> <br /> Excellencies,<br /> <br /> Since Iceland’s second Voluntary National Review last year, the cooperation platform, Sustainable Iceland, has formulated a national strategy and action plan for sustainable development. The vision for 2030 is for the government and the whole of society to cooperate on accelerating sustainable development and for Iceland to implement all SDGs.<br /> <br /> We intend to accomplish this by focusing on five key subjects: a just transition, the economy, the environment, responsible consumption, and global responsibility. To accelerate progress within each subject throughout the whole of society, Sustainable Iceland will focus on four goals: awareness and knowledge sharing, cooperation between the government and society, a three-pillar impact assessment for all government bills and policies, and international cooperation.<br /> <br /> Last year, Iceland’s Parliament agreed on a new policy for international development cooperation for the period of 2024 to 2028. The policy supports the vision of the SDGs and the Paris Agreement, with the overarching goal of poverty eradication, respect for human rights and improved living standards. Furthermore, gender equality, the empowerment of women, and LGBTI rights remain a priority for Iceland both nationally and within our development cooperation.<br /> <br /> Madame/Mr. Chair<br /> <br /> Iceland remains fully committed to the 2030 Agenda and to continuously strengthen our efforts to enhance progress for the SDGs. Earlier this year we amended our climate action plan, and we are now in the process of analysing our negative spillover effects.<br /> <br /> Our Prime Minister will participate in the upcoming Summit of the Future and the Icelandic Government remains optimistic that we can agree on ways to meet our existing commitments and prepare for our future challenges. <br /> Thank you<br /> <br /> <br /> </p>

<p>Statement by H.E. Jörundur Valtýsson,<br /> Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations<br /> Ad Hoc Committee of the General Assembly for the Announcement of<br /> Voluntary Contributions to the United Nations Relief and Work Agency for<br /> Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA Pledging Conference) <br /> 1st Plenary Meeting, 12 July 2024. <br /> <br /> Mr. President,</p> <p>The humanitarian situation in Gaza is nothing short of horrifying. Tens of thousands of civilians have been killed – including close to two hundred UNRWA staff. More than two million civilians are in desperate need of life-saving aid. Nine out of ten have been internally displaced. Access for humanitarian aid, water, and power is severely hindered. Civilian infrastructure is in ruins. <br /> <br /> The catastrophic toll this conflict has taken on children and youth is especially heartbreaking to witness. As has been highlighted so many times, there are no safe spaces in Gaza – all of Gaza’s children have been subjected to the traumatic horrors of war with life lasting consequences.<br /> <br /> All parties to the conflict need to comply with international law, including international humanitarian law, and breaches thereof must be investigated. It is likewise critical that Israel abide by the orders of the International Court of Justice.</p> <p>Iceland has long called for an immediate ceasefire, a surge in humanitarian aid, and the release of all hostages. We have welcomed the adoption of Security Council Resolution 2735 and urged both parties to fully implement it without delay. The fighting and suffering must end now.<br /> <br /> Mr. President<br /> <br /> UNRWA’s role responding to the current humanitarian crisis is unique. Not only are UNRWA’s efforts in providing life-saving aid to the people of Gaza essential, but the Agency also provides the backbone for all other humanitarian response in the area. <br /> I take this opportunity to extend our sincere thanks to UNRWA’s leadership and staff for their dedicated work during these extremely difficult – and life-threatening - times. <br /> <br /> Iceland highly appreciated the swift actions by the Agency and the Secretary General to serious allegations of UNRWA staff being involved in the heinous terrorist attack on Israel on October 7th last year. We have the fullest confidence in the ongoing OIOS process and welcome UNRWA´s immediate response to the review led by Madame Colonna. <br /> <br /> Mr. President,<br /> <br /> Iceland is a longstanding supporter of UNRWA’s mandate. Our core support consists of unearmarked, predictable funding through a multi-year framework agreement. </p> <p>At the High-level meeting in Jordan last month, the Government of Iceland announced an additional 100 million ISK contribution to UNRWA. This brings this year’s overall contributions to humanitarian assistance to Palestinians to 290 million ISK, or 2.1 million US dollars. <br /> <br /> Reflecting our commitment to its work, Iceland joined [118] States in signing the Shared Commitments on UNRWA, which were published earlier today. We have likewise joined the Call to Action for Palestinian Children in the West Bank and Gaza.<br /> <br /> Mr. President,<br /> <br /> For seventy-five years, UNRWA has fulfilled its mandate that we, the General Assembly, provided it with. In the absence of a lasting political solution, UNRWA’s role remains of critical importance. It must be allowed and enabled to continue to deliver its role. It is simply a matter of life and death.</p> <p>I thank you.<br /> <br /> </p>

<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 56th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 2: Interactive dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint statement by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on behalf of a group of countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>18 June 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honor to deliver this statement, derived from the statements of the recent co-chairs of the Arab/OIC-European Contact Group Meetings, on behalf of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom of Norway, and a group of states. </p> <p>We stress the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire including an end to attacks on Rafah, the release of hostages, and ending the war in Gaza. We emphasize respect and compliance with international law and express our utmost concern for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. We welcome the UN Security Council Resolution 2735 and stress the urgency of ending the Gaza crisis and all unlawful actions in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>We underline the significance of transitioning the conflict to a political track to reach a final and speedy resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and strongly support taking irreversible steps to implement the two-state solution, in line with international law and agreed upon parameters, including United Nations Security Council Resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.</p> <p>We urge taking concrete steps towards the realization of a Palestinian State in the context of the two-state solution, with particular attention to empowering and enabling the Palestinian Authority and Palestinian reforms, and we underline that mutual recognition will promote moderation and peace in the region, at the expense of violence and extremism.</p> <p>We stress the urgent need for political and financial support to the Palestinian Government and we highlight the significance of having a unified Palestinian Government for the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza.</p> <p>In conclusion, we call upon the international community to join us in these efforts to secure peace, security and cooperation in the region and beyond. </p> <p>I thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 56th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 2: Interactive dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint statement by the Chile on behalf of a group of countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>19 June 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>Chile presents this joint statement on behalf of a cross-regional group of countries. </p> <p>We express profound concern regarding the harrowing situation unfolding in Gaza. </p> <p>Respect for international law is essential to safeguard a rules-based order, peace and security. Its disregard threatens its effectiveness and ability to protect all persons equally. </p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>All UN members have undertaken to comply with the decisions of the ICJ, in any case to which they are party, including provisional measures. The ICJ’s provisional measures of 24 May ordered Israel to” immediately halt its military offensive, and any other action in the Rafah Governorate, which may inflict on the Palestinian groupo in Gaza conditions of life that could bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part. Nevertheless, military operations persist. Once more, we urge the full implementation of all provisional measures. </p> <p>In our collective endeavour to ensure accountability, we also call on all States to cooperate with the ongoing investigation by the International Criminal Court, and to ensure that all officials of the Court can work with full independence and impartiality, free from any threats and sanctions.</p> <p>We call for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages and the unhindered provision of humanitarian aid throughout Gaza, and urge all parties to engage in a constructive dialogue that leads to lasting peace by enabling the two-state solution, in line with relevant UN resolutions.</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 56thsession</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert on SOGI</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint statement by the SOGI Group of Friends </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>20 June 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>The members of SOGI group of Friends would like to thank the Independent Expert for this report. </p> <p>While we welcome the inclusion of positive developments, including steps to protect against hate speech, violence and discrimination based on SOGI and the passage of non-discrimination laws addressing SOGI around expression, assembly and association; the report documents a discernible trend in all regions of the world of laws, policies and practices that restrict the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, including in the digital space.</p> <p>We are extremely concerned about the finding at least 60 Members State have laws that restrict the right to freedom of expression, and at least 59 States have laws that restrict, or could be used to restrict, the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association, based on sexual orientation and gender identity.</p> <p>We welcome the recommendations made by the Expert in this report, that align with HRC Resolution 50/10 which renewed this mandate, that stresses States’ responsibility to create and maintain a safe and enabling environment in which civil society, including civil society working SOGI issues, can operate free from hindrance and insecurity, both online and offline. </p> <p>The work of this mandate is pivotal to support initiatives to ensure LGBT and gender-diverse people live free from inequality, including when it comes to access to civic space. In this regard, we would like to ask what role we can play to support the development laws, policies and practices aimed at fulfilling the rights of all to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, including in the digital space?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 56th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive dialogue with Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women and Girls</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint statement by the United States of America on behalf of a group of countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>21 June 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>At the 56th session of the Human Rights Council, we come together as a collective voice to address the pervasive and harrowing issue of gender-based violence in conflict zones. The United States, alongside a cross-regional group of over 60 countries, reaffirms their unwavering commitment to ending these violations and abuses and supporting victims, survivors and witnesses.</p> <p>We recognize that conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence remains a devastating tactic used in times of war by state and non-state actors, particularly against all women and girls. This violence not only causes immediate and long-lasting physical and mental trauma to survivors and their communities but also undermines human rights, peace, security, and development in affected regions, as recognized by UN Security Council resolution 1820 and additional related resolutions.</p> <p>We stress the paramount importance of strengthening prevention measures, and believing survivors and first-hand accounts by witnesses. Their testimonies are crucial in shedding light on these heinous acts and holding perpetrators accountable. Survivors often face stigmatization and disbelief, which further exacerbates their suffering and hinders their access to justice.</p> <p>As an international community, we must strengthen our efforts in taking a survivor-centered and trauma-informed approach to investigate allegations of conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence in conflict, facilitate access to justice and accountability for victims and survivors, and provide comprehensive support to survivors, including sexual and reproductive health services, psycho-social support, and legal assistance. In this regard, we emphasize the need for focused direct engagement from special procedures mandate holders and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to promote prevention and response efforts, encourage the provision of needed support for survivors, and address the increased prevalence of conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence and other practices that further compound survivors’ suffering.</p> <p>We call on all member states to join us in this urgent endeavor. Let us work together to create a world free from conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence as a tactic of war, and where victims and survivors are heard, believed, and empowered. By doing so, we uphold the principles of justice and human rights, which are the foundation of the Human Rights Council.</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 56th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint statement by the United States of America on behalf of a group of countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>26 June 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I make this statement on behalf of a cross-regional group of countries. </p> <p>We stand together today to address the urgent and growing threat of transnational repression. When states reach beyond their borders to silence or coerce dissidents, journalists, human rights defenders, and others, national sovereignty, democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms are undermined. </p> <p>Transnational repression takes many forms: physical acts of aggression and harassment, forced return of individuals, pressure on relatives in-country, misuse of international law enforcement systems or institutions to facilitate repression, and digital threats such as the misuse of intrusive surveillance software, including commercial spyware.</p> <p>Transnational repression creates an atmosphere of fear and imperils civil and political liberties, the global rules-based order, and mutual respect among states. </p> <p>We reaffirm our condemnation of transnational repression and resolve to: </p> <p>• Support human rights defenders, journalists, diaspora communities, and others who may be targets;</p> <p>• Strengthen information sharing and coordinating action against acts of transnational repression; and</p> <p>• Increase the cost to and holding accountable those who engage in these acts. We call upon all member states to join us in standing against transnational repression in all its forms. </p> <p>Let us enhance our collective vigilance, strengthen protections for those at risk, and hold accountable the perpetrators. United in this cause, we will advance the promotion and protection of human rights for all and uphold the sovereignty of every nation.</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 56th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on freedom of peaceful assembly and of association</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint statement by Lithuania on behalf of a group of countries </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>27 June 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I deliver this statement on behalf of a group of 35 countries and my own, Lithuania. </p> <p>We echo the concern expressed by the High Commissioner in his global update regarding recent developments in Georgia, and particularly the adoption of the so-called “transparency of foreign influence” law. This law poses a serious threat to civil society, human rights and the rule of law in Georgia. </p> <p>The law is intended to have a chilling effect on the work of media outlets, human rights defenders, and civil society organisations, with the aim of silencing their voices. </p> <p>The law was passed in disregard for concerns of large parts of the Georgian people and despite repeated calls to refrain from advancing the legislation from the international community, including the Venice Commission’s detailed legal arguments. </p> <p>We urge the Georgian government to revoke the “transparency of foreign influence” law, to end the campaign of intimidation against those objecting to the law and protect freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly. </p> <p>Civil society is the backbone of democracies, helping to ensure accountability, genuine transparency and resilience to malign influences. </p> <p>We urge the Georgian Government to fully cease and transparently investigate all acts of the use of force against peaceful protesters who oppose the law, take appropriate action to ensure the safety of protestors, civil society or opposition activists, journalists and other media workers and refrain from rhetoric which could further fuel the extreme polarization in the country. An orchestrated campaign of defamation, intimidation, and physical violence against civil society leaders and others is unacceptable and must be halted. </p> <p>I thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 56th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Working Group on Discrimination Against Women and Girls</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint statement by Algeria on behalf of a group of countries </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>27 June 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I deliver this statement on behalf of Algeria and Australia and a cross-regional group of states. </p> <p>We stand together in our commitment to women’s and girl’s homen rights, and express our regret at the lack of progress on SDG5. </p> <p>Next year we mark the 30^th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the 25^th anniversary of the Women, Peace and Security agenda. And we will be five years out from delivering on the Sustainable Development Goals. We must counter regression and accelerate progress on achieving gender equality. </p> <p>The empowerment of all women and girls is central to human rights, sustainable development, peace and security, as well as the resilience and prosperity of our communities and countries. </p> <p>In delivering on our longstanding commitment to gender equality we must continue to take action to eliminate all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls, strengthen women’s public and political participation, ensure access to essential health and social services, and invest in women’s and girls’ education, employment, and entrepreneurship. </p> <p>By working inclusively and collaboratively, we can protect and promote the human rights of all women and girls, everywhere. We welcome cooperation across the global community in resisting regression in favour of societies that are safe, secure and supportive of every person, today and for future generations. </p> <p>I thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 56th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint statement by the Kingdom of the Netherlands on behalf of Benelux and a group of countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>28 June 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I deliver this statement on behalf of a cross-regional group of 70 countries. </p> <p>Human rights defenders are leaders of positive change. Their work is crucial in promoting and protecting human rights and democracy worldwide. Their grassroot views inform decision-making and enable UN entities to effectively implement their mandates. </p> <p>An enabling environment for human rights defenders that guarantees the fulfilment of the freedoms of peaceful assembly, association, opinion and expression is essential in driving positive change. In practice, however, HRDs face numerous challenges and their work is too often neglected, ignored or willfully obstructed. Their progress and achievements are too rarely honored properly. </p> <p>This statement is meant to pay tribute to the many successes and milestones achieved by all human rights defenders. </p> <p>Through their persistent peaceful advocacy and engagement, HRDs have shed light on human rights violations, amplified the voices of persons in vulnerable situations, and fostered greater accountability and transparency worldwide. Their work has led to positive legislative changes, the release of those arbitrarily detained, and protected the environment. </p> <p>The voices of HRDs must be heard. Emphasizing their positive impact and honoring their successes is essential in supporting them. </p> <p>Special Rapporteur, how do you envision to include the effective promotion and protection of human rights defenders within your mandate?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 56th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Annual discussion on women’s rights</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint statement by Kyrgyzstan on behalf of a group of countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>28 June 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>This joint statement is on behalf of a group of states. </p> <p>Gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girl are enshrined in several human rights treaties and are key to progress towards implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. </p> <p>Yet economic empowerment remains a distant goal for millions of women and girls around the world. One in ten women live in extreme poverty, and more than 2.7 billion women face legal restrictions that prevent them from accessing the same job opportunities as men. In addition, many countries still have laws constraining women’s decision to work. </p> <p>For women to have full agency, power and autonomy, and enjoy human rights fully without discrimination of any kind, states should ensure that women have equal access to, control over and ownership of resources. It is also essential to address the structural and non-structural barriers that limit women’s economic empowerment. </p> <p>As a priority, we should:</p> <ol> <li>Address and eliminate institutional and structural discrimination against women and girls.</li> <li>Remove all barriers that prevent or limit the full, equal and meaningful participation of all women and girls in society. </li> <li>Address harmful social norms and legal constraints that limit women’s agency in the public and private spheres and their economic independence. </li> </ol> <p>We are committed to making further progress on women’s economic empowerment and to achieve gender equality by 2030. </p> <p>I thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 56th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint statement by Costa Rica on behalf of a group of countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>2 July 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I deliver this statement on behalf of a cross-regional group of countries. </p> <p>The ocean is one single interconnected body of water, which unites, sustains, connects and is essential for the survival of ecosystems, people and communities. </p> <p>We acknowledge that a healthy ocean is instrumental for the full enjoyment of a variety of human rights, including the rights to life, health, work, food and housing. Many Indigenous Peoples, as well as local communities, have cultural practices and traditions that are deeply connected to the ocean. </p> <p>We are deeply concerned about the current and projected adverse effects of climate change on the marine environment and ecosystems and emphasize the urgency of addressing these to protect the human rights of all those impacted.</p> <p>We call on this Council to advocate for the implementation, with due consideration for all human rights, of the UNFCCC, the Paris Agreement, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and relevant decisions of the conferences of the Parties, particularly in actions related to the ocean. </p> <p>Madame Special Rapporteur, </p> <p>We believe your mandate has a lot to offer to highlight the links between ocean health, climate change, and human rights, and to educate governments, civil society, and the private sector, on the human rights implications of ocean degradation and climate change. Could you please share any of your plans in this respect?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 56th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 4: Interactive dialogue with the United Nations Commission of Inquiry on Syria</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint statement by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on behalf of a group of countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>3 July 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>This statement is on behalf of 54 countries. </p> <p>We commend the Commission of Inquiry’s continued work in shining light on large-scale, systematic, and arbitrary or unjust detentions and related violences and abuses. This, together with the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism, is crucial for ensuring accountability.</p> <p>We deplore the fact that tens of thousands of Syrians are estimated to have been subjected to arbitrary and incommunicado detention. Torture and other ill-treatment, including sexual and gender-based violence, have been reported on an alarming scale, and continue to this day. We strongly condemn all deaths, torture and abuse of detainees in detention facilities, particularly in Syrian government facilities. We recall the Commission’s clear assessment that the rights of detained persons have not been respected throughout the conflict. </p> <p>Tens of thousands of families continue to live with the anguish caused by not knowing the whereabouts of their loved ones. Cooperation, by all parties to the conflict, with the newly created Independent Institution on Missing Persons is also essential. </p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>The Syrian regime and all parties must cease such practices; release unjustly detained Syrians; clarify the fate of the missing; ensure appropriate access for independent and humanitarian monitoring organizations and hold those responsible to account. </p> <p>Finally, we reiterate our call for a sustainable and comprehensive political solution for Syria in line with the Security Council Resolution 2254. </p> <p>I thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 56th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 10: Interactive dialogue on oral presentation of the High Commissioner on Ukraine and interim report of the Secretary General on human rights in Crimea</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint statement by Denmark on behalf of the GoF AAU</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>9 July 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I am pleased to deliver this statement on behalf of the 'Group of Friends of Accountability following the aggression against Ukraine'.</p> <p>We condemn Russia’s unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine, including the latest wave of strikes destroying hospitals, killing dozens of civilians. A war that causes immense human suffering and violates international law, including the UN Charter. </p> <p>Russia’s depravity in its treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war is well-documented in the OHCHR’s latest report. We are appalled by the report’s evidence of Russia’s use of torture, including sexual and gender-based violence, against Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilian detainees. We call on all parties to ensure that survivors receive assistance, including in the form of psychosocial support, rehabilitation measures and reparations. </p> <p>We call for the immediate and unconditional release of the Ukrainian OSCE Special Monitoring staff who Russia has been unjustly detaining for more than 800 days, despite repeated calls for their release.</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>Russia shows no intention of holding perpetrators to account. On March 23^rd, President Putin signed into force a new law expanding the exemption from criminal accountability for members of Russia’s armed forces, creating a climate of impunity. Dignity and justice must be restored for the countless victims of Russia’s aggression and those responsible must be held to account</p> <p>We welcome the work of the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, the reporting of the Commission of Inquiry, and UN Special Procedures mandate holders, the investigations by the International Criminal Court, the operationalization of both the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression and the Register of Damage for Ukraine, and the work of the Core Group towards a tribunal on the crime of aggression against Ukraine.&nbsp; </p> <p>High Commissioner, what can we do to support the investigation and documentation of cases of transferred or deported children and torture against POWs and civilian prisoners, to help ensure future accountability for its perpetrators?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 56th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 9: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint statement by the European Union on behalf of a group of countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>8 July 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this joint statement on behalf of the 27 EU Member States, Australia, Canada, Iceland, Japan, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America.</p> <p>We are reacting to the statement on behalf of the Russian Federation delivered by a representative of the so-called administration in the territory of Ukraine temporarily controlled by Russia<em>.</em></p> <p>We recall the relevant UNGA resolution(s) [A/RES/76/179, A/RES/77/229 /A/RES/78/221/ A/RES/ES-11/4] which recognise(s) the status of this territory as an integral part of Ukraine.</p> <p>We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, extending to its territorial waters. We reiterate our strongest condemnation of Russia’s aggression and its attempts to acquire Ukraine’s&nbsp; territory by force in flagrant violation of international law, including the UN Charter. We firmly and unequivocally reject, do not and will never recognize the attempted illegal annexation by Russia of Ukraine's regions of Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.</p> <p>We therefore urge Russia to refrain from letting any representative of the so-called administration in the territories of Ukraine temporarily controlled by Russia intervene on its behalf within the Human Rights Council, or in any other international fora.</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 56th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 1: Decisions and conclusions</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint statement by Bangladesh on behalf of a group of countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>12 July 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>We acknowledge the commitment and support the efforts of many States to improve the efficiency of this Council. When we are more efficient, we can achieve more with less. We can be more inclusive; all States, particularly small island developing states and least developed countries, can engage and have a voice. Greater efficiency creates spaces to allow states to work outside their regional groupings and to identify issues that unite rather than divide. </p> <p>In a Presidential statement last year, all member states agreed that to avoid duplication and inefficiency, and to limit the number of meetings held during each session, states must consult each other and relevant core groups and seek technical support of the Secretariat when drafting resolutions [A/HRC/PRST/OS/17/1].</p> <p>All member states also agreed that to further support efficiency efforts, the Secretariat should be encouraged to provide briefings on rules of procedure and on best practice in drafting of resolutions and on using the voluntary calendar ahead of each session [A/HRC/PRST/OS/17/1].</p> <p>We recommit to these actions on efficiency and striving for best practice in the Council. Let us turn these words into actions and allow the OHCHR to direct its limited resources towards supporting states to better implement UPR, Treaty Body and Special Procedures recommendations, and comply with their international human rights obligations. </p> <p>I thank you.</p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 56th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 2: Interactive dialogue on the situation of human rights of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Denmark on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>18 June 2024</strong></p> <p>High Commissioner,</p> <p>Thank you for this update.</p> <p>We, the Nordic-Baltic States, remain deeply disturbed by the frequent and credible reports of serious violations and abuses of human rights and international law in Myanmar.</p> <p>From across the country, we hear about military attacks causing civilian fatalities, including women, children and persons belonging to ethnic minorities. Aerial attacks and shelling of homes, schools, places of worship and hospitals. Mass killings, persecution, torture and sexual and gender-based violence. The forced and prolonged recruitment of conscripts, including forced recruitment of children, exacerbates the civil war and disrupts society at every level and fuels identity-based violence.</p> <p>We call for an immediate end to all violations and abuses against civilians, the provision of full and unhindered humanitarian access, the release of all political prisoners, and an inclusive dialogue with meaningful participation of all stakeholders.</p> <p>Myanmar must comply with the International Court of Justice’s provisional measures order.</p> <p>High Commissioner, what actions should external actors prioritize in the face of rising communal tensions, including in Rakhine?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 56th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 2: Enhanced interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Finland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>18 June 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</p> <p>We thank the Special Rapporteur for the report, which gives impartial information and contributes to accountability.</p> <p>The de facto authorities’ institutionalized system of discrimination, segregation and exclusion of women and girls in Afghanistan is increasingly alarming. It has severe social and economic consequences, causes trauma, suicide and loss of life. It may affect security beyond the country’s borders. This institutionalised system of gender oppression may amount to gender persecution. Afghanistan remains a party to several international conventions.</p> <p>Despite severe limitations, you, women and girls of Afghanistan, with immense courage and determination, contribute as active agents to the wellbeing of the Afghan society and families. This deserves the full recognition of the international community.</p> <p>Mr. Special Rapporteur, how can the international community work to support full, equal and meaningful participation of women in deliberations about Afghanistan’s future?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 56th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 2: Interactive dialogue on oral update of the Fact-Finding Mission on the Sudan</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Norway on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>18 June 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>On behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries, we thank the Fact-Finding Mission for its presentation and regret that the mission is still hampered by the UN liquidity crisis.</p> <p>Sudan’s civil war has caused one of the world’s worst humanitarian and human rights catastrophes, with unimaginable suffering, including for women, children, and other civilians. More than ten million people are displaced, and millions are on the verge of famine.</p> <p>Reports of ethnically motivated violence, conflict-related sexual-and gender-based violence and disappeared or detained human rights defenders, are extremely concerning. We welcome the recent Security Council resolution and the ICC.</p> <p>We welcome the recent investigation into allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity and condemn all attacks on civilians and civilian objects, including the recent attacks on MSF’s Hospital in El Fasher.</p> <p>This must stop. Violations and abuses of IHL and International Human Rights Law must have consequences. The cycle of impunity must be broken.</p> <p>We urge the parties to agree to a sustained ceasefire and adhere to their international humanitarian law obligations, protect civilians, and ensure humanitarian access.</p> <p>We encourage all parties to cooperate with the FFM and allow access.</p> <p>How can regional actors, including the AU and IGAD, contribute to your work?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 56thsession</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 2: Interactive dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem and in Israel</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Norway on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>19 June 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I speak on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic states.</p> <p>Our countries have condemned Hamas’ terror attacks of October 7. We reiterate our call for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.</p> <p>We thank the IICoI for its reporting, and note with concern reports of violations of international law, including IHL, and massive human rights violations in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank. We stress the need to cooperate with relevant HRC mechanisms and to fully respect their mandate and independence. The IICoI should be granted access [to all areas].</p> <p>We welcome the adoption of Security Council Resolution 2735, with a roadmap leading to an enduring ceasefire, release of hostages and a surge of humanitarian assistance to Gaza. We urge both parties to fully implement it without delay. The fighting and suffering must end now.</p> <p>There is a need to ensure accountability for violations of international law by all parties. We reiterate our support for the work and independence of the international judicial institutions, including the ICC and the ICJ, and urge all sides to respect international law, including IHL. We further stress Israel’s obligation to comply with the provisional measures issued by the ICJ.</p> <p>It is crucial to restore hope of a two-state solution based on internationally recognized borders and international law, including the right to self-determination. Israelis and Palestinians have a right to live in peace, dignity and security.</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 56thsession</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 2: Interactive dialogue on the annual report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Iceland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>20 June 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>We thank the High Commissioner for his sobering account.</p> <p>The number and severity of crises in the High Commissioner’s update is a stark warning that human rights are under attack and that no country is immune from regression.</p> <p>It is also a stark reminder that unless grievances and drivers of tension, violence and conflict are addressed at the micro and macro level, we must anticipate proliferation of armed conflicts, both international and non-international.</p> <p>Collective failure of ensuring universal respect for international human rights law and humanitarian law comes at a hefty price; measurable through human suffering and death, and in financial terms.</p> <p>The fallacy that the enjoyment of human rights of some is a threat to others must be countered. We agree that we must embrace inclusivity and challenge harmful narratives. Any form of hate speech is dangerous for social cohesion and a harbinger of worse to come, to quote the High Commissioner.</p> <p>We are dismayed by the continued corrosion of the multilateral and rules-based international system. The increase in attacks, threats and reprisals, both online and offline, against international institutions, judiciaries and mechanisms is not only unacceptable, but also precarious.</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>Looking towards the future, we must recognize that full respect and enjoyment of human rights is indispensable, and this Council must do its part.</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 56thsession</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>High-level informal presidential discussion: “The link between climate change, food security and health security, and their impact on the enjoyment of human rights”</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Lithuania on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>20 June 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I am honoured to speak on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states – Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Norway, Sweden, and my own country, Lithuania.</p> <p>I would like to begin by thanking you, Mr. President, for organizing this important discussion during the Human Rights Council session, focusing on the intersectionality of climate change, food security, health security, and human rights.</p> <p>Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it is a fundamental threat to human rights. It exacerbates global hunger and malnutrition, impacting over 333 million people facing acute food insecurity. In the last twelve months, we have seen record levels of ocean heat, sea level rise, glacier retreat, and wildfires. Intense rainfall, floods, and tropical cyclones have left a trail of destruction, death, and huge economic losses. Our planet is at breaking point.</p> <p>These alarming realities underscore the urgent need for integrated solutions. Only with concerted, rapid, and comprehensive action, we can still avert the most devastating consequences of climate change.</p> <p>The Nordic Baltic states are committed to addressing these interlinked challenges through a human rights-based approach. We emphasize the importance of integrating climate resilience into food and health systems, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and ensuring equitable access to healthcare.</p> <p>With the triple planetary crisis hitting persons in the most vulnerable situations the hardest, climate action must be inclusive, ensuring the participation of all stakeholders, particularly those who are disproportionately affected, including women, children, Indigenous Peoples, and LGBTQI+ persons. We must uphold the principles of justice and equity, ensuring that climate policies do not exacerbate existing inequalities but rather promote the full enjoyment of human rights for all.</p> <p>In conclusion, addressing climate change, food security, and health security is imperative for safeguarding human rights. The Nordic Baltic states reaffirm our commitment to this cause and call on the international community to intensify efforts to mitigate climate change and adapt to its impacts, ensuring a sustainable future.</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council&nbsp;</strong>‒&nbsp;<strong>56th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 2: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Eritrea</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Norway on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>20 June 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>The Nordic-Baltic countries thank the Special Rapporteur for his report.</p> <p>We welcome Eritrea’s participation in UPR and note efforts on certain social rights such as education and health. Eritrea is, however, marked by systematic violations of civil and political rights, including the continued absence of rule of law, lack of access to justice, the stifling of civic engagement, and severe curtailment of freedom of expression, association and assembly.</p> <p>We remain deeply concerned by reports of continued Eritrean involvement in human rights violations in the Tigray region of Ethiopia. We urge the Government to immediately cease such practise, withdraw any remaining Eritrean forces and investigate all alleged breaches of international law.</p> <p>We call on the Eritrean Government to release all those arbitrarily detained, to end the practice of arbitrary detention, and to develop independent rule-of-law institutions to protect human rights. We condemn violations of human rights in the context of the national service.</p> <p>Once again, we call on Eritrea to fully co-operate with the Council’s mechanisms, including by granting the Special Rapporteur full and unhindered access to the country.</p> <p>How can Eritrean human rights defenders and civil society organizations best be supported in their efforts to advocate for human rights in Eritrea?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 56thsession</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>20 June 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</p> <p>We reiterate our unwavering support for the work of the Independent Expert and this critical mandate.</p> <p>Legislation that limits the human rights to freedom of opinion and expression, association, and peaceful assembly due to sexual orientation and gender identity is nothing new. However, recent years have seen an escalation in the number and breadth of constrictive laws. Such laws and practices are in violation of states’ international human rights obligations and have a chilling effect on civil society and the vital work of human rights defenders advocating for the full and equal enjoyment of human rights of LGBTQI+ persons.</p> <p>Discriminatory restrictions include criminalizing public displays of same-sex affection, adopting policies against comprehensive sexuality education, and refusing to register organizations that work on sexual orientation or gender identity. The proliferation of such policies, which goes hand in hand with a pushback on the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons in UN fora, must be countered.</p> <p>What should states, tech companies and civil society do to ensure online safety for LGBTQI+ persons, in order to safeguard their human rights and protect persons from digital violence and hate speech?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 56thsession</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Norway on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>20 June 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>The Nordic-Baltic countries thank the Special Rapporteur for her strong engagement for IDPs and for her latest report.</p> <p>In order to prevent displacement due to climate change, we need to enhance our efforts on climate adaptation, resilience building and disaster prevention. However, in exceptional situations, relocations become inevitable. To lay the foundation for durable solutions, governments must ensure that relocations are well planned, consistent with human rights standards and based on an integrated approach.</p> <p>Measures must be taken to protect groups with a special dependency on their lands. Potential barriers and conflicts over land tenure and scarce resources in relocation areas must be addressed. A conducive environment for an inclusive and sustainable livelihood for the relocated population must also be established. Planned relocations might particularly have negative impact on Indigenous Peoples, and specific attention is needed to ensure their rights and cultural identity. Likewise, gender-responsive approaches and recognition of specific vulnerabilities are essential.</p> <p class="SingleTxtG">We need to better prioritise support to these situations within existing funding mechanisms.</p> <p>How can best practice be shared to ensure that relocations are conducted without discrimination and in line with human rights safeguards and principles?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 56th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, its causes and consequences</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>21 June 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</p> <p>Women in prostitution risk facing multiple forms of violence from clients, procurers, and traffickers. Often coupled with many intersecting forms of discrimination and inequalities. The prevalent impunity in many countries is a serious concern. We are also concerned about the new ways created by digital technologies to exploit women and girls sexually. Further cooperation with tech companies is necessary to address all forms of technology-facilitated gender-based violence.</p> <p>Prostitution poses a major obstacle to social equality, gender equality and achieving the goals of Agenda 2030. In this context, children – in particular girls, transgender women, indigenous women, women with disabilities and LGBTQI women may be in a particularly vulnerable situation. Change is necessary. By taking a transformative approach to address the root causes of gender inequalities we can create societies where the human rights of women and girls are fully protected, respected, and fulfilled. We need to dismantle discriminating societal structures so that women and girls in all their diversity can live their lives free from coercion and violence. And have the power to decide over their own bodies.</p> <p>In your view, how can states effectively address and tackle human rights violations and abuses faced by women in prostitution to empower and enhance their agency?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council ‒ 56th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the right to physical and mental health</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by H.E. Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic Countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania Norway, Sweden and Iceland</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</p> <p>We thank the Special Rapporteur for her comprehensive report on the right to health and the intersection between drug policies, human rights and public health. Her in-depth analysis of drug laws and policies and the related outcomes that adversely impact the enjoyment of the right to health are an important contribution to the growing discourse on harm reduction.&nbsp;</p> <p>Drug use remains a significant public health concern that poses a threat to the health and wellbeing of diverse populations globally.</p> <p>Its stigmatization exacerbates inequalities, hinders access to essential health services and serves to perpetuate<em></em>cycles of discrimination and negative coping mechanisms that disproportionately affect persons in vulnerable situations. We note with concern that criminalization of HIV transmission impedes appropriate health services.</p> <p>The prevalence of drug use and its negative implications underscore the need for enhanced collective efforts for the development of evidence-based, comprehensive and gender-responsive drug policies informed by disaggregated data.</p> <p>These policies must take a human rights-based approach, ensuring inclusion and equitable access to health and social services for all persons in line with the AAAQ Framework.</p> <p>Special Rapporteur, in your view, what are the key obstacles to a human rights-based approach to drug policies?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council ‒ 56th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by H.E. Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic Countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and Iceland&nbsp;</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>26 June 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</p> <p>We thank the Special Rapporteur for his comprehensive report calling for the development of human rights-based guiding principles to bridge the gap between different levels of protections for dead persons under international law.</p> <p>The dignity of persons and the respect owed to their bodies do not cease with death. Disruptions of the processes by which individuals and societies across cultures and religions honour and mourn the deceased harm both individuals and societies and can serve to undermine or impede victims’ rights to truth, justice and reparation in cases of unlawful death.</p> <p>With the proliferation of armed conflicts, migration, climate change and the recurrence of natural disasters, the need to ensure the effective protection of the dead becomes more urgent than ever.</p> <p>This requires a multi-stakeholder approach, rooted in human rights. The idea to establish universally applicable guiding principles that ensure the comprehensive protection of the memory of the deceased and respect to their bodies merits further discussion.</p> <p>Special Rapporteur, in your view, how can the Council and its mechanisms contribute to enhancing the protection of the dead, including the individual recording of casualties?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council&nbsp;</strong><strong>‒ 56th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Latvia on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>26 June 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</p> <p>We thank the Special Rapporteur for her latest report and the valuable recommendations.&nbsp;</p> <p>Threats to media freedom are growing by the day across the world, and hundreds of journalists go into exile every year, due to the increase in armed conflicts and the rise of authoritarianism and political repressions in their home countries. Freedom of media and journalism must be protected - States must uphold their international obligations and guarantee the right to freedom of expression, including the rights of journalists to work freely and safely in their home country or elsewhere.</p> <p>We are alarmed by the surge in weaponization of digital tools by States and non-state actors to intimidate, attack and silence journalists in exile, particularly women journalists. We call on all States to strengthen the protection of journalists, including exiled journalists, from digital, physical or legal threats – all acts of repression must be fully investigated and prosecuted.</p> <p>Special Rapporteur, how to best strengthen States’ responses to specific needs of journalists in exile?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council ‒ 56th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Working Group on discrimination against women and girls</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Estonia on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>27 June 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States.</p> <p>We thank the members of the Working Group for their crucial work.</p> <p>We regret that despite progress in a number of countries, the backlash against the rights of women and girls and gender equality is escalating in all parts of the world. Women and girls in all their diversity are continuously facing labour discrimination, disproportionate share of unpaid care work, lack of sexual and reproductive health and rights, sidelining in peace processes and harassment and violence, offline and online, to name a few. Many women and girls experience multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination. Even when legal and policy advancements are achieved, implementation gaps often remain.</p> <p>We welcome the working group`s focus on achieving substantive and transformative gender equality.</p> <p>In the digital world we need to ensure that<strong></strong>technology responds to the needs of women and girls and that gender stereotypes and discriminatory social norms will not be reinforced through biased digital platforms and algorithmic tools.</p> <p>What knowledge would be most important for pursuing an intentionally gender-responsive approach in the design and implementation of digital technology, including the development of artificial intelligence?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council ‒ 56th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of assembly and of association</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Lithuania on behalf of the Nordica Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>28 June 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic states.</p> <p>We thank the Special Rapporteur for his hard work during his mandate and welcome his final report. We warmly welcome the new Special Rapporteur, Ms.&nbsp;Romero, and wish success in her new role.</p> <p>Throughout history, peaceful protests have driven some of the most powerful social movements, exposing injustice, fighting discrimination, and demanding accountability. However, current trends are unsettling: increasing severe stigmatization, attacks against civil society, the militarization of police and disproportionate use of force at protests, and rising authoritarianism globally.</p> <p>We are especially alarmed by the report’s findings on the increasing use of restrictive measures such as "foreign agent" laws, internet shutdowns, and digital surveillance to suppress civil society and dissent. Additionally, the misused technology, including AI and biometrics, aggravates these issues due to inadequate regulations and oversight.</p> <p>We call on states to refrain from actions that undermine freedom of peaceful assembly and association. We must counter hostile narratives, ensure adherence to international obligations, and enable meaningful public participation for all. We emphasize the importance of robust and timely accountability for violations of the right to peaceful assembly and association.</p> <p>Madame Special Rapporteur, how can international bodies discourage countries from implementing restrictive "foreign agent" laws that target civil society organizations and independent media?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council ‒ 56th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Annual full-day discussion on the human rights of women:</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Panel 1: Economic violence as a form of gender-based violence against women and girls</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Estonia on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>28 June 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic states.</p> <p>Women and girls – in all their diversity – face multiple and intersecting forms of sexual and gender-based violence. Today’s discussion reminds us that sexual and gender-based violence can take the form of economic violence and that economic violence can take many forms, including domestic and intimate partner violence.</p> <p>Economic violence is rooted in gender inequality and reinforced by gender stereotypes and negative social norms. It creates an obstacle for economic independence for many women and girls around the world. Their access to education, services, the labor market or financial resources such as credit, funds, property, land or inheritance is controlled, limited or fully denied. Economic dependency can perpetuate other forms of violence and retain women in abusive relationships.&nbsp;</p> <p>States have the obligation to ensure that all women and girls can enjoy a life free from violence. States must ensure women’s and girls’ access to financial services, quality education, sexual and reproductive health services and decent work.</p> <p>Esteemed panelists, what legal reforms and measures to tackle deeply entrenched social norms should be prioritized in order to address economic violence?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council ‒ 56th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Annual full-day discussion on the human rights of women:</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Panel 2: Human rights economy and human rights</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>28 June 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</p> <p>This year marks a troubling milestone with global inequality increasing for the first time in 25 years. This setback is particularly gendered, with women and girls disproportionately affected, especially those facing multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Women encounter economic disparities that are often overlooked by economic systems. Although frequently perceived as gender-neutral, macroeconomic policies can perpetuate discrimination within societies where women encounter structural inequalities and barriers.</p> <p>In pursuit of a global economy guided by human rights norms and standards, states must, through concerted efforts, strive to reform the international financial architecture and end all discriminatory and rights-violating practices that hinder gender equality.</p> <p>In line with the Sustainable Development Goals and international efforts towards a more equitable world, we must eliminate all discriminatory practices that limit women’s economic rights.</p> <p>To eradicate all forms of gender-based discrimination and to mitigate further proliferation of global inequalities, states must cultivate an enabling economic environment that embraces women in all their diversity, advances their rights and allows them to reach their fullest potential.</p> <p>Esteemed panelists, given the alarming rise in global inequality, what legislative changes should be prioritized to effectively address structural inequalities that hinder gender equality?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council ‒ 56th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive dialogue on the OHCHR mapping-report on new and emerging digital technologies</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Denmark on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong><strong></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>28 June 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I am honored to speak on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states.</p> <p>We thank OHCHR for the report, outlining existing work and providing recommendation on human rights and new and emerging digital technologies. We see it as an important step towards a more coordinated and effective approach to the Council’s work in ensuring technology as a human rights enabler.</p> <p>The report states that the UN-human rights system has already reached an “astounding level of technology-related outputs”, including 135 reports of special procedures. We are encouraged that the system is so active in its response to the new challenges. This is especially important as the work relates to crucial emerging human rights issues, including&nbsp;<em>inter alia</em>: internet access, content moderation and shut-downs, surveillance and AI, discrimination and biases, and the role of the private sector.</p> <p>However, the report also states that “the intersectionality of topics inevitably leads to some overlap”, which risks compromising the efficiency of a system that is already over-burdened.</p> <p>Going forward, how do you recommend the Council to deal with these matters in an efficient way, minimizing overlaps while respecting the importance and intersectionality of the topics?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="Default" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 56th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>2 July 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I am honoured to speak on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states.</p> <p>I would like to welcome Prof. Morgera as new mandate holder. The Nordic Baltic states strongly support the mandate of the Special Rapporteur and stand ready to assist her in its implementation.</p> <p>Climate change and development are undeniably linked. Climate change is one of the greatest threats to human rights in our time. It disproportionately impacts women and children, and vulnerable groups already at risk, including Indigenous Peoples, LGBTQI+ persons and persons with disabilities.</p> <p>In addressing the impacts of climate change, it is crucial that we adopt a human rights-based approach. As such, the design and implementation of climate policies must be built upon the promotion and protection of human rights.</p> <p>Climate policies must advance gender equality and intersectionality and not exacerbate existing inequalities, but build on inclusive action to ensure participation and protection of those most at risk.</p> <p>The Nordic Baltic states welcome the newest report and would ask how this Council can support its recommendations on systematically advancing intersectionality in climate actions?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 56thsession</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Estonia on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>2 July 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic states.</p> <p>We thank the Special Rapporteur for his latest report and continued work on this important issue.</p> <p>As the Special Rapporteur highlights, putting the focus on well-targeted social inequality-reducing policies, such as investing in public goods, transport, health and education, and boosting overall wellbeing, is crucial for eradicating poverty. A human rights based approach is key. There is a need to expand our toolbox in the fight against poverty in order to reduce inequality and ensure social inclusion.</p> <p>We strongly believe that investments in quality education are crucial to reduce poverty and inequalities and to counteract child labour or early child marriage.</p> <p>We firmly believe that gender inequality hinders poverty eradication. Empowering women in all their diversity to enjoy their right to participate in economic life, without discrimination, is vital to end the eradication of multidimensional poverty in our societies.</p> <p>Special rapporteur, how do you intend to conduct the consultations for the proposed road map for the transformation to post-growth approach to poverty?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 56thsession</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 4: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Lithuania on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>2 July 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic states.</p> <p>Madam Special Rapporteur,</p> <p>As your tenure is ending, allow me to extend our sincere gratitude for your tireless efforts to work with persisting human rights violations in Belarus and to support the Belarusian civil society.</p> <p>As indicated in your latest assessment, human rights situation in Belarus continues to deteriorate and repressions have reached unprecedented levels.</p> <p>Some of the violations committed in Belarus may amount to crimes against humanity.</p> <p>There are at least 1400 political prisoners in Belarus, many held incommunicado, in inhuman conditions, exposed to torture, with serious health issues, in some cases even leading to deaths.</p> <p>More international attention to this issue and increased pressure on Belarusian side is necessary.</p> <p>Belarus must fulfil its obligations under international human rights law. We must hold Belarusian authorities accountable for human rights violations, as well as for complicity in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Impunity only emboldens them to continue their wrongdoings. We should also actively counter disinformation disseminated by the authorities and state-sponsored media.</p> <p>Special Rapporteur, we strongly support your mandate and expect that mission to be further continued.</p> <p>We would also appreciate your overview on what were the most problematic aspects when implementing your mandate throughout these years, and where we – as the UN Human Rights Council or individual members – could better support the future Special Rapporteur.</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="Default" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 56th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 4: Interactive dialogue on oral update of the Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement&nbsp;</strong><strong>by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries. We strongly support the essential work of the Commission of Inquiry.</p> <p>The conflict in Syria continues to cause immense suffering to civilians. Hundreds of thousands have lost their lives or disappeared. Discrimination against women and girls has intensified.</p> <p>The humanitarian situation deteriorates, with a record high number of people in need. Safe, full, unhindered and sustained humanitarian access is imperative.</p> <p>We are alarmed by the persistence of torture, ill-treatment and deaths of detainees despite the ICJ provisional measures of 16 November 2023. As reported by the Commission, nearly 30.000 children remain unlawfully detained in camps or other facilities. We demand an end to violations of international human rights and humanitarian law by all parties, particularly by the regime and its allies.</p> <p>We welcome the commencement of work of the Independent Institution on Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic and continue to support the International Impartial and Independent Mechanism.</p> <p>Distinguished Commissioners, persons with disabilities are disproportionately affected by the conflict. Which measures do you recommend to address this issue?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 56thsession</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 4: Interactive dialogue on the progress oral report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation in Myanmar</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Norway on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>4 July 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I am honored to speak on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states.</p> <p>We express our extreme concern about the situation in Myanmar, which - as stated in the High Commissioner’s recent report - is in “freefall, with the total absence of human rights protections and civilian rule of law”.</p> <p>We witness a multifaceted crisis with reports of severe human rights violations and abuses including torture, enforced disappearances, severe threats to the safety and physical integrity of children, sexual and gender-based violence, and forced recruitment, not least in Rakhine state.</p> <p>We are also deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation and the safety of civilians and children currently residing in IDP camps.</p> <p>We welcome the appointment of Julie Bishop as Special Envoy. Her leadership will be crucial in addressing the complex challenges in Myanmar.</p> <p>Special Rapporteur, on May 23, you warned that “thousands of innocent lives will be lost if the international community fails to respond to ominous signs of another Rohingya bloodbath in Rakhine State“.</p> <p>Which actions do you recommend States to take to contain the situation?</p> <p>How can States best contribute to protecting civilians, particularly children, in the short-term?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="Default" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 56th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 4: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Burundi</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement&nbsp;</strong><strong>by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>4 July 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Iceland.</p> <p>We thank the Special Rapporteur for this update and his dedicated work. We call for the Government of Burundi to fully cooperate with the Special Rapporteur, and provide all necessary information to fulfil his mandate.</p> <p>Firstly, we express our concern about human rights violations against LGBTQI+ persons in Burundi.</p> <p>Ahead of the legislative and local elections in 2025, we express our serious concern on the restrictions on civil and political rights in Burundi. We are alarmed by the reports of repression of political opponents, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, torture and extrajudicial killings. We call for effective investigations of human rights violations and abuses and holding perpetrators to account. Fostering a civic space where political parties, civil society organizations, human rights defenders and journalists and other media workers can work freely, without fear of reprisals, is paramount.</p> <p>Special Rapporteur, what would be the most pressing measures to ensure free and fair legislative and local elections in 2025?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 56thsession</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 9: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerances</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>8 July 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries.</p> <p>We thank the Special Rapporteur for her report.</p> <p>We are deeply alarmed by the rise in hate crimes and incitement to violence against ethnic, racial and religious minorities around the world.</p> <p>These not only threaten the safety and wellbeing of individuals but undermine social cohesion, the stability of societies and the fundamental principles of equality and human dignity.</p> <p>Resurgence and glorification of Nazism and neo-Nazism represent a significant regression in human rights, perpetuating grave historical injustices and deepening divisions within communities.</p> <p>Combating Nazism and neo-Nazism should not be politicized or misappropriated by States as a pretext for other ulterior motives. We strongly believe such misuse undermines the genuine fight against these heinous ideologies, and we categorically reject any use of false narratives in this regard.</p> <p>To eradicate racial injustice, robust measures must be adopted, within and among countries, that comprehensively address all forms of racism, including Nazism and neo-Nazism.</p> <p>Through education and awareness campaigns and strengthened legal frameworks, the international community must work collectively towards combating racism and upholding universal human rights standards, leaving no one behind.</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 56thsession</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 10: Interactive dialogue on the OHCHR report on technical assistance in Libya</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>9 July 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries.</p> <p>Human rights violations and abuses remain pervasive in Libya. Human rights defenders and migrants are particularly affected.&nbsp;</p> <p>We acknowledge positive efforts towards development of a national human rights action plan, legislative reforms in the criminal justice system, and attempts to strengthen civil society and community capacities for transitional justice and reconciliation.</p> <p>However, we remain deeply concerned by reports of arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, deprivation of liberty and attacks on civic space. These actions erode the rule of law and deepen the accountability deficit across the country.</p> <p>It is regrettable that OHCHR, UNSMIL and international humanitarian and human rights organisations continue to have restricted access to Libya.</p> <p>We call on the Libyan authorities to immediately cease all human rights violations and abuses, cooperate fully with OHCHR and UNSMIL, and to foster transitional justice, reconciliation and respect for human rights. Comprehensive and targeted effort are not only crucial for promoting accountability and justice in Libya, but a necessary precondition for sustainable peace.</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 56th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 10: Interactive dialogue on the oral update of the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Central African Republic</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Latvia on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>9 July 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</p> <p>We thank the Independent Expert for his dedicated efforts.</p> <p>Though progress has been made on the institutional and legislative front, we remain deeply concerned by the increasing disregard for international humanitarian law and human rights in the Central African Republic. The scale and severity of violations and abuses, including abductions, detention and ill-treatment, remain alarming.</p> <p>We reiterate our call for the Government to ensure that all perpetrators of atrocities are held accountable, regardless of their political status, rank, affiliation or nationality.</p> <p>We deplore the widespread sexual and gender-based violence, and violations and abuses committed against children in the country – increased effort must be made to prevent these serious violations and to ensure protection of civilians.</p> <p>Mr Agbetse, how can the international community facilitate strengthening of the accountability mechanisms in the Central African Republic?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 56thsession</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 10: Annual thematic panel discussion on technical cooperation and capacity-building</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>9 July 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries.</p> <p>The Universal Periodic Review is a cornerstone of the Human Rights Council’s work and serves as a crucial peer-to-peer instrument that can contribute significantly to the promotion and protection of human rights in countries.</p> <p>Technical cooperation and capacity-building to support states in effectively implementing recommendations, improving their human rights practices, and fulfilling their international obligations are essential to the UPR process.</p> <p>Robust implementation and follow-up of UPR recommendations hinges on a holistic and rights-based approach on the ground, one that is fostered through inclusion of all relevant stakeholders.</p> <p>Coordination and cooperation between states, United Nations Agencies, Funds and Programmes, civil society, and other key stakeholders must be enhanced to optimize the use of limited resources and to meet growing demands for technical assistance and capacity-building.</p> <p>The UPR Voluntary Fund for Implementation, which has seen a regrettable drop in contributions during the last few years, is one important measure to contribute to successful implementation of UPR recommendations at the national level.</p> <p>Distinguished panelists, in addition to the fund, what other measures to support implementation does the panel recommend?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 56thsession</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 10: Interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner’s oral update on the situation of human rights in Ukraine and the interim report of the Secretary General on the situation of human rights in Crimea</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Latvia on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>9 July 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</p> <p>Since Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014 and full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine since 2022, Russia has committed atrocities that may amount to war crimes and perpetrated grave violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.</p> <p>The weaponisation of sexual and gender-based violence and unlawful deportation and transfer of children are among the most appalling crimes. Russia must ensure safe and unhindered access for human rights monitoring mechanisms to all temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, including to prisoners of war.</p> <p>Persecution of journalists and representatives of civil society, politically motivated sentencing, arbitrary detentions, torture, forced conscription, unlawful transfer and deportation of children and civilians, including Crimean Tatars – an unacceptable reality faced by the people of the occupied Ukrainian peninsula. Russia’s ongoing efforts to eradicate Ukrainian language, identity and cultural heritage through indoctrination and assimilation further expose the imperial nature of its war of aggression.&nbsp;</p> <p>It is imperative that Russia is held fully accountable and perpetrators of human rights violations are brought to justice.</p> <p>High Commissioner,</p> <p>During the Summit on Peace in Ukraine, nearly 100 nations called on Russia to return all deported and unlawfully displaced children and civilians, as well as release all prisoners of war. What instruments do we have to add to this purpose and further mobilise the international community to bring Ukrainian people home?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 56thsession</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 10: Interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner’s report on technical cooperation and capacity-building in the field of human rights in Colombia</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Norway on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>10 July 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</p> <p>We thank the High Commissioner for his latest report and the valuable recommendations. We would also like to commend Colombia in for its openness in recognizing the urgent need for a comprehensive and integral implementation of the peace agreement from 2016, and its efforts towards peace.</p> <p>The grave security situation faced by former combatants, human rights defenders and social leaders represents a threat to the peace agreement. We concur with the High Commissioner’s recommendation that the government should adopt a public policy of guarantees for the work of defense of human rights and that the implementation is overseen by the national and regional roundtables for guarantees.</p> <p>In line with the report, we urge Colombia’s Attorney General’s Office to advance towards ensuring accountability for human rights violations and abuses.</p> <p>We also share the view that reinforcing the presence of the state in rural areas requires intergovernmental coordination at all levels.</p> <p>High Commissioner, in your view, what concrete steps could Colombia take to strengthen such coordination and thereby also strengthen implementation of the key policies mentioned in the report?</p> <p>I thank you.</p>

<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 56thsession</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 10: Annual thematic panel discussion on technical cooperation and capacity-building</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>9 July 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries. </p> <p>The Universal Periodic Review is a cornerstone of the Human Rights Council’s work and serves as a crucial peer-to-peer instrument that can contribute significantly to the promotion and protection of human rights in countries.</p> <p>Technical cooperation and capacity-building to support states in effectively implementing recommendations, improving their human rights practices, and fulfilling their international obligations are essential to the UPR process.</p> <p>Robust implementation and follow-up of UPR recommendations hinges on a holistic and rights-based approach on the ground, one that is fostered through inclusion of all relevant stakeholders. </p> <p>Coordination and cooperation between states, United Nations Agencies, Funds and Programmes, civil society, and other key stakeholders must be enhanced to optimize the use of limited resources and to meet growing demands for technical assistance and capacity-building. </p> <p>The UPR Voluntary Fund for Implementation, which has seen a regrettable drop in contributions during the last few years, is one important measure to contribute to successful implementation of UPR recommendations at the national level. </p> <p>Distinguished panelists, in addition to the funds, what other measures to support implementation does the panel recommend? </p> <p>I thank you.</p>

<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 56thsession</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 10: Interactive dialogue on the OHCHR report on technical assistance in Libya </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>9 July 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries.</p> <p>Human rights violations and abuses remain pervasive in Libya. Human rights defenders and migrants are particularly affected.&nbsp; </p> <p>We acknowledge positive efforts towards development of a national human rights action plan, legislative reforms in the criminal justice system, and attempts to strengthen civil society and community capacities for transitional justice and reconciliation.</p> <p>However, we remain deeply concerned by reports of arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, deprivation of liberty and attacks on civic space. These actions erode the rule of law and deepen the accountability deficit across the country. </p> <p>It is regrettable that OHCHR, UNSMIL and international humanitarian and human rights organisations continue to have restricted access to Libya. </p> <p>We call on the Libyan authorities to immediately cease all human rights violations and abuses, cooperate fully with OHCHR and UNSMIL, and to foster transitional justice, reconciliation and respect for human rights. Comprehensive and targeted effort are not only crucial for promoting accountability and justice in Libya, but a necessary precondition for sustainable peace. </p> <p>I thank you. </p>

<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP) – 17th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 5: United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: Interactive dialogue with UNPFII, the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the UN Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples and members of the United Nations Treaty Bodies </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint Statement by Denmark on behalf of a group of countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>9 July 2024</strong></p> <p>Chair,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of a group of countries and my own, Denmark together with Greenland.</p> <p>We reaffirm our full and firm commitment to the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.&nbsp; </p> <p>We would like to raise our concern with the use of the term Indigenous Peoples in conflation with local communities in international instruments concerning in particular the environment, biodiversity and climate change. We are concerned that when these terms are grouped together, it risks conflating the terms and risks a perception that these terms are synonymous – which they are not.&nbsp; </p> <p>Indigenous Peoples have affirmed their identity as Indigenous Peoples, which States have subsequently recognized in international law and incorporated into international instruments. The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples embodies a fundamental international instrument that outlines the inherent collective rights of Indigenous Peoples and affirms their identity as Peoples equal to all other peoples.&nbsp; Unduly linking of Indigenous Peoples with local communities and other terms contains the risk - intentionally or not - of blurring the concept of Indigenous Peoples.</p> <p>We convey our support to the efforts of the Permanent Forum, the Expert Mechanism, and the Special Rapporteur on addressing this issue and we encourage “all United Nations entities and States parties to treaties concerning the environment, biodiversity and climate to refrain from the use of the term “local communities” in conjunction with Indigenous Peoples, and to distinguish between the terms, in ongoing processes, policies and new international agreements at all levels. This includes engaging directly with Indigenous Peoples to resolve this issue.”</p> <p>Esteemed experts, what do you see as the biggest challenges to remedy the conflation of Indigenous Peoples with local communities?</p>

<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 56thsession</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 9: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerances</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>8 July 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries.</p> <p>We thank the Special Rapporteur for her report.</p> <p>We are deeply alarmed by the rise in hate crimes and incitement to violence against ethnic, racial and religious minorities around the world.</p> <p>These not only threaten the safety and wellbeing of individuals but undermine social cohesion, the stability of societies and the fundamental principles of equality and human dignity. </p> <p>Resurgence and glorification of Nazism and neo-Nazism represent a significant regression in human rights, perpetuating grave historical injustices and deepening divisions within communities.</p> <p>Combating Nazism and neo-Nazism should not be politicized or misappropriated by States as a pretext for other ulterior motives. We strongly believe such misuse undermines the genuine fight against these heinous ideologies, and we categorically reject any use of false narratives in this regard. </p> <p>To eradicate racial injustice, robust measures must be adopted, within and among countries, that comprehensively address all forms of racism, including Nazism and neo-Nazism.</p> <p>Through education and awareness campaigns and strengthened legal frameworks, the international community must work collectively towards combating racism and upholding universal human rights standards, leaving no one behind.</p> <p>I thank you.</p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0796%20joint%20statement%201480pc.pdf">Joint statement marking the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture 2024 as delivered by Denmark on behalf of 43 participating states at the 1480th meeting of the OSCE’s Permanent Council on June 4th 2024.</a></span>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0813%20canada%201480pc.pdf">Joint Statement on World Refugee Day at the 1480 OSCE Permanent Council Meeting.</a></span></p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0803%20joint%201480pc.pdf">Joint Statement on “Universality and Indivisibility of Human Rights for All”, in reference to the Russian and Belarusian events at the Hofburg. 1480th meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council,<br /> 4 July 2024.</a></span>

<p class="default" style="background: white; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #4a4a4a;">Human Rights Council – 56th session</span></strong></p> <p style="background: white; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #4a4a4a;">Item 4: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Burundi</span></strong></p> <p style="background: white; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #4a4a4a;">Statement&nbsp;by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries</span></strong></p> <p style="background: white; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #4a4a4a;">4 July 2024</span></strong></p> <p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #4a4a4a;">Mr. President,</span></p> <p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #4a4a4a;">I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Iceland.</span></p> <p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #4a4a4a;">We thank the Special Rapporteur for this update and his dedicated work. We call for the Government of Burundi to fully cooperate with the Special Rapporteur, and provide all necessary information to fulfil his mandate.</span></p> <p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #4a4a4a;">Firstly, we express our concern about human rights violations against LGBTQI+ persons in Burundi.</span></p> <p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #4a4a4a;">Ahead of the legislative and local elections in 2025, we express our serious concern on the restrictions on civil and political rights in Burundi. We are alarmed by the reports of repression of political opponents, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, torture and extrajudicial killings. We call for effective investigations of human rights violations and abuses and holding perpetrators to account. Fostering a civic space where political parties, civil society organizations, human rights defenders and journalists and other media workers can work freely, without fear of reprisals, is paramount.</span></p> <p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #4a4a4a;">Special Rapporteur, what would be the most pressing measures to ensure free and fair legislative and local elections in 2025?</span></p> <p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #4a4a4a;">I thank you.</span></p>

<p>Statement by H.E. Jörundur Valtýsson,<br /> Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations<br /> General Assembly 78th session, 2 July 2024<br /> Preparatory meeting for the 2025 UN Ocean Conference<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Co-chairs, Excellencies.</p> <p>&nbsp;Iceland wishes to thank the organizers of this meeting, the Secretariat, as well as the co-hosts of the Third UN Ocean conference – Costa Rica and France. We are also delighted to see, and hear from, so many stakeholders in the room. This is of key importance. </p> <p>Only a couple of weeks ago Iceland participated at the well-attended Immersed in Change conference in Costa Rica, which was an excellent event and a source of inspiration on the road to Nice.<br /> <br /> Iceland regards the UN Ocean Conference as the most important international conference on ocean affairs. It is therefore crucial to make sure that the most important topics and pressing issues are covered at the conference.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;Iceland participated very actively in Lisbon, including at the highest level of government. As to the Nice conference, we have remained active throughout the preparation process under firm instructions from Reykjavík to that end. We made a proposal on themes of the Ocean Action Panels, as requested by the organizers earlier on.<br /> <br /> In our proposal we emphasized three main elements as topics for panels: Blue food, sustainable fisheries management and UNCLOS, the Constitution of the Ocean. </p> <p>Looking at the carefully crafted proposal on themes for the ten Ocean Action Panels which is now being discussed, our reaction is as follows and, really one of firm support: <br /> <br /> Namely, Iceland is pleased to accept the proposal on the themes of the panels. We see the ten proposed panels as a balanced package deal and we celebrate the attention to themes of scientific research, the blue economy, the ocean-climate-biodiversity nexus, tackling marine pollution, cooperation especially at the regional level and, last but not least, mobilizing finance for the most underfunded SDG.</p> <p>Co-chairs, please allow me to highlight two points of substance, which are not explicitly listed in the headlines of the proposed panels, but which Iceland expects and assumes will be mainstreamed into the panels:<br /> <br /> Firstly, the importance of gender equality for the success on SDG14 cannot be underestimated. Women already significantly contribute to fisheries and other types of ocean-related work. They need recognition of their contribution but also increased opportunities, including access to finance, and we need to tear down gender stereotypes that stand in the way of people of all genders contributing to the Ocean. We need all hands on deck.<br /> <br /> The other point we hope will be addressed, despite not being explicitly mentioned in the headlines of panel themes, is combatting harmful fisheries subsidies, mindful of the ongoing work in Geneva on that front.<br /> <br /> I thank you.</p>

<span></span> <p style="background: white; text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 56th session</strong></p> <p style="background: white; text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change</strong></p> <p style="background: white; text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="background: white; text-align: center;"><strong>2 July 2024</strong></p> <p style="background: white;">Mr. President,</p> <p style="background: white;">I am honoured to speak on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states.</p> <p style="background: white;">I would like to welcome Prof. Morgera as new mandate holder. The Nordic Baltic states strongly support the mandate of the Special Rapporteur and stand ready to assist her in its implementation.</p> <p style="background: white;">Climate change and development are undeniably linked. Climate change is one of the greatest threats to human rights in our time. It disproportionately impacts women and children, and vulnerable groups already at risk, including Indigenous Peoples, LGBTQI+ persons and persons with disabilities.</p> <p style="background: white;">In addressing the impacts of climate change, it is crucial that we adopt a human rights-based approach. As such, the design and implementation of climate policies must be built upon the promotion and protection of human rights.</p> <p style="background: white;">Climate policies must advance gender equality and intersectionality and not exacerbate existing inequalities, but build on inclusive action to ensure participation and protection of those most at risk.</p> <p style="background: white;">The Nordic Baltic states welcome the newest report and would ask how this Council can support its recommendations on systematically advancing intersectionality in climate actions?</p> <p style="background: white;">I thank you.</p>

<strong>Statement delivered by&nbsp;</strong><span><strong>H.E. Ambassador Thordur Oskarsson,&nbsp;<br /> Deputy Permanent Representative of Iceland, on behalf of<br /> Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Slovenia and Sweden<br /> <span>Meeting of the Chairs of Human Rights Treaty Bodies with UN Member States<br /> 27 June, 2024<br /> </span></strong></span> <div>&nbsp;</div> <br /> <br /> <br /> <span>Thank you, Mr. Chair,&nbsp;<br /> <br /> I have the pleasure of delivering this statement on behalf of Belgium, Slovenia, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and my own country, Iceland.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> This group of seven countries has led a biannual resolution on the Human Rights treaty body system in the Third Committee of the General Assembly since 2016 and will be presenting it for the fifth time later this year.<br /> <br /> Together we attach great importance to the strengthening of the human rights treaty body system.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Mr. Chair,<br /> <br /> We welcome this exchange and we much appreciate the work that has been done in the past years, by you as Chairs, the committees, and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. This has resulted in identifying several practical solutions and recommendations. Most of these recommendations have been backed by States, within the mandate of the General Assembly, in the guiding resolution of 68/268, which was adopted after a thorough intergovernmental process.<br /> <br /> We, therefore, urge you to build upon this work, redouble your efforts and prioritize implementation of these recommendations, within your mandates as Chairs and committee members, and with OHCHR as the Secretariat providing you with administrative support.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Mr. Chair,<br /> <br /> The Third Committee resolution on the human rights treaty body system we will be facilitating later this year plays an important part in the implementation of General Assembly resolutions 68/268.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> One of the resolution’s strengths is that it has been passed by consensus, demonstrating the support of the entire UN Membership of the treaty body system and its strengthening. Importantly, the resolution encourages all stakeholders to continue their efforts for the full implementation of resolution 68/268.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> On the other hand, our biannual resolution has its limitations in scope, as a technical, consensual text, passed within the tight time frame of the Third Committee. Its main purpose has been to consolidate and reaffirm much of the good work carried out on treaty body strengthening.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Mr. Chair,<br /> <br /> The key issues to be addressed are well-known, including the implementation of predictable review cycles, better alignment of working methods, and an acceleration of the digital shift, including for individual communications.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> We want to highlight that the 2022 resolution notes the considerable potential of digitalization of the work of the treaty bodies and encourages further use of digital technologies in their work. It also encourages further use of virtual forms of meetings while stressing the importance of in-person meetings.<br /> <br /> On the working methods, continued implementation needs to be carried out based on the years’ worth of various processes and reports, including your own.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> As chairs, you play a key role in ensuring that implementation happens in a timely manner. We urge you to be more ambitious in this work, within your respective mandates, which frankly, reaches further than that of the GA in this regard.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Mr. Chair,<br /> <br /> The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-2021 worsened the challenges already faced by the treaty body system. The current liquidity crisis has further exacerbated an already critical situation.<br /> <br /> Overcoming the backlog will take years for most of the committees. Increased use of simplified State party reporting procedures has helped some committees to begin to address their backlogs.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> We therefore encourage you – the chairs – once again, to work together and with your own respective committees in making it a priority to implement simplified reporting procedure, by all committees for all interested State parties. This encouragement is set forward already in resolution 68/268 in operative paragraphs 1 and 2 and we believe it will make the reporting process both more efficient and focused. We also urge you to coordinate and shorten the list of issues.<br /> <br /> We also encourage you to work, in consultation with member states, on a more predictable and better aligned calendar for States’ reporting, which is coordinated with other treaty bodies and with the calendar of the UPR. This principle is also set forward already in resolution 68/268, paragraph 34, where it invites you to increase coordination and predictability in the reporting process to achieve a clear and regularized schedule for reporting by States parties.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> We look forward to the future digitalization of the treaty body system, which will strengthen the work of the Treaty Bodies and improve efficiency and transparency. Introducing a digital case management system and an online submission platform for individual communications, as recommended in the 2020 Treaty Body review process, should remain a key priority of any “digital shift”. We urge Member States to avail extra resources for this to materialize.<br /> <br /> Mr. Chair,<br /> <br /> Many of the measures that have been identified do not require more guidance or budget allocations from Member States. Under the current conditions, including the UN Secretariat’s liquidity crisis, this is an even more relevant point to stress.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Much of the success depends on your stewardship – the chairs of the committees – in leading your respective committees towards improved working methods, predictability and alignment in a timely manner.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> In achieving this, you should be guided by your mandates, inspired by the extensive work already done and encouraged by our firm support of your work.<br /> <br /> I thank you.<br /> </span> <div>&nbsp;</div>

<span></span> <p style="background: white; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #4a4a4a;">Human Rights Council ‒ 56th session</span></strong></p> <p style="background: white; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #4a4a4a;">Annual full-day discussion on the human rights of women:</span></strong></p> <p style="background: white; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #4a4a4a;">Panel 2: Human rights economy and human rights</span></strong></p> <p style="background: white; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #4a4a4a;">Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries</span></strong></p> <p style="background: white; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #4a4a4a;">28 June 2024</span></strong></p> <p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #4a4a4a;">Mr. President,</span></p> <p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #4a4a4a;">I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</span></p> <p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #4a4a4a;">This year marks a troubling milestone with global inequality increasing for the first time in 25 years. This setback is particularly gendered, with women and girls disproportionately affected, especially those facing multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #4a4a4a;">Women encounter economic disparities that are often overlooked by economic systems. Although frequently perceived as gender-neutral, macroeconomic policies can perpetuate discrimination within societies where women encounter structural inequalities and barriers.</span></p> <p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #4a4a4a;">In pursuit of a global economy guided by human rights norms and standards, states must, through concerted efforts, strive to reform the international financial architecture and end all discriminatory and rights-violating practices that hinder gender equality.</span></p> <p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #4a4a4a;">In line with the Sustainable Development Goals and international efforts towards a more equitable world, we must eliminate all discriminatory practices that limit women’s economic rights.</span></p> <p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #4a4a4a;">To eradicate all forms of gender-based discrimination and to mitigate further proliferation of global inequalities, states must cultivate an enabling economic environment that embraces women in all their diversity, advances their rights and allows them to reach their fullest potential.</span></p> <p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #4a4a4a;">Esteemed panelists, given the alarming rise in global inequality, what legislative changes should be prioritized to effectively address structural inequalities that hinder gender equality?</span></p> <p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #4a4a4a;">I thank you.</span></p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0756%20iceland.pdf">Statement by Ms. María Mjöll Jónsdóttir,&nbsp;Director General of the Directorate for International Affairs and Policy at the OSCE Annual Security Review Conference, Vienna, 26-27 June 2024.</a></span>

<span></span> <p style="background: white; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: 'Fira Sans', sans-serif;">Human Rights Council ‒ 56th session</span></strong></p> <p style="background: white; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: 'Fira Sans', sans-serif;">Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions</span></strong></p> <p style="background: white; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: 'Fira Sans', sans-serif;">Statement by H.E. Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic Countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and Iceland</span></strong></p> <p style="background: white; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: 'Fira Sans', sans-serif;">26 June 2024</span></strong></p> <p style="background: white; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: 'Fira Sans', sans-serif;">Mr. President,</span></p> <p style="background: white; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: 'Fira Sans', sans-serif;">I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</span></p> <p style="background: white; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: 'Fira Sans', sans-serif;">We thank the Special Rapporteur for his comprehensive report calling for the development of human rights-based guiding principles to bridge the gap between different levels of protections for dead persons under international law.</span></p> <p style="background: white; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: 'Fira Sans', sans-serif;">The dignity of persons and the respect owed to their bodies do not cease with death. Disruptions of the processes by which individuals and societies across cultures and religions honour and mourn the deceased harm both individuals and societies and can serve to undermine or impede victims’ rights to truth, justice and reparation in cases of unlawful death.</span></p> <p style="background: white; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: 'Fira Sans', sans-serif;">With the proliferation of armed conflicts, migration, climate change and the recurrence of natural disasters, the need to ensure the effective protection of the dead becomes more urgent than ever.</span></p> <p style="background: white; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: 'Fira Sans', sans-serif;">This requires a multi-stakeholder approach, rooted in human rights. The idea to establish universally applicable guiding principles that ensure the comprehensive protection of the memory of the deceased and respect to their bodies merits further discussion.</span></p> <p style="background: white; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: 'Fira Sans', sans-serif;">Special Rapporteur, in your view, how can the Council and its mechanisms contribute to enhancing the protection of the dead, including the individual recording of casualties?</span></p> <p style="background: white; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: 'Fira Sans', sans-serif;">I thank you.</span></p>

<p>Statement by Hendrik Daði Jónsson,<br /> Legal Adviser, Directorate for Legal &amp; Executive Affairs, Ministry for Foreign Affairs<br /> Preparatory Commission for the Entry into Force of the BBNJ Agreement,Organizational Meeting, 24 June 2024 – General statement<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <span> </span></p> <p><span style="font-family: FiraGO Book, sans-serif;">Thank you, Madam Co-Chair, </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: FiraGO Book, sans-serif;">At the outset, we would like to congratulate you on your election as Co-Chair for this Preparatory Commission. We further express Iceland’s appreciation to you for assuming this role under the present circumstances. We would like to take the opportunity to express and underscore Iceland’s hope and encouragement that the nomination and election of the second Co-Chair be resolved without delay, so that the Preparatory Commission may swiftly proceed with the important work which the General Assembly has mandated it to do. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: FiraGO Book, sans-serif;">Madam Co-Chair,</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: FiraGO Book, sans-serif;">It is a familiar feeling to be gathered again at United Nations Headquarters to discuss the BBNJ Agreement. We remember the late nights and early mornings we spent in the halls and corridors of this building, as we exerted our very best efforts to find common ground. Our discussions were taxing and sometimes they were painful, as compromises often are, but they paved the way to a meaningful milestone: we concluded the BBNJ Agreement and we adopted it by consensus. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: FiraGO Book, sans-serif;">A year on from its adoption, we are encouraged to find that the BBNJ Agreement has already accumulated 91 signatories. The Government of Iceland is proud to have been among the first to sign the Agreement when it opened for signature on 20 September last year. We are pleased to share with you that work is already underway nationally to be able to implement the Agreement into national law so that we may join the growing list of States Parties as we count down towards 60 ratifications. We are mindful that it is only once we reach this milestone that the BBNJ Agreement can begin to serve its purpose of ensuring the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: FiraGO Book, sans-serif;">Thankfully, the task of this Preparatory Commission is very different from that of the Intergovernmental Conferences that came before it. Our task is not to draft the BBNJ Agreement but to translate it faithfully from the page into practice. The various rules, arrangements and terms of reference to be adopted by the Conference of the Parties at its first meeting are the instruments required for meeting the Agreement’s objectives. </span></p> <p><span style="font-family: FiraGO Book, sans-serif;">We arrive at this organizational meeting ready to cooperate, to listen and to exchange with fellow prospective parties of the BBNJ Agreement – to ensure that the work of our COP meetings can be effective and efficient from day one. </span></p> <p><span style="font-family: FiraGO Book, sans-serif;">With that, Madam Co-Chair, we join others in affirming that we are ready to get to work.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: FiraGO Book, sans-serif;">Thank you. </span></p> <p><span style="font-family: FiraGO Book, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: FiraGO Book, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span></p>

<span></span> <p style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:7.5pt; margin-left:0cm;text-align:center;line-height:18.75pt;background:white;"><strong>Human Rights Council ‒ 56th session</strong></p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 7.5pt; text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the right to physical and mental health</strong></p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 7.5pt; text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by H.E. Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic Countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania Norway, Sweden and Iceland</strong></p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 7.5pt; text-align: center;"><strong>24 June 2024</strong></p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 7.5pt; text-align: start;">Mr. President,</p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 7.5pt; text-align: start;">I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 7.5pt; text-align: start;">We thank the Special Rapporteur for her comprehensive report on the right to health and the intersection between drug policies, human rights and public health. Her in-depth analysis of drug laws and policies and the related outcomes that adversely impact the enjoyment of the right to health are an important contribution to the growing discourse on harm reduction.</p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 7.5pt; text-align: start;">Drug use remains a significant public health concern that poses a threat to the health and wellbeing of diverse populations globally.</p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 7.5pt; text-align: start;">Its stigmatization exacerbates inequalities, hinders access to essential health services and serves to perpetuatecycles of discrimination and negative coping mechanisms that disproportionately affect persons in vulnerable situations. We note with concern that criminalization of HIV transmission impedes appropriate health services.</p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 7.5pt; text-align: start;">The prevalence of drug use and its negative implications underscore the need for enhanced collective efforts for the development of evidence-based, comprehensive and gender-responsive drug policies informed by disaggregated data.</p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 7.5pt; text-align: start;">These policies must take a human rights-based approach, ensuring inclusion and equitable access to health and social services for all persons in line with the AAAQ Framework.</p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 7.5pt; text-align: start;">Special Rapporteur, in your view, what are the key obstacles to a human rights-based approach to drug policies?</p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 7.5pt; text-align: justify;">I thank you.</p>

<span></span> <p style="background: white; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #4a4a4a;">Human Rights Council – 56th session</span></strong></p> <p style="background: white; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #4a4a4a;">Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, its causes and consequences</span></strong></p> <p style="background: white; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #4a4a4a;">Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</span></strong></p> <p style="background: white; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #4a4a4a;">21 June 2024</span></strong></p> <p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #4a4a4a;">Mr. President,</span></p> <p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #4a4a4a;">I deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</span></p> <p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #4a4a4a;">Women in prostitution risk facing multiple forms of violence from clients, procurers, and traffickers. Often coupled with many intersecting forms of discrimination and inequalities. The prevalent impunity in many countries is a serious concern. We are also concerned about the new ways created by digital technologies to exploit women and girls sexually. Further cooperation with tech companies is necessary to address all forms of technology-facilitated gender-based violence.</span></p> <p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #4a4a4a;">Prostitution poses a major obstacle to social equality, gender equality and achieving the goals of Agenda 2030. In this context, children – in particular girls, transgender women, indigenous women, women with disabilities and LGBTQI women may be in a particularly vulnerable situation. Change is necessary. By taking a transformative approach to address the root causes of gender inequalities we can create societies where the human rights of women and girls are fully protected, respected, and fulfilled. We need to dismantle discriminating societal structures so that women and girls in all their diversity can live their lives free from coercion and violence. And have the power to decide over their own bodies.</span></p> <p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #4a4a4a;">In your view, how can states effectively address and tackle human rights violations and abuses faced by women in prostitution to empower and enhance their agency?</span></p> <p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #4a4a4a;">I thank you.</span></p>

<p style="background: white; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #4a4a4a;">Human Rights Council – 56thsession</span></strong></p> <p style="background: white; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #4a4a4a;">Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity</span></strong></p> <p style="background: white; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #4a4a4a;">Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and Iceland</span></strong></p> <p style="background: white; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #4a4a4a;">20 June 2024</span></strong></p> <p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #4a4a4a;">Mr. President,</span></p> <p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #4a4a4a;">I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</span></p> <p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #4a4a4a;">We reiterate our unwavering support for the work of the Independent Expert and this critical mandate.</span></p> <p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #4a4a4a;">Legislation that limits the human rights to freedom of opinion and expression, association, and peaceful assembly due to sexual orientation and gender identity is nothing new. However, recent years have seen an escalation in the number and breadth of constrictive laws. Such laws and practices are in violation of states’ international human rights obligations and have a chilling effect on civil society and the vital work of human rights defenders advocating for the full and equal enjoyment of human rights of LGBTQI+ persons.</span></p> <p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #4a4a4a;">Discriminatory restrictions include criminalizing public displays of same-sex affection, adopting policies against comprehensive sexuality education, and refusing to register organizations that work on sexual orientation or gender identity. The proliferation of such policies, which goes hand in hand with a pushback on the human rights of LGBTIQ persons in UN fora, must be countered.</span></p> <p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #4a4a4a;">What should states, tech companies and civil society do to ensure online safety for LGBTQI+ persons, in order to safeguard their human rights and protect persons from digital violence and hate speech?</span></p> <p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #4a4a4a;">I thank you.</span></p>

<p style="background: white; text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 56thsession</strong></p> <p style="background: white; text-align: center;"><strong>Item 2: Interactive dialogue on the annual report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights</strong></p> <p style="background: white; text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Iceland</strong></p> <p style="background: white; text-align: center;"><strong>20 June 2024</strong></p> <p style="background: white;">Mr. President,</p> <p style="background: white;">We thank the High Commissioner for his sobering account.</p> <p style="background: white;">The number and severity of crises in the High Commissioner’s update is a stark warning that human rights are under attack and that no country is immune from regression.</p> <p style="background: white;">It is also a stark reminder that unless grievances and drivers of tension, violence and conflict are addressed at the micro and macro level, we must anticipate proliferation of armed conflicts, both international and non-international.</p> <p style="background: white;">Collective failure of ensuring universal respect for international human rights law and humanitarian law comes at a hefty price; measurable through human suffering and death, and in financial terms.</p> <p style="background: white;">The fallacy that the enjoyment of human rights of some is a threat to others must be countered. We agree that we must embrace inclusivity and challenge harmful narratives. Any form of hate speech is dangerous for social cohesion and a harbinger of worse to come, to quote the High Commissioner.</p> <p style="background: white;">We are dismayed by the continued corrosion of the multilateral and rules-based international system. The increase in attacks, threats and reprisals, both online and offline, against international institutions, judiciaries and mechanisms is not only unacceptable, but also precarious.</p> <p style="background: white;">Mr. President,</p> <p style="background: white;">Looking towards the future, we must recognize that full respect and enjoyment of human rights is indispensable, and this Council must do its part.</p> <p style="background: white;">I thank you.</p>

Statement by Mr. Hendrik Jónsson, Legal Officer<br /> Directorate for Legal &amp; Executive Affairs, Ministry for Foreign Affairs<br /> General Assembly 78th session, 18 June 2024<br /> Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and the Law of the Sea (ICP 24)<br /> General Exchange of Views<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Distinguished Co-Chairs,<br /> <br /> As this is the first time our delegation takes the floor, we would like to take the opportunity to congratulate you both on your respective reappointments as chairs of the Open-ended Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and the Law of the Sea and to convey to you our confidence in your stewardship over the important discussions we will have in the coming days. <br /> <br /> We thank the Secretary-General for a highly informative and engaging report, which we have read with interest in our preparations for this meeting. We would also like to express our enduring appreciation to the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea for the indispensable role which it plays in the organisation of this meeting and other meetings on our ocean calendar. <br /> Distinguished Co-Chairs,<br /> <br /> An islander knows innately that any distinction drawn between life in and out of the ocean is only artificial. We know that our life on land is dependent on the ocean. In turn, life below water is deeply impacted by the life we lead on land. It is against this backdrop that the Government of Iceland approaches all discussions of sustainable development; deeply aware that we must sustain the ocean, for the ocean sustains us. <br /> <br /> Our planet and our species are today facing challenges of a scale that is on the precipice of what language can capture. Humankind’s success in resolving the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution will be measured in the planet we pass on to future generations. <br /> <br /> When contemplating how to respond to a crisis such as this, it is perhaps not surprising that an island State would look to the ocean. For Icelanders, the ocean has for centuries been a source of sustenance and wellbeing. It has been our bridge to the wider world; our corridor for trade and travel; and our source of food. <br /> The ocean is home to a great wealth of blue foods which can be sustainably caught, harvested or farmed to provide the food to feed a hungry planet. This umbrella term encompasses a wide variety of ocean flora and fauna, including fish, shellfish, molluscs and algae. Compared with land-based alternatives, many blue foods are denser in essential nutrients and can be produced with lower greenhouse gas emissions, less water pollution and using less land and water resources. Foods from the ocean are therefore pivotal, both globally and locally, to advancing the food and nutrition security needs of growing populations whilst advancing efforts to combat climate change. <br /> <br /> Distinguished Co-Chairs,<br /> <br /> We are much too aware that ocean issues are overlooked and insufficiently integrated into the large international discussions dedicated to sustainable development and responding to climate change. Of the 17 Goals of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, only one, Goal 14 on Life Below Water, is specifically dedicated to the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, sea and marine resources for sustainable development. Yet, as the topic of this meeting gives credence to, the sustainable development and use of ocean resources contributes to the attainment of the 2030 Agenda at large, not least Goal 2 on Zero Hunger and Goal 13 on Climate Action. <br /> <br /> It is for this reason that the Government of Iceland places such emphasis on mainstreaming a blue food lens into the global, regional and sectoral fora in which we participate. We are proud to have championed the work of the Aquatic Blue Food Coalition, a multi-stakeholder effort of nearly 40 partners, which originated in the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit and whose efforts are aligned with the FAO Blue Transformation Road Map. The Coalition has been chaired by Iceland’s Special Envoy for Ocean Affairs Mr. Stefan Jon Hafstein who we are pleased to see featured in the impressive roster of speakers this week. <br /> <br /> It is furthermore for this reason that we are so enthusiastic that this twenty-fourth meeting of the Informal Consultative Process is dedicated to the topic of “the Ocean as a Source of Sustainable Food”. The Informal Consultative Process has an important role to play as the crossroads of dialogue between policymakers, scientists and innovators, where disparate conversations are joined and interspersed into a single stream of dialogue. We know from the example of the BBNJ Agreement how this meeting can act as an accelerator for turning novel ideas into action. <br /> Distinguished Co-Chairs,<br /> <br /> In redoubling our efforts to combat climate change and delivering the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, we must not neglect the powerful role which the ocean plays in delivering the just green transition. As set out in the Secretary-General’s report for this meeting: “A just and sustainable blue transition is crucial to ensuring that the ocean can continue to contribute to sustainable development by delivering economic, social and environmental benefits to current and future generations.”<br /> <br /> However, we will only realise the unrealised potential of the ocean as a source of sustainable food if we make space for it on our agendas. Our hope for this meeting is that it will offer knowledge, insights and spur discussions which will keep it there. <br /> With this, I thank you. <br /> <br />

<p><span><strong>Statement by Jón Erlingur Jónasson, Designated Special Envoy for the Ocean<br /> </strong></span><strong>Iceland Ministry for Foreign Affairs<br /> <span>Immersed in Change – Ocean Action Event, held in Costa Rica 7-8 June<br /> 7 June 2024</span></strong></p> <p ><br /> <br /> <span>Excellencies.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Iceland is grateful for the warm welcome here in the magnificent Costa Rica, which stands as an inspiration for its respect for the environment, nature, peace, and equality.<br /> <br /> We fully support Costa Rica and France as co-hosts of the Third UN Ocean conference, and we see the Immersed in Change conference as a crucial milestone on the path to Nice.<br /> <br /> Iceland regards the UN Ocean conferences as of paramount importance and the primary forum for ocean-related discussions. We participated at the highest level in Lisbon and are preparing for active high-level participation in Nice.<br /> <br /> Excellencies, we have plenty of topics to discuss – and more importantly to take action on. First to mention is ocean science, as highlighted in the „State of the Ocean Report 2024“ by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO, which was officially released in Reykjavík, Iceland, this Monday: “The Ocean is now warming at an unprecedented pace and in general the science is not keeping up with the pace of the ocean crisis”.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Among the other challenges we face is overexploitation and IUU fishing. This must be fully recognized. Iceland suggests that the Conference in Nice puts emphasis on sustainable fisheries management, and that the narrative must be that this is possible. There is hope. There are best practices, sound and science-based fisheries management practices, that protect the environment and at the same time support economic development.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Another important area of emphasis in Nice should be Aquatic Blue Food, or the promotion of sustainable food production from the Ocean to address food security and nutrition. Iceland leads the Aquatic Blue Food Coalition that emerged from the UN Food Systems Summit and works to promote the potential of food from the ocean, which importantly has a low carbon footprint.<br /> <br /> The third area of emphasis we would like to highlight is the Constitution of the Ocean, the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which is the comprehensive legal framework governing the way in which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out. The attainment of international goals and targets, including those set out in the Paris Agreement and Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, will only be actualized through implementation of the provisions of UNCLOS and its implementing agreements, most recently, the BBNJ Agreement.<br /> <br /> I thank you.<br /> </span></p> <div>&nbsp;</div>

<span></span> <p><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1478%20PC%20Meeting,%2013%20June%202024%20(Presentation%20of%20the%202025%20Programme%20Outline).pdf">Joint Statement by Switzerland on the Presentation of the 2025 Programme Outline athe the OSCE Permanent Council, 13 June 2024</a></p>

<a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1478%20PC%20Meeting,%2013%20June%202024%20(Joint%20Statement%20in%20Observance%20of%20Pride%20Month).pdf">Joint Statement in Observance of Pride Month&nbsp;delivered by Ambassador Anne-Kirsti Karlsen at the OSCE Permanent Council, 13 June 2024</a>

<p><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1478%20PC%20Meeting,%2013%20June%202024%20(Joint%20Statement%20on%20Report%20by%20the%20OSCE%20Representative%20on%20Freedom%20of%20the%20Media).pdf">Joint statement delivered by Counsellor Esther van Nes on the report by the OSCE representative on freedom of the media&nbsp;at the OSCE Permanent Council, 13 June 2024</a></p>

<span></span> <p><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=e9c88736-387a-11ef-b886-005056bcde1f">Joint statement delivered by Counsellor Esther van Nes on the report by the OSCE representative on freedom of the media</a></p>

<span></span> <p><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=1bd53eb8-3880-11ef-b886-005056bcde1f">Joint Statement by Switzerland on the Presentation of the 2025 Programme Outline</a></p>

<span></span> <p><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=c3a9fa18-387f-11ef-b886-005056bcde1f">Joint Statement in Observance of Pride Month</a></p>

<span><strong>Statement by Mr. Birgir Hrafn Búason, Director, <br /> Directorate for Legal and Executive Affairs, Ministry for Foreign Affairs<br /> SPLOS 34th meeting, 12 June 2024, Agenda items 14 and 15<br /> &nbsp;<br /> Reports of the SG under Article 319 and&nbsp;<br /> Commemoration of UNCLOS’ 30th anniversary<br /> </strong></span><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <span>Mr President.<br /> <br /> I would like to start by thanking the Secretary General for the informative reports that this agenda item refers to.<br /> <br /> This year we celebrate the 30-year anniversary of the entry into force of UNCLOS, our constitution of the ocean, which sets out the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out.<br /> <br /> The Convention is a testament to multilateralism, which has stood the test of time, globally applied, and ever attracting more States Parties, moving us closer to universal participation.<br /> <br /> Mr President.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> On that note, a year ago next Wednesday, we adopted the third implementing agreement under UNCLOS, by consensus. The Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, commonly referred to as the BBNJ Agreement, will provide important additions the regulatory framework of our ocean and provide us with necessary tools to achieve our common objectives.<br /> <br /> We welcome the adoption of GA resolution 78/272 and the establishment of the Preparatory Commission tasked with facilitating the entry into force and the convening of the first meeting of the Conference of the Parties (which we of course hope will be held sooner rather than later). In less than two weeks, the Preparatory Commission will hold its first session to discuss organizational matters, and we must ensure that the Commission receives the facilities and resources it needs to fulfil its mandate. When the BBNJ Agreement enters into force, we must be in a position to hit the ground running.<br /> <br /> Mr President.<br /> <br /> Earlier this week we heard the reports of all three bodies established under the Convention. The discussions and exchanges that followed reflect that even 30 years later, the work of these bodies and the practical functioning of the Convention is more relevant to the international community than ever.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea continues its important core function of promoting peace and stability in our ocean by peacefully settling disputes and maintaining the rule of law. A key characteristic of the Convention is the possibility to bring disputes to binding settlement. The functioning of international courts and tribunals, and the adherence to their decisions is key in ensuring a rules-based international legal order.<br /> <br /> We welcome the important contributions the Tribunal has made in this regard, and especially the landmark advisory opinion given to the Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> The opinion highlights the nature of UNLCOS as a living instrument and the constant interplay between law and ever-increasing science. In our mind this is one of the core characteristics of the Law of the Sea.<br /> <br /> Mr President.<br /> <br /> As recently addressed in the ITLOS Advisory Opinion I previously referred to, UNCLOS is highly relevant to the challenges we face due to climate change. Climate change, the science tells us, is taking place and is changing the world as we know it. How drastic the changes will be, depends on how much climate action we take. Iceland strongly supports the guidance of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which is specifically referred to in the Advisory Opinion of ITLOS, and the goal of limiting temperature increase to 1,5°C. We support the phasing out of fossil fuels and ending fossil fuels subsidies.<br /> <br /> This is an important backdrop for discussing the threats of sea-level rise. Addressing the threats brought by rising sea levels is the joint responsibility of all states. Iceland remains supportive of the International Law Commission’s work on this topic, which comes down to the very existence of States. Importantly, all activities to address the threat of sea-level rise must be carried out consistent with the legal framework of UNCLOS.<br /> <br /> Mr President.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Climate aspects are one of two major reasons for which Iceland, together with Norway, proposed that the topic of next week’s Informal Consultative Process meeting will be “The Ocean as a Source of Food”. The other major reason for our proposal is the extremely concerning fact that food insecurity is on the rise. The Ocean has potential to help us meet the two major challenges of food insecurity and climate change, as food from the Ocean is both nutritious and climate-friendly. At the same time, we must take necessary action to keep the <br /> Ocean healthy and protect the marine environment in line with UNCLOS obligations. Iceland is looking forward to the meeting of the Informal Consultative Process on June 18th through 21st, where this will be discussed.<br /> <br /> Mr President.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Strengthening multilateral ocean governance, whether at the global or regional level, remains an ongoing task.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> States must cooperate on addressing harmful fisheries subsidies, which are a key factor in the widespread depletion of the world’s fish stocks, including due to illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies was a major achievement in this field. Negotiations continue in Geneva on outstanding disciplines on subsidies leading to overcapacity and overfishing, under the leadership of Iceland. We count on States to join the ongoing push and make every effort possible to conclude these negotiations by the end of July.<br /> <br /> Likewise, we count on States to conclude negotiations on an international legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution.<br /> <br /> Mr President.<br /> <br /> Iceland had the honour of participating in the very successful high-level action event in Costa Rica only a few days back. We return from the “Immersed in Change” full of inspiration for ocean action, and we see this well-attended event as an important milestone on the road towards the Third UN Ocean conference in Nice next year, co-hosted by Costa Rica and France. As previously, UNCLOS remains one of Iceland’s top priorities at the UN Ocean conference, which we are very much looking forward to. Iceland participated at the highest level in Lisbon, and is already preparing for active participation in Nice.<br /> <br /> Mr President.<br /> <br /> Before I surrender the microphone, I would like to thank our colleagues who have engaged this week in the discussions on the conditions of service of the members of the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf. Iceland has been actively engaged in this work for over a decade, and it seems that we are finally making progress. Of course, the solution which is now being discussed does not fully rectify the structural shortcomings of the Convention when it comes to the functioning of the CLCS, but hopefully this will be a positive first step in creating more stability in the working conditions of the Commission. I thank my colleagues for their open-mindedness and creativity, and we look forward to continuing our constructive engagement on the issue.<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> I thank you.&nbsp;<br /> </span> <div>&nbsp;</div>

<a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=27c89437-387d-11ef-b886-005056bcde1f">Déclaration de l’UE en réponse à la question d’actualité soulevée par les États-Unis</a>

<a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=e7f0f7fe-387c-11ef-b886-005056bcde1f">EU Statement in response to the report by the OSCE representative on freedom of the media, Ms. Teresa Ribeiro</a>

<a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=5479dfd8-387c-11ef-b886-005056bcde1f">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine</a>

<a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=1d131919-387c-11ef-b886-005056bcde1f">EU Statement in response to the Head of the OSCE mission to Serbia, Ambassador Jan Braathu</a>

<span></span> <p><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=e9c88736-387a-11ef-b886-005056bcde1f">Joint statement delivered by Counsellor Esther van Nes on the report by the OSCE representative on freedom of the media</a></p>

<a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=b524b1db-387b-11ef-b886-005056bcde1f">EU Statement</a>

<a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=8a0030f8-387b-11ef-b886-005056bcde1f">EU Statement on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine</a>

<a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=48e81fee-387b-11ef-b886-005056bcde1f">EU Statement on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine</a>

<span><strong>Joint Nordic Statement by H.E. Mr. Jorundur Valtysson<br /> Permanent Representative of Iceland<br /> Executive Board of UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS - Annual Session 2024<br /> Agenda Item 9: Gender Equality at UNDP<br /> 7 June, 2024<br /> </strong><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> I am delivering this Statement on behalf of Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and my own country Iceland.<br /> <br /> Mr/Madam President,<br /> <br /> •<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Let me begin by expressing our appreciation for UNDP’s commitment to gender equality. We are pleased to see that UNDP is on track overall in the delivery of this strategy and reaching more targets than before.<br /> <br /> •<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In today’s global landscape of crises and conflict, existing gender inequalities have been both highlighted and exacerbated. It is therefore vital to prioritise the agency of women and girls and promote gender equality to make lasting progress for sustainable development and to ensure that the solutions are inclusive and equitable.<br /> <br /> •<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We would like to congratulate UNDP on the achievements reached through the Gender Equality Seal. It is excellent that the Seal has been implemented in 90 per cent of the country offices and we look forward to seeing the progress that this may continue to yield.<br /> <br /> •<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Nordic countries welcome the increased engagement and partnership between UNDP’s country offices and civil society and women’s organisations. This collaboration is fundamental to achieving sustainable outcomes that reflect diverse opportunities and aspirations. Furthermore, UNDP’s enhanced support to women’s human rights defenders and climate justice advocates is of utmost importance as they are increasingly targeted in crisis and conflict settings. We encourage UNDP to continue to expand and strengthen these relationships in the field.<br /> <br /> •<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We would also like to highlight the importance of joint programming with other agencies and stakeholders for gender equality. We welcome the partnership with UN Women and encourage UNDP to continue to engage and collaborate closely with UN agencies that have extensive expertise on gender equality and the rights of women and girls, such as&nbsp; UN Women and UNFPA.<br /> <br /> o<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This is an important election year globally. How does UNDP support women’s participation in elections and engage with various stakeholders in this context?<br /> <br /> •<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Nordic countries also welcome UNDP’s approach to step beyond a basic parity approach to women’s participation and encompassing aspects of the care economy,&nbsp; such as unpaid care. Financial independence for women in all their diversity is fundamental for achieving gender equality and economic growth. Access to universal childcare is essential to support women’s economic participation.<br /> <br /> o<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Can you share more about the work you envision in this regard,&nbsp; more specifically how UNDP will support women’s economic empowerment through access to better paid jobs?<br /> <br /> •<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The midterm review highlights the importance of supporting fiscal policies for gender equality, especially in the current context of public debt distress and shrinking resources. We appreciate that UNDP has prioritised structural reforms through gender responsive fiscal policies and tax systems, as well as the support to expand financing for gender equality.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> o<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This is described as one of the most promising new areas of work. Can you share more about the potential impact and anticipated outcomes of this initiative?<br /> <br /> •<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We understand that designing and implementing interventions to transform norms, values and power structures remains a challenge. In this respect we would like to encourage UNDP to continue to engage men and boys to become agents of change.<br /> <br /> o<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Could you share some thoughts on what the main challenges have been in this regard and what lessons can be drawn from them?&nbsp;<br /> <br /> •<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We encourage you to engage with other UN agencies in using behavioural science - as envisioned in the Secretary General’s vision 2.0 - to support systemic change, removing barriers for women and girls to reach their potential.<br /> <br /> •<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It is positive that UNDP is also focusing on how to change attitudes and organizational culture within UNDP to strengthen leadership for gender equality. However, we note that work/life balance remains on of the greatest challenges for all offices and more women need to be in decision-making positions, particularly in crisis settings.<br /> <br /> o<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Can you provide us with more details on UNDP’s initiatives to address this?&nbsp;<br /> <br /> •<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Let me conclude by reiterating our full support to UNDP’s important work to strengthen gender equality and women’s empowerment. We appreciate the level of ambition and encourage UNDP to continue to push for progress on this front.<br /> </span>

<span></span>The European Union gives its full support to the comprehensive roadmap presented by President Biden, that would lead to an enduring ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages and a surge of humanitarian assistance to Gaza. The EU appreciates the determined efforts by the US, Egypt and Qatar in facilitating negotiations to bring an end to the war between Israel and Hamas, while ensuring Israel’s security, to which the EU remains fully committed. <p><span lang="EN-GB">Too many civilian lives have been lost. An enduring ceasefire is urgently needed, to ensure protection of civilians, the unconditional and immediate release of all hostages whose safety and well-being is of concern, and to increase the flow of much needed humanitarian relief to Gaza in view of the deepening humanitarian crisis. Peace and stability in the Middle East are in the interest of both peoples, of the region as a whole, as well as globally.</span></p> <p><span lang="EN-GB">The EU urges both parties to accept and fulfil the three-phase proposal and stands ready to contribute to reviving a political process for a lasting and sustainable peace, based on the two state solution, and to support a coordinated international effort to rebuild Gaza.</span><span lang="EN-GB"></span></p> <hr /> <p>The candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Ukraine, Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina<span style="font-size: 13px;"> </span>and Georgia, the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Armenia, align themselves with this statement.</p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0654%20joint%20stat%201476pc.pdf">Joint Nordic-Baltic Statement&nbsp;<span>on Recent Developments in Georgia,</span> delivered by H.E. Helga Hauksdóttir, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Iceland, at the OSCE Permanent Council, 30 May 2023.</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0658%20iceland%201476pc.pdf">Statement by<span> H.E. Helga Hauksdóttir, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Iceland,&nbsp;at the 1476 Meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council, Vienna, 31 May 2024.</span></a></span>

<span><strong>Statement on behalf of the Nordic countries by H.E. Jorundur Valtysson,<br /> Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations<br /> General Assembly 78th Session:<br /> Informal meeting of the plenary of the intergovernmental negotiations on the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and other matters related to the Council Segment: Action 3<br /> 20 May 2024</strong><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Co-Chairs, Excellencies,&nbsp;<br /> <br /> I have the honor to make this intervention on behalf of the Nordic countries, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Iceland.&nbsp;<br /> Thank you for giving us another opportunity to add our comments to the draft IGN input to the Summit of the Future.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> The Nordic countries see Action point 3 as a particularly important element in the draft input. We can and must address reforms related to the current Council’s working methods already today. And at the same time, we must ensure a focus in the IGN discussions on working methods which are directly impacted by expansion.<br /> <br /> In this light, we support all efforts aimed at pursuing consistent, incremental improvements towards democratizing the procedures of the Security Council and strengthening the General Assembly, including in its mandate on international peace and security.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> In particular, we wish to add our support to the call to the consistent implementation of Note 507, the full implementation of all provisions of the Charter, including Article 27(3), and for UNSC members to commit to not voting against or using the veto against credible draft resolutions concerning timely and decisive action to end the commission of genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Furthermore, we strongly support strengthening the cooperation and communication between the Security Council and the General Assembly and its subsidiary bodies, including the Peacebuilding Commission. In this connection, we welcome the call to fully implement and use the Uniting for Peace resolutions and the Veto Initiative.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Similarly, we support the call for greater participation in and access to the work of the Security Council as well as the call to enhance the Council’s accountability and transparency to the General Assembly on whose behalf it acts.<br /> <br /> Co-Chairs,&nbsp;<br /> <br /> We believe the draft input is ambitious and meaningful, yet balanced and concise. You have our full support in finding agreement on the basis of this draft.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Thank you.&nbsp;<br /> </span> <div>&nbsp;</div>

<p><span><strong>Statement by Ms. Anna Pála Sverrisdóttir<br /> Counsellor &amp; Legal Adviser, Permanent Mission of Iceland to the United Nations<br /> Informal Consultations of States Parties to the UN Fish Stocks Agreement (ICSP-17)<br /> </strong></span><strong><span><strong>Agenda item 15: General debate</strong></span><br /> 15 May 2024</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span>Honorable Chair.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Firstly, allow me to reiterate full support of the Icelandic government for you as the Chair of this meeting, including for the start of preparations of the next resumed Review Conference.<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As always, the delegation of Iceland is looking forward to engaging with colleagues from around the world, and Iceland would specifically like to congratulate Saudi Arabia for having ratified the Fish Stocks Agreement since we met at the Review Conference and ICSP last year.<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The topic of the ICSP this year, “Sustainable fisheries management in the face of climate change”, deserves discussions indeed and we thank the delegation of the United States for suggesting it during last years negotiations on the General Assembly Fisheries Resolution.<br /> <br /> Chair,<br /> <br /> Before touching upon aspects specifically relating to climate change and managing sustainable fisheries, allow me to please very briefly to mention the relevant overarching policies of my government.&nbsp;<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Climate change, the science tells us, is taking place and is changing the world as we know it. How drastic the changes will be, depends on how much climate action is being taken. Iceland strongly supports the guidance of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the goal of limiting temperature increase to 1,5°C. We support the phasing out of fossil fuels and ending fossil fuels subsidies.<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This leads me to the ongoing work to specifically decarbonize all major sectors, the fishing sector included. While some challenges remain, the government and the private sector, in close cooperation and active dialogue, continue work to this end.&nbsp;<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This further applies to ongoing work on action to mitigate the environmental effects of fisheries and seafood, notably in the context of the circular economy and by fully utilizing seafood; thereby increasing the value of existing resources and eliminating waste.<br /> <br /> Chair,&nbsp;<br /> <br /> As we will hear more about in the coming days, Regional Fisheries Management Organizations increasingly work on the wider environmental aspects of fisheries, such as in relation to biological diversity and vulnerable marine ecosystems as well as climate change.<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This work reflects a gradually changing reality, in terms of environmental factors and scientific knowledge of them, including regarding climate change.&nbsp;<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For Iceland, what does the aforementioned mean for management work taking place in the context of commitments under the UN Fish Stocks Agreement?<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Just as the situation gradually changes, so do our approaches. Mainstreaming climate change aspects into fisheries management does not mean changing things overnight, or with the pressing of a button, but rather it means ensuring that fisheries management is flexible enough to be able to adapt to the changes as they take place.<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A key aspect here is that the tools needed for responding to the effects of climate change on fisheries&nbsp; are in essence the same as those needed for&nbsp; sound management of sustainable fisheries.<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Scientific research is key as a prerequisite for knowledge of changing realities, including the gradual effects of climate change on fish stocks.<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fisheries control, including in order to ensure full transparency of what exactly is being caught by our fishers at each point in time, helps keep science up to date and is a fundamental feature of fisheries management in Iceland.<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>Among the major challenges of climate change for fisheries management is the likely effect on stock sizes. Some stocks will decline over time while others will increase in size. We must ensure that our management takes this into account. Good scientific stock assessments are critical in this context.<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Another major challenge is changes in stock distribution and migration patterns. In Iceland we have already noted changes where stocks that are usually mainly to the South of our island are now more prominently than before noted in the North. We also have examples where changing distribution and migration patterns are causing international challenges with stocks increasingly present in some EEZs while they are less prominent in other EEZs. This requires renegotiation of sharing arrangements, which is not an easy exercise.<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The timeframe for these changes is very different from the timeframe of fisheries management measures. Predictive models for these effects of climate change refer to decades, often 30-50 years. Fisheries management measures are usually for one year and sometimes for up to three or even five years. This difference in timeframe is helpful from the point of view of fisheries managers, as it means less reasons to panic.<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In order for fisheries management to take full account of climate change, we do not need to foresee and predict all these medium to long term changes immediately or with unrealistic precision and act on them without delay. We simply need to acknowledge that they are likely to happen increasingly, and we need to ensure that our fisheries management systems – domestic and international – are flexible and adapt to the changes as they take place over time. By ensuring such flexibility, we are mainstreaming climate change into our management without creating a completely new and unnecessary paradigm.<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This can also mean that the most value added in terms of partnering with developing countries wishing to mainstream climate change into their fisheries management is to work with them towards building general fisheries management infrastructure, from its scientific basis through its legal framework and enforcement schemes – and to ensure that they are set up in a manner that is flexible and adaptive.<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Helpfully, this could also mean that more States and RFMOs than realize it themselves&nbsp; may already have reasonably climate resilient fisheries management in place.<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The bottom line is that we do not need to re-invent sustainable fisheries management because of climate change. We need to monitor climate change and react to its effects over time within our robust fisheries management systems that are based on scientific assessments of fish stocks, effective management and enforcement measures and adaptive procedures for international agreements on the sharing of these resources. <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When it comes to more technical work regarding sustainable fisheries management in the face of climate change, it is clear that States and RFMOs still have much work to do – even if that work will not include completely changing the way they work on fisheries management. For issues that require cooperation and coordination at the global level, it is clear that the FAO will have a key role. Iceland therefore notes with appreciation that the issue is on the agenda of the FAO’s Committee on Fisheries that will meet in July this year.&nbsp;</p> <p><span> <br /> Chair,&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Zooming out again towards the end of these remarks, I would like to touch upon the important role the Ocean plays as a source of food. Healthy oceans can continue to provide us with nutritious food which is low in carbon intensity and can therefore contribute to combatting climate change. There is untapped potential, but there are also significant challenges.<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lastly, and importantly, in terms of the greater context of sustainable fisheries and the management thereof, climate change can increase challenges faced by fishers, as well as managers, in terms of, for instance, extreme weather events and changes to familiar patterns. These kinds of challenges need to be met, including by urgent climate action such as Early Warning for All, which Iceland contributes to.<br /> <br /> I thank you.<br /> </span></p> <div>&nbsp;</div>

<span><strong>Explanation of Vote by H.E. Jörundur Valtýsson,<br /> Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations<br /> Tenth Emergency Special Session (resumed) of the UN General Assembly&nbsp;<br /> 49th Plenary Meeting, 10 May 2024.&nbsp;<br /> Illegal Israeli actions in Occupied Jerusalem and the rest of the Occupied Arab Territory</strong><br /> </span> <div>&nbsp;</div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span>Mr. President,<br /> <br /> In 2011, Iceland and Palestine established full diplomatic relations after the Icelandic Parliament passed a resolution in support of recognizing the State of Palestine as a sovereign state. Since then, Iceland’s position on Palestinian statehood has been clear.<br /> <br /> Iceland has consistently called for a two-state solution, where both Israel and Palestine live side by side in peace and security and mutual recognition. Therefore, we support Palestine’s full membership of the United Nations and the call for the Security Council to reconsider the matter favorably. We also call on the Council to do more to live up to its mandate and address the Middle East Peace Process.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> This is why we voted in favor of today’s resolution.<br /> <br /> Mr. President,<br /> <br /> Just as Iceland has consistently condemned Hamas’ past indiscriminate terrorist attacks, we condemned, in the strongest terms, the horrific attack on Israel on October 7th. We continue to call for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages taken in this most fatal attack on Jews since the Holocaust.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> In 1947, Iceland’s first Permanent Representative to the United Nations was instrumental in passing Resolution 181, envisioning the formation of independent Arab and Jewish states. Subsequently, Iceland supported Israel’s admission to the UN in 1949.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Ever since, Iceland has reiterated Israel’s clear right to defend itself, in line with the UN Charter and international law, including international humanitarian law.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> We also recognize the legitimate security concerns of Israel. Israel’s right to exist is beyond debate. We can never forget the horrors of the Holocaust, which led to the creation of the state of Israel, especially now as we face extreme increase in antisemitism.<br /> <br /> At the same time, we recognize the injustice of Israel’s illegal settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem and the blockade of Gaza – we once again call on Israel to put an end to this and take action to stop settler violence. Freedom of the media also needs to be respected.<br /> <br /> Mr. President,&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Ultimately, international law provides states with rights and obligations. Both are sacred. Iceland expects the two states, Israel and Palestine, to enjoy – and respect – both.<br /> <br /> In the past months, the world has witnessed hindered access for humanitarian aid, water, and power to Gaza. There have been reports of civilian infrastructure and hospitals being used for purposes that can deprive them of their protection under international humanitarian law. And, we have witnessed totally unacceptable losses of the lives of civilians – children, aid and health care workers, journalists and UNRWA staff. All of these constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law.<br /> <br /> The figures are shocking: after six months of war, over 35 thousand people have died in Gaza. More than 2 million civilians are desperately in need of life-saving aid. Civilian infrastructure is in ruins. And if Israel’s large-scale military campaign in Rafah materializes, the situation is bound to get even worse. We therefore urge Israel to halt its operations in Rafah.<br /> <br /> Iceland condemns all violations of international law, including international humanitarian law. Again, international law provides states with rights and obligations. Both are sacred.<br /> <br /> We must restore respect for international law, including humanitarian law, which binds all parties to armed conflicts and cannot be derogated from. The civilians in Gaza must be protected, in accordance with the legally binding orders issued by the International Court of Justice in the Hague. Security Council resolutions 2712 (2023), 2720 (2023) and 2748 (2024) must be implemented.<br /> <br /> Mr. President,<br /> <br /> Mindful of how seemingly insurmountable grievances have been overcome during our lifetimes, there is hope for the two states to live side by side in peace.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> The people of Palestine and Israel deserve to live in peace and security, in prosperous and democratic societies. They deserve to live without fear of aggression or terrorist attacks.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> We therefore call on Israel and Hamas to urgently agree to and implement a sustained ceasefire and commend all efforts to try to bring an agreement to fruition.<br /> &nbsp;<br /> Today’s resolution will not immediately change the situation on the ground, but it recognizes that peace will not be achieved through unilateral means. It calls for more to be done and determines that there is no better path towards peace than the two-state solution.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> In this context, Mr. President, Palestine should qualify and be welcomed as the 194th UN Member State.<br /> <br /> I thank you.<br /> </span></p>

<p>We, the Nordic-Baltic countries have supported the democratic and economic development of Georgia ever since its restoration of independence.</p> <p><span>By granting Georgia EU candidate status in December of last year, the EU showed that it supports the aspirations of the Georgian people. Georgia was given a clear path to start accession negotiations and later on join the European Union. However, recently the Georgian authorities have chosen a concerning trajectory disrupting Georgia’s European future.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>The draft law on Transparency of Foreign Influence, currently under consideration in Georgia’s parliament, is incompatible with European norms and values. If adopted, the law could be used to silence media and civil society organisations that play a vital role in helping Georgia on its way to EU membership. The claims by Georgian authorities that the proposal resembles EU draft legislation are unfounded and misleading. We urge Georgia’s political leaders to reconsider adoption of the draft law.</span></p> <p><span>The decision to pursue EU membership is the sovereign choice of Georgia and its people. It is the responsibility of the Georgian authorities to fulfill the preconditions if it wishes to join the European Union. The anti-Western rhetoric of Georgian authorities seriously risk undermining Georgia’s European choice. The EU candidate status was granted to Georgia on the understanding that 9 steps would be fulfilled. At this point, Georgian authorities have not made overall progress in fulfilling those steps.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>We have a strong wish to see Georgia succeed on its European and Euro-Atlantic path as desired by a large majority of the Georgian people. We hope the Georgian government will use this historical window of opportunity created by a reinvigorated EU enlargement process and revert to the course towards EU membership.<br /> <br /> <br /> </span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 18pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">ნორდიკული და ბალტიის ქვეყნების განცხადება საქართველოში მიმდინარე პროცესებთან დაკავშირებით</span></strong></p> <p><span>ჩვენ, ნორდიკული და ბალტიის ქვეყნები მხარს ვუჭერთ საქართველოს დემოკრატიულ და ეკონომიკურ განვითარებას მისი დამოუკიდებლობის აღდგენის დღიდან.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>გასული წლის დეკემბერში ევროკავშირის კანდიდატი ქვეყნის სტატუსის მინიჭებით, ევროკავშირმა აჩვენა, რომ ის მხარს უჭერს ქართველი ხალხის მისწრაფებებს. საქართველოს მიენიჭა მკაფიო გზა გაწევრიანების მოლაპარაკებების დასაწყებად და შემდგომ, ევროკავშირში გასაწევრიანებლად. თუმცა, ბოლო პერიოდში საქართველოს ხელისუფლებამ შემაშფოთებელი ტრაექტორია აირჩია, რომელიც ხელს უშლის საქართველოს ევროპულ მომავალს.</span></p> <p><span>„უცხოური გავლენის გამჭვირვალობის შესახებ“ კანონპროექტი, რომელიც ამჟამად განიხილება საქართველოს პარლამენტში, შეუთავსებელია ევროპულ ნორმებთან და ღირებულებებთან. მიღების შემთხვევაში, კანონი შეიძლება გამოყენებულ იქნეს მედიისა და სამოქალაქო საზოგადოების ორგანიზაციების გასაჩუმებლად, რომლებიც უმნიშვნელოვანეს როლს ასრულებენ საქართველოს დასახმარებლად ევროკავშირში გაწევრიანებისკენ მიმავალ გზაზე. საქართველოს ხელისუფლების განცხადებები ევროკავშირის კანონპროექტთან ქართული კანონპროექტის მსგავსებასთან დაკავშირებით უსაფუძვლო და დამაბნეველია. ჩვენ მოვუწოდებთ საქართველოს პოლიტიკურ ხელმძღვანელობას, გადახედონ კანონპროექტის მიღებასთან დაკავშირებულ გადაწყვეტილებას.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>ევროკავშირში გაწევრიანებისკენ სწრაფვა საქართველოსა და მისი ხალხის სუვერენული არჩევანია. ევროკავშირში გაწევრიანების სურვილის შემთხვევაში, წინაპირობების შესრულება საქართველოს ხელისუფლების პასუხისმგებლობაა. საქართველოს ხელისუფლების ანტი-დასავლური რიტორიკა სერიოზული რისკის ქვეშ აყენებს საქართველოს ევროპულ არჩევანს. ევროკავშირის კანდიდატის სტატუსი საქართველოს მიენიჭა იმ შეთანხმების საფუძველზე, რომ 9 ნაბიჯი შესრულდებოდა. ამ ეტაპზე, აღნიშნული ნაბიჯების შესასრულებლად საქართველოს ხელისუფლებამ პროგრესს ვერ მიაღწია.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>ჩვენ გვაქვს ძლიერი სურვილი ვიხილოთ საქართველოს წარმატება მის ევროპულ და ევროატლანტიკურ გზაზე, როგორც ეს ქართველი ხალხის უდიდესი უმრავლესობის სურვილია. ჩვენ იმედს გამოვთქვამთ, რომ საქართველოს ხელისუფლება ამ ისტორიული შესაძლებლობის ფანჯარას გამოიყენებს, რაც გაძლიერებულმა ევროკავშირის გაფართოების პროცესმა წარმოქმნა და დაუბრუნდება ევროკავშირში გაწევრიანების კურსს.&nbsp;</span></p>

<a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=10273f48-387b-11ef-b886-005056bcde1f">EU Statement on Humanitarian Mine Action</a>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Nordic-Baltic Response to the Address&nbsp;by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">As delivered by Helga Hauksdóttir<br /> Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Iceland<br /> At the 1470 OSCE Permanent Council Meeting, 25 April 2024</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Thank you, Madame Chair.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">I have the honour of delivering this statement on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic States, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, and my own country Iceland.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The Nordic and Baltic countries warmly welcome Ms Marija Pejčinović Burić, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, to the Permanent Council and thank you for your address.<br /> Next month marks the 75th anniversary of the Council of Europe and next year marks 50 years since the signing of the Helsinki Final Act.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">These anniversaries remind us of the values and commitments both organizations were founded to protect, and the importance of safeguarding our common vision of a region where democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and a peace based on justice prevails.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">In an evolving European and global security landscape, close cooperation between our two key European organisations is essential, from the highest political levels to the field operations, within the four priority areas and beyond. The Nordic and Baltic States will continue to support both organisations’ vital and complementary work. Iceland and Latvia have also had the honour to cooperate closely with you and your Secretariat during our recent Council of Europe Presidencies and Lithuania will assume their Presidency this May.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Madame Chair, Madame Secretary General,</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The Russian Federation’s unlawful, unjustified, and unprovoked full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine violates everything that the OSCE and the Council of Europe stand for.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The Nordic and Baltic countries continue to stand in solidarity with and remain fully committed to supporting Ukraine and its people. Accountability for all violations of international law must be ensured, including the crime of aggression, and other international crimes committed in and against Ukraine.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The Council of Europe Register of Damage, established at the Reykjavík Summit in May last year and already in function, is a crucial first step towards a comprehensive compensation mechanism for damages caused by the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Accountability efforts also include tools such as the OSCE Moscow Mechanism, to document violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Without accountability, there can be no justice or sustainable peace. The Nordic and Baltic States welcome international efforts to hold to account the political and military leadership of the Russian Federation for its war of aggression against Ukraine. We are following with interest the possible use of the Council of Europe expertise for the establishment of a Special International Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Madame Chair, Madame Secretary General,</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Following the Reykjavík Summit and Declaration, our Heads of State and Government reaffirmed commitment to our shared values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, for a peaceful and secure future for our region.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The Russian Federation’s war of aggression against Ukraine is far from being the only challenge facing Europe and the world today. Democratic backsliding, the backlash against women’s rights, the climate crisis, the spread of disinformation, and the misuse of new technologies, are but a few examples. In this regard, we appreciate the work done to finalize the Draft Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The Nordic and Baltic States will remain steadfast supporters of the relevant work of both the Council of Europe and the OSCE. We are convinced that the only way to address and resolve these cross-border challenges is with multilateral solutions and cooperation, grounded in respect for international law.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The Nordic and Baltic countries thank you, Secretary General Burić, for your remarks, and wish you and your team continued success in your efforts.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">We also take this opportunity to thank the Presidency of Liechtenstein for their ongoing valuable work, determination, and dedication.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">I thank you, Madame Chair.</p> <div style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</div>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span><strong>Nordic-Baltic Response to the Address&nbsp;by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>As delivered by Helga Hauksdóttir<br /> Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Iceland<br /> At the 1470 OSCE Permanent Council Meeting, 25 April 2024<br /> </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span><br /> Thank you, Madame Chair.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span></span>I have the honour of delivering this statement on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic States, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, and my own country Iceland.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>The Nordic and Baltic countries warmly welcome Ms Marija Pejčinović Burić, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, to the Permanent Council and thank you for your address.<br /> Next month marks the 75th anniversary of the Council of Europe and next year marks 50 years since the signing of the Helsinki Final Act.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>These anniversaries remind us of the values and commitments both organizations were founded to protect, and the importance of safeguarding our common vision of a region where democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and a peace based on justice prevails.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>In an evolving European and global security landscape, close cooperation between our two key European organisations is essential, from the highest political levels to the field operations, within the four priority areas and beyond. The Nordic and Baltic States will continue to support both organisations’ vital and complementary work. Iceland and Latvia have also had the honour to cooperate closely with you and your Secretariat during our recent Council of Europe Presidencies and Lithuania will assume their Presidency this May.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>Madame Chair, Madame Secretary General,</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>The Russian Federation’s unlawful, unjustified, and unprovoked full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine violates everything that the OSCE and the Council of Europe stand for.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>The Nordic and Baltic countries continue to stand in solidarity with and remain fully committed to supporting Ukraine and its people. Accountability for all violations of international law must be ensured, including the crime of aggression, and other international crimes committed in and against Ukraine.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>The Council of Europe Register of Damage, established at the Reykjavík Summit in May last year and already in function, is a crucial first step towards a comprehensive compensation mechanism for damages caused by the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. A</span>ccountability efforts also include tools such as the OSCE Moscow Mechanism, to document violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>Without accountability, there can be no justice or sustainable peace. The Nordic and Baltic States welcome international efforts to hold to account the political and military leadership of the Russian Federation for its war of aggression against Ukraine. We are following with interest the possible use of the Council of Europe expertise for the establishment of a Special International Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>Madame Chair, Madame Secretary General,</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>Following the Reykjavík Summit and Declaration, our Heads of State and Government reaffirmed commitment to our shared values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, for a peaceful and secure future for our region.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>The Russian Federation’s war of aggression against Ukraine is far from being the only challenge facing Europe and the world today. Democratic backsliding, the backlash against women’s rights, the climate crisis, the spread of disinformation, and the misuse of new technologies, are but a few examples. In this regard, we appreciate the work done to finalize the Draft Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>The Nordic and Baltic States will remain steadfast supporters of the relevant work of both the Council of Europe and the OSCE. We are convinced that the only way to address and resolve these cross-border challenges is with multilateral solutions and cooperation, grounded in respect for international law.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>The Nordic and Baltic countries thank you, Secretary General Burić, for your remarks, and wish you and your team continued success in your efforts.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>We also take this opportunity to thank the Presidency of Liechtenstein for their ongoing valuable work, determination, and dedication.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>I thank you, Madame Chair.<br /> </span></p> <div style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</div>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Joint%20Statement%20on%20the%20report%20under%20the%20OSCE%20Moscow%20Mechanism%20to%20address%20the%20arbitrary%20deprivation%20of%20liberty%20of%20Ukrainian%20civilians%20by%20the%20Russian%20Federation%20at%20the%20OSCE%20Permanent%20Council,%2025%20April%202024.pdf">Joint Statement on the report under the OSCE Moscow Mechanism to address the arbitrary deprivation of liberty of Ukrainian civilians by the Russian Federation Delivered by Ambassador Stelian Stoian at the OSCE Permanent Council, 25 April 2024</a></span>

<p><span>Remarks by H.E. Jörundur Valtýsson<br /> Permanent Representative of Iceland to the UN<br /> Sustainability Week – SDG7 implementation<br /> 19 April 2024<br /> </span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>At the outset, let me thank the President of the General Assembly for convening the first ever Sustainability Week and focus today on sustainable energy and SDG7 – a priority goal for my country, Iceland.<br /> <br /> My three comments relate to gender, financing, and capacity building.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> First, sustainable energy development will not be achieved without gender equality. Moreover, women are a forceful driver for sustainable development, and we need to provide them with a bigger role in the energy transition. There are multiple avenues to pursue this within the multilateral system and we need to fully exploit those.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Second, there is an urgent need to mobilize more public and private finance. Iceland has stepped up its contributions to financial mechanisms that support energy related projects, for example the Green Climate Fund, Adaptation Fund, Nordic Development Fund, EEP Africa and Climate Promise.<br /> <br /> And finally, Iceland is ready and willing to share its knowledge and experience in the use of renewable energy and continues to provide capacity building opportunities for experts from developing countries through our geothermal training program – which operates under the auspices of UNESCO. Iceland also maintains a lists of consultants where experts in geothermal utilization and hydropower are listed and international organizations can have access to.<br /> <br /> Thank you.<br /> </span></p> <div>&nbsp;</div>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Joint%20Statement%20on%20the%20Vienna%20Mechanism%20Follow-up%20at%20the%20Permanent%20Council,%2018%20April%202024.pdf">Joint Statement on the Vienna Mechanism Follow-up delivered by Ambassador Anne-Kirsti Karlsen at the Permanent Council, 18 April 2024</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Joint%20Statement%20on%20Arbitrary%20and%20Unjust%20Detentions%20in%20Russia%20at%20the%20OSCE%20Permanent%20Council,%2018%20April%202024.pdf">Joint Statement on Arbitrary and Unjust Detentions in Russia at the OSCE Permanent Council, 18 April 2024</a></span>

<span></span> <p class="Heading" style="text-align: center;"><span><strong>Human Rights Council – 55th session</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>High Level Side Event: 10 years of Russia’s assault on human rights and fundamental freedoms in Ukraine</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint statement by the Marshall Islands on behalf of the Group of Friends of Accountability following the aggression against Ukraine</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>26 February 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>I am pleased to deliver this statement on behalf of the ‘Group of Friends of Accountability following the aggression against Ukraine,’ a cross-regional group consisting of 47 States and the European Union. </p> <p>As we gather today in the comfort of the Palais des Nations our Ukrainian friends are facing another day of untold suffering at the hands of Russia. For those in Crimea and in parts of the Donbas, it’s been ten years. </p> <p>The humanitarian needs of civilians in Ukraine are constantly rising. </p> <p>For more than two years no, since the launch of Russia’s full-scale, unprovoked and illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, children have learned to sleep and study on underground subway platforms, as they shelter from continuous attacks. On those days children are not sheltering underground from Russian bombs, parents have lived in fear not knowing whether their children would come home. </p> <p>Chair, for two years now, this has been the grim reality for all Ukrainians. While for ten years Ukrainians in Crimea and parts of the Donbas have been forced to live this way. </p> <p>Report after report from independent mechanisms such as the Commission of Inquiry and the HRMMU, has concluded that the war against Ukraine is marked by war crimes, grave human rights violations, violations of international human rights law, and that certain actions by the Russian Federation may constitute crimes against humanity. </p> <p>Dignity and justice must be restored for the countless victims of this war and those responsible must be held to account. </p> <p>We welcome the initiatives to ensure full accountability for the most serious crimes under international law committed in Ukraine, including the work of Ukraine’s authorities, the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court,&nbsp; the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine the establishment of the Register of Damage for Ukraine, and the work of the Core Group on options for the establishment of a tribunal on the crime of aggression against Ukraine. We further commend the independent investigations under the OSCE Moscow Mechanism, ODIHR’s Ukraine Monitoring Initiative, the Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, and the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, mandated by the UN Human Rights Council, for independently presenting the world with evidence of Russia’s violations of international law, including international humanitarian law.</p> <p>Finally, we would like to acknowledge the important and courageous work of the manifold Ukrainian organisations who tirelessly continue to monitor and document violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in their country. Their testimonies are crucial contributions to victim-centered accountability efforts.</p> <p>Our nations will remain steadfast in our support of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people in their tireless fight for freedom and dignity.</p> <p>Minister Kuleba, we&nbsp; stand with you, shoulder to shoulder, as you walk along the path towards justice, accountability, and peace for your country and all victims of this aggression.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 2: Annual High-Level Mainstreaming Panel: Disability Inclusion: Mainstreaming within the UN System</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint statement by Mexico on behalf of a group of countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>26 February 2024</strong> </p> <p><strong>Mr. President, </strong></p> <p><strong>Mexico is </strong>honored to deliver this joint statement on behalf of a large cross-regional group of countries.</p> <p>We stress the importance of protecting and promoting the human rights of persons with disabilities, recognizing their agency and the imperative of fostering support systems that enable their inclusion and active participation.</p> <p>Persons with disabilities possess unique perspectives and talents. They can be agents for the positive transformation of our societies and institutions.</p> <p>In this sense, mainstreaming disability rights within the UN is not only a moral imperative but a strategic necessity for the advancement of human rights and to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.</p> <p>We reaffirm our support for the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy (UNDIS) as a crucial framework guiding our efforts. The effective implementation of the UNDIS, and the socialization of its outcomes, are central to making disability inclusion a reality within the UN and throughout its work.</p> <p>Progress has been made in this regard, as recognized by the UN Secretary-General in his 2022 annual system-wide report, but there is more to be done. It is incumbent upon us to renew our commitment to UNDIS and work collaboratively to overcome challenges, including in the areas of resource mobilization, knowledge-sharing and capacity-building, The inclusion and effective participation and leadership of persons with disabilities in these efforts is essential.</p> <p>To advance programmatic mainstreaming of disability rights across different sectors, UN Member States can also play a pivotal role. At the international level, we need to incorporate a disability-inclusive perspective in all multilateral processes. At the national level, we need to enact and enforce legislation that protects and promotes the human rights of persons with disabilities; adopt inclusive and comprehensive support systems that enable their social inclusion; and adopt the necessary measures to guarantee that persons with disabilities can meaningfully lead and participate in all decisions affecting them.</p> <p>In conclusion, we call for stronger global commitment to implementing the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, as well as global support for the implementation of the UNDIS within the UN, consistent with the obligation to respect, protect and fulfill the enjoyment of all human rights by persons with disabilities.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 2: The death of Alexei Navalny and the situation of the political opposition </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint statement by the European Union on behalf of a group of countries </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>4 March 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>We are deeply concerned about the unabated systematic crackdown on civil society and the repressions of political opposition and critical voices throughout the Russian Federation and active outside the country. </p> <p>The events of 16 February are yet another example of the continued systematic crackdown by the Russian authorities, and their disregard for the human rights of their own citizens.</p> <p>We are outraged by the death of the Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny, for which the ultimate responsibility lies with President Putin and the Russian authorities. Russia must allow an independent and transparent international investigation into circumstances of his sudden death. Mr Navalny’s unexpected and shocking death is yet another sign of the accelerating and systematic repression in Russia. </p> <p>We strongly call on Russia to immediately and unconditionally release all other political prisoners, including Yuri Dmitriev, Vladimir Kara-Murza, Ilya Yashin, Alexei Gorinov, Lilia Chanysheva, Ksenia Fadeeva, Alexandra Skochilenko and Ivan Safronov as well as human rights defenders, journalists and anti-war activists arbitrarily detained for peacefully exercising their human rights and opposing Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. We express concern over their detention conditions and recall that the prohibition of torture is absolute under international law.</p> <p>We call on the Russian Federation to end this climate of impunity and create a safe environment for political opposition and critical voices including journalists and<s> other</s> media workers, human rights defenders and civic activists as enshrined in its domestic and international obligations. We call on Russia to abolish its oppressive legislation and end political misuse of the judiciary.</p> <p>Around the world people have gathered to pay tribute to the memory of Alexei Navalny. In Russia, the authorities tried to prevent the same in a number of places and several hundred people have been detained. Russia’s political leadership and authorities must be held to account. Navalny’s courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the cause of justice, freedom and democracy will never be forgotten.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Item 3: ID with Special Rapporteur on the Right to Adequate Housing</em> </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint statement by Bangladesh on behalf of a group of countries </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>5 March 2024</strong></p> <p><em>Mr. President, </em></p> <p><em>Bangladesh has the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of a group of countries. </em></p> <p>The right to adequate housing is yet to be realized for many and millions still live in substandard housing, or are experiencing homelessness. Furthermore, climate change, natural disasters and environmental degradation have been accentuating displacements and homelessness. Homelessness is also a process of disassociation ensued from complex interplay of poverty, lack of gainful employment, and access to infrastructure, as well as other socio-economic issues that may constitute a loss of family, community, and a sense of belonging and dignity. </p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>We urge States to integrate affected communities and individuals in designing, evaluating and implementing policies, programmes and strategies for their housing; </p> <p>We call for enhanced international collaboration and partnership for implementation of inclusive, technologically advanced, climate and environmental degradation resilient public housing programmes;</p> <p>We encourage States to continue to enable all persons with disabilities and in vulnerable situations to access adequate housing by constructing, maintaining and managing housing programmes at affordable prices and costs, with subsidies where required; </p> <p>We<em> </em>encourage<em> </em>States to ensure that evictions are compliant with the provisions of international humanitarian and human rights laws and to avoid use of force; and</p> <p>We request the<em> </em>Member States to take concerted action to seek long-term sustainable solutions to homelessness and to address legal, administrative, social, economic, cultural and digital barriers that hinder the realization of the right to an adequate standard of living, including housing.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council </strong>– <strong>55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: International Women’s Day</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint statement by Afghanistan on behalf of a group of countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>8 March 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>As the women and girls of Afghanistan continue to display unparalleled courage while standing for their human rights in the face of the gravest adversity, on this International Women’s Day, we express our deep concern about their dire situation which calls for a concerted response by the entire international community. </p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>The Taliban’s promises to respect human rights remain unfulfilled. From their constellation of decrees and edicts to declarations and directives, women and girls remain unable to exercise their civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, in contravention of international law. </p> <p>Gender-based violence has increased drastically, while access to support services, safe spaces, and shelters continues to diminish. Denied freedom of movement, women and girls describe feeling unsafe leaving their homes. Following a recent pattern of arbitrary detentions, women and girls are being held in overcrowded police stations, subjected to threats, violence and intimidation, with no access to justice. They are also facing public lashings.</p> <p>Girls are prevented from entering secondary schools or universities, leaving them exposed to violence, poverty and exploitation and harming the country’s prospects for progress, durable peace and sustainable development.</p> <p>The ban on women from working for the UN and national and international NGOs, violates the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women, interfering with the delivery of essential services to the persons in the most vulnerable situations.</p> <p>As recognised by the Committee on Elimination of Discrimination against Women, “progressive and deliberate restrictions on women and girls’ rights,” resulted in their “marginalisation and exclusion” from social, political, public and economic life. It was further concluded by the Committee that due to their widespread and systemic nature, these acts may amount to gender persecution - a crime against humanity under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. Moreover, the institutionalised regime of systematic oppression and domination, with the intention of maintaining that regime, has been described by some, including the Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan, as “gender apartheid.^” </p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>This situation demands nothing less than full accountability. </p> <p>First, we urge all relevant special procedures mandate-holders and treaty bodies to closely monitor the situation, ensuring coherent coordination and cooperation. </p> <p>Second, we call upon States Parties to the Rome Statute to ensure full and effective cooperation with the International Criminal Court’s Office of the Prosecutor with respect to its investigation into the situation in Afghanistan. We also welcome the statement of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, made during the launch of a new policy on gender-based crimes, and recall the policy on the crime of gender persecution.</p> <p>Third, we call upon States to ensure that, during any engagement with the Taliban <em>de facto</em> authorities, they emphasise the State of Afghanistan’s obligations to respect human rights, especially those of women and girls. States should also ensure the active involvement of stakeholders of Afghanistan, including women, in dialogues concerning the future of the country.</p> <p>Fourth, we urge States to support the decision on the commencement of negotiations on a Crimes Against Humanity Convention based on the ILC draft articles this year. We call upon States to work towards an adequate reflection of systematic gender persecution.</p> <p>Finally, we call for immediate accountability for human rights abuses in Afghanistan, commensurate with the gravity of the situation on the ground. </p> <p>As systematic discrimination persists worldwide, SDG 5 remains yet to be achieved. While the road ahead may seem challenging, let us act decisively today, guided by our shared commitment to universal human rights, including women’s and girls’ rights. Together, we can take one step closer to realising a world where women and girls can participate fully, equally, and meaningfully in all spheres of public life and be safe from violence of any kind. </p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: International Women’s Day</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint statement by Finland on behalf of a group of countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>8 March 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,&nbsp; </p> <p>I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of Mexico, my country Finland and a group of States. </p> <p>On this International Women’s Day, we look at our world and see conflicts, inequalities, hunger, poverty, a triple planetary crisis. We are far from reaching the Sustainable Development Goals. To overcome these challenges, it is imperative to build safe, stable, inclusive, prosperous and peaceful societies.</p> <p>In times of conflicts and crisis, we often hear that so-called “hard security” must be prioritized and so-called “softer security” issues can wait. Gender equality and women’s and girls’ rights are often placed in the latter category. However, history has shown that this approach is inadequate. Women must be included in all matters related to peace and security. Women’s, young women’s and girls’ rights cannot and should not wait, even less in times of crisis. This concerns especially women and girls facing multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination. </p> <p>We need a more comprehensive approach to security. Evidence from decades of research shows that gender equality strengthens the stability of societies. Inclusive peace agreements that adopt a gender perspective are more likely to last. Ensuring women’s and girls’ rights is a powerful tool for building security and vice versa: eroding these rights can have negative security effects. </p> <p>We must ensure the full, equal and meaningful participation of all women, young women and girls, without discrimination of any kind, in all areas of society, including in the public and private sector, company boardrooms, political decision-making, peace processes, activism and advocacy. We must also recognise the full diversity of all women and girls in their circumstances and experiences and adopt intersectional approaches to responding to the needs of women and girls with different backgrounds.</p> <p>Let us elevate women and women’s rights organisations and movements that are already making a difference. Let us support women’s and girls’ autonomy, including their right to bodily autonomy and the realization of sexual and reproductive health and rights. Let us strengthen our efforts to combat sexual and gender-based violence in all circumstances, to send a clear and coherent message condemning violent attacks against women and girls – whether at home or in public spaces, offline or in digital spaces, nationally or internationally, in conflict or at peace. Addressing the root causes of conflict means investing in the human rights of women and girls everywhere. </p> <p>In times like these, we must not put women’s and girls’ rights and gender equality aside, something to deal with later. On the contrary, now is the time to bring women’s and girls’ rights to the forefront, to the center of solutions towards stability and peace.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Inclusive participation in elections in 2024 in the world</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint Statement by Romania on behalf of a group of countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>13 March </strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of a group of 59 countries, with diverse electoral systems.</p> <p>1. Globally, more voters than ever will be called to the polls this year, in countries representing about 49% of the people in the world. Article 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights enshrines that the will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures. </p> <p>2. Elections are an important moment to reaffirm our countries’ commitment to human rights and democracy and to ensure the right of everyone to participate in public affairs. Effective participation through elections by all members of society contributes to the attainment of SDG targets.</p> <p>3. We reiterate the importance of holding elections in a secure and peaceful environment in which rule of law is respected and everyone is safe to exercise freely their rights and freedoms without discrimination of any kind and without unlawful or arbitrary restrictions. </p> <p>4. It is important to ensure that the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association, free movement and the right to participate in public affairs are fully respected. </p> <p>5. These elections take place in the era of widely available digital technologies and artificial intelligence and we must address the risks of disinformation. We have to protect citizens’ rights to freedom of expression so they can access information and debate openly and freely, while taking measures to counter hate speech, both online and offline. </p> <p>6. Recognizing the role of youth in electoral processes, the UN Human Rights Council and the General Assembly have consistently highlighted the need for their full, effective and meaningful participation in decision-making. </p> <p>7. We call on all States to encourage youth, women, persons with disabilities and representatives of persons belonging to minorities<strong> </strong>to stand for elections. Inclusive political participation is crucial to building stable and peaceful societies and developing responsive policies. </p> <p>8. We reiterate the fundamental importance of<strong> </strong>human rights education and training in contributing to the promotion, protection and effective realization of all human rights, and raising generations of young people able to participate effectively in public life in their societies. </p> <p>9. We conclude by encouraging OHCHR to continue its work, within its mandate, to ensure that elections meet international human rights standards and that they are held in an environment in which everyone can exercise their rights.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with SRSG for children in armed conflict</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint Statement by Uruguay on behalf of a group of states from the Group of Friends on CAAC </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>13 March 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>I am honoured to take the floor on behalf of a group of States that have endorsed the Safe Schools Declaration and committed to implementing the Guidelines for Protecting Schools and Universities from Military Use. </p> <p>Dear Madam Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, </p> <p>We thank you for your report and note with deep concern that attacks on schools, students and education personnel remain extremely high and that the military use of schools has increased in 2023. We strongly condemn such actions as they undermine the right to education and recall that all human rights must be respected, protected and fulfilled also in times of conflict. Attacks on schools and their military use place children, in particular girls and children with disabilities, at particular risk of harm, making them more vulnerable to other grave violations, with boys, girls and children with disabilities suffering in often different and deeply problematic ways.</p> <p>We welcome your recommendation that States should endorse the Safe Schools Declaration. 2025 will coincide with the 10^th anniversary of the Safe Schools Declaration, already endorsed by 119 states, and the year of the Fifth International Conference on the Declaration. We urge all States to accelerate efforts towards universal endorsement and full implementation of this crucial tool. As the Declaration states, “education is fundamental to development and to the full enjoyment of human rights and freedoms”. We encourage the SRSG to continue with her efforts to promote these principles.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 4: Joint Statement on the Interactive Dialogue with the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran (HRC res. S-35/1)</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint statement by Costa Rica on behalf of a group of countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>15 March 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I am delivering this statement on behalf of a cross-regional group of 54 countries. </p> <p>We thank the Fact-Finding Mission for carrying out their invaluable work to investigate the alleged human rights violations that took place after the tragic death in custody of Mahsa Jina Amini and subsequent nationwide protests.</p> <p>The FFM has recorded patterns of serious violations of human rights including the use of excessive and lethal force against protesters. The report also finds that violence against women and children was widespread throughout the security forces’ response to the protests. </p> <p>To suppress dissent, authorities resorted to disproportionate use of force, arbitrary arrests and detention, sexual and gender-based violence, torture of detainees, harassment of victim’s families, unfair trials and the execution of protesters. The report concludes that some of these acts may amount to crimes against humanity, including the crime against humanity of gender persecution. Perpetrators of these crimes must be held to account.</p> <p>Mr President, the human rights situation in Iran has worsened. We remain deeply concerned about the rights of women and girls. Women human rights defenders and journalists continue to be persecuted and silenced.&nbsp; If adopted, the "Bill to Support the Family by Promoting the Culture of Chastity and Hijab" will restrict women’s rights further; a breach of the mandatory hijab will carry punishment of up to ten years in prison in addition to flogging, crushing fines, travel restrictions and deprivation of online access. </p> <p>We urge the Iranian authorities to take steps to eliminate this and all other forms of gender-based discrimination, end the cycle of violence, cease the suppression of protests, open civic space both online and offline to allow for dissenting voices, and allow journalists, lawyers and human rights defenders to carry out their work freely. </p> <p>Impunity cannot continue, calls for justice cannot remain unanswered, accountability must prevail. </p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 4: Interactive Dialogue with Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint statement by Australia on behalf of a group of countries </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>18 March 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>On behalf of 53 co-sponsor States of the HRC DPRK resolution, I thank the Special Rapporteur for her sobering update and reiterate our support for her mandate.</p> <p>Ten years ago, the Commission of Inquiry established by this Council concluded that the DPRK committed systematic and widespread human rights violations that amounted to crimes against humanity.</p> <p>Today, tragically, the Special Rapporteur’s report shows there has been little to no progress in the human rights situation, or towards accountability.</p> <p>The Special Rapporteur continues to report systemic and gross human rights violations and abuses, ranging from torture, abductions, arbitrary detention in prison camps and inter-generational punishment, as well as the implementation of new laws restricting freedom of expression and other fundamental freedoms.</p> <p>We remain disturbed by the Special Rapporteur’s findings with regard to widespread violations and abuses of the human rights of women and girls, including gender-based violence by the state. </p> <p>We call on the DPRK to cooperate with the Special Rapporteur and allow the return of UN agencies, other international organisations and the diplomatic community.</p> <p>Special Rapporteur, we welcome your insights from consultations with victims/survivors on what accountability would look like to them to inform a more effective international response. </p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 4: Interactive Dialogue with the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint statement by the Netherlands on behalf of the Group of Friends</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>18 March 2024 </strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I am pleased to deliver this statement on behalf of the 'Group of Friends of Accountability following the aggression against Ukraine'.</p> <p>Damian Omelianenko, Mykola Maslii, Iryna Horobtsova.</p> <p>These are just three of the thousands of Ukrainian civilians, yes civilians, who according to credible reports, have been unlawfully detained by Russian authorities.</p> <p>As found by the Commission of Inquiry, the unlawful confinement of civilians, is a violation of their rights to liberty and security of person and is a war crime. But their detention is often only the first in a harrowing series of violations and crimes civilian detainees are subjected to at the hands of Russian authorities.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> <p>Torture, sexual and gender-based violence, unlawful transfers and deportations, including of children. The list goes on.</p> <p>Mr. Chair,</p> <p>Dignity and justice must be restored for the countless victims of Russia’s aggression and those responsible must be held to account. </p> <p>We, therefore, welcome the detailed reporting of the CoI, as well as the work of the HRMMU, the investigation by the ICC, the operationalization of the ICPCA, the establishment of the Register of Damage for Ukraine, and the work of the Core Group towards a tribunal on the crime of aggression against Ukraine.&nbsp; </p> <p>Mr. Chair,</p> <p>What more can the international community do to support Damian Omelianenko, Mykola Maslii, and Iryna Horobtsova, and the identification, release and the reunification of all other Ukrainian civilians who are unlawfully detained by Russia? </p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 4: ICJ Syria Provisional Measures</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint statement by Canada on behalf of a group of countries </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>18 March 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I am pleased to deliver this statement on behalf of a cross-regional group of countries. </p> <p>For thirteen years, the international community has called out Syria for its flagrant breaches of international human rights law. Regrettably, Syria has denied wrongdoing and continues to violate international law with impunity. </p> <p>These circumstances led the Netherlands and Canada to invoke the responsibility of Syria for breaches of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and eventually to institute proceedings against Syria before the ICJ. The ongoing human rights and international humanitarian law violations in Syria cannot remain without consequences and a lasting political solution in Syria is possible only if the perpetrators are held to account and victims obtain justice.</p> <p>We welcome the ICJ’s provisional measures, requiring Syria to prevent acts of torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment and ensure no one under its control commits such acts, and to take effective measures to ensure the preservation of evidence&nbsp; The provisional measures are a first step towards much needed accountability and justice for the people of Syria. </p> <p>We strongly condemn reports of sexual and gender-based violence, affecting the lives of millions of women, girls, and boys across the country. We further condemn Syria’s continued obstruction of families’ efforts to ascertain the fate of their detained loved ones and relatives. </p> <p>Distinguished Commissioners, the question remains, how can we better co-operate with partners and Syrian civil society to identify ongoing violations, including torture and detention in Syria?</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 4: Humanitarian access in Sudan</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint statement by the United Kingdom of Great Britain on behalf of a group of countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>19 March 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>This statement is on behalf of the Troika for Sudan – USA, Norway and the UK– and supported by a group of other countries.</p> <p>We welcome the organisation of a humanitarian conference for Sudan and neighbouring countries next month in Paris, exactly one year since the beginning of a conflict that has had catastrophic humanitarian consequences for the Sudanese people.</p> <p>Nearly 18 million people are suffering crisis levels of food insecurity.&nbsp; Humanitarian workers are blocked from reaching the people in need.&nbsp; The longer this conflict lasts, and the further fighting spreads, the greater that need will become.&nbsp; We call on all parties to accept a Ramadan ceasefire, in line with Security Council Resolution 2274.</p> <p>The Sudanese Armed Forces’ withdrawal of permission for aid deliveries through the major crossing points from Chad into Darfur is indefensible. It has exacerbated the suffering in Darfur, where civilians are already in dire need after suffering relentless atrocities by the Rapid Support Forces. </p> <p>We call on the SAF to uphold fully their commitments to facilitate cross-line and cross-border operations, re-open fully the vital Adre crossing point, and refrain from any measures that prevent life-saving aid reaching those in need.&nbsp; </p> <p>The vital work of local responders, UN agencies, and international partners must be allowed to proceed. The warring parties must ensure the security of humanitarian actors and refrain from diverting life-saving supplies for themselves – and hold their personnel accountable when they go against these principles.</p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>The death toll in Sudan is likely far greater than the 14,000 verified to date.&nbsp; Every day humanitarian assistance is prevented from reaching those in need, that number will rise, and the Sudanese people move further toward catastrophic levels of food insecurity.</p> <p>We call on all parties to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law and the Jeddah Declaration, and to allow full, rapid, safe, and unhindered cross-border and cross-line humanitarian access, so that we can, collectively, protect Sudan’s people from even more suffering and death.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 7: General debate</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint statement by Chile on behalf of a group of countries </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>26 March 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>Chile is honored to present this joint statement on behalf a group of countries. </p> <p>We remain profoundly alarmed by the dire humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. The conflict has inflicted immense suffering upon civilians, particularly women and children, who bear the brunt. </p> <p>We call on all parties to adhere to international law, including protecting civilians and ensuring unimpeded humanitarian access. Targeting civilians and healthcare facilities, including denying essential services and forcibly displacing civilians, is unacceptable and unlawful. We urge the full implementation of the Provisional Measures ordered by the ICJ in the case concerning the Genocide Convention. by Israel.</p> <p>Israel must refrain from actions in violation of international law leading to harm to civilians and forced displacement, especially in Rafah. At the same time, we demand the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and express our solidarity with them and their families. </p> <p>Urgent action must be taken. An immediate ceasefire is essential to enable the delivery of life-saving aid and restore essential services. </p> <p>In this context, we emphasize the irreplaceable role of UNRWA in terms of delivering lifesaving humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza, and its stabilizing role across the region call for its sustained funding. We support a thorough investigation into the allegations against some staff members allegedly involved in the October 7 terrorist attacks, which must be swiftly completed, and those responsible must be held accountable.&nbsp; UNRWA must be able to continue its vital response, which must be fully funded.</p> <p>We urge all parties to engage in constructive dialogue that leads to a lasting peace by enabling the two-state solution, in line with relevant UN resolutions. The international community must remain vigilant and hold all parties accountable for violations of international law.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 8: “Elections” for president of the Russian Federation in the temporarily occupied or controlled territories of Ukraine</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>27 March 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>This statement is delivered on behalf of 43 states. </p> <p>Article 3 of the Vienna Declaration states: “Effective international measures to guarantee and monitor the implementation of human rights standards should be taken in respect of people under foreign occupation, and effective legal protection against the violation of their human rights should be provided, in accordance with human rights norms and international law, particularly the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 14 August 1949, and other applicable norms of humanitarian law”. </p> <p>In resolution 78/221, the General Assembly condemned the ongoing temporary control or occupation by the Russian Federation of part of the territory of Ukraine, including the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol and certain areas of the Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk and Luhansk regions, and reaffirmed the non-recognition of its annexation.</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>We condemn in the strongest terms the holding by the Russian Federation of so-called “elections” on Ukraine’s sovereign territory on 15-17 March in the temporarily occupied or controlled territories of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, as well as in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol. They have no legitimacy nor validity under international law and cannot and do not alter the status of these regions of Ukraine.</p> <p>This is just another futile effort by the Russian Federation to legitimize or formalize its illegal attempted annexation of parts of Ukraine.</p> <p>We reiterate our support for the territorial integrity, unity, and sovereignty of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders as well as for Ukraine’s political independence - which the Russian Federation continues to violate.</p> <p>We fully support a Ukraine-driven peace process and the principles set forth in President Zelenskyy’s Peace Formula and look forward to continued cooperation to develop this initiative with a view to achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine and security to the whole world.</p> <p>We stand firmly with the people of Ukraine as they bravely face Russia’s aggression and express our solidarity with those in Ukraine’s territories under Russia’s temporary control who continue to speak up at great personal risk against Russia`s full-scale invasion. </p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 8: Indigenous People’s knowledge and science, climate change, and human rights</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint statement by Canada on behalf of a group of countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>27 March 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>I am pleased to deliver this statement on behalf of a cross-regional group of countries.</p> <p>The Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action recognized the unique contribution of Indigenous Peoples to the development and plurality of societies. It reaffirmed our commitment to ensure their enjoyment of all rights and freedoms, and to respect the value and diversity of their cultures and identities. </p> <p>Importantly, the VDPA urged States to ensure the full and free participation of Indigenous Peoples in <em>all</em> aspects of society, particularly in matters that affect them.</p> <p>As we take stock of the implementation of the VDPA, we note that much work remains for us to fully realize these commitments. </p> <p>And as we look to make further progress, we are mindful that the adverse effects of climate change stand as a main threat to the promotion and protection of Indigenous rights.</p> <p>While the impacts of climate change affect all of us, we recognise that Indigenous Peoples are disproportionately affected. Moreover, Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge and experiences are critical to developing the solutions to address it. </p> <p>In the fight against climate change, it is imperative that we use the best available knowledge and science humankind can offer. This means being able to incorporate and share information to bridge, braid, and weave all scientific knowledge, including Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge and science.</p> <p>For generations, Indigenous Peoples have developed their own knowledge based on observation, hypothesis, and analysis in their territories. In a modern context, this knowledge remains vital to environmental stewardship, wildlife protection, managing species at risk, adaption and mitigation of climate change, and prevention of natural emergencies.</p> <p>Following the leadership of Indigenous Peoples on climate adaptation, innovative clean energy, and resource monitoring will better prepare us to meet global targets, including the SDGs, and to adapt to the impacts we are facing. As rights holders, Indigenous Peoples, including Indigenous women and girls, have the right to participate alongside States to share their knowledge, and to take a leading role in decision-making at all levels. </p> <p>A more peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world cannot be achieved without the full, effective, and meaningful participation of Indigenous Peoples.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 9: Joint Statement on the territorial integrity of Ukraine</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by the European Union on behalf of a group of states</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>28 March 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this joint statement on behalf of the 27 EU Member States, Australia, Canada, Iceland, Japan, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America.</p> <p>We are reacting to the statement on behalf of the Russian Federation delivered by a&nbsp;representative of the so-called administration in the territory of Ukraine temporarily controlled by Russia<em>.</em></p> <p>We recall the relevant UNGA resolutions which recognise the status of this territory as an integral part of Ukraine.</p> <p>We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, extending to its territorial waters. We reiterate our strongest condemnation of Russia’s aggression and its attempts to acquire Ukraine’s territory by force in flagrant violation of international law, including the UN Charter. We firmly and unequivocally reject, do not and will never recognize the attempted illegal annexation by Russia of Ukraine's regions of Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.</p> <p>We therefore urge Russia to refrain from letting any representative of the so-called&nbsp;administration in the territories of Ukraine temporarily controlled by Russia intervene on its behalf within the Human Rights Council, or in any other international fora.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 10: General debate</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint statement by the Maldives on behalf of the HRC Membership Contact Group</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>2 April 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>This statement is on behalf of the contact group on Council membership. The list of members will be made public on the extranet. </p> <p>We believe that membership of the Human Rights Council should reflect the diversity of the UN as a whole, and that all countries, irrespective of their size, wealth or power should have an equal opportunity to serve as members of the Council. </p> <p>Since 2017 the number of States that have never held a seat on the Council has fallen from 95 to 69 today.</p> <p>While this is important progress, at the most recent Council election, only one country was elected that had not been a member before. So more work clearly remains to be done to broaden the Council’s membership to other states. </p> <p>Most of the countries that have never been members of the Council are small States, especially Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). </p> <p>We have seen from recent years that Small States often offer new perspectives and strengthen the Council’s universality. Indeed, LDCs and SIDs have made significant contributions to the Council through leading resolutions on important new topics, by serving as members of the Bureau and even by being elected as Council President. We therefore express our firm support for the important work of the LDCs/SIDs voluntary trust fund in supporting greater participation at the HRC. We hope that this will build capacity&nbsp; to allow a greater number of states to stand for membership.&nbsp; </p> <p>As GA resolution 60/251 that established this Council makes clear, membership of the Council comes with responsibility. All States must respect human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, and members elected to the Council shall uphold the highest standards in the promotion and protection of human rights and fully cooperate with the Council.</p> <p>Our contact group encourages States with a demonstrable commitment to human rights and democracy, especially Small States, to strengthen their participation and engagement with the body and its mechanisms and, eventually, to consider standing for election. We are ready to engage with such states and to support them in this endeavour.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 10: Transitional justice and accountability in Ethiopia</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint statement by the European Union on behalf of a group of states </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>2 April 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>I am making this statement on behalf of a group of 44 countries.</p> <p>During the 54^th session of the Human Rights Council, the Government of Ethiopia committed to bring forward a solid transitional justice policy framework by November 2023.</p> <p>Meanwhile, we have taken note of Ethiopia’s strong pledge on the occasion of the 75^th anniversary of the UDHR in December 2023; the report published by the Ethiopian Transitional Justice Expert Group mid-January; and the recent validation workshops.</p> <p>We welcome the Government’s stated commitment, and urge the Government to swiftly establish a policy framework, based on the recommendations by the expert group, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission and the OHCHR.</p> <p>Ethiopia’s victims and survivors deserve justice. Credible transitional justice and accountability processes are crucial to ensuring lasting peace and reconciliation. The policy framework should be consistent with regional and international human rights law, include an international component and ensure genuine accountability, truth-seeking, reparations and guarantees of non-recurrence.</p> <p>Participation of victims and prioritizing their needs and rights is equally essential. This includes providing strong victim and witness protection, psychosocial assistance, health services, and socioeconomic support.</p> <p>Robust independent, impartial and transparent mechanisms are needed to implement the policy, preserve evidence, conduct investigations into all allegations of human rights violations and abuses and violations of international humanitarian law and, as appropriate, prosecute those responsible. Detailed information on how each mechanism will be created and what the next steps are is key for the success of the policy framework. We encourage introducing implementing legislation promptly.</p> <p>If the proposal is to go farther back in time, we recommend prioritizing recent events, including in northern Ethiopia. </p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>We welcome the continued commitment of the Government of Ethiopia and the Tigray Interim Regional Administration to consolidate the peace process and implement the outstanding provisions of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement. At the same time, we remain seriously concerned about on-going violence and reports of human rights violations and abuses in the Amhara and Oromia regions. The extension of the State of Emergency in Amhara is also cause for concern.</p> <p>We call on all parties to pursue peace through dialogue as well as to participate in what must be a credible and inclusive National Dialogue process.</p> <p>Lastly, we invite the High Commissioner to keep the Council updated on the human rights situation in Ethiopia, the assistance his Office is providing and the implementation of the recommendations of the Joint Investigative Team and the ICHREE.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>We encourage Ethiopia to continue to engage OHCHR and international experts on its path of transitional justice, lasting peace, and prosperity.</span></p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Joint%20Statement%20on%20the%20second%20anniversary%20of%20the%20arrest%20of%20Vladimir%20Kara-Murza%20at%20the%20OSCE%20Permanent%20Council,%2011%20April%202024.pdf">Joint Statement on the second anniversary of the arrest of Vladimir Kara-Murza at the OSCE Permanent Council, 11 April 2024</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Statement%20by%20Iceland%20on%20Addressing%20Anti-Semitism%20at%20the%20OSCE%20Conference,%20,%208-9%20April%202024.pdf">Statement by Iceland on Addressing Anti-Semitism delivered by Ambassador Elín Flygenring at the OSCE Conference, , 8-9 April 2024</a></span>

<span></span> <p class="paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><span><strong><span>Human Rights Council </span></strong></span>–<strong> 55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 1: Annual high-level panel discussion on human rights mainstreaming</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Theme: Harnessing multilateral efforts to embed, amplify and realize the rights of persons with disabilities, with a focus on full and effective participation and inclusion in society</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Lithuania on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>26 February 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States – Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Norway, Sweden, and my own country, Lithuania.</p> <p>As we approach the five-year mark since the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy was set in motion, it is crucial to assess the progress and the challenges in its implementation. This Strategy provides a foundation for sustainable and transformative progress on disability inclusion across all UN pillars, it reaffirms that the realization of human rights of all persons with disabilities is an indivisible part of all human rights. </p> <p>We appreciate the Strategy's twin-track approach, which integrates disability-sensitive measures across all policies while also providing specific initiatives for the empowerment of persons with disabilities. Ensuring the rights of persons with disabilities is key to our commitment to equality in the Nordic-Baltic states. We focus on empowering them by improving disability assessment, enhancing their seamless integration into the open labour market, providing specific and targeted support and services. We seek to ensure that public information is easy to read and accessible to all, using sign language, Braille, and other alternative forms.</p> <p>The Nordic-Baltic States remain committed to further improving disability inclusion within the UN system and beyond, especially in the context of our shared commitments under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.</p> <p>Distinguished Panellists, how can we ensure that the multiple crises we are facing do not hinder the implementation of the Strategy? How can we leverage multilateralism to ensure persons with disabilities enjoy the full spectrum of human rights within the UN framework?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 2: Interactive dialogue on the report of the High Commissioner on the human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the obligation to ensure accountability and justice</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Finland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>28 February 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I speak on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic States: Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country Finland.&nbsp; </p> <p>We thank the High Commissioner for his important reporting. We strongly support the independent work of his Office. </p> <p>The suffering of civilians in Gaza is horrific. There are no safe places. People lack the necessities to survive. This conflict severly traumatizes an entire generation on both sides, especially children. </p> <p>We condemn the brutal terrorist attacks by Hamas against civilians. Hamas must release all remaining hostages immediately and without any preconditions and stop the practice of using civilians as human shields. Israel has the right to defend itself in line with international law.</p> <p>For the sake of civilians in Gaza, we strongly echo the calls of the High Commissioner. We reiterate the importance of ensuring the protection of all civilians at all times in line with international humanitarian law and to respect the legally binding order of the International Court of Justice. We ask the Israeli Government not to take military action in Rafah that would worsen an already catastrophic humanitarian situation. </p> <p>The Nordic and Baltic States support all efforts for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire for life-saving aid to reach Gazans, accountability for violations by all parties and a credible and irreversible path towards a negotiated two-state solution. Both Israelis and Palestinians have the right to live in safety, dignity and peace. </p> <p>I thank you. </p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 2: Interactive Dialogue on the report of the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Latvia on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>29 February 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf on the Nordic-Baltic countries – Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country Latvia. We thank the Group of Experts for the latest report on the human rights situation in Nicaragua.</p> <p>We remain gravely concerned about the continuous dismantling of the civic space and increasing and systematic human rights violations in Nicaragua, including attacks against human rights defenders, political and indigenous leaders, members of religious and academic institutions, journalists and other media workers for exercising their rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association.</p> <p>We are seriously concerned about the recent legislative reforms in Nicaragua that have led to the arbitrary removal of hundreds of justice system officials, the rise in arbitrary detentions and deprivation of the Nicaraguan nationality of hundreds of political opponents. </p> <p>We strongly urge the Nicaraguan authorities to resume cooperation with international and regional human rights mechanisms, including OHCHR, and to return to the rule of law and full respect of all human rights and fundamental freedoms. There can be no justice for Nicaraguans without full accountability for gross human rights violations and abuses in the country.</p> <p>Mr Simon, what steps can be taken to foster accountability for human rights violations in Nicaragua?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Norway on behalf of Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>29 February 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>The Nordic Baltic countries commend the Special Rapporteur for his resolute efforts for Human Rights in Afghanistan. Not only is documentation a prerequisite for accountability; it also serves as an important foundation for Member States as they raise human rights with the de facto authorities and interact with civil society.</p> <p>We condemn the severe restrictions on women and girls, which may amount to gender persecution. The restrictions serve to exclude them from work, education, healthcare, and to a large degree from public life. We admire the resilience of Afghan women and girls in the face of oppression.</p> <p>Furthermore, we are deeply troubled that the report documents that numerous human rights defenders, journalists and other media workers have been imprisoned in Afghanistan. And we remain concerned about the violation of the human rights of persons belonging to minorities.</p> <p>We urge the de facto authorities to continue their cooperation with the Special Rapporteur, including granting him full and unhindered access to the country.</p> <p>Special Rapporteur, how can the international community help to improve the situation for women and girls in Afghanistan, and make sure their voices are heard, both nationally and internationally?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 2: Interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner oral update on Myanmar</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Norway on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>1 March 2024</strong></p> <p>High Commissioner,</p> <p>Thank you for this update.</p> <p>We, the Nordic-Baltic States, remain deeply disturbed by the worsening human rights situation in Myanmar.</p> <p>Increased violence and massive new internal displacement and refugee movements affect the civil population, including children, in devastating ways. We receive frequent reports of violations and abuses of human rights and international law. In Rakhine state, the resumed fighting worsens the already dire conditions of the vulnerable Rohingya population, for whom access to humanitarian assistance remains severely limited.</p> <p>We condemn in the strongest terms any indiscriminate use of force by the military.</p> <p>We call for an immediate end to all violence and abuses against civilians. We also call for the provision of full and unhindered humanitarian access, and an inclusive dialogue with the meaningful participation of all stakeholders, including ethnic and religious minorities. </p> <p>The UN must be enabled to coordinate and conduct humanitarian diplomacy, including on access. </p> <p>High Commissioner, in the current environment, what actions should external actors prioritize in the short and medium term to improve the human rights situation in Myanmar?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council </strong><strong>–</strong><strong> 55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 2: Enhanced interactive dialogue on the report of the Commission of Human Rights on advancing the human rights in South Sudan</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Norway on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>1 March 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>I have the honor of speaking on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries. We thank the Commission for its report and align ourselves with its conclusions. We also thank the Government of South Sudan for its continued co-operation with the Commission. </p> <p>Political violence and insecurity remain fundamental challenges to the human rights situation in South Sudan. Sexual and gender-based violence and abductions of women and children continue with impunity. We urge South Sudan to fulfill all its obligations according to international human rights law. </p> <p>The steps that must be taken to hold peaceful and credible elections in December 2024 are clear. Democratic space must be guaranteed. The Necessary Unified Forces must be fully deployed, and civilians protected. Electoral institutions must be operationalized and operate independently.&nbsp; </p> <p>The transitional government can demonstrate its alignment with values of democracy and human rights through transparent use of public revenue to fund public needs and protect its population from violence.</p> <p>Until the institutions of Chapter 5 of the Revitalized agreement are established, the Commission on Human Rights plays a vital and unique role in ensuring independent monitoring and investigation. Its mandate must be extended. We urge South Sudan’s continued cooperation with the Commission. </p> <p>Few steps have been taken towards developing functional justice processes and institutions in South Sudan. What is needed, in your opinion, to improve this situation?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 2: Enhanced Interactive dialogue on the report of the High Commissioner on the situation of human rights in the Sudan with assistance of designated Expert</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Norway on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>1 March 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour of delivering this statement on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic Countries. </p> <p>We would like to commend the High Commissioner for the comprehensive report on the human rights situation in Sudan. We fully endorse the conclusions of the report. </p> <p>The conflict in Sudan is now in its 11th month and the human rights situation is of outmost concern. The reports of alleged violations and abuse committed by both parties to the armed conflict are deeply disturbing. </p> <p>We urge all parties to fulfil their obligations according to international humanitarian law and human rights law, including the protection of civilians. We encourage all parties to cooperate with the Expert and the Fact-Finding-Mission to conduct independent monitoring and investigation. </p> <p>The humanitarian situation in Sudan is catastrophic and risks deteriorating even further. The responsibility for the disastrous situation lays with the belligerents of this armed conflict. All parties must adhere to international humanitarian law and secure unhindered humanitarian access to all of Sudan. </p> <p>High Commissioner, the situation for human rights defenders is of great concern. How can they be supported so they can continue their human rights work?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 2: Annual report of HC for Human Rights and report of OHCHR and SG</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>General Debate on High Commissioner’s Oral Update</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Iceland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>4 March 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>Iceland thanks the High Commissioner for his oral update.</p> <p>On Gaza, Iceland deplores the unacceptable death toll and the immense suffering inflicted on civilians. We call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to deliver life-saving assistance to the people of Gaza. At the same time, Hamas must immediately release all remaining hostages without conditions. Iceland continues to support all efforts towards a long term sustainable two-state solution, based on international law and mutual recognition. </p> <p>On Sudan, we fully condemn gross violations and abuses committed by the warring parties, which demand investigation and accountability. We call on all parties to agree to return to peace without delay. </p> <p>On Ethiopia, we reiterate our serious concern regarding alleged violations and abuses of human rights. Only a peaceful solution will bring a sustainable end to the conflict. Transitional justice and accountability through independent, transparent and impartial investigations must be ensured. </p> <p>On Myanmar, we fully condemn the military regime’s ongoing atrocities and human rights violations, such as sexual and gender-based violence, and the restriction of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. We reiterate our call to the military to immediately cease violence against civilians, release all unjustly detained political prisoners and allow full humanitarian access.</p> <p>In closing, Iceland refers to Nordic-Baltic statements on the situation in Afghanistan, oPT, Nicaragua, Myanmar, Sudan and South-Sudan in respective Interactive Dialogues. </p> <p>I thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur</strong> <strong>on the sale, sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Latvia on behalf of Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>5 March 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</p> <p>We thank the Special Rapporteur for presenting her latest report and the valuable recommendations for States and other stakeholders on protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation in the entertainment industry.&nbsp; </p> <p>We express great concern about increasing abuse of technologies and online space, thus jeopardizing children’s safety and privacy – a global emergency that requires an urgent efficient and coordinated response at national, regional and international levels. In this context, effective preventive and protective measures and access to justice and accountability are of utmost importance.</p> <p>The Nordic-Baltic countries remain strongly committed to a zero-tolerance policy for sexual abuse and exploitation of children, and recognize that children affected by conflict, violence and forced displacement are particularly vulnerable. We urge States to strengthen legal frameworks, and we call on all stakeholders to foster cooperation to prevent and address the harmful effects of children’s sexual abuse and exploitation and to provide support to child victims and survivors, and their families. </p> <p>Madam Special Rapporteur, what further steps could be taken to strengthen monitoring and reporting mechanisms at the international level to address sexual abuse and exploitation of children on social media and online entertainment platforms?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Adequate Housing</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Finland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>5 March 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries. We thank the Special Rapporteur for his timely report on resettlement. </p> <p>The number of persons displaced around the world continues to grow due to disasters, conflict, climate change and other drivers. We agree on the need to acknowledge poor resettlement as a global human rights issue.</p> <p>Poorly executed resettlement can have long-lasting negative impacts on multiple generations. It often disproportionately affects women, minorities, Indigenous Peoples as well as persons in vulnerable situations, including persons with disabilities. Violations of the right to adequate housing affect the realization of other rights, including the rights to education, work and health.</p> <p>The Special Rapporteur demonstrates that human-rights based resettlement is a planned and voluntary process. Meaningful consultation with and participation of affected persons, from the outset, is key.</p> <p>We welcome the initiative to develop human-rights based guidelines on resettlement. Inclusive resettlement can facilitate political participation and self-determination and mitigate conflict. </p> <p>Distinguished Special Rapporteur, how can we better ensure that the human rights of Indigenous Peoples are protected in resettlement processes? </p> <p>I thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council - 55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Denmark on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>6 March 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>I have the honour of delivering this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</p> <p>We thank the Special Rapporteur for the comprehensive overview of the human rights framework on hatred based on religion or belief.</p> <p>In many parts of the world, including in our own countries people continue to experience hate and discrimination because of their opinion, or religion or belief. It is deeply concerning that religious or belief-based hatred often is facilitated and exacerbated through online platforms, which can rapidly escalate tensions.</p> <p>We must stand united in condemning all acts of hatred, discrimination or violence against individuals on the basis of religion or belief and in combatting hate, discrimination and violence while upholding the right to freedom of opinion and expression. More speech, not less, is the key means to address hate speech.</p> <p>Fortunately, as your report shows, we have a robust framework to combat hate speech and standards on the prohibition of advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility and violence. We recall our full commitment to these standards and to our collective efforts to promote them in countering hatred.</p> <p>Special Rapporteur, how can we best make use of existing tools to tackle online and offline expressions of religious hatred?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: </strong><strong>Interactive Dialogue&nbsp;with the Independent Expert on Albinism</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Denmark on behalf of Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>6 March 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries. </p> <p>We thank Mme Miti-Drummond for her report on the right to education for persons with albinism. </p> <p>The right to education is a fundamental human right for all. Persons with albinism must have equal access to education without discrimination, and they should be provided with reasonable accommodations in order to uphold their rights at all stages of lifelong learning. </p> <p>We welcome the Independent Expert’s call on States to counter barriers to the right to education without discrimination, including combatting stigma, discrimination and bullying. We acknowledge the importance of awareness raising about albinism, as well as promoting timely and reasonable accommodations for the specific needs of persons with albinism. Moreover, we recognise the important role of non-governmental stakeholders in advocating and developing best practices for learners with albinism. </p> <p>Mme Miti-Drummond, you note in your report that lack of understanding is the leading cause for the failure to ensure reasonable accommodations for learners with albinism. </p> <p>In your view, what concrete staps should States take to fill the gaps in the provision of reasonable accommodations?</p> <p>I thank you. </p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the issue of human rights obligations relating to the enjoyment of a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>6 March 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries – Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, and my own country Iceland.</p> <p>We thank the Special Rapporteur for his report titled “Business, planetary boundaries, and the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment” and a comprehensive list of recommendations for States. The Nordic-Baltic countries welcome your report which reiterates the pressing need for systemic and transformative changes to achieve a just and sustainable future, protect human rights from harm caused by businesses.</p> <p>Every alarm bell is ringing, alerting us on how humanity is exceeding planetary boundaries. Our well-being relies on a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment which is necessary for the full enjoyment of human rights, including the rights to life, health, food, water and sanitation. Moreover, we must safeguard our planet for future generations, recognizing that the adverse effects of climate change must be addressed in the context of human rights.</p> <p>Mr. Special Rapporteur, what measures should we take to enhance responsible business conduct, ensuring that human rights and environmental policies are integrated in business operations and in their supply chains?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Theme: How law enforcement officials can protect human rights in the context of peaceful protests</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Estonia on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>6 March 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</p> <p>We thank the Special Rapporteur for his dedicated work and the latest report containing the useful and practical Model Protocol for Law Enforcement Officials to Promote and Protect Human Rights in the Context of Peaceful Protests.&nbsp; </p> <p>We express our deep concern at the shrinking space for freedom of peaceful assembly. The right of peaceful assembly is a human right that states are not only obliged to respect and protect but also promote and facilitate. It is fundamental for enabling the full enjoyment and realization of the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights. Law enforcement should in no circumstances hamper the right to peaceful assembly and association by imposing undue restrictions or interfering in peaceful assemblies. </p> <p>Mr. Special Rapporteur, we share your view and reprimand any use of digital technologies in the context of peaceful protests that does not enable the exercise of this right and is incompatible with international human rights law. Measures must be taken by states to ensure that domestic law enforcement fully follows the international human rights law and standards.</p> <p>The right of peaceful assembly and to peaceful protests, both online and offline, is essential for any society to thrive, and a priority for our states.</p> <p>Mr. Special Rapporteur, how can Member States and this Council contribute to the implementation of the recommendations in your report? </p> <p>I thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council 55^th Session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive Dialogue on the report of Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>7 March 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries. We thank the Rapporteur for an informative report and his work on this important topic.</p> <p>Climate change poses a severe threat to the marine ecosystem which has profound implications for human rights. We appreciate Mr. Fakhri’s focus on overfishing, the responsible management of marine resources and that States fulfil their human rights obligations despite the climate challenges facing the marine ecosystem.</p> <p>Sustainable management of fisheries is not a choice, but a fundamental prerequisite to the right to food. Overfishing and the depletion of fishing stocks needs to be addressed in a collective manner through international agreements, such as the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. We need further targeted measures to realize the full potential of blue foods to help end malnutrition and build equitable and resilient food systems so we can fulfil the right to food for all. </p> <p>Special Rapporteur, in your view, what are the most prominent challenges that hinder efforts to minimize overfishing and promote a human-rights based approach in the global sustainable management of fisheries? Which measures are the most crucial for overcoming these barriers?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Denmark on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>7 March 2024</strong></p> <p>Mdm Special Rapporteur,</p> <p>I have the honour of speaking on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries. </p> <p>We thank you for your tireless efforts in the fight against torture. As we celebrate the 40^th anniversary of the Convention, it is more important than ever to ensure a strong and sustained response to torture around the globe. </p> <p>All prisoners&nbsp; shall&nbsp; be&nbsp; treated&nbsp; with&nbsp; respect&nbsp; due&nbsp; to&nbsp; their&nbsp; inherent dignity as human beings. Unfortunately, around the world we see that prisoners, are particularly exposed to the risk of torture, including political prisoners and human rights defenders. We commend your efforts to shed light on the current issues and good practices relating to prison management worldwide.&nbsp; </p> <p>As you note in your report, internationally agreed standards for the protection of all persons deprived of liberty exist albeit having gaps and implementation issues. To name a few: the Bangkok Rules on women prisoners, the Havana Rules on juveniles, and the Nelson Mandela Rules, which are used in many countries as the “blueprint” for national prison rules and in others, as the only rules directly regulating the treatment of prisoners. </p> <p>Dr Edwards, in light of these standards’ recognition and their undeniable impact on prison management, what opportunities do you see for your recommendations to feed into a possible revision process of these instruments?</p> <p>I thank you. </p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Panel on countering religious hatred constituting incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Finland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>8 March 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf on the Nordic-Baltic countries Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country Finland.</p> <p>We strongly condemn any advocacy of national, racial, or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility, or violence and reject acts by individuals that only aim to provoke and divide our societies. </p> <p>Much effort has been put into reaching a common understanding on the interpretation of article 20 of ICCPR, and its relation to freedom of expression. The Rabat six-part threshold test provides a useful tool for guidance.</p> <p>We recall resolution 16/18 and the implementation of its eight action points. It provides a road map to address root causes to religious intolerance, through promoting the interrelated and mutually reinforcing rights to freedom of expression, freedom of religion or belief, and non-discrimination. </p> <p>We need to revitalize the Istanbul process and exchange best practices and experiences from the Faith for Rights initiative.&nbsp; </p> <p>We all need to work preventively to adopt and implement action plans and initiatives to counter national, racial, or religious hatred and to provide full protection of the rights of persons belonging to religious minorities in all countries.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> <p>Broad coalition building and an open, constructive, and respectful dialogue is indispensable for progress.&nbsp; </p> <p>I thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council ­– ­55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Finland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>11 March 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States – Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, and my own country, Finland.</p> <p>We welcome the Special Rapporteur’s report on the achievements of the mandate over the last decade and her vision for its continuation.&nbsp; The previous mandate holders have promoted the participation of persons with disabilities in political and public life, and made them more visible in situations of armed conflict and humanitarian crises. All this has strengthened the rights-based approach to disability.</p> <p>Yet much remains to be done. Limited implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development particularly affects persons with disabilities. The promising start of the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy needs to be expanded. Persons with disabilities need to have a say on global challenges, such as climate change and digital transformation. We welcome the Special Rapporteur’s intention to focus on these themes and to consolidate the work already undertaken.</p> <p>Special Rapporteur, how can States best support you in your “push forward” for the full realization of the rights of persons with disabilities?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Norway on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>12 March 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>I have the honour of speaking on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic states. </p> <p>We welcome the report of the Special Rapporteur on the challenges and achievements of children and youth who defend human rights. </p> <p>Her findings, that young human rights defenders are met with deliberate efforts to hinder and sanction them for carrying out human rights work, are deeply concerning. Not least the gendered threats and reprisals faced by young women and girl human rights defenders, particularly those defending sexual and reproductive health and rights. As well as defenders advocating against discrimination of, and for equal rights for, LGBT+ persons. </p> <p>We echo the call on States in the report to encourage and protect peaceful activism and public participation by children and youth, as it is their right. The report is a reminder of the value of human rights education and the need for strengthening it. </p> <p>Madame Special Rapporteur, states must uphold their commitment to creating a safe and enabling environment for children and youth to stand up for human rights. </p> <p>What measures can the Human Rights Council take to further your recommendations to States and the UN? </p> <p>I thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Privacy</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Latvia on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>12 March 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries. </p> <p>We thank the Special Rapporteur for presenting her latest report to the Council.</p> <p>Our countries attach great importance to the full respect and protection of fundamental rights and freedoms, including person’s rights to privacy and personal data protection, that should not be diminished by the rapid developments in the digital age. </p> <p>We concur with the Special Rapporteur that States’ direct positive role in and appropriate legal frameworks for the effective protection of the rights to personal data protection and privacy – the essential aspects of human dignity - are of utmost importance. Moreover, in light of growing use of information technologies and their possible adverse effects on the fundamental rights and freedoms, it is essential for States to establish appropriate and accessible administrative and judicial remedies for reparation and restitution for victims of violations of their rights. </p> <p>Madam Special Rapporteur, what further steps should be taken to foster human rights education in the area of personal data protection and privacy at the state level?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council 55^th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Representative of the Secretary General on Violence Against Children – Najat Maalla M’jid</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic Countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>12 March 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries. We thank the Special Representative for her report and commend her for her unwavering commitment to address this grave issue. </p> <p>Every child has the right to be protected from violence, regardless of their circumstances. Escalating factors such as conflict, climate change and socioeconomic disparities render children increasingly vulnerable to violence and demand a firm response, both on the national and international levels. </p> <p>As violence against children in all its forms and settings continues to increase, the need to prevent and respond effectively to all forms of violence against children is more urgent now than ever. We in particular appreciate Dr. M’jid’s focus on the investment case for ending violence against children and her continued engagement to demonstrate the benefit of integrated approaches to tackle violence against children, highlighting the high returns on investment in proven cost-effective cross-sectoral services.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> <p>Special Representative, given the alarming rise in violence against children globally, what specific measures should be prioritized to continue to push for concrete, integrated and sustainable solutions that leave no child behind? </p> <p>I thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Norway on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>13 March 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour of speaking on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries. </p> <p>We thank the Special Representative for her report and valuable recommendations.</p> <p>We support her in encouraging the Human Rights Council to maintain the practice of including recommendations on the protection of children affected by armed conflict when considering or adopting resolutions on country-specific situations or thematic issues. The same applies for the Universal Periodic Review. Particular attention should be paid to the implementation of such recommendations. </p> <p>We also support her in encouraging the Council to continue to include references to child rights violations in its resolutions establishing or renewing the mandates of special procedures, commissions of inquiry, fact-finding missions, and investigations, and to foresee in those resolutions dedicated expertise on child rights. We encourage Member States on their side, to ensure that child protection resources and capacity are allocated in relevant budgetary provisions.</p> <p>Madam Special Representative, which concrete measures should be prioritized to ensure dedicated expertise on child rights and child protection in special procedures, commissions of inquiry, fact-finding missions, and investigations?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Annual Full-Day meeting on the Rights of the Child</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Panel discussion 2: Child rights mainstreaming in the United Nations</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Lithuania on behalf of the Nordic Baltic States</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>14 March 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic states – Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Norway, Sweden, and my own country Lithuania.</p> <p>Every year we discuss most pertinent issues that children face around the world. These discussions are even more valuable when we make an effort to include child participants and take their opinions into account. </p> <p>The international community has an obligation to provide a safe and prosperous future for the next generation. The only way forward is for the United Nations system and states to effectively implement policy framework on strengthening a child rights-based approach.</p> <p>We believe that investment in child rights expertise, capacity building programs, and human rights education are crucial elements for child’s development and overall advancement of human rights and freedoms. </p> <p>Children are not just dependent on adults - they are active members of society, often taking a role as human rights defenders, and their voices, ideas and participation in public life and decision-making are just as important as those of adults.</p> <p>However, children often face great personal risk, repressions and legal, administrative and practical barriers to participate in civic activities. It is an alarming trend that all of us should take into account.</p> <p>Dear Panelists, in your view, how can states more efficiently accelerate implementation of child rights-based approach among international organizations?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 4: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Islamic Republic of Iran</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Finland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic Countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>15 March 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries. We thank the Special Rapporteur for his valuable report and his longstanding commitment to the people of Iran.</p> <p>Systemic discrimination against women and girls in the Islamic Republic of Iran intensifies. We are profoundly concerned by the pending bill imposing even stricter punishments for defying compulsory veiling laws. Meanwhile, women are continuously persecuted and physically assaulted. Reports of the use of sexual and gender-based violence to suppress dissent are shocking.&nbsp; </p> <p>Like the Special Rapporteur, we are deeply alarmed by the sharp spike in executions and violations of due process. Iran must impose an immediate moratorium on executions and pursue a consistent policy towards the abolition of the death penalty.</p> <p>Crackdown on civic space persists, affecting human rights defenders, persons belonging to ethnic and religious minorities, civil society organisations, journalists and lawyers, among others. Authorities continue to shut down avenues of freedom of expression, online and offline.&nbsp; We urge Iran to cease harassment of human rights defenders and to release all unjustly or arbitrarily detained, including foreign citizens and dual nationals.</p> <p>Finally, we urge the Iranian authorities to fully cooperate with the Council’s mechanisms.</p> <p>Distinguished Special Rapporteur, how can we better support civil society in Iran?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 4: Interactive Dialogue with the Fact-Finding mission on Islamic Republic of Iran</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Estonia on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>18 March 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President, Madam Chair,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic states.</p> <p>We thank the Fact-Finding mission for the report and express our strong support to the renewal of its mandate.</p> <p>The report indicates widespread repressions following the 2022 protests, which particularly impacted women and girls and members of ethnic and religious minorities. We are deeply concerned about the many serious human rights violations outlined in the report, including murder, imprisonment, torture, rape and other forms of sexual violence, persecution and enforced disappearance.&nbsp; The report states that many of the serious human rights violations that have been committed against women and girls may amount to the crime against humanity of gender persecution.</p> <p>We are also deeply concerned about the unprecedented spike in executions. We oppose the use of the death penalty under all circumstances, including as a means to spread fear throughout society and chill dissent in the wake of the peaceful protests.</p> <p>It seems clear from the report that use of lethal force and other illegal means by the security forces against protesters, including sexual and gender-based violence, is facilitated by an environment of sustained and systematic impunity for gross violations of human rights and an absence of accountability. </p> <p>We admire, support and stand in solidarity with the people of Iran, particularly survivors and families of victims seeking justice, as well as women and girls, who show immense resilience and speak up against these violations. </p> <p>I thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 4: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the DPRK</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Latvia on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>18 March 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries. </p> <p>We commend the efforts of the Special Rapporteur and the OHCHR Seoul Office in monitoring and reporting on the human rights situation in the DPRK. We remain deeply concerned about the serious systematic, widespread and gross human rights violations and crimes against humanity in the country. </p> <p>The government’s intensifying repressions, restrictions on fundamental rights and freedoms, and worsening isolation have led to devastating consequences for the North Korean people. We concur with the Special Rapporteur that collaborative joint efforts involving all regional actors must be taken to ensure accountability for the human rights violations in the DPRK. </p> <p>We urge the DPRK to take meaningful steps to implement fundamental rights and freedoms in the country and to cooperate fully with the UN human rights mechanisms - the next Universal Periodic Review of the country in November provides an opportunity for re-engagement and for confidence-building.</p> <p>Madam Special Rapporteur, how can we best support the UN human rights mechanisms to advance accountability for human rights violations in the DPRK? </p> <p>I thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 4: Interactive Dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Estonia on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>18 March 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States. </p> <p>We express our firm support for the work of the Commission of Inquiry and commend its efforts to document evidence to ensure that the Russian authorities are held accountable for violations of international human rights law and of international humanitarian law, as well as associated international crimes, including war crimes, in the context of Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. </p> <p>Your latest report provides, once again, unambiguous evidence of indiscriminate attacks and deliberate killings of Ukrainian civilians, as attacks on Ukrainian homes, hospitals, schools, childcare facilities and critical and civilian infrastructure continue. </p> <p>Russia’s documented and widespread illegal detentions and systematic use of torture against both civilians and prisoners of war are horrific. Furthermore, the Russian authorities’ unlawful deportation and forced transfer of children from Ukraine to Russia, within occupied territories, and to Belarus, may constitute war crimes. We strongly condemn the separation of children from families and legal guardians, and any change of children’s personal status, illegal adoption or placement in foster families, and efforts to indoctrinate them. </p> <p>We must ensure that Russia is held accountable for its violations of international law. The investigations must continue until full accountability and justice are ensured. </p> <p>Mr. Møse, what more can we collectively do to ensure comprehensive accountability for all atrocity crimes?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 4: Interactive Dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement delivered by Estonia on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>18 March 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</p> <p>We express our firm support for the essential work of the Commission of Inquiry. With deep regret, we note the Commission’s assessment that the violence is spiralling and the mounting and devastating effects of the massive human rights violations and abuses committed in Syria over thirteen years are only becoming more dramatic and serious year by year, continuing to wreck the lives of millions of Syrians. </p> <p>We are very concerned about reports of alarming level of poverty and economic decline throughout Syria. </p> <p>Since the ICJ issued its ruling to stop torture, enforced disappearances and deaths in Syria’s detention facilities, there have been new reports on killings of Syrians by torture and arbitrary arrests by the Syrian regime. </p> <p>We are deeply concerned about the continued patterns of alleged war crimes, and violations and abuses of international human rights law as well as violations of humanitarian law in this protracted armed conflict, particularly by the Syrian regime and its allies. Once again, civilians, especially women and girls, are disproportionately affected by the repeated cycles of violence. We stress the vital importance of ensuring accountability for mass atrocities and violations. </p> <p>Mr Commissioner, what more can we do to ensure accountability on the basis of your findings?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>55th session of the Human Rights Council – 55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 4: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights situation in Myanmar </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Sweden on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>19 March 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</p> <p>We thank the Special Rapporteur, for his update and the attention he draws to the ongoing serious human rights crisis in Myanmar.</p> <p>Three years have passed since the military coup in Myanmar, and the situation continues to deteriorate, with devastating consequences for human rights and humanitarian conditions in the country. The Nordic-Baltic countries strongly condemn the violent actions of the military. We reiterate our call on the regime to end all forms of violence against civilians, including sexual and gender-based violence, aerial attacks, mass killings and persecution of civilians. All conflict parties must abide by international law.</p> <p>We are deeply concerned about the imposition of mandatory military service as it risks exacerbating an already fragile situation and risks further undermining the enjoyment of human rights of the people.</p> <p>The Nordic Baltic countries jointly underline the urgent need to provide humanitarian assistance to those in need while supporting those actors committed to a democratic transition process that affirms human rights, transparency, and accountability.</p> <p>Special Rapporteur, what is your view on how the international community could best work with regional and local partners to ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access to those in most need? </p> <p>I thank you. </p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 4: Interactive Dialogue on the report</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>of the High Commissioner on the situation of human rights in Belarus</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Sweden on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>19 March 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</p> <p>The deteriorating human rights situation in Belarus has never been worse. </p> <p>Since the crackdown on peaceful protests in 2020, we have witnessed a relentless, politically motived campaign against ordinary citizens, with over 1400 political prisoners to date.</p> <p>A brutal crackdown against civil society: teachers, lawyers, journalists, factory workers, writers, human rights defenders, and others. </p> <p>The unprecedented level of repression and intimidation to discourage any participation in democratic processes makes it clear that conditions for free and fair elections were not met on 25 February. </p> <p>We are strongly concerned by the report by the High Commissioner that some of the violations committed in Belarus may amount to crimes against humanity. </p> <p>We condemn the politically motivated sentences and call for the immediate and unconditional release and rehabilitation of&nbsp;all political prisoners. </p> <p>We reiterate the need for accountability, to achieve justice for the victims and&nbsp; prevent further crimes. We urge the Belarusian authorities to fulfil their obligations under international human rights law.</p> <p>High Commissioner, how can the international community support&nbsp; political prisoners in Belarus?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 4 General Debate: Human rights situations that require the Council’s attention</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Iceland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>20 March 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President.</p> <p>Iceland expresses grave concern over the mounting evidence of war crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine, including systematic use of torture, rape, and wilful killing. We remain deeply alarmed by the ongoing civilian suffering caused by gross violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.</p> <p>We are deeply concerned about the unprecedented level of human rights violations in Belarus and restrictions to political participation resulting in failure to meet conditions for fair and legitimate elections on 25 February. We condemn ill-treatment of political prisoners and politically motivated sentencing.</p> <p>In Gaza, we are gravely concerned about imminent famine and reiterate our call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. We condemn the terrorist attacks of 7 October, call for the release of all hostages, and reiterate that the two-state solution is the only sustainable way forward.</p> <p>In Afghanistan, we deplore the Taliban’s draconian restrictions on the human rights of women and girls. Systematic and institutionalised gender-based discrimination and violence must end. The situation merits a discussion about the application of gender to the definition of apartheid.</p> <p>We remain deeply concerned about human rights violations of ethnic and religious minorities in China. We urge China to abide by its international human rights obligations and to immediately implement OHCHR’s recommendations.</p> <p>In closing, Iceland refers to Nordic-Baltic statements on the situation in DPRK, Iran, Myanmar and Syria in respective interactive dialogues. </p> <p>I thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 8: Commemoration of International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination (GA res. 78/234)</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement delivered by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic Countries <br /> 27 March 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries.</p> <p>We remain resolute in our commitment to combat all forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, both at home and abroad.</p> <p>Racial discrimination not only perpetuates systemic inequalities and social divisions where they exist, but also undermines the principle of human dignity. </p> <p>While significant strides have been made to combat racial discrimination and intolerance, both remain a concern, including in our own countries. We must enhance our efforts to dismantle all forms of discrimination and intolerance and ardently pursue equality and justice for all.</p> <p>We must recognize the experiences of those who face multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination and develop and implement targeted policy measures that address injustice through an intersectional and participatory approach. </p> <p>There is strength in diversity; it enriches societies, promotes understanding, and facilitates innovation. </p> <p>We must undertake concerted and collective efforts to ensure that future generations have equal opportunities to realize their utmost and fullest potential. </p> <p>Together, we must strive towards a global society in which the human rights of every person are ensured and one in which we recognize that diversity is a cornerstone of progress and prosperity.&nbsp; </p> <p>I thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 10: Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on Mali</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Sweden on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>28 March 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President.</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries. </p> <p>We thank the Independent Expert for his important report. </p> <p>We are alarmed by the worsened human rights situation in Mali following the rapidly deteriorating security situation in all regions of the country, exacerbated by the departure of MINUSMA and the intensified conflict in the north of Mali. We are deeply concerned by the systematic targeting of civilians by extremist armed groups, including the use of sexual and gender-based violence, as well as by continued reports of grave violations committed by national forces and foreign security personnel. </p> <p>We urge the Government of Mali to ensure full accountability for violations and abuses of human rights and international humanitarian law committed by all parties, including through credible and independent investigations. </p> <p>We note with concern the continued shrinking civic space, including attacks on and arbitrary detentions of human rights defenders, journalists and civil society representatives. </p> <p>Mr Independent Expert, how should the international community help strengthen access to justice and increase accountability in Mali, taking into consideration the growing difficulty facing human rights advocacy in the country and the unwillingness of Malian authorities to cooperate with you during your mission? </p> <p>I thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 10: Interactive Dialogue on High Commissioner’s oral report on Ukraine</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Lithuania on behalf of the Nordic Baltic States</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>28 March 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic States. </p> <p>We appreciate and firmly support the decade’s work of the Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine to monitor and report on human rights situation in the country and bring evidence of violations committed by Russia, and thank the High Commissioner for the oral update. </p> <p>We also commend the OHCHR’s consistent technical assistance and capacity building to Ukraine.</p> <p>Once again, we condemn in the strongest terms Russia’s temporary occupation of Crimea and parts of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia regions of Ukraine, as well as the unlawful imposition of Russian citizenship, legal and administrative systems, and the holding of the so-called “elections”.</p> <p>Russian armed forces demonstrate unimaginable cruelty by killing, torturing, and committing acts of sexual violence, thus inflicting serious and enduring harm to people and their culture, especially targeting Crimean Tatars, and suppressing Ukrainian identity among children. We condemn the illegal conscription of residents of Crimea and other temporarily occupied areas of Ukraine into the Russian armed forces. </p> <p>Unfortunately, many violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law go unreported, as Russia continues to hinder access of international monitoring mechanisms to the territories it controls in Ukraine. </p> <p>The Nordic and Baltic States reiterate our unwavering support for the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.</p> <p>High Commissioner, what more can we collectively do to ensure effective investigation and full accountability for all violations that Russia committed in Crimea and other temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 10: High-level dialogue on the Central African Republic</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement delivered by Lithuania on behalf of the Nordic Baltic Countries </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>28 March 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries.</p> <p>We remain deeply concerned about the ongoing crisis of protecting human rights and accountability in the Central African Republic fueled by a history of prevalent impunity. </p> <p>We are alarmed by recurrent armed clashes that perpetuate a vicious cycle of human rights violations and abuses and violations of international humanitarian law. The perpetrators are diverse, including the Central African armed forces and its Russian allies. All must be held accountable. </p> <p>The challenging human rights, security and humanitarian situation has been exacerbated by the crisis in neighboring Sudan. </p> <p>We deplore the widespread prevalence of sexual and gender-based violence, trafficking in persons, child recruitment, and the use of children in armed conflict and call on all armed actors to abide by international human rights and humanitarian law. </p> <p>Acknowledging constraints, we urge the Government to break the cycle of violence and address grievances.</p> <p>The path to durable peace requires a firm commitment to justice and accountability, respect for human rights, inclusive dialogue and good governance.</p> <p>Mr. President, how can we as the international community help strengthen access to justice and increase accountability in CAR?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 10: Interactive Dialogue with International Expert on human rights situation in Colombia </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Norway on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>2 April 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</p> <p>We thank the International Expert for her dedicated efforts.</p> <p>We commend Colombia for its efforts towards peace – and for its openness to recognize the country’s human rights challenges and the obstacles facing the full implementation of the peace agreement. </p> <p>The situation for human rights defenders, as well as for signatories to the Peace Agreement in Colombia, remains deeply worrying. While we recognise recent efforts to improve security in rural areas, we encourage the Colombian government to continue strengthening the National Protection Unit (UNP) and reconvene the National Round Table for Security Guarantees with representatives at the highest level.&nbsp; </p> <p>We also urge Colombia’s Attorney General’s Office to advance towards ensuring accountability for human rights violations and abuses. </p> <p>In line with the report of the Independent Expert, we call for efforts to accelerate the implementation of the 2016-peace agreement, with a specific focus on human rights, transitional justice and steps that address more effectively the root causes of violence and armed conflict.</p> <p>According to your findings, what would be your main recommendation to accelerate the implementation of the Peace Agreement? </p> <p>I thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 55th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Interactive Dialogue&nbsp;with the High Commissioner on Haiti (with participation of the independent expert)</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Denmark on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>2 April 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour of delivering this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries. </p> <p>We thank the High Commissioner and the Independent Expert for the latest report and reiterate our support for their work. </p> <p>We remain gravely concerned by the dire human rights and humanitarian crisis in Haiti, which has only deteriorated further amid the unrelenting gang violence causing alarming forced displacement and widespread shortage of basic necessities and medical care. </p> <p>Support to assist Haiti in restoring security and the rule of law is critically needed and we fully back efforts to ensure a multinational security support mission is deployed without further delay. The widespread violence, illicit arms flows, and grave human rights abuses undermine the stability and security of Haiti and the wider region. We are particularly concerned by the violations and abuses committed against children and the widespread use of sexual and gender-based violence, including as a weapon by gangs to spread fear. </p> <p>We welcome the establishment of a transitional presidential council, with the aim of preparing a peaceful transition of power and free and fair elections. An inclusive, Haitian-led political transition is necessary to re-establish democratic structures, promote the rule of law and safeguard the human rights of the population. We support the continuing efforts to ensure this and commend CARICOM’s efforts towards making the political agreement possible. </p> <p>High Commissioner, how can the international community best engage with the political transition process in Haiti and relevant stakeholders to ensure follow up to your work?</p> <p>I thank you. </p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council - 55th Session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 10: Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the report of High Commissioner on the Democratic Republic of Congo</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>2 April 2024</strong></p> <p>Mr President, </p> <p>I make this statement on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries. Thank you, High Commissioner, and the Team of International Experts for your report. </p> <p>The escalation of armed violence in eastern DRC, and related violations of human rights and of international humanitarian law, including attacks against civilians and conflict related sexual violence, is of serious concern. The situation, caused primarily by the armed group M23, as well as other armed groups, severely impacts the human rights of individuals in the DRC. These groups must cease all hostilities, withdraw from the areas they occupy and disarm. All states should stop any support to these armed groups.</p> <p>We are closely following the appeal trial of the murders of UN experts Zaida Catalán and Michael Sharp in Kasaï Central in 2017, as well as the investigation into the disappearance of their four Congolese companions. The legal process remains vital and has our full support. We encourage the continued cooperation between the Congolese authorities and the UN-mandated follow-up mechanism. </p> <p>The lifting of the moratorium regarding death penalty as announced by the Congolese government on 3 March 2024, is very worrying. We strongly oppose the use of the death penalty in all circumstances, without exception.&nbsp; </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>I thank you.</span></p>

<p>Statement by Helga Hrönn Karlsdóttir, Legal Adviser<br /> Directorate for Legal &amp; Executive Affairs, Ministry for Foreign Affairs <br /> Sixth Committee, Resumed 78th session, 4 April 2024<br /> Plenary meeting<br /> <br /> <br /> Nordic Statement on Crimes Against Humanity, Cluster V<br /> Safeguards, Articles 5, 11 and 12<br /> <br /> Thank you Chair, </p> <p>I am speaking on behalf of the Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden and my own country Iceland.</p> <p>The Nordic Countries stand firm in our dedication to human rights for everyone. Without human rights, there can be no rule of law, and vice versa. Human rights safeguards are needed also when fighting impunity for the most serious international crimes. This is one of the reasons why the Nordic countries think the ILC Draft Articles provide for a sound basis for a future convention.</p> <p>Regarding Article 5 the Nordic countries reiterate the importance of the non-refoulement principle which provides for essential protection under various international legal frameworks, including human rights law and refugee law.</p> <p>Article 5 underscores that the non-refoulement comes into play when there are “substantial grounds” for believing that a person would be in danger of being subjected to A crime against humanity. The Nordic countries lean towards using the criteria of “serious risk” rather than “substantial grounds” as stipulated in Article 19(2) of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and echoed in the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights. </p> <p>The Nordic countries emphasize the paramount importance of due process rights, especially within the realm of criminal law. We thus appreciate the broad scope of Article 11 which underscores the fair treatment and full protection of individuals throughout all stages of proceedings. Upholding the right to a fair trial serves as a fundamental aspect of fair treatment and acts as a procedural mechanism to safeguard the rule of law. </p> <p>Moving on to Article 12, the Nordic countries welcome the victim-survivor-centred approach in the Draft Article. We firmly believe that victims and survivors are and should be at the heart of international criminal justice. Therefore, we remain open to potential amendments to the Article that would further strengthen its objective, and note that some interesting ideas have been put forward by Member States in that regard during the April session of the Sixth Committee last year as well as in the written comments from December.</p> <p>One such consideration that may be worth exploring is the inclusion of language concerning the right of victims to receive information regarding the progress and outcome of a complaint. Furthermore, the Nordics are amenable to the potential inclusion of another subparagraph to paragraph 1 emphasizing the importance of states employing best practices to avoid re-traumatization during evidence collection.</p> <p>We appreciate the comprehensive approach in Article 12, which reflects the evolution of international human rights law on this matter. We welcome the non-exhaustive list of forms of reparation presented in the Paragraph 3, which include, but is not limited to restitution, compensation, satisfaction, rehabilitation, cessation and guarantees of non-repetition. Survivors of the most serious international crimes have lived through some of the worst imaginable violations of their human rights, and they deserve the right to receive reparation for the harm they have suffered.</p> <p>In the view of the Nordic countries, it is essential to keep in mind that the victims in most vulnerable or marginalized situations may face additional hurdles in seeking justice, such as child victims, individuals with disabilities and victims of gender-based crimes. We therefore believe that the inclusion of a provision tailored to meet the needs of these groups, is worth considering. </p> <p>This concludes our remarks for cluster 5. Thank you Chair. </p>

<p>Statement by Helga Hrönn Karlsdóttir, Legal Adviser<br /> Directorate for Legal &amp; Executive Affairs, Ministry for Foreign Affairs <br /> Sixth Committee, Resumed 78th session, 4 April 2024<br /> Plenary meeting<br /> <br /> <br /> Honourable Chair.<br /> I am speaking on behalf of the five Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and my own country Iceland.<br /> <br /> Chair, <br /> I would like to begin by quoting resolution 77/249 of the General Assembly, in which it mandated our discussions this week: <br /> <br /> Deeply disturbed by the persistence of crimes against humanity, and recognizing the need to prevent and punish such crimes, which are among the most serious crimes of concern to the international community as a whole.<br /> <br /> By these words, the General Assembly, by consensus, recognized that these serious international crimes need to be prevented and punished, sending a strong signal to the victims and survivors of crimes against humanity that their suffering has not gone unnoticed.<br /> Ultimately, a new UN convention on crimes against humanity should be adopted as a sign of respect for the survivors of these shocking crimes, to prevent new suffering – and to honour the memory of all those who did not survive.</p> <p>The new convention would not only help States to adopt and harmonize national laws relating to crimes against humanity, and promote more effective inter-State cooperation on the prevention, investigation and prosecution of such crimes can also change the possible perception that the victims of some international crimes are more deserving of justice than others. In plain words, it simply makes no sense that there is still a gap in international law in terms of prevention and punishment of crimes against humanity, a crime which is prohibited as a peremptory norm under international law. By comparison, treaties on genocide and war crimes have existed for decades.<br /> <br /> Chair, <br /> the Nordic countries thank all delegates for rich and constructive discussions this week, as well as during the resumed session last year and through written comments. Our mandate was to exchange substantive views on all aspects of the draft articles. This certainly has been the case. </p> <p>As the Nordic countries see it, the time is now ripe to move on. The Draft Articles prepared by the International Law Commission, form a solid basis for negotiations and as we have heard again this week, they enjoy a very high level of support among delegations. <br /> <br /> Chair,<br /> The Nordic countries continue to be deeply disturbed by the persistence of crimes against humanity. They are among the most serious international crimes, of concern to the international community as a whole. Fighting impunity for them is a matter of urgency. <br /> <br /> I thank you.</p>

<p>The undersigned members of the Media Freedom Coalition welcome the adoption by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s Development Assistance Committee (OECD DAC) of&nbsp;<a href="chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://one.oecd.org/document/DCD/DAC(2024)15/FINAL/en/pdf" rel="noopener">new Development Co-operation Principles for Relevant and Effective Support to Media and the Information Environment</a>on 22 March.</p> <p>Independent media around the world face unprecedented threats. Rising disinformation and polarisation, attacks on journalists, censorship, challenging and evolving business environments, media capture and declining trust in journalism are combining to pose an existential threat to free and independent media, information integrity and to democracy itself. In this context, additional and more flexible funding and other capacity support to the media are sorely needed.</p> <p>The Media Freedom Coalition, through its Media Development Working Group, has responded to this challenge by helping to develop new principles, which set out how donors can improve both the quality and quantity of their financial and other assistance to the media sector. We are delighted that these principles, substantiated by a global consultation process led by the Global Forum for Media Development and the Consultative Network of media freedom NGOs, have now been further developed and adopted by the OECD DAC. The members of the Media Freedom Coalition are in an excellent position to strongly support the implementation of these principles. Collective implementation of the principles offers the prospect that independent media will be safeguarded and global information integrity preserved.</p> <p>Signed:</p> <p>Argentina<br /> Australia<br /> Austria<br /> Belize<br /> Botswana<br /> Bulgaria<br /> Canada<br /> Chile<br /> Costa Rica<br /> Croatia<br /> Cyprus<br /> Czechia<br /> Denmark<br /> Estonia<br /> Finland<br /> France<br /> Germany<br /> Ghana<br /> Greece<br /> Guyana<br /> Honduras<br /> Iceland<br /> Ireland<br /> Italy<br /> Japan<br /> Kosovo<br /> Latvia<br /> Lebanon<br /> Lithuania<br /> Luxembourg<br /> Maldives<br /> Montenegro<br /> New Zealand<br /> North Macedonia<br /> Norway<br /> Portugal<br /> Republic of Korea<br /> Serbia<br /> Seychelles<br /> Sierra Leone<br /> Slovakia<br /> Slovenia<br /> Spain<br /> Sweden<br /> Switzerland<br /> Ukraine<br /> Uruguay<br /> the Netherlands<br /> the United Kingdom<br /> the United States</p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Joint%20Statement%20on%20Commitments%20regarding%20Tolerance%20and%20Non-Discrimination,%2021%20March%202024.pdf">Joint Statement on Commitments regarding Tolerance and Non-Discrimination, 21 March 2024</a></span>

<span></span> <p><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">National statement of Iceland<br /> 219th session of the Executive Board of UNESCO, March 2024</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;"><em><strong>Delivered by the Permanent Delegate of Iceland, Ms Audbjörg Halldórsdóttir</strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">Ms Chairperson of the Executive Board,&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> Ms Director-General,</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">&nbsp;<br /> Ms President of the General Conference,</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">&nbsp;<br /> Excellencies, distinguished colleagues,</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">Global divisions continue to rise and it has never been more important to defend multilateralism, freedom and democracy. The world is faced with multiple crises. Climate crisis, growing in-equities and social instability, conflicts, erosion of human rights and democratic values and alarming rates of disinformation and gender-based violence globally. These interconnected crises will only be solved through a system that builds healthy, caring, just and sustainable societies – where both planet and people can prosper.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">Dear Colleagues.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">As we tackle the immediate issues at hand, it is important to keep our eyes on the future. The goal of the upcoming Summit of the Future is to create the conditions to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. UNESCO‘s mandate must be well reflected in the outcome of the Summit, as its priorities encompass strong enablers for sustainable development and a prosperous future.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">This should include the results of recent years‘ conferences held under UNESCO’s areas of competence - Mondiacult, affirming culture as a global public good, and the Transforming Education Summit, reinforcing the role of education in the global political agenda. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">The importance of a holistic, interdisciplinary and intersectoral approach is clear – and here UNESCO has a strong advantage. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">The UN Secretary General‘s policy brief on „Beyond GDP“, provides a challenge for Member States and UN organizations, to outline a path to develop complementary metrics where what matters to people, the planet and the future is better recognized. UNESCO is well placed to contribute to this thought- and work process – as its mandate can certainly work to advance quality of life above and beyond monetary measures. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">Iceland, as a part of the partnership of Wellbeing Economy Governments, is already working to this end of developing policies of wellbeing within the context of the UN 2030 Agenda.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">Dear Colleagues.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">UNESCO’s work on conservation and knowledge production is important to counter the harmful impact of climate change, environmental degradation, and biodiversity loss that threaten our physical, mental, and social health and pose significant challenges to our efforts to promote wellbeing and prosperous future for all. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">Let us remember that SDG5 on gender equality is an enabler and a multiplier for all other SDGs. Recent years have seen a frightening backsliding on this front. We therefore welcome the focus placed on gender equality during this session of the Board. Empowering women and girls is key to</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">addressing many of our challenges and Iceland will continue to support and help strengthening the work of UNESCO on a transformative approach to gender equality. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">It is important not to become complacent - human rights need to be actively strengthened and protected in all areas of UNESCO‘s work. Iceland is in favour of an increased focus on gender diversity and the rights of LGBTQI+ people.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">UNESCO‘s work to strengthen the inclusion of crisis-affected learners in all regions is more important than ever. We commend UNESCO for its invaluable work and response to education in emergencies.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">Dear Colleagues.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine continues to have a devastating effect on Ukrainians, their cultural life and heritage, environment, education and the work of journalists. It is also an attack on the multilateral system and a blatant violation of international law. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">We commend UNESCO’s continuous efforts in supporting Ukraine, which are essential in combatting the long-term effect of Russia’s aggression. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">The catastrophic crisis in Gaza is horrific and has continued to deepen. The humanitarian toll is devastating. We emphasize the importance of full respect for international law and reiterate our call for a humanitarian ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian access and protection of civilians, medical personnel and humanitarian workers.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">Iceland supported the establishment of an</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">emergency assistance programme within UNESCO’s fields of competence, as mandated in November. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">The urgency for assistance is vital, seeing the widespread damage to Gaza’s infrastucture - and UNESCO has an important role to play.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">Iceland is looking into how we can support UNESCO’s emergency assistance programme.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">Colleagues.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">We welcome UNESCO’s</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">presentation of the C/5 implementation report which provides a good overview of the organization’s work. We also appreciate the Organization’s forthrightness on the reported financial management challenges. At the same time, we encourage the Secretariat to identify ways to improve appropriate risk management and financial mechanism controls, in order to avoid similar situations in the future.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">We look forward to having constructive discussions on the implementation report at our upcoming session. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">Let me extend our thanks to the IOS and the entire Secretariat team for excellent reports and their tireless efforts in preparing for this board meeting. We understand this was challenging, given the short timeframe.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">Dear friends.&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">Our discussions at the Executive Board lay the groundwork for the direction of the work of the organization and assess how well we think UNESCO is delivering on its’ mandate. However, perhaps no less valuable, is the platform/opportunity it provides for Member States to engage with one another, to listen to the concerns and priorities of our different countries. To put to practice the values UNESCO was formed around. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">This may seem obvious – but perhaps it is a good idea, to remind ourselves of the value the multilateral system has brought us – especially in this time of turbulence and what seems to be an increasingly polarized world. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">I look forward to our deliberations in the coming days.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">Thank you.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span></p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Joint%20Nordic-Baltic%20Statement%20in%20response%20to%20the%20report%20by%20the%20Director%20of%20ODIHR%20at%20the%20Permanent%20Council,%2014%20March%202024.pdf">Joint Nordic-Baltic Statement in response to the report by the Director of ODIHR Delivered by Sweden at the Permanent Council, 14 March 2024&nbsp;</a></span>

<p><span>On this International Women’s Day, with the theme Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress, the undersigned members of the Media Freedom Coalition call attention to the continued underrepresentation of, and lack of investment in and safety of women in media – as sources, experts, journalists, editors, photographers and every other role.</span></p> <p><span>Gender pay gaps, women’s limited access to training and pathways to promotion, bias, online harassment and abuse, and disinformation and misinformation, combine to distort the public discourse because the voices, messages, images and issues do not reflect the diversity of our societies.</span></p> <p><span>We recognise the powerful role that a diverse and pluralistic media environment can have in ensuring the right to freedom of expression for all. Media reporting informs, educates, and influences—shaping public perceptions and opinions, official narratives, and decision-making. Fair and inclusive coverage of conflicts, challenges, and lives demands an increase in women’s participation, voices, decision-making and leadership.&nbsp; Respectful representations of women and girls, in all their diversity, can help dismantle gender-based discrimination and inspire action to achieve gender equality in the media.</span></p> <p><span>All journalists should be able to cover different views and experiences – this would assist in ending the dominant depiction of women and girls as victims and instead represent the full, complex lives and roles that women and girls play at every level of society. Women journalists can participate in witnessing, recording and ensuring the different voices, bodies and stories of a variety of people are heard and seen.<br /> <br /> We also call attention to the heightened safety risks to women journalists covering conflicts. Despite protections under international humanitarian law, journalists experience deliberate attacks. Sexism, power imbalances, and gender-based violence, including technology-facilitated violence, are exacerbated during times of conflict. Safety equipment is designed for the male body and media safety protocols often disregard the threats that women face.</span></p> <p><span>Women journalists are subjected to explicit images and are threatened with rape, violence and death. Attempts to discredit, intimidate and silence women journalists endanger their lives and livelihoods.</span></p> <p><span>On International Women’s Day, we call on the international community to invest in women across all media to ensure equal access by and participation of women in the media and ensure the safety of women journalists. Diverse women reporters, sources, and media decision-makers, as well as the multiplicity of issues covered, are needed to support the pursuit of equality, peace, and security.</span></p> <p><strong>Signed:&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>Argentina<br /> Australia<br /> Austria<br /> Belize<br /> Botswana<br /> Bulgaria<br /> Canada<br /> Chile<br /> Costa Rica<br /> Croatia<br /> Cyprus<br /> Czechia<br /> Denmark<br /> Estonia<br /> Finland<br /> France<br /> Germany<br /> Ghana<br /> Greece<br /> Guyana<br /> Honduras<br /> Iceland<br /> Ireland<br /> Italy<br /> Japan<br /> Kosovo<br /> Latvia<br /> Lebanon<br /> Lithuania<br /> Luxembourg<br /> Maldives<br /> Montenegro<br /> New Zealand<br /> North Macedonia<br /> Norway<br /> Portugal<br /> Republic of Korea<br /> Serbia<br /> Seychelles<br /> Sierra Leone<br /> Slovakia<br /> Slovenia<br /> Spain<br /> Sweden<br /> Switzerland<br /> Ukraine<br /> Uruguay<br /> the Netherlands<br /> the United Kingdom<br /> the United States</p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Joint%20Statement%20on%20the%20occasion%20of%20the%20International%20Women%e2%80%99s%20Day%20at%20the%20OSCE%20Permament%20Council,%207%20March%202024.pdf">Joint Statement on the occasion of the International Women’s Day Delivered by Ambassador Susanne Schütz at the OSCE Permanent Council, 7 March 2024</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Joint%20Nordic-Baltic%20Statement%20on%20International%20Women%e2%80%99s%20Day%20at%20the%20OSCE%20Permanent%20Council,%207%20March%202024.pdf">Joint Nordic-Baltic Statement on International Women’s Day Delivered by Ambassador Kaja Tael at the OSCE Permanent Council,, 7 March 2024</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Joint%20Statement%20on%20Integrating%20Gender%20Perspective%20when%20fulfilling%20the%20OSCE%20politico%20at%20the%20Forum%20for%20Security%20Co-Operation,%206%20March%202024.pdf">Joint Statement on Integrating Gender Perspective when fulfilling the OSCE politico Delivered by Ambassador Ketevan Tsikhelashvili at the Forum for Security Co-Operation, 6 March 2024</a></span>

<span><strong>Statement by H.E. Jörundur Valtýsson,<br /> Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations<br /> Seventy-eighth Session of the UN General Assembly&nbsp;<br /> 59th Plenary Meeting, 5 March 2024.<br /> Use of veto – Item 63: Special report of the Security Council<br /> Debate pursuant to resolution 76/262</strong><br /> </span> <div>&nbsp;</div> <span><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Mr. President,<br /> <br /> Iceland aligns itself with the statement delivered earlier by Liechtenstein on behalf of a group of countries.<br /> <br /> We deeply regret the ongoing impasse in the Security Council and call on Council Members to redouble their efforts to address the grave humanitarian situation and the need for concrete action to protect civilians and facilitate the safe delivery of humanitarian assistance to the people in Gaza.<br /> <br /> Iceland’s position has been clear and consistent. We have joined calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access. Humanitarian assistance must reach more than 2 million civilians desperately in need of life-saving aid. It is needed now and must be delivered now.<br /> <br /> We also continue to condemn, in the strongest terms, the brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks by Hamas and call for immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. We have simultaneously called on Israel to fully comply with international law, including international humanitarian law, protect civilians and provide sufficient humanitarian aid, in accordance with the legally binding orders issued by the International Court of Justice.<br /> <br /> We deplore the immense suffering of innocent civilians and the fate of over 30 thousand people, including women and children, who have been killed. Tragically, there is no safe place in Gaza and a military action in Rafah would dramatically worsen an already catastrophic humanitarian situation.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> After more than four months of war, close to two million people have been displaced, schools have either been destroyed or turned into emergency shelters, healthcare services are in tatters and remaining hospitals are barely operational, with little or no electricity, fuel and medical supplies.<br /> <br /> Mr. President,<br /> <br /> Under these dire circumstances, Iceland has greatly increased its humanitarian assistance to Gaza through various means and organizations. We fully recognize the unique role of UNRWA in delivering basic services in Gaza and highly appreciate the shift actions by the Agency and the Secretary General in the wake of the serious allegations of the involvement of a number of its employees in the terrorist attacks on Israel in October. We have the fullest confidence in the OIOS internal investigation, and the external review led by Madame Colonna.<br /> <br /> Mr. President,<br /> <br /> Despite this dire situation, there must be a plan for the day after. Iceland recognized the state of Palestine in 2011 and has consistently advocated for the two-state solution, based on international law, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security, and mutual recognition.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> We need a political process paving the way towards that end. Without it, there is no end to the vicious cycle of violence. Without it, there is no long-term, sustainable solution to this conflict.<br /> <br /> Thank you.<br /> </span> <div>&nbsp;</div>

<p><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/r%c3%a6%c3%b0a%2029%20feb%2024.pdf" target="_blank">Joint Statement on the invocation of the Moscow Mechanism to address the arbitrary detention of Ukrainian civilians by the Russian Federation amidst human rights violations and humanitarian impacts of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine 1463rd Meeting of the Permanent Council, 29 February 2024</a></p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Joint%20statement%20on%20The%20Death%20of%20Alexei%20Navalny%20and%20the%20Dire%20Human%20Rights%20Situation%20in%20Russia%20at%20the%20OSCE%20Permanent%20Council,%2029%20February%202024.pdf">Joint statement on The Death of Alexei Navalny and the Dire Human Rights Situation in Russia at the OSCE Permanent Council, 29 February 2024</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Joint%20Statement%20on%20the%20Belarus%20Elections%20and%20Deteriorating%20Human%20Rights%20Situation%20in%20the%20Country%20at%20the%20OSCE%20Permanent%20Council,%2029%20February%202024%20-%20Copy%20(2).pdf">Joint Statement on the Belarus Elections and Deteriorating Human Rights Situation in the Country delivered by Ambassador Anne-Kirsti Karlsen at the OSCE Permanent Council, 29 February 2024</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Statement%20by%20the%20Minister%20for%20Foreign%20Affairs%20of%20Iceland%20at%20the%20OSCE%20Permanent%20Council,%2023%20February%202024.pdf">Statement delivered by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland H.E. Mr. Bjarni Benediktsson at the OSCE Permanent Council, 23 February 2024</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Joint%20Statement%20at%20the%20Joint%20Meeting%20of%20the%20Forum%20for%20Security%20Co-operation%20and%20the%20Permanent%20Council,%2021%20February%202024.pdf">Joint Statement delivered by Ambassador Christophe Kamp at the Joint Meeting of the Forum for Security Co-operation and the Permanent Council, 21 February 2024</a></span>

<p><span><strong>Joint Nordic Statement by H.E. Mr. Erik Laursen,<br /> Deputy Permanent Representative of Denmark to the United Nations<br /> </strong><strong>First Regular Session of the UN Women Executive Board 2024<br /> Agenda item 3: Evaluation:&nbsp;A meta-synthesis on UN-Women’s advocacy and communication<br /> 13 February 2024</strong><br /> </span></p> <div>&nbsp;</div> <p><span><br /> <br /> <br /> I deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and my own country Denmark.<br /> <br /> The recently published Gender Social Norms Index found evidence of widespread gender biases across time and geographies that impede women’s economic empowerment and political participation and their full enjoyment of human rights. Achieving gender equality requires eliminating biased gender social norms. UN Women’s advocacy and communications work is essential to achieving transformative shifts in gender social norms and attitudes to enable the full achievement of SDG5 as a catalyser for the 2030 Agenda.<br /> <br /> We thank the evaluations office for report. This work is a core part of UN Women’s normative mandate of UN Women, and essential for the entity’s delivery on its triple mandate as a whole. We underscore our appreciation for the strong delivery on this area.<br /> <br /> </span>The evaluation at hand also provides important lessons learned that can inform a strengthened approach. We therefore welcome and commend the managements proposed responses, including developing an updated Communications Strategy in 2024. We also hope that the lessons learned will inform the upcoming Midterm Review of the Strategic Plan and encourage deepened exchange of knowledge between country and regional offices to leverage expertise and lessons learned across the organisation.</p> <p><span>We would like to highlight a few key issues:<br /> <br /> Firstly, we note the importance of close cooperation with local actors, including civil society organisations, to ensure the success of campaigns and awareness-raising raising initiatives. The evaluation pointed to the limited consideration of local contexts as a key impediment to delivering effective results in this area.<br /> <br /> For advocacy campaigns to have meaningful impact on addressing root causes of gender inequality – especially in challenging contexts – they must be tailored to local contexts, including cultural sensitivities and languagebarriers. At the same time, attention should also be paid to accessibility for vulnerable groups.<br /> <br /> We welcome the management’s commitment to strengthening the regional networks of communications specialists and focal points.<br /> <br /> Secondly, we emphasize the importance of engaging men and boys in awareness-raising initiatives. Viewing men and boys as partners in gender equality is necessary to addressing the risk of backlash. The evaluation found that many of UN Women’s campaigns had contributed to changes in attitudes and behaviours, by engaging men and boys to raise awareness of gender equality and social norms change. The Nordic countries encourage UN <br /> Women to continue this practice.<br /> <br /> Thirdly, weak monitoring practices were identified as an impediment for assessing the effectiveness of advocacy and communications activities. This links to the need to ensure well-developed strategies for advocacy and communication initiatives. Measuring transformative impacts, particularly when it comes to shifting gender and social norms, requires thorough planning. We acknowledge the difficulty of setting baselines for measuring these changes, but encourage strengthened efforts in this regard.<br /> <br /> We welcome the management’s response and commitment to addressing the recommendation to promote the development of monitoring and evaluation frameworks. How is UN Women drawing on lessons learned from other UN entities to inform the design of tools and resources for monitoring and evaluation of advocacy activities?<br /> </span></p> <div>&nbsp;</div>

<p><span><strong>Joint Nordic statement by Ms. Christine Björk<br /> Councellor, Permanent Mission of Sweden to the United Nations<br /> First Regular Session 2024 of the UNICEF Executive Board<br /> Agenda item 6: Update on UNICEF humanitarian action<br /> 7 February 2024</strong><br /> </span></p> <div>&nbsp;</div> <p><span><br /> <br /> Mr/Madam President, dear colleagues,&nbsp;<br /> <br /> I make this statement on behalf of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and my own country, Sweden.<br /> <br /> Let me start by thanking UNICEF for the organisation’s work to continuously save lives and alleviate suffering in a globally challenging context with multiple and simultaneous crises. We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation for UNICEF staff who work under very difficult circumstances to reach out to children, in Ukraine, in Gaza – and worldwide.<br /> <br /> Our condolences to those who have lost their loved ones, including UN staff who have served in areas of conflict and crises.<br /> <br /> We welcome the progress made in the implementation of the recommendations from the Humanitarian review. It is encouraging to see that UNICEF is working in partnership with other agencies and actors to tackle major humanitarian challenges. This underlines the importance of coordination and partnership for effective implementation.<br /> <br /> We especially appreciate the significant progress in recommendations with regards to preparedness and anticipatory action, as well as the work on “data readiness”. We also note and welcome the fact that UNICEF has exceeded Grand Bargain targets within the localization agenda and encourage you to continue and work even more with local structures, not just through funding but also with capacity development through a bottom-up approach, while maintaining a main focus on critical life-saving assistance.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> We also encourage UNICEF to maintain equitable and meaningful cooperation with its local partners. More specifically, to ensure visibility of local partners to UNICEF and inclusion into decision-making structures, which will strengthen the humanitarian response in the long run.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> We take note of the efforts to integrate supply needs into programme planning and response and the challenges presented by UNICEF, including securing financial and human resources.<br /> <br /> We would like to ask UNICEF how you assess the prospect for implementing all recommendations, including the issue of the financing of this work. Please elaborate on how UNICEF plans to secure a budget for the full estimated cost of the implementation, given that the resource allocation so far is of 7 million USD, which only represents 22 percent of the estimated 32 million USD.<br /> <br /> The Nordics will continue to stress the importance not only of access in hard-to-reach-areas, but also to integrate centrality of protection in all UNICEF-clusters of the humanitarian response. In the light of reduced global humanitarian funding and increased humanitarian needs, the need to prioritize those with most severe humanitarian needs has become even more important.<br /> <br /> We also underline the importance of UNICEF’s work in the area of environment and climate to respond to emergencies due to climate change globally. We encourage UNICEF to continue to influence policy development in the area, to prioritize work on climate adaptation and prevention with the aim of saving lives in a timely and effective way including contributing to increased resilience.<br /> <br /> We look forward to a mid-term assessment of the Review which we expect to receive promptly. We will continue to follow up on UNICEF’s effectiveness, risk management and transparency, even under difficult circumstances. This is something we expect from the organisation, not only because we are substantive donors, but particularly because it maximizes results for children.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Let me end by again emphasizing the support from us, the Nordic countries, to the crucial work that UNICEF is doing every day, for every child.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Thank you.<br /> </span></p> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Joint%20Statement%20on%20Concerns%20Related%20to%20Human%20Dimension%20Commitments%20in%20Belarus%20at%20the%20OSCE%20Permanent%20Council,%208%20February%202024.pdf">Joint Statement on Concerns Related to Human Dimension Commitments in Belarus delivered by Ambassador Jocelyn Kinnear at the OSCE Permanent Council, 8 February 2024</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Statement%20by%20Iceland%20at%20the%20OSCE%20Permanent%20Council,%201%20February%202024.pdf">Statement by Iceland delivered by Ambassador Helga Hauksdóttir at the OSCE Permanent Council, 1 February 2024</a></span>

<span><strong>Statement by H.E. Mr. Jorundur Valtysson<br /> Permanent Representative of Iceland<br /> UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS Executive Board<br /> </strong><strong>30 January 2024</strong><br /> <br /> <br /> Mister President,<br /> <br /> I deliver this statement on behalf of Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, the United States, and my own country, Iceland.<br /> <br /> Mister President,<br /> <br /> Allow me to start by thanking the Executive Director, UNOPS management and UNOPS staff for the results achieved since we last met in this setting. We applaud the progress UNOPS is making to become an improved, value-based, and fit-for-purpose UN entity.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Now more than ever, it is important to keep going. We have often said in this room that the journey to recover, refocus, reform, and restructure is a long one. The midterm review of the Comprehensive Response Plan, the organizational culture review, the Pulse Surveys, the JIU Assessment and the Board of Auditors report, all collectively indicate that UNOPS is heading in the right direction, but the work is not yet complete. We value therefore your active commitment to continue this important endeavour, to be disciplined in seeing the comprehensive response plan – and what comes after it – to its completion, and to do what it takes to ensure everyone at UNOPS, regardless of their position or location, is part of the process.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> We do also recognize the need to look ahead. We have heard the Executive Director say before that “we cannot wait for perfection”. Our timeframe to achieve the SDGs is ever decreasing and there is clear demand for the support services that UNOPS can offer. However, transparency and trust must be the foundation for moving forward. In this light, we re-emphasize once again the Board’s decision that the UNOPS portfolio has to remain within its mandate. That does not at all mean the agency has to be at a standstill, but it does mean being clear and transparent about the purpose, expertise and limits of the organization. It means being critical of the portfolio and its development and being mindful of the wider UN Development System that UNOPS is part of. Most importantly, it means deferring to other agencies when demands brought to UNOPS would better fit elsewhere.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Mister President,<br /> <br /> There are also two specific points we wish to highlight.<br /> <br /> Firstly, organizational culture. We have had various exchanges to date about the relevance of the KPMG review on the organizational culture, and the response of UNOPS. We commend management for embracing the review and its recommendations and formulating a broad roadmap, as a starting point. Recalling decision 2023/23, we look forward to hearing when we can expect a fully elaborated strategy, including specific actions to be taken and how these will be monitored. We expect staff will be consulted and engaged in its development and implementation, and we look forward to continuing conversations about its operationalization and roll-out. In particular, we are interested in hearing your reflections on the Q4 Pulse Survey results. How, for example, is UNOPS actively engaging local managers and local personnel in the transition to a new, safe, inclusive and empowering culture? In addition, a functioning whistleblowing process is essential. We welcome insights into the delays of this measure and management’s plan to address this issue.<br /> <br /> Secondly, we wish to touch upon an aspect important to reforming organizational culture, and building trust amongst staff, clients, and the Board - namely accountability. No roadmap or plan can ever successfully translate into practice if it is not backed by corresponding actions. In that regard, we stress and reiterate the crucial importance of ensuring that all individuals found guilty of any form of misconduct experience consequences of a fitting nature. This includes those at the highest level, through the appropriate channels. The Board stands ready to support UNOPS in its pursuit of accountability. Our response to misconduct must be firm, and impunity, or even the perception thereof, must be prevented at all times. We value the highest degree of transparency regarding the status of ongoing accountability procedures, including the cooperation with the Office of Legal Affairs. The update provided by the Director of IAIG last November on results from the forensic audit was very insightful, and we also welcome management’s views on this. How do you plan to respond to the audit findings and recommendations?<br /> <br /> Mister President, Mister Executive Director, the Executive Board is committed to its role in supporting UNOPS on this journey. We look forward to continued action, progress, and change in the year ahead.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Thank you.<br /> </span> <div>&nbsp;</div>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Statement%20by%20Iceland%20at%20the%20OSCE%20Permanent%20Council,%2025%20January%202024.pdf">Statement by Iceland delivered by Ambassador Helga Hauksdóttir at the OSCE Permanent Council, 25 January 2024</a></span>

<span><a href="https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ%3aL_202400385" target="_blank">COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2024/385 of 19 January 2024 establishing restrictive measures against those who support, facilitate or enable violent actions by Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad.</a></span>

<p>Statement by Guðrún Þorbjörnsdóttir, First Secretary<br /> General Assembly 78th Session, 22 December 2023<br /> Fifth Committee Plenary Meeting</p> <p>Mr. Chair,</p> <p>Iceland has voted in favour of this resolution despite the procedural issues, namely that the Fifth Committee is not the appropriate forum for this resolution. As a strong supporter of UNRWA's important work, Iceland agrees with the text of the resolution and calls for all parties to the conflict in Gaza to heed the call for respect and protection&nbsp;of all civilian and humanitarian facilities and United Nations facilities, as well as all of the humanitarian and medical personnel, and journalists, media professionals and associated personnel caught in the armed conflict in the region.</p> <p>I thank you.</p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Joint%20Statement%20on%20the%20Russian%20Federation%e2%80%98s%20Ongoing%20Aggression%20Against%20Ukraine,%2014%20December%202023.pdf">Joint Statement on the Russian Federation’s Ongoing Aggression Against Ukraine delivered by Ambassador Anne-Kirsti Karlsen at the OSCE Permanent Council, 14 December 2023</a></span>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Global Refugee Forum, Geneva 13-15 December 2023</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF ICELAND</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>H.E. Ms. Bryndís Hlöðversdóttir</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. Chair, Mr. High Commissioner, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen.</p> <p>We value the opportunity to take stock and look ahead, as conflict, violence and disasters continue to drive displacement around the world.</p> <p>Since 2019, Iceland has strengthened the reception system, to better coordinate support and social integration of a rising number of refugees.&nbsp; </p> <p>We have worked to enhance the self-reliance and social integration of refugees with disabilities, including through Icelandic sign language training for hearing-impaired refugees, who make up 20% of the hard-of-hearing society in Iceland. </p> <p>Iceland has launched a pilot project to better respond to the needs of unaccompanied minors. By assigning individual case managers and providing tailored support plans we hope to ensure appropriate services for all unaccompanied minors seeking protection in Iceland. </p> <p>I am pleased to confirm that we have now successfully received all those accepted for resettlement before COVID-19.</p> <p>Mr. Chair,</p> <p>Since the emergency evacuation of Kabul in 2021, Iceland has promoted complimentary pathways for Afghans through family reunification. </p> <p>Iceland stands by its goal to continue reception of resettlement refugees, focusing on individuals and families in vulnerable situations.</p> <p>Iceland has taken on responsibilities in the EU Solidarity project, receiving groups of refugees from Afghanistan and Syria, and has pledged to assist with the relocation of Ukrainian refugees with special medical needs.</p> <p>Mr. Chair,<strong> </strong></p> <p>Iceland will continue to provide quality funding to UNHCR to ensure much-needed operational flexibility. I am pleased to announce that Iceland will soon enter into its third multi-year framework agreement with UNHCR, committing to predictable core contributions over the next five years.</p> <p>Furthermore, we will continue to support refugee and host communities in Northern Uganda through comprehensive WASH interventions in schools and health facilities, in partnership with UNICEF. </p> <p>The task is enormous, but now is not the time to lose hope. A strong international community committed to burden and responsibility sharing is part of the solution. </p> <p>I thank you. </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Joint%20Statement%20on%20the%2075th%20anniversary%20of%20the%20Universal%20Declaration%20of%20Human%20Rights%20at%20the%20Permanent%20Council,%2014%20December%202023.pdf">Joint Statement on the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights delivered by Ambassador Anne-Kirsti Karlsen at the Permanent Council, Vienna, 14 December 2023</a></span>

<p><span>MINISTERS’ DEPUTIES 1484th meeting, 13 December 2023</span></p> <p><span>Statement on the Russian Supreme Court’s decision to label the so-called “international<br /> LGBT movement” as “extremist”</span></p> <p><span>The delegations of Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech<br /> Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,<br /> Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Republic of Moldova, Montenegro, the<br /> Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic,<br /> Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine and the United Kingdom strongly condemn the<br /> recent decision by the Russian Supreme Court on 30 November designating the so-called<br /> “international LGBT movement” as “extremist” and banning its activity on the territory of the<br /> Russian Federation. This decision was followed by reports of police raids on a number of<br /> LGBTI-friendly clubs and other establishments in Moscow and in St Petersburg.</span></p> <p><span>Labelling an already stigmatised group of people as “extremist” without proof of any<br /> organisational structure or shared intent, let alone criminal activity, increases the existing<br /> climate of fear and intimidation in Russia.</span></p> <p><span>This decision impacts the human rights of all individuals living in Russia. It has a corrosive<br /> effect on society as a whole and undermines freedom of peaceful assembly, freedom of<br /> expression and freedom of association. It places human rights defenders and those advocating<br /> for the rights of LGBTI persons at risk of being unjustly labelled as “extremist”, with serious<br /> social and criminal consequences in Russia.</span></p> <p><span>We are deeply concerned about the safety implications of this decision and its potential threat<br /> to any individuals associated with or supporting LGBTI activities in Russia and those beyond<br /> its territory.</span></p> <p><span>Although Russia is no longer a member of the CoE, the Reykjavík Summit with the Reykjavík<br /> Declaration highlighted the pan-European role of the Council of Europe, pledging to strengthen<br /> engagement with democratic actors in Europe and creating an enabling environment for human<br /> rights defenders. This commitment applies to the Russian human rights defenders, democratic<br /> forces, free media, and independent civil society and aligns with the Committee of Ministers’<br /> Resolution CM/Res(2022)3 on the legal and financial consequences of the cessation of<br /> membership of the Russian Federation in the Council of Europe.</span></p> <p><span>We firmly oppose discrimination, prejudice and hate, and stand in solidarity with all who are<br /> adversely affected by this decision.</span></p> <p><span>Russia must stop unfounded repression and uphold its international obligations to respect,<br /> protect and fulfil all human rights without discrimination of any kind.</span></p> <p><span>Finally, we believe it is the obligation of this Committee of Ministers and other CoE bodies to<br /> play an important role in promoting and showing solidarity with those affected.</span></p>

<p><span>1484th meeting of the Committee of Ministers</span></p> <p><span></span>Agenda item 4 – Human Rights; Exchange of views with Ms Mariana Katzarova, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Russia</p> <p>Statement by NB8 </p> <p>13 December 2023</p> <p>On behalf of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden we thank special rapporteur Katzarova for her insightful briefing.</p> <p>We strongly reiterate our support for the mandate of the special rapporteur – and its work is of utmost importance not only to the Russian people but to all Europeans. </p> <p>The gloomy and significantly deteriorating human rights situation in Russia remains of deep concern to us. The systematic restriction and deprivation of human rights and fundamental freedoms, like those of expression and peaceful assembly, of the Russian people by their own authorities has continued for years. </p> <p>Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine has amplified internal repression in the country. The government brutally silences political opponents, human rights and democracy defenders, lawyers, journalists, independent media and others who dare to have differing opinions or make anti-war statements. The laws on “foreign agents” or undesirable organizations – and their often-violent enforcement – have resulted in a systematic crackdown on civil society organizations. In addition, Russia must unconditionally and immediately release and rehabilitate the increasing number of political prisoners in the country.&nbsp;</p> <p><span>A recent proof of the Russian course of action is the decision of the Russian Supreme Court to outlaw what it calls the “international LGBT movement” as “extremist” and to ban its activity on the territory of the Russian Federation. We strongly condemn this and urge Russia to stop the unfounded repression, to uphold its international obligations and to respect, protect and fulfil human rights without discrimination of any kind.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>In addition to adversely affecting its own citizens, Russia has instrumentalized third country citizens as a hybrid influencing tool in its very neighborhood causing human suffering. We also condemn recruitment of detained foreign migrants and young men from the occupied regions by Russia for its war in Ukraine.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>The co-operation between the Council of Europe and the UN is valuable for peer learning, especially when it comes to ECtHR findings and the execution of judgments. Your report as well as the UPR review on Russia provide good examples of the deepened co-operation between our organizations, in particular as regards the recommendations on the execution of judgments concerning the Russian Federation. We need to be innovative to hold Russia accountable to its international obligations.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>The Reykjavik Summit Declaration set out that we will find ways to strengthen co-operation with Russian (and Belarussian) human rights defenders, democratic forces, free media and independent civil society.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>In your opinion, Mme Special Rapporteur, is it -and in what ways-&nbsp; possible to co-operate with Russian civil society and NGOs in the present situation; how can the Council of Europe be best of support and how can the integrity of counterparts be best ensured?&nbsp; Secondly, since Russia does no longer cooperate with the CoE instruments, how could we better leverage Russian obligations under relevant UN human rights instruments in order to promote the protection of human rights of the Russian citizens?<br /> </span></p>

<span><em>Statement/Explanation of vote by H.E. Jörundur Valtýsson,<br /> Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations<br /> Tenth Emergency Special Session of the UN General Assembly&nbsp;<br /> 45th Plenary Meeting, 12 December 2023.&nbsp;<br /> Debate on Item 5: Illegal Israeli actions in occupied East Jerusalem and the rest of the Occupied Palestinian Territory</em><br /> </span> <div>&nbsp;</div> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>In light of the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza, Iceland has chosen to cosponsor, and consequently vote in favor of the resolution presented by Egypt. Following a much-needed humanitarian pause, the resumption of hostilities has resulted in full-scale escalation of the conflict. Once again, innocent civilians, trapped in unbearable conditions, bear the brunt of this conflict and the civilian death toll is unacceptable.</span></p> <p><span>However, we regret that the two proposed amendments acknowledging the brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attack by Hamas on 7 October and their leading part in the taking of hostages, were not passed. There can be no justification for terrorism.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>Recognizing Hamas’s part in the ongoing conflict does not contradict our strong and urgent call for an immediate and sustained humanitarian ceasefire, full compliance with international law by all parties, protection of civilians, immediate release of hostages and the timely and sufficient provision of humanitarian aid.</span></p> <p><span>Iceland supports the Secretary General’s appeal for a decisive action by Security Council, invoking Article 99, and was one of 102 UN Member States that cosponsored the draft resolution last Friday. The ongoing impasse in the Security Council is deeply regrettable. We call on Council Members to redouble their efforts to avert further escalation and a collapse of the humanitarian system in Gaza.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>Mr. President,&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>We deplore the immense suffering and unacceptable civilian death toll. We are alarmed by the impact of mass evacuations of civilians in Gaza. These need to stop – there is no safe place in Gaza.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>While increased flow of humanitarian aid through a second inspection point, announced by Israel, is a positive step, much more needs to be done. Lifesaving aid to millions of civilians in need must be delivered now and access to food and water, electricity, and fuel ensured. The vast majority of the population is already displaced, sheltering in overcrowded facilities, including schools that no longer provide education, or simply sleeping on the streets. Healthcare services are in tatters and of growing concern is the high risk of epidemic and waterborne diseases, which would further compound the crisis.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>Iceland has responded to UN emergency appeals with increased contributions to UNRWA - our long-standing humanitarian partner. UNRWA services – the lifeline for over 2.2 million people in Gaza – are now on the verge of collapse, according to Commission-General Lazzarini. If UNRWA fails, the entire humanitarian system in Gaza will follow. We must spare no efforts in preventing this from happening.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>We deplore that more than 130 UNRWA staff members have been killed in this conflict.</span></p> <p><span>Iceland has condemned in the strongest possible terms the brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks by Hamas two months ago. We have repeatedly called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages – as the resolution we have just adopted rightly does.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>All parties to this conflict must adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law. Breaches thereof must be carefully investigated, including of sexual violence.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span>The Secretary-General has rightfully raised the alarm of further escalation of this conflict. Its consequences are being felt throughout the region and beyond. Across the world, people are calling for the hostilities to end. So did the Icelandic Parliament in a unanimous resolution on 9 November.</span></p> <p><span>Even in the midst of crisis, when peace seems unrealistic and distant, we must focus on the long-term, sustainable solution to the conflict which two-state solution, based on international law, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security, and mutual recognition. The cycle of violence must stop.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>Thank you.</span></p>

<p><strong>Nordic Statement by H.E Jörundur Valtýsson<br /> Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations<br /> Consultations on Chapter 4 of the Pact for the Future<br /> 11 December 2023<br /> </strong> <br /> Mr. Chair,</p> <p>I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and my own country Iceland.&nbsp;</p> <p>In today’s landscape of multiple crises and challenges, it is more important than ever that our responses not only meet the demands of the present but also safeguard the interests of children, young persons, and generations yet to come.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Nordics thank the co-facilitators for convening these consultations and would like to highlight five main points:</p> <p>First, we would like to emphasize the importance of inclusivity by expanding and strengthening youth participation in decision-making processes. This is key when it comes to identifying the best solutions and driving innovative and transformative change.</p> <p>Furthermore, real inclusivity means creating a space for full, effective, and meaningful participation. All efforts should be made to ensure that a diversity of voices is heard. Decision-making processes should therefore be made accessible to all young persons, including those facing multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination.</p> <p>We welcome the newly established UN Youth Office and the appointment of the first Assistant Secretary General for Youth Affairs. This is an important milestone in the advancement of youth issues across the United Nations, building on the work of the Secretary General’s Envoy on Youth.</p> <p>We encourage the UN to continue to strengthen youth engagement in its organs and related mechanisms and processes. The Nordics support the establishment of a standing United Nations Youth Townhall and the development of an integrated programme of work by the United Nations system to facilitate more meaningful youth participation at all levels.</p> <p>Second, young people are important actors in strengthening peace and security. Recognizing this, we support proposals to review the working methods of the Security Council and its relevant subsidiary bodies to significantly strengthen youth engagement in its work. We need to create space where the perspectives, experiences, and innovative solutions of young people are genuinely integrated into the decision-making processes that shape our global security landscape.</p> <p>The Pact for the Future needs to further operationalize the Youth, Peace, and Security agenda. This includes meaningful and effective engagement of young people, particularly young women in all their diversity, in policy discussions and programming, and a strengthened focus on protection of young mediators, peacebuilders and human rights defenders.</p> <p>Third, for young people to thrive and fulfil their potential, we need to uphold their human rights, including sexual and reproductive health and rights, and ensure inclusive policies that foster gender equality, health, education, employment, and entrepreneurship.</p> <p>Fourth, it is impossible to discuss the future without addressing the urgent issue of climate change. Young people and children all around the world are active agents in climate action and have demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to the well-being of our planet. There should be a strong focus on supporting youth-led initiatives in this regard and we encourage enhanced youth engagement in all efforts to counter environmental threats and address the devastating impacts of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.</p> <p>Which brings us to the fifth and final point, the importance of acting for future generations. This is a strategic investment in sustainable development, gender equality, and human rights. By integrating youth engagement into our policy making and programmes, we build a foundation for a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable future.</p> <p>The Sustainable Development Goals have a strong intergenerational relevance. We would like to see this reflected in chapter 4 and taken forward in the Declaration for Future Generations. This should be paired with a commitment to a long-term approach to safeguard the well-being and rights of future generations.</p> <p>We must also work towards multilateral solutions for the safe development of emerging technologies and digital cooperation, including artificial intelligence. Advances in science, humanities, and technology present opportunities and risks that will affect future generations. Moreover, access to quality education for all is a precondition for future generations to advance just and fair development.</p> <p>The Nordics welcome the Secretary Generals proposal of appointing a Special Envoy for the Future Generations, this will be an important step to ensure concrete follow-up and operationalization of our commitment in a holistic manner.</p> <p>In closure, we must use this process to lay the foundation for effective and meaningful youth engagement and do our utmost to preserve the ability of future generations to enjoy all human rights and freedoms. This is imperative for the Pact for the Future to truly live up to its name.</p> <p>Thank you.</p>

<p><span><strong>Advancing Towards a Crimes Against Humanity Convention<br /> New York, December 8, 2023<br /> Closing remarks by&nbsp;H.E. Jörundur Valtýsson<br /> </strong></span><strong>Permanent Representative of Iceland</strong></p> <div>&nbsp;</div> <span><br /> <br /> Dear colleagues and friends.<br /> <br /> On behalf of the co-organizers, I would like to warmly thank you for joining us today. Iceland is pleased to be part of this cross-regional group of states and, no less, to share the stage with distinguished civil society organizations and academics. You are our compass and your generosity in sharing valuable expertise is sure to increase the quality of the work towards a new international agreement on Prevention and Punishment of Crimes Against Humanity.<br /> <br /> Crimes against humanity continue to take place - across continents. While this is still the case, the moral imperative is obvious: We have got to close the legal gap which still exists, in the shape of impunity for crimes against humanity. And while at it, we might just be able to do better on gender equality aspects - reflecting developments in jurisprudence and thinking over the past 25 years. This would, in practice, mean that we can move closer to a world where we all are actually equal before the law; equally worthy of protection from the worst human rights violations imaginable - regardless of gender or any other status.<br /> <br /> A new international agreement can complement the Rome Statute, although, at the same time, it is worth noting that, of course, no State will be forced into joining the Rome Statute as a part of this process. It is up to each sovereign state to take decisions on whether to join international agreements, and here we are speaking of two separate ones.<br /> On an optimistic note, though; support for a new international agreement seems to be steadily increasing and Iceland hopes that States, especially the soon to be 124 States Parties to the Rome Statute, will join the push for a new treaty.<br /> <br /> Thank you again for joining us today and for your valuable contributions.&nbsp;<br /> </span> <div>&nbsp;</div>

<p><span><strong>Statement by Helga Hrönn Karlsdóttir, Legal Adviser<br /> Directorate for Legal &amp; Executive Affairs, Ministry for Foreign Affairs<br /> ICC Assembly of States Parties 22nd session, 7 December 2023<br /> General debate<br /> </strong></span></p> <div>&nbsp;</div> <p>Madame President,&nbsp;</p> <p><span><br /> It is a privilege to address this Assembly on behalf of Iceland. Allow me to express Iceland’s sincere appreciation to the Court and its officials, in all organs.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> I would like to congratulate and welcome the six newly elected judges to the Court. Iceland believes that the due diligence process is an important step.<br /> <br /> This year we celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Rome Statute. Iceland expresses its continued support for, and commitment to the ICC, and emphasizes the need to improve and strengthen the Court in all its functions. In the face of threats and attacks on the Court, its staff and those who work with the Court, support from States Parties is more important than ever.<br /> <br /> Madame President,<br /> <br /> Iceland ratified the Kampala Amendments on the Crime of Aggression in 2016 and this year marks the 5th anniversary of the activation of the ICC’s jurisdiction over the crime of aggression. The jurisdiction is however limited to when both states concerned have ratified the Amendment or when the Security Council refers a case to the Court. It is undeniable that the international community is facing serious challenges at this moment in time, including Russia´s full scale invasion of Ukraine. These challenges have highlighted the fact we need to remove obstacles limiting the Court’s ability to deliver justice for the crime of aggression.<br /> <br /> Iceland acknowledges the vital role of the Security Council within the Rome Statute system and its ability to refer cases to the Court where the ICC lacks jurisdiction. We regret that the Security Council has not made full use of its mandate to refer cases to the Court when jurisdiction is lacking.<br /> <br /> Madame President.<br /> <br /> The ICC must be empowered to achieve its primary goal of providing justice for victims and survivors. Iceland highly values the role of the Trust Fund for Victims and by now contributes annually. We believe all efforts of the Court should build on a victim-survivor oriented approach, emphasizing the rights and agency of individuals involved.<br /> <br /> Iceland welcomes the Office of the Prosecutor’s commitment to systematically address sexual and gender-based crimes and in taking a more focused approach to investigating and prosecuting for crimes rooted in misogyny and queerphobia. Furthermore, we welcome the new Policy on Gender Based Violence.<br /> <br /> Further, we would like to highlight the importance of civil society organisations to the Courts functioning. Human right defenders and civil societies are often at the forefront of gathering evidence on violations of international law. It is unacceptable that these organizations face threats and harassment.<br /> <br /> Madame President.<br /> <br /> Iceland reaffirms its unwavering support for the ICC as an independent and impartial judicial institution. Political and financial support for the Court is essential. Iceland stresses the need for sustainable resources across situations and cases. Regular allocation from all States Parties is essential, as the Courts workload continues to rise to unforeseen heights. We urge all States Parties to pay the annual contributions on time. Iceland is now in the process of making a third voluntary additional, unearmarked contribution in less than two years time, the latest one to be made following calls for resources in light of developments in the Middle East. However, we want to stress that the Court should not be dependent on voluntary contributions.<br /> <br /> The international community bears a shared responsibility to maintain justice and to prevent impunity. Therefore, we strongly encourage all states to ratify the Rome Statute and join as States Parties.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> To conclude, Iceland reiterates unwavering support and gratitude for the Court, its elected officials and its personnel and our commitment to defend the principles enshrined in the Rome Statute.<br /> <br /> I thank you.<br /> </span></p> <div>&nbsp;</div>

<p><span>Report of the 19th Regular Session of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (Rome, 17-21 July 2023)</span></p> <p><span>Mr Chair,&nbsp;</span></p> <ul> <li><span>I am speaking on behalf of the Nordic Countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden, and my own country Norway) and Switzerland. (We fully align ourselves with the EU statement.)</span></li> <li><span>This year, we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. We believe that genetic resources are the very foundation for future sustainable and resilient food systems and forestry.&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span>We fully endorse the conclusions and recommendations in the Report of the 19th Regular Session of the Commission. Particularly, we support the recommendation that the FAO Council requests FAO to take into account Commission decisions when developing budget allocations. Particularly, we stress the need for additional resources supporting countries in their efforts to implement the Global Plans of Actions and the Framework for action on biodiversity for food and agriculture.&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span>A major milestone at the last Session of the Commission was the establishment of Intergovernmental Technical Working Group on Microorganism and Invertebrate Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture and the Ad Hoc Expert Team on Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture. We request FAO to convene these two new inter-sessional groups before the Twentieth Regular Session of the Commission.</span></li> <li><span>A year ago, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework was adopted. It provides new opportunities for strengthening FAO’s work on mainstreaming biodiversity. It also underpins the implementation of the Commission’s global plans for action as well as the International Plant Treaty and the IPPC at the national level. We encourage all Members to take advantage of this momentum when updating their national biodiversity strategies and plans.</span></li> <li><span>FAO should take a lead in supporting implementation of the Kunming-Montreal framework - both at global and national levels. In order to fully take advantage of the competence of FAO, we call on FAO to finalise the recruitment of the Secretary of the Commission on Genetic Resources and to strengthen FAO’s biodiversity team.&nbsp;</span><span></span></li> </ul> <ul> <li><span></span><span>Thank you, Mr Chair</span></li> </ul>

<p>Nordic statement&nbsp;</p> <p>Update on FAO’s collaboration with other UN System Entities</p> <p>Norway is delivering this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland,&nbsp;Iceland, Sweden, and Norway).&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Thank you for the insightful and detailed update on FAO’s collaboration with other UN system entities.&nbsp;</li> <li>To maximise the impact of actions and programmes, to avoid overlaps and to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of available financial and human resources, cooperation among the Rome-based agencies as well as all other relevant UN organizations in-country, on the ground is critical. We also encourage FAO to strengthen its cooperation with the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub.&nbsp;</li> <li>We welcome the focus on the reposition of the UN development system, country-driven partnerships, UN Resident Coordinators and Country Teams.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>***</p> <ul> <li>We also welcome the recently signed global tripartite MoU, recognising that RBA collaboration is built on a broad spectrum of work that spans from responding to emergencies and shocks, to humanitarian and long-term development activities. The recently launched joint FAO and WFP strategy on anticipatory action is also important in this regard.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li> <li>Formalised agreements should translate into action on the ground. Lessons can be learned from the Joint Programme on Accelerating Progress towards Rural Women’s Economic Empowerment. The programme is jointly implemented by FAO, IFAD, UN Women and WFP and adopts a holistic approach that builds on each agency’s comparative advantage and strengths.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <ul> <li>The Nordic countries would welcome more details on how FAO collaborates and coordinates its work with multilateral development banks, such as the World Bank and African Development Bank.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>***</p> <ul> <li>There is a strong focus on the contribution of collaboration to the four betters. We would welcome a stronger emphasis on the Sustainable Development Goals as the overarching and universal call to action.&nbsp;</li> <li>We would also like more detail on how collaboration with UN system entities contributes to all sectors that the FAO works with, including fisheries, aquaculture, and forestry.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>***</p> <ul> <li>The Nordic countries underscore the importance of not just measuring the quantity of collaborations, but also their quality. FAO should create baselines, clear metrics of success, and ensure that they measure impact and the contribution of collaborations in helping us achieve Agenda 2030.&nbsp;</li> <li>The Nordic countries highlight that collaborations should capitalise on FAO’s unique comparative advantage as the utmost provider of technical and normative expertise that contributes to evidence-based guidance and good practice for food systems solutions.&nbsp;</li> <li>The administrative burden, reporting and monitoring responsibility, and financing should also be shared across collaborations and build on each organisations’ comparative advantage.&nbsp;<br /> Finally,</li> <li>The Nordic countries have been longstanding supporters of the UN Development System Reform. It is important to ensure that the reform of the UN Development System keeps moving forward and is fully implemented.</li> <li>The Nordic countries highlight the prerequisite that the UN delivers as One UN at the country level. We would like to see more reporting on how FAO implements UN reform.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>Thank you.</p>

<p>Bioeconomy for sustainable agrifood systems transformation</p> <p>Mr Chair,</p> <ul> <li>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic Countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden, and my own country Norway). (We fully align ourselves with the EU statement).</li> <li>In the light of the global challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss and unsustainable food systems, there is a need to facilitate the development of the bioeconomy in order to accelerate the green transition and to promote self-sufficiency of regions.&nbsp;</li> <li>The Nordic countries agree that bioeconomy can be a key solution pathway for sustainable agrifood systems transformation. In the Nordic countries, the bioeconomy contributes positively to the national economies and welfare by providing jobs, income and recreational possibilities.</li> <li>There are three aspects to this topic that we would like to highlight:<br /> o First, it is important to develop sustainable bioeconomy throughout the whole value chain as well as within and across different sectors. For example, bioeconomy holds potential for increased synergies between the blue and green sector. Policy actions must cover chain from primary production to product innovations, and account for the use of biological resources from land, sea and waste. This needs to be done without increasing administrative burden for involved actors.&nbsp;<br /> o Second, a sustainable bioeconomy means that the resources are smartly used and not wasted. Upscaling the use of recycled materials and side streams allows the expansion of the bioeconomy without increasing the use of scarce virgin materials. Nutrients recycling is a good example of this.&nbsp;<br /> o Third, a key factor of success is a balanced and fair inclusion of all relevant actors, particularly farmers and other primary producers. Particular attention must be paid to strategies that benefit local communities, promote gender and intergenerational equality and contribute to the achievement of the SDGs. Also, it is important to secure the development of the bioeconomy in rural areas and their inclusive economic growth.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>In order to enable the sustainable growth of the bioeconomy, a strong investment in research, education, information sharing, and the development of technologies should be encouraged.</li> <li>The Nordic counties welcome the FAO’s key directions for the future of the bioeconomy [as highlighted in PC137/INF/8] as effective and relevant.</li> <li>In particular, we commend the FAO for having an integrated approach that considers social, economic, environmental, and governance aspects of the bioeconomy, whilst recognizing that approaches should be context specific.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>Thank you.</p>

<p>FAO Council 174</p> <p>1. Thank you, Chair</p> <p>2. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden and my own country, Norway. We fully align ourselves with the EU statement.</p> <p>3. The food security situation in the world continues to be alarming. Humanitarian needs are increasing due to conflicts, climate crisis, and economic shocks.&nbsp; Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine has worsened global food insecurity. </p> <p>4. Russia’s unilateral decision to leave the Black Sea Grain Initiative (BSGI), and its attacks on Ukrainian ports and grain infrastructure, has worsened the situation. </p> <p>5. Russian aggression has destroyed key infrastructure and hindered agricultural production in Ukraine. Rebuilding the country will take years. Meanwhile, despite being subjected to the unprovoked aggression – Ukraine – one of the world’s major breadbaskets – has shown impressive efforts to address the challenges of global food insecurity.</p> <p>6. In this dire situation with increasing humanitarian needs and scarce resources, we appreciate that FAO is delivering according to its mandate.</p> <p>7. The FAO Council has clearly condemned Russia’s actions and provided guidance on how to tackle their global impacts, including on food security. We, the Nordic countries, request FAO to continue implementing the 169th Council decisions. </p> <p>8. We strongly support the call to keep food trade open, avoid all export restrictions and resume food export from Ukraine.&nbsp; </p> <p>9. We highlight the importance of AMIS and continued collaboration with all relevant partners to monitor the situation, ensure transparency, and minimize any adverse effects on global markets. </p> <p>10. Russia`s unprovoked, unjustifiable, and illegal full-scale invasion has inflicted incalculable devastation on Ukraine, including potentially irreversible consequences for Ukraine’s environmental landscape. The destruction of the Kakhovka Dam is just one example.</p> <p>We also share the concerns for risks related to animal health and diseases and the need to address these, in accordance with FAOs responsibilities and particularly through a One Health approach. </p> <p>11. It is crucial that we respond to the immediate humanitarian needs, in Ukraine and in other crises around the world. The Nordic countries are major donors to the UN development system, and we will continue our support to humanitarian crises around the world. We will continue to focus on flexible and predictable core support and encourage others to do the same. </p> <p>12. We strongly reiterate the call for Russia to immediately and unconditionally cease its aggression against Ukraine and withdraw its forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.&nbsp; </p> <p>13. Thank you</p>

<p>FAO Council 174 December 2023</p> <p>Mr Chair,</p> <p>1. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden and my own country, Norway. The EU countries, Denmark, Finland and Sweden, align themselves with the EU statement.</p> <p>2. The Nordic countries are deeply alarmed by the immense civilian suffering of the Palestinian people, as well as what this means for the future for both Palestinians and Israelis. The humanitarian situation in Gaza and its extreme consequences for the population is of grave concern.</p> <p>3. Allow me also to express deep condolences for the staggering loss of civilian life, and the condolences of our governments for the death of more than 100 United Nations humanitarian staff in Gaza.&nbsp;</p> <p>4. We pay tribute to the heroic efforts of humanitarian and health workers, who are saving lives and alleviating suffering under extreme circumstances.</p> <p>5. The conflict in Gaza has led to a humanitarian and food security crisis of a major order. Up to 80% of Gaza’s population of 2.1 million people has been internally displaced, and the majority urgently requires food assistance.&nbsp;</p> <p>6. While the extent of the damage is still unknown, in Gaza, it is likely that most of the agricultural infrastructure, soil, and land will be negatively affected, and the current stock of livestock will be decimated due to the inability to feed and water animals as well as emergency consumption.</p> <p>7. While agricultural land in Gaza is limited, agriculture remains an important part of the Gazan economy and constitutes a significant source of export revenues. Lack of fuel and electricity has had a devastating effect on food security. It has disrupted refrigeration, irrigation, and incubation devices. Wheat flour is no longer available in markets and bakeries are not functioning.</p> <p>8. We appreciate that FAO will participate through the Food Security Cluster and in coordination with the entire Humanitarian System, implementing various assessments, including a Rapid Damage Assessment.&nbsp;</p> <p>9. The Nordic countries fully agree with the Security Council’s call for extended humanitarian pauses in Gaza to save and protect civilian lives, in addition to the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and for full, safe, rapid, and unhindered humanitarian access. For humanitarian assistance at scale, it is necessary to open additional crossing points for aid.</p> <p>10. We have been clear about Israel’s right to defend itself, within the limitations of international law. We reiterate that all military operations must be in line with international humanitarian law, including protection of civilians and humanitarian personnel.</p> <p>11. There is no military solution to this conflict. The Nordic countries continue to call on Palestinian and Israeli leaders to seek peace through political dialogue. Only a negotiated two-state solution can achieve lasting and durable peace between Israel and Palestine, and in the region.</p> <p>Thank you.</p>

<p>Nordic Statement 174 session of the FAO Council (4-8 December 2023)</p> <p>Mr Chair,&nbsp;<br /> <br /> 1. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic Countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden, and my own country Norway). (We fully align ourselves with the EU statement).</p> <p>2. The Nordic countries are very concerned about the lack of progress in combating global food insecurity and recognise that conflicts, climate extremes and economic downturns and slowdowns are the main drivers.</p> <p>3. Hunger affects around 9.2 percent of the world’s population, and nearly 20 percent of the population in Africa which is extremely concerning.&nbsp;</p> <p>4. The humanitarian needs are consuming a large part of international development assistance. The funding gap is increasing. Increased food security and local food production as well as open and predictable global value chains are vital to alleviate humanitarian needs.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>5. There is need for strengthened efforts at local, national, regional, and global levels, and to prioritise the countries and hotspots of highest concern.</p> <p>6. Armed violence, in particular increased targeting of civilians, underpins food insecurity and the ongoing upward trajectory in global displacement.</p> <p>***</p> <p>7. The Nordic countries emphasise that prevention and resilience building are crucial to improve global food security, and that a food systems approach is of utmost importance.&nbsp;</p> <p>8. To do so:&nbsp;</p> <p>9. We must ensure food security within planetary boundaries. The challenges of development and climate change are highly interlinked.</p> <p>10. We have to transform our food systems to reach the goals of the Paris agreement, as well as the Kunming-Montreal Biological Diversity Framework.&nbsp;</p> <p>11. We must cultivate the synergies between the efforts to achieve the sustainable development goals. One good example is the well documented synergy between food security and gender equality: A food secure world requires gender equality and women’s empowerment.</p> <p>12. As referenced in the document, food insecurity disproportionally affects women in every region of the world which underlines that women must have equal access to productive resources, services, markets, and institutions to reach full potential.&nbsp;</p> <p>13. To do it right the gender gap must be analysed and addressed.</p> <p>14. We emphasise the need for a rights-based approach, in particular the right to food. Human rights and the right to food is not just a moral obligation, but also gives concrete guidance to realise our commitment to leaving no one behind.</p> <p>15. It is also important to include fisheries, aquaculture, and forestry interventions in our strategies. This is in line with the CFS policy recommendations on sustainable fisheries and aquaculture and on sustainable forestry for food security and nutrition.&nbsp;</p> <p>***</p> <p>16. We encourage FAO to continue monitoring the rising levels of global food insecurity, and to provide regular updates, recommendations, and technical advice to support countries’ efforts towards achieving sustainable food systems transformation.&nbsp;</p> <p>17. We underline that FAO has an important role to play, within humanitarian-development-climate-peace nexus, through collaborative action with the RBAs and the wider UN system.&nbsp;</p> <p>18. Leveraging comparative advantages to ensure complementarity is essential for successfully delivering results and impact on the ground, as One UN.&nbsp;</p> <p>19. In this regard we encourage FAO to continue its work on agriculture in emergencies and we encourage other member states to make financial contributions to the Special Fund for Emergency Activities (SFERA).</p> <p>***</p> <p>20. Thank you, Mr Chair, for giving us the floor on this very important topic and for giving us the opportunity to convey our appreciation for FAO’s vital contribution to combat global food insecurity.</p>

<p>Nordic Statement, 174th session of the FAO Council (4-8 December 2023)</p> <p>1. I deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic Countries - Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden, and my own country Norway. We align ourselves with the EU statement.</p> <p>2. Chair, ee meet at a very serious moment for global food security, global warming and climate change, conflict affecting food systems and food security, and the preservation of biodiversity. This serious situation must guide our work, and the proceedings of this council.&nbsp;</p> <p>3. We take note of the document adjustments to the Program of Work and Budget 2024-25.&nbsp;</p> <p>4. With a view to the decision by Conference to strengthen the budget by 5.6%, it is important for the Nordic countries to ensure that it is spent in line with priorities and guidance provided by members.</p> <p>5. I noted the Director General’s four E’s and four R’s, in his opening remarks. We would like to underline, in this context, the UN Sustainable Development Goals and in particular SDG2 as fundamental for all activity at FAO.&nbsp;</p> <p>6. It is critical that FAO build on its comparative advantages within the areas of its mandate, and we recall the guidance of the Conference emphasizing the important role of normative and standard setting work, as well as data and statistics to inform decision making.&nbsp; We want FAO to continue to be a global knowledge hub of excellence. We would have liked to see the guidance of the Conference more clearly reflected in the adjusted PWB. We take note of the proposed reduced resources to statistics and data work, and ask for further clarifications on FAOs priorities in this area.&nbsp; We reiterate that oversight functions must be prioritized.</p> <p>7. It is also vital that the PWB supports operational action and contributes to results at country level. FAOs work must be aligned with action by the broader UN system, the UN Common Country Analysis (CCA) and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks (UNSDCF).&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>8. Furthermore, we would like to comment on the following specific proposals in the document.</p> <p>9. First, we take note of the proposal to establish an Office of Youth and Women. We appreciate the new information provided. Yet, the rational for establishing the new office remains unclear.&nbsp;</p> <p>10. Empowerment of women and gender mainstreaming including youth are key priorities to the Nordic Countries. We wish to emphasise the importance of applying a programmatic approach for this work.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>11. In this respect, we like to underscore the important work of The Inclusive Rural Transformation and Gender Equality Division (ESP) in ensuring the effective implementation, coordination, and reporting on FAOs cross- cutting work on inclusion, youth, gender equality, and women’s empowerment.&nbsp; The Nordics would support to strengthen this division.</p> <p>12. Second, we underline the importance we attach to the work on One Health in FAO. We expect that the changes to the Joint Centre of WHO and FAO are made in a way that ensures the center’s crosscutting work. The One Health approach needs to influence all parts of FAO: s activities. The result of this needs to be monitored and evaluated.</p> <p>13. Third, The 43rd Session of the Conference requested further information on efficiencies and savings. We are pleased to see a section on efficiency measures in the adjustment of the program of work and budget. We see this as a first step in a more transparent and complete reporting from Management on what you intend to do to improve performance, delivery, and efficiency in key areas. We look forward to annual reporting on results in a format where we can follow and monitor with respect to a concrete plan for the work, with expected outcomes and benefits.&nbsp;</p> <p>14. Fourth, we also welcome the emphasis on the need to manage balance between assessed and voluntary contribution as well as to the influence of new forms of funding. We note the commitment by Management to continue the constructive dialogue with members on this important and challenging issue.</p> <p>15. Fifth, we reiterate that it is essential for FAO to increase its efforts towards attracting more flexible funding. Building trust with resource partners and exploring different funding modalities that meets the reporting needs and visibility of donors are essential. We appreciate the efforts done in this regard with the flexible voluntary contribution mechanism (FVC) and the Special Fund for Emergency and Rehabilitation Activities (SFERA) but further work is still needed. Improved financial flexibility could increase FAO’s effectiveness and should be a priority of the organization.</p> <p>16. We also need to avoid that FAO becomes a service provider for earmarked initiatives and projects that might impact FAO’s delivery of its core functions and the implementation of the agreed Strategic Framework. We would like to see clearly how the budget can support priorities in the Strategic Plan.</p> <p>17. Sixth, we support the ambition and focus of FAO in producing normative products based on science and in cooperation with leading scientific institutions. We look forward to being able to see how these knowledge products can lead to results.</p> <p>18. Finally, the Nordic countries stand ready to engage with Management and with other members on discussions aimed at improving transparency and building trust. We encourage Management to continue – and strengthen - an open dialogue with members during the biennium and leading up to the formulation of the next PWB.</p> <p>19. Thank you!</p>

<a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/7.12.2023%20%e2%80%93%20EU%20Statement%20on%20the%20Russian%20Federation's%20ongoing%20aggression%20against%20Ukraine%20-%20OSCE%20Permanent%20Council%20No.1455.pdf"><span>EU Statement on the Russian Federation's ongoing aggression against Ukraine</span></a>

<a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/7.12.2023%20%e2%80%93%20EU%20Statement%20in%20response%20%20to%20the%20Report%20by%20the%20OSCE%20High%20Commissioner%20on%20National%20Minorities,%20Ambassador%20Kairat%20Abdrakhmanov%20-%20OSCE%20Permanent%20Council%20No.1455.pdf">EU Statement in response to the Report by the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, Ambassador Kairat Abdrakhmanov</a>

<a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/7.12.2023%20-%20Address%20by%20the%20PRs%20of%20the%20CiO%20on%20tolerance%20and%20non-discrimination%20-%20OSCE%20Permanent%20Council%20No.1455.pdf">Address by the PRs of the CiO on tolerance and non-discrimination</a>

<p><span><strong>Statement by H.E. Jörundur Valtýsson<br /> Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations<br /> Central Emergency Response Fund High-Level Pledging Event<br /> December 6th, 2023<br /> </strong></span></p> <div>&nbsp;</div> <p><span><br /> Mr. Chair,&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Let me begin by commending the Emergency Response Coordinator and his team for their steadfast commitment to ensure that life-saving assistance is promptly delivered where and when it is most needed. In face of unprecedented humanitarian needs, the role of the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) is of paramount importance.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> <br /> This year, CERF continued to prove its value, including through anticipatory action and complementarity with OCHA’s Country-Based Pooled Funds. We welcome the establishment of a dedicated climate action account announced at COP28. This is an important initiative to support time-critical action for climate emergencies.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> For Iceland, CERF remains a dependable funding mechanism for rapid, co-ordinated, and effective humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable. As a longstanding advocate for women’s rights and equality, Iceland continues to encourage sustained efforts against gender-based violence in all allocations.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> I am pleased to announce Iceland’s additional contribution of 100 million Icelandic Krona to the CERF - bringing Iceland’s total contribution this year to 220 million Icelandic Krona. I am also pleased to inform you that Iceland is entering its third multi-year framework agreement with CERF, allowing for continued predictable annual allocations over the course of the next five years.<br /> <br /> Thank you.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br /> </span></p> <div>&nbsp;</div>

<p><strong>Statement by H.E. Jörundur Valtýsson<br /> Permanent Representative of Iceland<br /> General Assembly 78th session, 5 December 2023<br /> Agenda Items 75 (a), (b) and (c): Oceans and the law of the sea</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>This year we celebrate the adoption and the opening for signature of a new implementing agreement under UNCLOS. It is remarkable that even in the current geopolitical climate, the global community was not only able to conclude the negotiations, but also came together and adopted, by consensus, the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, commonly referred to as the BBNJ Agreement or the High Seas Treaty.</p> <p>While the adoption of the Agreement was a huge step, we must still be aware that nothing has yet been conserved or protected. We have only begun our journey, and this is but the first step. For all our efforts to become effective, we must first secure the 60 ratifications needed for the Agreement’s entry into force.</p> <p>As often reiterated, the sustainable use of the ocean is a cornerstone of Iceland’s prosperity. A healthy and bountiful ocean, with long-term sustainability at the core of all management decisions, is for the benefit of all. Conservation and sustainable use are not separate or conflicting notions, but two sides of the same coin.</p> <p>Iceland remains committed to the health of our Ocean and we see the new BBNJ Agreement as an important addition to the law of the sea family, under the Convention, our constitution of the Ocean. The BBNJ Agreement provides us with many of the tools we need to achieve our common objectives, some of which were set out in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted by the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity almost a year ago.</p> <p>These are some of the building blocks that we, as an international community, need to have in place to secure the health of our Ocean. Another vital addition will be the future UN plastics treaty - an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment. Iceland looks forward to seeing negotiations on the plastics treaty concluded.</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>Based on a proposal put forward by Iceland and Norway, come June next year, UN Member States will come together for a week under the auspices of the Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and Law of the Sea, to discuss a topic of critical importance: The Ocean as a Source of Sustainable Food.</p> <p>We believe this topic is of high relevance for two main reasons: Firstly, global hunger and food insecurity is far above pre-covid-pandemic levels. In 2022, 2.4 billion people were moderately or severely food insecure, according to the FAO. </p> <p> Secondly, at a time when humanity desperately tries to find ways to contain global heating below 1,5° C, before it becomes too late – sustainable, nutritious food from the Ocean can help, due to its low carbon intensity. There is both great potential and significant challenges in terms of food from the Ocean, and some exciting new research</p> <p> The Ocean and climate change are intrinsically interlinked. We must recognize that connection and act accordingly. Ocean acidification is a challenge different from climate change, but the root cause of the problem is the same: The use of fossil fuels. Iceland supports the phasing out of fossil fuels, and subsidies of fossil fuels need to end. In the words of our Prime Minister at COP28: “We should not burn public money to cook the planet.” Humanity must switch to renewable energy.</p> <p> Another challenge, emerging as one of the major global challenges of our time, is sea-level rise. With glaciers melting in the Arctic and elsewhere, sea-level rise is already taking place and will change the world as we know it, not least for those that call small island developing states and low-lying coastal areas their homes. Iceland supports the work of the International Law Commission on this topic and emphasizes that States should cooperate on it.</p> <p>Another topic which States must cooperate on is harmful fisheries subsidies, which are a key factor in the widespread depletion of the world’s fish stocks, including due to illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies adopted last year was a major achievement in this field. Negotiations continue in Geneva on outstanding disciplines on subsidies leading to overcapacity and overfishing, this very week included, under the Chairmanship of Ambassador Einar Gunnarsson of Iceland. We count on States to conclude these negotiations, for the benefit of our Ocean and our future.</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>Iceland is proud to be the home country of Judge Tómas Heiðar, who recently got elected as the President of ITLOS, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea. Devoted to law of the sea for decades, President Tómas Heiðar has brought ample experience to the Court, both practical and academic.</p> <p>The law of the sea, just as well as international law in general, is anchored in effective dispute settlement. It is a foundation of the rules-based international legal order and one of the reasons for the significant contribution UNCLOS has made to peace and security in our world.</p> <p>Mr. President, the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf continues its important work, faced with increasing workload. It is the view of Iceland that States Parties have a responsibility to make sure to provide sustainable resources for the CLCS to be able to do its job. Proper, long-term solutions must be found.</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>The Third UN Ocean Conference is now on the horizon. Iceland looks forward to actively participating and is grateful to Costa Rica and France as co-hosts. The Conference will help us bring increased focus and accelerate action under Sustainable Development Goal 14, on Life under Water.</p> <p>We, for sure, need that action. Let us remember that every other breath we take comes from the Ocean. It provides us with nutrition for billions of people, with livelihoods, and with love for our Blue Planet.</p> <p>I thank you.</p>

<p><span>Media Freedom Coalition statement on the safety of journalists and media workers in conflict<br /> The undersigned members of the Media Freedom Coalition express their concern over the repercussions for the safety of journalists and access to information caused by the very serious escalation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, at moment of publication, 63 journalists and media workers are confirmed dead, making it the deadliest period for journalists covering conflict since the Committee to Protect Journalists began documenting fatalities in 1992.</span></p> <p><span>Access to reliable, independent and diverse information sources and access to the internet are essential in times of conflict. Journalists and media workers on the ground play a critical role in keeping the world informed about the realities and impacts of conflict. They are often the first witnesses of what took place and play an important role in gathering and disseminating reliable information. They carry out a crucial mission of public interest. This however, must not come at a price. Journalists in situations of armed conflict and adjacent areas often face extreme danger and put their lives at risk.</span></p> <p><span>The Media Freedom Coalition urgently draws attention to the rules and responsibilities related to the protection of journalists and media workers in conflict, in compliance and consistent with international humanitarian law which includes prohibitions against directly targeting civilians and taking all feasible precautions to protect civilians.</span></p> <p><span>Journalists are afforded protection under international humanitarian law because they are civilians. Deliberate attacks against journalists are forbidden. All parties to a conflict must treat detained journalists in accordance with international humanitarian law. Furthermore, media equipment, and installations dedicated to civilian purposes are civilian objects and must not be the target of attacks or reprisals, unless they qualify as military objectives.</span></p> <p><span>The undersigned members of the Media Freedom Coalition call upon all parties to the conflict to comply with international law and guarantee the protection of journalists and media workers covering the conflict between Israel and Hamas. We call for all attacks against journalists and media workers to be investigated and prosecuted in compliance with national and international law.</span></p> <p>Signed:&nbsp;</p> <p><span> Australia<br /> Austria<br /> Canada<br /> Chile<br /> Denmark<br /> Estonia<br /> Finland<br /> Greece<br /> Iceland<br /> Ireland<br /> Italy<br /> Latvia<br /> Lithuania<br /> Luxembourg<br /> New Zealand<br /> Norway<br /> Portugal<br /> Republic of Korea<br /> Slovenia<br /> Spain<br /> Sweden<br /> Switzerland<br /> the Netherlands<br /> the United Kingdom</span></p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Joint%20Statement%20on%20of%20the%20Group%20of%20Friends%20of%20Georgia,%201%20December%202023.pdf">Joint Statement of the Group of Friends of Georgia at the 30th OSCE Ministerial Council Meeting December 1, 2023</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Joint%20Statement%20on%20the%2090th%20Anniversary%20of%20the%20Holodomor%20of%201932%20-1933,%201%20December%202023.pdf">Joint Statement on the 90th Anniversary of the Holodomor of 1932 -1933 delivered by Ambassador Michael R. Carpenter at the OSCE Ministerial Council, Skopje, December 1, 2023</a></span>

<p><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Joint%20statement%20on%20Human%20Rights%20and%20fundamental%20freedoms.pdf">Joint Statement on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms at the OSCE Ministerial Council 2023</a></p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Joint%20Statement%20on%20Women,%20Peace%20and%20Security%20at%20the%2013th%20Meeting%20of%20the%20OSCE%20Ministerial%20Council,%201%20December%202023.pdf">Joint Statement on Women, Peace and Security at the 13th Meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council, 1 December 2023</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Joint%20Statement%20on%20the%20Safety%20of%20Women%20Journalists,%201%20December%202023.pdf">Joint Statement on the Safety of Women Journalists at the 30th Meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council Skopje, 1 December 2023</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Joint%20Statement%20on%20Russia%e2%80%99s%20Ongoing%20Aggression%20Against%20Ukraine,%201%20December%202023.pdf">Joint Statement on Russia’s Ongoing Aggression Against Ukraine delivered by the Delegation of Luxembourg at the thirteenth meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council, 1 December 2023</a></span>

<ul> <li><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1.12.2023%20-%20EU%20Opening%20Statement%20-%2030th%20Meeting%20of%20the%20OSCE%20Ministerial%20Council%20Skopje,%2030%20November%20-%201%20December%202023.pdf">EU Opening Statement</a></li> <li><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/5.12.2023%20-%20EU%20Closing%20Statement%20-%2030th%20Meeting%20of%20the%20OSCE%20Ministerial%20Council%20Skopje,%2030%20November%20-%201%20December%202023.pdf">EU Closing Statement</a></li> </ul>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Joint%20Statement%20on%20the%20Rules%20of%20Procedure%20of%20the%20Organizatio%20for%20Security%20and%20Co-Operation%20in%20Europe%20at%20the%20OSCE%20Ministerial%20Council,%201%20december%202023.pdf">Joint Statement on the Rules of Procedure of the Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe delivered by Minister Counsellor Knut-Are Okstad at the OSCE Ministerial Council, 1 December 2023</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Statement%20by%20the%20Minister%20for%20Foreign%20Affairs%20of%20Iceland%20at%20the%2013th%20Meeting%20of%20the%20OSCE%20Ministerial%20Council,%2030%20November%202023.pdf">Statement delivered by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland H.E. Mr. Bjarni Benediktsson at the 13th Meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council, 30 November 2023</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1452%20PC%20Meeting,%2023%20November%202023%20(Information%20Integrity%20in%20the%20Military%20Space).pdf">EU Statement on Information Integrity in the Military Space</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1452%20PC%20Meeting,%2023%20November%202023%20(e%20Russian%20Federation%e2%80%99s%20Ongoing%20Aggression%20Against%20Ukraine).pdf">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine</a></span>

<a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1452%20PC%20Meeting,%2023%20November%202023%20(Report%20by%20the%20OSCE%20Representative%20on%20Freedom%20of%20the%20Media).pdf">EU statement in response to the Report by the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Ms. Teresa Ribeiro</a>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1452%20PC%20Meeting,%2023%20November%202023%20(Report%20by%20the%20Head%20of%20the%20OSCE%20Mission%20to%20Moldova).pdf">EU Statement in response to the report by the Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova, Ambassador Kelly Keiderling</a></span>

<a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1452%20PC%20Meeting,%2023%20November%202023%20(EU%20Statement%20in%20Response%20to%20the%20AoB%20raised%20by%20Ukraine%20on%20Holodomor).pdf">EU Statement in response to the AoB raised by Ukraine on Holodomor</a>

<span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1452%20PC%20Meeting,%2023%20November%202023%20(EU%20Statement%20on%20International%20Day%20for%20the%20Elimination%20of%20Violence%20against%20Women).pdf">EU Statement on International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women</a></span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Informal briefing by the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk following his visit to the Middle East</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Norway on behalf of Norway and Iceland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>16 November 2023</strong></p> <p>I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of Iceland and my own country Norway.&nbsp;</p> <p>We commend High Commissioner Türk for going to the region and for taking a clear stance in favour of international humanitarian law and protection of civilians, and for giving voice to all those affected by the disastrous impact of this conflict.</p> <p>We also commend UN staff on the ground, working under near impossible circumstances.</p> <p>First, Norway and Iceland have condemned Hamas’ heinous terrorist attacks in the strongest possible terms and called for the immediate release of all hostages.&nbsp;</p> <p>Second, we also express our grave concern for the situation of Palestinian civilians in Gaza. The lack of food, electricity, water and health care is nothing short of a disaster. Humanitarian access must be dramatically improved. We have called for a humanitarian ceasefire to make such access possible.</p> <p>We find it difficult to draw any other conclusion than that the parties to this conflict are not doing enough to comply with their international humanitarian law obligations. Rules apply, also during war. We appreciate, High Commissioner, that you spoke with clarity on this point.</p> <p>There is no other solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict than a political one. Stability in the Middle East cannot be reached without the Palestinian question being addressed.&nbsp;</p> <p>The war between Israel and Hamas is driving polarization and division. I&nbsp;agree with the High Commissioner - this is a trap, and in no-one’s interest. All lives have equal value. We all have to contribute to mutual respect and tolerance, and keep in mind that there will be a day after where we need to focus on the way forward, a two-state solution.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Joint%20Statement%20on%20the%20International%20Day%20of%20Solidarity%20with%20Belarus,%2016%20November%202023.pdf">Joint Statement on the International Day of Solidarity with Belarus delivered by Ambassador Jocelyn Kinnear at the OSCE Permanent Council, 16 November 2023</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1450%20Special%20PC,%2015%20November%202023%20(Revision%20of%20Provisional%20Expenditure%20Authorization%20for%20ODIHR%c2%b4s%20Observation%20of%20Elections%20in%20Serbia).pdf">EU Statement on the Draft Decision 21/23 on the Revision of Provisional Expenditure Authorization for ODIHR´s observation of elections in Serbia</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1062%20FSC,%2015%20November%202023%20(Russia%e2%80%98s%20War%20Of%20Aggression%20Against%20Ukraine).pdf">EU Statement on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine</a></span>

<ul> <li><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Opening%20-%20Economic%20and%20Environmental%20Implementation%20Meeting%20Vienna,%2013%20November%202023.pdf">EU Opening Statement</a></li> <li><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Closing%20-%20Economic%20and%20Environmental%20Implementation%20Meeting%20Vienna,%2013%20November%202023.pdf">EU Closing Statement</a></li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p>

<span></span> <p><span><strong>Statement by Ms Audbjörg Halldórsdottir<br /> </strong></span><strong>Permanent Delegate of Iceland to UNESCO<br /> 42nd UNESCO General Conference, Paris 10 November 2023<br /> APX Commission, item 4.24</strong></p> <p><span>The catastrophic humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza is deeply concerning and we strongly deplore the immense suffering of innocent civilians and the thousands that have been killed to date. </span></p> <p><span>Iceland supports the call of UN agencies for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza and stresses the need for safe and unimpeded humanitarian access, protection of civilians, medical personnel and humanitarian workers.</span></p> <p><span>Preventing further escalation of hostilities is vital.</span></p> <p><span>Iceland has condemned in the strongest terms the brutal terrorist attacks by Hamas on October 7, including the taking of hostages and calls for their immediate release. </span></p> <p><span style="color: black;">We are gravely concerned about reports of violations of international humanitarian law, including the significant civilian death toll as a result of Israeli strikes on the Jabaliya and Al-Maghazi refugee camps, UN schools and other civilian targets.</span></p> <p><span>Over four thousand children have been killed since October 7. This is unacceptable.</span></p> <p><span>The ongoing conflict affects all of UNESCO’s fields of competence and the consequences &nbsp;call for a strengthened UNESCO programme of emergency assistance in Gaza in the fields of education, culture, science, communication and information.</span></p> <p><span>The Government of Iceland has doubled its financial contribution to the UN emergency appeal for Gaza. We urge other donors to step up their support to critical front-line delivery of aid to the people of Gaza.</span></p> <p><span>The continuous cycle of violence in Israel and Palestine must stop. Military solutions will not provide sustainable security in the region. The only way forward is through internationally supported political and diplomatic dialogue towards the goal of a two-state solution. </span></p> <p><span>Thank you.</span></p> <br />

<a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1449%20PC%20Meeting,%209%20November%202023%20(Russian%20Federation%e2%80%98s%20Ongoing%20Aggression%20Against%20Ukraine).pdf">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine</a>

<a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1449%20PC%20Meeting,%209%20November%20(Report%20by%20the%20OSCE%20Special%20Representative%20and%20Co-ordinator%20for%20Combating%20Trafficking%20in%20Human).pdf">EU Statement on the Report by the OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human&nbsp;Beings, Dr Kari Johnstone</a>

<span></span> <ul> <li><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/9.11.2023%20-%20EU%20Statement%20on%20the%20situation%20around%20Nagorno-Karabakh%20-%20OSCE%20Permanent%20Council%20No.1449.pdf">EU Statement on the situation around Nagorno-Karabakh</a></li> <li><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1449%20PC%20Meeting,%209%20November%202023%20(D%c3%a9claration%20de%20l%e2%80%99Union%20europ%c3%a9enne%20sur%20la%20situation%20autour%20du%20Haut-Karabakh).pdf">Déclaration de l’Union européenne sur la situation autour du Haut-Karabakh</a></li> </ul>

<p><em>Speech delivered by H.E. Ms. Lilja Dögg Alfreðsdóttir, Minister of Culture and Business Affairs of Iceland, during the General Policy Debate of the 42nd General Conference of UNESCO.</em></p> <p><em><strong>Paris,&nbsp;</strong></em><em><strong>9 November 2023</strong></em></p> <p>Madame President of the General Conference,<br /> Madame Chair of the Executive Board,<br /> Madame Director-General,<br /> Distinguished Delegates,<br /> Excellencies,</p> <p>Peace must be founded upon dialogue and mutual understanding. Peace must be built upon the intellectual and moral solidarity of humanity.</p> <p>This vision of UNESCO provides hope for our future, a future we need to build together.</p> <p>In order to secure lasting peace, we need to guarantee the fundamental rights and freedoms of all people and accept their broad diversity. </p> <p>Iceland is a longstanding partner of UNESCO and an active supporter of multilateralism and human rights, which are at the heart of UNESCO’s mandate. </p> <p>UNESCO´s role has become more important than ever as the world continues to face challenges, such as climate change, natural disasters and growing conflicts, increasingly putting the world’s peace and security at stake.</p> <p>It is truly saddening to witness the unimaginable human suffering and destruction caused by conflicts and wars in so many places around the world. Russia continues its brutal war of aggression against Ukraine, and, in Israel and Palestine, innocent civilians are the main victims of the hostilities. In these dark times, it is critical that the respect for international law, human rights and humanitarian law is upheld. Humanity must prevail.</p> <p>Dear colleagues, </p> <p>We are halfway through Agenda 2030 and yet only 15% of the SDGs are on track. Recent events, including wars and climate change, continue to slow down sustainable development efforts. The importance of a comprehensive emphasis on the SDGs in all of UNESCO’s work cannot be underestimated. </p> <p>Iceland is a strong supporter of UNESCO’s Global Priorities. We are pleased with the increased focus on a transformative approach to Gender Equality and would like to emphasize the need for all of us to actively make an effort to ensure full and equal participation of people of all genders, in all areas of UNESCO’s mandate.</p> <p>The world becomes a better place when everyone can make the most of their lives. A special concern must be included for LGBTQI people in UNESCO’s mission, their exclusion can hinder their enjoyment of fundamental rights,</p> <p>The shocking and systemic violation of Afghan women’s human rights and their exclusion from almost all spheres of society includes serious restrictions on rights and freedoms under UNESCO’s mandate. Afghan women and girls need our full support. Attention to the ongoing violations of women’s and girls’ human rights must remain high on the organisation’s agenda.&nbsp;</p> <p>Dear colleagues,</p> <p>Inclusive high-quality education is an important priority for Iceland, it is important to embrace the outcomes of the Transformative Education Summit and support the transformative approach to education and gender mainstreaming. Education is the most powerful tool to help change the world for the better. We commend UNESCO’s important work on ocean science, climate change and greening education, and support clear synergies between existing mechanisms. Iceland is pleased to have been among the first twenty Member States to ratify the 2019 Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications.</p> <p>Dear colleagues,</p> <p>Culture may be described as that which makes life worth living.</p> <p>Protecting and safeguarding the world’s cultural and natural heritage and supporting creativity and dynamic cultural sectors play an important role in addressing the challenges of our time.</p> <p>Iceland strongly supports culture as a driver of development and the MONDIACULT 2022 Declaration, which affirms for the first time that culture is a “global public good”, consequently calling for culture to be included as a specific objective in its own right in the next revision of United Nations SDGs.</p> <p>We welcome the intersectoral collaboration in the new UNESCO Framework for Culture and Arts Education and the inclusive and participatory consultation process for the upcoming World Conference on Culture and Arts Education.</p> <p>Dear friends,</p> <p>Respect for fundamental freedoms, pluralistic media and freedom of information is vital to every society. UNESCO´s work is at the core of the international community´s commitment to securing freedom of expression. We must defend the freedom of speech for artists, journalists and scientists, a hallmark of any democratic and free society.</p> <p>Science and transformational technologies are developing fast, not the least in the context of AI. We must take very seriously their potential and predictable impact on our societies, both positive and negative. This calls for active and strengthened multilateral cooperation.</p> <p>We welcome UNESCO’s initiative and work on implementing the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence. This is an important step in ensuring that emerging technologies benefit humanity and are developed with respect for human rights.</p> <p>Excellencies,</p> <p>UNESCO’s role as a champion of peace, understanding and tolerance is as ever urgent and vital. Education for all, gender equality and sustainability must be crosscutting themes in all our work. Iceland is firmly committed to continue playing an active role in contributing to UNESCO’s work and thereby working towards the common good.</p> <p>I thank you.</p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/89%20Joint%20FSC%20PC,%208%20November%202023%20(Mental%20Health%20Impacts%20of%20War).pdf">EU Statement on Mental Health Impacts of War</a></span>

<p><strong>Explanation of vote after the vote on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries<br /> Statement delivered by H.E. Anna-Karin Eneström, Permanent Representative of Sweden</strong><br /> <br /> Mr. Chair,<br /> <br /> I deliver this statement on behalf of the eight Nordic and Baltic countries.</p> <p>Let me begin by being very clear:&nbsp;</p> <p>The Nordic-Baltic countries are <span style="text-decoration: underline;">unequivocal </span>in our condemnation of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and all forms of racial intolerance, including Nazism and neo-Nazism.</p> <p>We are fully committed to the global fight against all forms of these abhorrent ideologies and their manifestations.</p> <p>We want our societies to be open, democratic and diverse.</p> <p>We celebrate our diversity and we defend it. These are core values to our countries.&nbsp;</p> <p>It is precisely because of these core values that we react so strongly to the resolution in front of us today. Because even though there is some important and valid language on the fight against racism in the text, this is a document that, at its core, has a more sinister context.</p> <p>Unfortunately and regrettably, it is part of building a narrative that is also used to justify the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, under the cynical slogan of “de-Nazification”.&nbsp;</p> <p>We <span style="text-decoration: underline;">categorically </span>reject this false narrative and the way in which eliminating neo-Nazism is being used as pretext for a full-scale invasion and attempted annexation of a sovereign neighboring country.&nbsp;</p> <p>We strongly believe that this misuse undermines the genuine fight against these heinous ideologies.</p> <p>This is <strong>why all Nordic and Baltic countries voted in favor of the amendment </strong>today. We did it in order to, at least partially, redress the utter lack of this context in the draft as it was presented.</p> <p>Mr. Chair,</p> <p>Even with the amendment passed, our fundamental problems with the resolution still stand.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> The resolution contains highly politicized and problematic language that has been used by Russia to accuse sovereign states that were occupied by the Soviet Union of “glorifying Nazism”.<br /> <br /> A resolution on such an important topic deserves an inclusive approach. Instead, Russia has consistently avoided to engage seriously with us on this resolution and have failed at taking the concerns of other Member States into account. This year, the draft was submitted even before this Committee began its meetings. The only so-called consultation was to present the text as a fait-accompli.<br /> <br /> If there is no interest in having an open and fair process, we call on Russia to give up its role in it. In the future, we must be able to engage in an honest conversation about this very relevant topic, and not have it misappropriated for aggression.<br /> <br /> For all these reasons, t<strong>he Nordic-Baltic countries also voted against the resolution as a whole</strong>.<br /> <br /> Mr. Chair,</p> <p>I want to end where I started – and with a plea to colleagues to not misunderstand our vote today. The Nordic-Baltic countries stand ready to work side-by-side with all serious partners in the critical fight against racist and xenophobic ideologies.</p> <p>Let us do so in partnership.</p> <p>And let us do so in an open, transparent manner. And in good faith.</p>

<p><strong>Joint Nordic Statement delivered by H.E. Christina Markus Lassen, Permanent Representative of Denmark to the UN</strong></p> <p>Madam Chairperson,</p> <p>I am taking the floor on behalf of the Nordic countries – Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Denmark.</p> <p>The Nordic countries align with the statement delivered by the European Union, including its assessment of the political situation.</p> <p>Events over the last month have sadly been yet another confirmation of why we need a strong and effective UNRWA. During the last month, UNRWA has been one of the only lifelines for hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. UNRWA has been providing shelter to more than 690.000 displaced persons, while also providing vital basic services such as food, medicine and water despite the very difficult situation.</p> <p>The Nordic countries wish to warmly commend the enormous and tireless efforts by UNRWA staff in Gaza and on the West Bank, who have worked day and night under extremely difficult and unsafe conditions. We wish to reaffirm our appreciation of the work of UNRWA during these challenging times. UNRWA’s work has come at a heavy cost, and we offer our sincere condolences for the more than 72 UNRWA staff who have been killed since the outbreak of hostilities on 7 October. Their deaths underline the urgent need for greater protection of humanitarian workers through strict adherence to humanitarian deconfliction.</p> <p>We have heard Secretary-General Guterres as well as Commissioner-General Lazzarini make repeated calls for ensuring the protection of civilians in line with International Humanitarian Law, along with safe and unhindered humanitarian access.</p> <p>We echo these calls.</p> <p>Protection of civilians is not only vital, but one of the core obligations for all parties to a conflict under International Humanitarian Law. The Nordic countries call for rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access and aid to reach those in need throughout Gaza – North and South - and through all necessary measures, including humanitarian corridors and pauses. In this regard, all diplomatic efforts are now of great value including by Secretary-General Guterres, the countries in the region, as well as the EU.</p> <p>Madam Chairperson,</p> <p>Beyond the current crisis, UNRWA has a unique mandate to protect and provide direct services to the millions of Palestine refugees living, not only in Gaza and the West Bank, but also in volatile contexts in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. UNRWA also plays a very important role in mitigating the risks of migration and radicalization, promoting regional stability, and ensuring that no one is left behind.</p> <p>We acknowledge the difficult financial situation in which UNRWA finds itself, and call on the international community to ensure that the Agency receives adequate funding to fulfil its mandate. We welcome UNRWA’s efforts to diversify funding sources, including from the private sector and individual contributions. We also commend the important steps taken to modernize UNRWA systems to ensure a more efficient delivery of services. We underline the importance of broadening UNRWA’s donor base, and welcome increased support from other and new donors.</p> <p>The Nordic countries have long been reliable partners to UNRWA. In 2022, the Nordic countries provided around 120 million US dollars in core contributions to UNRWA.</p> <p>In addition, and in response to UNRWA’s flash appeal to address the current crisis, we have provided extraordinary humanitarian contributions totalling 11.2 million US dollars in order for UNRWA to respond to the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and the West Bank.</p> <p>Lastly, let me reiterate our continued appeal for a just, political two-state solution. This is the only way to ensure human development, sustainable peace and stability in the region, and a better future for the Palestine refugee population. Until a just, fair and durable solution is found, UNRWA’s invaluable work will remain crucial for stability in the region.</p> <p>Thank you</p>

<p>Statement by H.E. Jörundur Valtýsson,<br /> Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations<br /> Tenth Emergency Special Session of the UN General Assembly <br /> 44th Meeting, 2 November 2023<br /> Debate on Item 5: Illegal Israeli actions in occupied East Jerusalen and the rest of the Occupied Palestinian Territory<br /> <br /> Mr. President,</p> <p>This Emergency Special Session is convened as another humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding in Gaza. We regret the impasse in the Security Council and call on Council Members to redouble their efforts to address the situation.</p> <p>Similarly, we are disappointed by the missed opportunity to build a broader consensus in this forum last Friday. This would have been possible had the draft included an explicit condemnation of the terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7th and the clear call for immediate and unconditional release of the over 200 hostages, including almost 30 children, being held in captivity by Hamas. With this inclusion, Iceland fully supports the resolution’s strong humanitarian call, including a call for an immediate durable and sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities.</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>We deplore the immense suffering of innocent civilians and the thousands, including thousands of women and children, that have been killed to date. We are alarmed by the impact of mass evacuations of civilians in Gaza. The grave situation, the unacceptable civilian death toll and suffering calls for an immediate humanitarian pause and humanitarian corridors to facilitate the safe delivery of humanitarian aid throughout Gaza.</p> <p>Calls for safe and unimpeded humanitarian access, lifting of restrictions of necessities, including fuel, and the protection of civilians must be heeded. We are gravely concerned about reports of apparent serious violations of international humanitarian law, including the significant civilian death toll as a result of Israeli strikes that hit the Jabaliya refugee camp.</p> <p>We call for an investigation of all possible violations of international humanitarian law and underline the responsibility of all those involved to strictly abide by the rules of war. Civilians and civilian objects, medical personnel and humanitarian workers and assets must be protected and never targeted.</p> <p>Iceland greatly appreciates the UN Secretary-General’s tireless efforts to ensure the urgent delivery of life-saving humanitarian assistance to the civilian population of Gaza. We echo his calls for humanitarian aid to the civilian population of Gaza so desperately in need of food, water, shelter, and medical care. Fuel and electricity are urgently needed. More aid is needed in Gaza, and it is needed now.</p> <p>We commend all humanitarian personnel working night and day to facilitate the urgent delivery of humanitarian assistance. We deplore that in the past month, 70 UNRWA staff members in Gaza have been killed because of this conflict.</p> <p>Iceland has responded to UN emergency appeals with contributions to UNRWA, our long-standing humanitarian partner and the lead UN agency mandated with supporting Palestine refugees. Today, we are doubling our contributions to the emergency appeal, bringing the total to 140 million Icelandic Krona. We urge other donors to step up their support to UNRWA’s critical front-line delivery of aid to the people of Gaza.</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>Iceland has condemned in the strongest possible terms the brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks by Hamas. There can be no justification for terrorism. All hostages should be released immediately and unconditionally.</p> <p>We have also stressed that while Israel has an inherent right to defend itself, it must do so within the bounds of international law. International law provides states with rights and obligations. Both are sacred.</p> <p>We must prevent further escalation, for the sake of Israelis, Palestinians, and the wider region. The continuous cycle of violence is fueling the flames of hate and racism. We are seeing too many incidents of Antisemitism, Islamophobia and Anti-Arab sentiments across the world.</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>The decades-long cycle of violence in Israel and Palestine will not stop while Hamas continues to use its position in Gaza to wage terror on innocent civilians and spread radicalism. And it will not stop while Israel’s unlawful settlements continue in the West Bank and Gaza remains under blockade.</p> <p>The international parameters for a long-term, sustainable solution to the conflict are clear: A two-state solution, based on international law, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security, and mutual recognition.</p> <p>This is what we in the international community should strive for.</p> <p>Thank you.</p>

<a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1448%20PC%20Meeting,%202%20November%202023%20(Russian%20Federation%e2%80%98s%20Ongoing%20Aggression%20Against%20Ukraine).pdf">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine</a>

<a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1448%20PC%20Meeting,%202%20November%202023%20(International%20Day%20to%20End%20Impunity%20for%20Crimes%20against%20Journalists).pdf">EU statement on the occasion of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists</a>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Joint%20Statement%20on%20the%20Adoption%20of%20the%20Decision%20on%20the%20Dates%20and%20Agenda%20of%20the%202023%20Economic%20and%20Environmental%20Dimension%20Implementation%20Meeting,%202%20November%202023.pdf">Joint Statement on the Adoption of the Decision on the Dates and Agenda of the 2023 Economic and Environmental Dimension Implementation Meeting delivered by Ambassador Jocelyn Kinnear at the OSCE Permanent Council, 2 November 2023</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1448%20PC%20Meeting,%202%20November%202023%20(Report%20by%20the%20Director%20of%20ODIHR).pdf">EU statement in response to the report by the Director of ODIHR, Matteo Mecacci</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1061%20FSC,%201%20November%202023%20(Russia%e2%80%98s%20War%20Of%20Aggression%20Against%20Ukraine).pdf">EU Statement on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine</a></span>

<p><strong>Statement by H.E. Jörundur Valtýsson,<br /> Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations<br /> General Assembly 78th session, 31 October 2023<br /> General debate on the Report of the Human Rights Council</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Iceland.<br /> <br /> We thank the President of the Human Rights Council for his presentation of the report from the Council, which invites us to reflect upon its functioning and work.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Mr. President,<br /> <br /> This year we mark the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that proclaimed that everyone is born free and equal in dignity and rights, no matter their identity, beliefs, or circumstances. This milestone document is still a guiding light for our work today.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Respecting and promoting universal human rights is at the core of the Nordic countries. The Human Rights Council provides an important platform for conversations on respect for human rights, and fundamental freedoms, diversity and difference - discussions that affect everyone, everywhere.<br /> <br /> <br /> Unfortunately, we are seeing challenges to many of the human rights we thought had been secured and accepted. We are witnessing an increase in hatred and intolerance, violent nationalism, racism and homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia. We are also seeing pushback on democracy, media freedom as well as the gains made towards gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> We must reverse and fight these trends and work together to secure the universal human rights of all people. We must stand up for democracy, and human rights and the rule of law, defend the freedoms of opinion and expression, and assembly and association. In that regard, the Human Rights Council has a crucial role to play.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> The Nordic countries will continue to actively engage with the Council’s core mandate of advancing the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe and addressing human rights violations and abuses.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> As strong supporters of the Council’s work, the Nordic countries emphasise the importance of engaging in the Council’s work. Finland has served on the Council since early 2022 and Iceland has decided to seek a seat for the term 2025 to 2027, as a Nordic candidate, at the next elections in the fall of 2024.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Mr. President,<br /> <br /> Reflecting on the Human Rights Council’s work over the past year, it has passed some important resolutions, including on the human rights situation in Russia, Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran and Sudan.&nbsp; Furthermore, important resolutions on violence against women and girls and preventable maternal mortality and morbidity were passed.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> It is important to keep in mind the strengths of the Human Rights Council. Our focus should be on what works well, but at the same time find mutual ground on how we can further improve and strengthen the work of the Council.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> The Nordic countries will continue to engage with countries from all regions of the world in an inclusive manner, recognizing the critical importance of respectful and genuine dialogue for a more efficient and effective Council.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> This is an important point. Member states in the Human Rights Council do not have to be perfect. None of us are. But we can all do better, and we should all aim to do so. In that regard, the Nordic countries will continue supporting the UN human rights system and its work in assisting countries in furthering human rights at home. We should not shy away from dialogue and neither shy away from calling out human rights violations and abuses, regardless of where they take place or by whom.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Mr. President,<br /> <br /> We believe that human rights express the fundamental purpose of the United Nations. Advancing the dignity and equality of all human beings, and to leave no one behind, must be our goal today and for our future. By those means only, we can attain peace, security, and sustainable development for all societies, and accelerate the implementation of Agenda 2030.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Mr. President, you can continue to count on the support and commitment of the Nordic countries to the work of the Human Rights Council.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Thank you.&nbsp;</p> <div>&nbsp;</div>

<p><span>Herra forseti,</span></p> <p><span>Við komum saman í dag til sérstaks neyðarfundar vegna þess mikla harmleiks sem nú á sér stað fyrir milljónir Ísraela og Palestínumanna, og þeirrar pattstöðu sem er því miður upp&nbsp; komin í öryggisráðinu.</span></p> <p><span>Ísland studdi breytingartillögu Kanada sem hefði bætt nauðsynlegu samhengi og jafnvægi við ályktunina. Ísland harmar að sú tillaga hafi ekki fengið brautargengi.</span></p> <p><span>Án þeirra nauðsynlegu þátta sem tillaga Kanada tók til ákvað Ísland að sitja hjá við ályktunina sem Jórdanía lagði fram, þrátt fyrir að styðja marga meginþætti hennar, einkum hvað mannúðarmál varðar.</span></p> <p><span>Það er miður að ekki skyldi nást samstaða um ályktun um að bregðast við alvarlegri stöðu mannúðarmála og þörf fyrir áþreifanlegar aðgerðir til að vernda óbreytta borgara og auðvelda trygga afhendingu mannúðaraðstoðar.</span></p> <p><span>Herra forseti,</span></p> <p><span>Ísland tekur undir ákall um mannúðarhlé til að auðvelda örugga afhendingu mannúðaraðstoðar um allt Gaza. Tryggja þarf öruggt og óhindrað mannúðaraðgengi. Vernda verður almenna borgara og borgaralega hluti, heilbrigðisstarfsfólk og mannúðarstarfsfólk og eignir.</span></p> <p><span>Við hörmum gríðarlegar þjáningar saklausra borgara og þeirra þúsunda manna, þar á meðal kvenna, barna og starfsfólks Sameinuðu þjóðanna, sem týnt hafa lífi. Við höfum áhyggjur af áhrifum brottflutnings fjölda almennra borgara á Gaza.</span></p> <p><span>Við verðum að koma í veg fyrir frekari stigmögnun, vegna Ísraelsmanna, Palestínumanna og þessa heimshluta. Þetta linnulausa ofbeldi kyndir undir hatur, gyðingahatur, íslamófóbíu og kynþáttafordóma um allan heim.</span></p> <p><span>Herra forseti,</span></p> <p><span>Ísland þakkar aðalframkvæmdastjóra Sameinuðu þjóðanna fyrir þrotlausa viðleitni hans til að tryggja brýna afhendingu lífsbjargandi mannúðaraðstoðar til almennra borgara á Gaza. Við tökum undir ákall hans um mannúðaraðstoð til almennra borgara á Gaza sem þarfnast svo sárlega matar, vatns, skjóls og læknishjálpar.</span></p> <p><span>Við fögnum opnun landamærastöðvarinnar í Rafah og lofum mannúðarstarfsfólk sem vinnur dag og nótt við að auðvelda brýna afhendingu mannúðaraðstoðar. Meiri hjálpargagna er þörf og það nú. Tíminn er á þrotum.</span></p> <p><span>Ísland hefur brugðist við neyðarákalli Sameinuðu þjóðanna með viðbótarframlagi til UNRWA, langvarandi samstarfsstofnunar Íslands í mannúðarmálum og þeirrar stofnunar Sameinuðu þjóðanna sem hefur umboð til að styðja palestínska flóttamenn. Við hvetjum önnur gjafríki til að auka stuðning sinn við mikilvægan framlínustuðning UNRWA við íbúa Gaza.</span></p> <p><span>Herra forseti,</span></p> <p><span>Við verðum að brjótast út úr þessum vítahring ofbeldis og vinna að varanlegri pólitískri lausn. Alþjóðlegu viðmiðin fyrir sjálfbæra langtímalausn deilunnar eru skýr: Tveggja ríkja lausn sem byggir á alþjóðalögum, þar sem Ísrael og Palestína búa hlið við hlið í friði og öryggi og við gagnkvæma viðurkenningu.</span></p> <p><span>Jafnvel í miðju hættuástandi megum við ekki láta undan ofbeldi og hatri. Við megum ekki missa vonina jafnvel þótt friður virðist óraunhæfur og fjarstæður. Við verðum að koma friðarferlinu aftur á sporið. Að öðrum kosti eigum við á hættu að viðhalda hringrás ofbeldis og að mannúðaraðstæður versni enn frekar – öllum til skaða.</span></p> <p><span>Þakka þér fyrir.</span></p>

Statement (Explanation of Vote) by H.E. Jörundur Valtýsson,<br /> Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations<br /> Tenth Emergency Special Session of the UN General Assembly <br /> 41th Meeting, 27 October 2023<br /> <br /> <br /> Mr. President,<br /> <br /> We are convening this Emergency Special Session meeting against the backdrop of another great tragedy for millions of Israelis and Palestinians and a disappointing impasse in the Security Council.<br /> <br /> Iceland supported the amendment proposed by Canada, which would have added a much-needed context and balance to the resolution. Iceland regrets that the amendment did not pass.<br /> <br /> Without the inclusion of those essential elements, Iceland decided to abstain on the resolution tabled by Jordan despite supporting many of its key elements, notably on the humanitarian front.<br /> <br /> It is unfortunate that consensus could not be reached on a resolution to address the grave humanitarian situation and the need for concrete action to protect civilians and facilitate the safe delivery of humanitarian assistance. <br /> <br /> Mr. President,<br /> <br /> Iceland joins the calls for humanitarian pause to facilitate the safe delivery of humanitarian aid throughout Gaza. Safe and unimpeded humanitarian access must be ensured. Civilians and civilian objects, medical personnel and humanitarian workers and assets must be protected.<br /> <br /> We deplore the immense suffering of innocent civilians and the thousands, including women, children and UN personnel, that have been killed. We are alarmed by the impact of mass evacuations of civilians in Gaza. <br /> We must prevent further escalation, for the sake of Israelis, Palestinians, and the wider region. Across the world, this continuous violence is fuming the flames of hate, Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and racism.<br /> <br /> Mr. President,<br /> <br /> Iceland is grateful to the UN Secretary-General for his tireless efforts to ensure the urgent delivery of life-saving humanitarian assistance to the civilian population of Gaza. We echo his calls for humanitarian aid to the civilian population of Gaza so desperately in need of food, water, shelter, and medical care.<br /> <br /> We welcome the opening of the Rafah crossing and we commend the humanitarian personnel working night and day to facilitate the urgent delivery of humanitarian assistance. More aid is needed, and it is needed now. Time is running out. <br /> <br /> Iceland has responded to UN emergency appeals with an additional contribution to UNRWA, our long-standing humanitarian partner and the lead UN agency mandated with supporting Palestine refugees. We urge other donors to step up their support to UNRWA’s critical front-line delivery of aid to the people of Gaza.<br /> <br /> Mr. President,<br /> <br /> We must break out of this vicious cycle of violence and work towards a sustainable political solution. The international parameters for a long-term, sustainable solution to the conflict are clear: A two-state solution, based on international law, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security, and mutual recognition.<br /> <br /> Even in the midst of crisis, we must not give in to violence and hate. We must not lose hope even when peace seems unrealistic and distant. We must put the peace process back on track. Otherwise, we run the risk of perpetuating the cycle of violence and humanitarian conditions deteriorating even further – to the detriment of everyone. <br /> <br /> Thank you.<br /> <br />

<p>Delivered by H.E. Þórður Æ. Óskarsson, Deputy Permanent Representative of Iceland<br /> New York,<span> 26 October 2023</span></p> <p>Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity<br /> Statement on behalf of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden.</p> <p>Mr. Chair,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, and my own country, Iceland.</p> <p>At the outset, we reiterate our unwavering support for the critical work of the Independent Expert and this important mandate.</p> <p>It is crucial to continue to promote respect for, protection and realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms of all LGBTI persons. We are fully committed to the fight against all forms of violence and multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and support the work of the UN in this regard.</p> <p>Mr. Chair,</p> <p>We welcome the Independent Expert’s report addressing the impact of colonialism and decolonization on the emergence of sexual and gender-based violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.</p> <p>It is of great concern that the continued criminalization of consensual same-sex intimacy between adults and of gender diversity and expression not only violates the obligations of States under international law but also fuels stigma, legitimizes prejudices, and exposes individuals to institutional and domestic violence, giving rise to even further human rights abuses, injustices, and violations.</p> <p>We agree with the Expert that decriminalization of same-sex consensual activity is part of the duty of States to address acts of discriminatory violence and abuse. Deprivation of human rights can never be justified by a person’s real or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression or sex characteristics.</p> <p>Mr. Independent Expert,</p> <p>There have been legal developments towards the decriminalization of same-sex intimacy which remains a work in progress.</p> <p>As recommended in your report, we will continue to engage in international cooperation and partnerships to exchange best practices, expertise, and resources on addressing all forms of discrimination and violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity. We will not stop raising our voices until we achieve full decriminalization.</p> <p>In your view, what more can the international community do to speed up progress towards universal decriminalization?</p>

Interactive dialogue with the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia<br /> New York, 25 October 2023 <br /> <br /> Mr. Chair. <br /> <br /> We remain deeply concerned about human rights violations and abuses in Ethiopia. Conflict, violence, and instability are now near-national in dimension. <br /> <br /> We call on all parties to the conflict to immediately cease violations of international human rights and humanitarian law.<br /> <br /> The gravity of crimes committed by all parties to the conflict and their implications for future peace and stability cannot be overstated. The situation bears the risks of future atrocity crimes. <br /> <br /> We firmly belief that ending international and regional inquiries was premature; we would have liked to see the mandate of the Commission renewed.<br /> <br /> We urge the Government of Ethiopia to continue progress towards credible, inclusive, and comprehensive transitional justice. An independent, impartial and transparent accountability mechanism that preserves evidence, conducts investigations into all allegations of human rights violations and abuses, and violations of IHL, and that prosecutes those responsible is vital. <br /> <br /> Commissioner, what should the international community look for to see if Ethiopia’s transitional justice efforts are effective? <br /> <br /> I thank you.<br /> <br />

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Statement%20by%20Iceland%20on%20Women,%20Peace%20and%20Security%20at%20the%20OSCE%20Forum%20for%20Security%20and%20Cooperation,%2025%20October%202023.pdf">Statement by H.E. Helga Hauksdóttir, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Iceland, at the 1060 Meeting of the OSCE Forum for Security and Cooperation, 25 October 2023</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1060%20FSC,%2025%20October%202023%20(Russia%e2%80%99s%20War%20Of%20Aggression%20Against%20Ukraine).pdf">EU Statement on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1060%20FSC,%2025%20October%202023%20(Women,%20Peace%20and%20Security).pdf">EU Statement on Women, Peace and Security</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Joint%20Statement%20on%20Women%20Peace%20and%20Security%20at%20the%20OSCE%20Forum%20for%20Security%20Co-Operation,%2025%20October%202023..pdf">Joint Statement on Women Peace and Security Delivered by Ambassador Neil Holland at the OSCE Forum for Security Co-Operation, 25 October 2023.</a></span>

Statement by H.E. Thórdur Aegir Óskarsson, <br /> Deputy Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations<br /> <br /> United Nations Security Council <br /> 9452nd Meeting, 24 October 2023 <br /> The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President,<br /> <br /> Thank you for convening this important debate. Our thanks to the distinguished briefers for their contribution.<br /> <br /> Iceland is appalled by the recent hostilities in Israel and Palestine and deeply concerned over the risk of further escalation. Yet another great tragedy is unfolding for the millions of Israelis and Palestinians. <br /> <br /> We deplore the immense suffering of innocent civilians and the thousands of civilians, including children, that have been killed. We are alarmed by the impact of mass evacuations of civilians in Gaza. Sadly, the atrocities are fuming the flames of hate, antisemitism, Islamophobia, and racism across the World.<br /> Iceland has condemned in the strongest terms the barbaric acts committed by Hamas. Let’s be clear: Terrorism can never be justified. Hostages should be released immediately and unconditionally. <br /> <br /> We have also reiterated that while Israel has a clear right to defend itself, it must do so within the bounds of international law. International law provides states with rights and obligations. Both are sacred.<br /> <br /> Mr. Chair,<br /> <br /> International humanitarian law must be respected and upheld at all times. Alleged breaches thereof must be carefully investigated. Safe and unimpeded humanitarian access must be ensured, and civilians and civilian objects, medical personnel and humanitarian workers and assets must be protected.<br /> <br /> Iceland has responded to United Nations emergency appeals with an additional contribution of 70 million ISK to UNRWA, a long-standing humanitarian partner and the lead UN agency mandated with supporting Palestine refugees. <br /> <br /> We urge other donors to step up their support to UNRWA’s critical front-line delivery of aid to the people of Gaza.<br /> <br /> Mr. President,<br /> <br /> We call on all parties to break out of this ongoing cycle of violence and work towards a sustainable political solution based on international law, relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and agreed parameters.<br /> <br /> The international parameters for a sustainable solution to the conflict are clear. The end destination is well known, but the road itself is in serious need of reconstruction. We need a credible process towards a two-state solution, based on international law, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security, and mutual recognition.<br /> <br /> This will not be achieved while Israel continues its settlement policies in the West Bank and its blockade of Gaza. <br /> <br /> This will not be achieved while Hamas continues to use its position in Gaza to fan the flames of radicalism and wage terror on innocent civilians. <br /> This month’s tragic events in Israel and Palestine remind us once again of the urgent need to put the peace process back on track. Otherwise, we run the risk of the violence continuing and conditions deteriorating even further.<br /> <br /> Thank you.</p>

Statement by Ragnheiður Kolsöe, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Iceland <br /> New York, 24 October 2023<br /> <br /> Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan<br /> <br /> Mr. Chair. <br /> <br /> Grim does not even begin to capture the lived realities of women and girls in Afghanistan.<br /> <br /> In little over two years, the Taliban have undone hard-won gender equality gains through draconian, oppressive and misogynistic directives. <br /> <br /> We welcome the conclusions of the Special Rapporteur and the Working Group on the discrimination against women and girls this summer that large-scale systematic violations of women’s and girls’ fundamental rights constitute gender persecution and that their situation necessitates a legitimate discussion about the application of gender to the definition of the crime against humanity of apartheid. <br /> <br /> Afghanistan will never achieve peace, prosperity and stability without the full, equal and meaningful participation of women and girls. Addressing their repression is imperative, not only from a human rights perspective, but also for promoting stability, countering extremism and advancing security inside Afghanistan and beyond. <br /> <br /> Special Rapporteur, what tools does the international community have at its disposal to support women and girls in Afghanistan?<br /> <br /> I thank you. <br /> <br />

Statement by Ragnheiður Kolsöe, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Iceland <br /> New York, 24 October 2023 <br /> <br /> Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Islamic Republic of Iran<br /> <br /> Mr. Chair.<br /> We thank the Special Rapporteur for his report and update. <br /> The people of the Islamic Republic of Iran persistently demand respect for their rights, including an end to systemic discrimination against women and girls. Yet, the repression intensifies. <br /> We are alarmed by the recent adoption of the Chastity and Hijab bill by the Iranian Parliament and its referral to the Guardian Council for ratification.<br /> The bill seeks to force non-complying women into an unprecedented social and economic siege by mandating education and health care providers and business owners with enforcement. By implication, non-complying women will be denied access to higher education, health services, banking and other services. <br /> We are also deeply troubled by reports of the use of artificial intelligence and digital facial recognition technology to surveil, arrest and punish women and girls.<br /> These recent developments only aggravate an already dire situation for women and girls, marked by widespread and systematic discrimination in law and in practice, in many aspects of their public and private life. <br /> We urge the Islamic Republic of Iran to repeal and abolish all discriminatory laws, regulations and procedures against women and girls and to immediately dismantle any State machinery tasked with monitoring and enforcing coercive measures against women and girls.<br /> I thank you.<br /> <br />

<p>Statement by Ragnheiður Kolsöe, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Iceland&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> <p>New York, 23 October 2023</p> <p>Combined briefing on Myanmar with Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on Myanmar, Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the Independent Investigative Mechanism on Myanmar, and Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar</p> <p>Mr. Chair,</p> <p>The evidence of the scale of human rights violations in Myanmar continues to mount. We condemn the junta’s increasingly brutal tactics, including reports of widespread perpetration of sexual and gender-based violence, torture, extrajudicial killings, enlisting of children and burning and destruction of civilian objects, some of which may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.</p> <p>We strongly support the mandates of the Special Rapporteur and the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar. Their work is crucial for ensuring advocacy and justice and accountability for the people of Myanmar, including the Rohingya and other minorities.</p> <p>We urge the junta to immediately cease violence and facilitate full and unhindered humanitarian access. We call for a peaceful resolution and return to a democratic path and the implementation of ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus.</p> <p>I thank you.</p>

<div> Statement delivered by H.E. Vibeke Pasternak Jørgensen, Ambassador and&nbsp;Under-Secretary for Legal Affairs of the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs</div> <p>Check Against Delivery</p> <p>Mr. Chair,</p> <p>I will now turn to the topic of “Sea-level rise in international law”.</p> <p>The Nordics continue to support the work of the Commission on this highly relevant topic. We thank the Co-chairs, all five of them, as well as all members of the Study Group for their continued work. We especially thank Mr. Bogdan Aurescu and Ms. Nilufer Oral for their additional work this year, on aspects concerning the law of the sea.</p> <p>Mr. Chair,</p> <p>The season during June to August 2023 was the hottest on record. Glaciers in the Arctic and elsewhere are melting. There is no denying the scientific fact that sea level rise is taking place and it will change the world as we know it. Humanity has to mitigate and adapt to this new reality, and that includes finding appropriate solutions in the realm of international law. Finding workable solutions is the joint responsibility of all states, and certainly not only the responsibility of those that will be hardest hit. It is well known that among those facing the most serious consequences of sea-level rise are those who call Small Island Developing States, low-lying atolls and coastal zones their home. Responses such as the Rising Nations Initiative and the Coalition on Addressing Sea-level Rise &amp; Existential Threats speak to the seriousness of an actual existential threat faced by the people and States in question.</p> <p> <br /> The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change tells us that sea levels are sure to keep rising well beyond the year 2100. The magnitude and rate of sea-level rise will, however, depend on how fast emissions will be reduced. This is why the world needs ambitious climate action, to keep global heating below 1.5ºC degrees. The Nordics are committed to climate action. Simultaneously we are ready to engage in structured discussions on the legal challenges connected to sea-level rise, and how to meet them. The work of the Commission, set to conclude in 2025, is of value in this endeavour.<br /> <br /> Turning now to specific aspects of this topic in the ILC report, the Nordics agree that sea-level rise is of direct relevance to the question of peace and security. Furthermore, although new realities can call for updated terminology and emergence of new concepts, caution should be practiced when using concepts still undefined in international law, such as “specially affected State”.<br /> <br /> <br /> Mr. Chair,<br /> <br /> The issue of “legal stability” in relation to sea-level rise, with a focus on baselines and maritime zones - as covered by both the report and the additional issues paper - stands out as a significant subtopic in the work of the Commission. As referred to by the Co-Chair in the paper, the Nordics have already stressed the importance of predictability and stability in a Sixth Committee statement in 2021. This, however, as documented by the Co-Chair, was conveyed in a more general context focusing on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.<br /> <br /> To provide further clarity, the Nordics agree that the fixing of baselines or outer limits can indeed provide legal stability, especially for states affected by sea-level rise. This concept, however, needs to be approached with caution, with full respect for the Convention and considering all possible implications, including for existing rights and obligations under international law.<br /> <br /> As far as the option of fixed baselines or outer limits of maritime zones is concerned - and as has been highlighted by the Pacific Island Forum and the Alliance of Small Island States – there is no explicit provision in the Convention requiring State parties to update their baselines and outer limits. It is, however, also worth noting the view mentioned in the report of this year, that there is an important difference between legally freezing baselines and not updating them.<br /> <br /> The report offers interesting discussion on the point of view that the Commission should not seek to select between permanent and ambulatory approaches as the only legal option with regard to baselines, since the application of either approach may be in conformity with the Convention, and one does not necessarily exclude the other. The Nordics are looking forward to further discussion on this and other aspects regarding baselines and outer limits in the Study Group’s final report in 2025.<br /> <br /> In a wider context, it is also worth noting where the Convention does offer clear signals on permanence and stability of title and rights. A prominent example is Article 76 (9) of the Convention which sets out that coastal states shall deposit with the Secretary General of the United Nations, charts and other relevant information “permanently describing the outer limits of its continental shelf”. The Nordic countries believe that all coastal states with a continental shelf are well advised to act on this and deposit such charts and information, if not yet done.<br /> <br /> In its work, the Commission should be mindful of legal implications of potential changes to the natural environment, other than those caused by sea-level rise. The formation of new islands due to underwater volcanic eruptions, for example, can also change baselines and the outer limits of maritime zones. To be crystal clear, examples like this one could, of course, not apply to human-made changes to the natural environment, as that would be inconsistent with the Convention.<br /> <br /> In terms of practical solutions, the Nordics strongly agree that amending the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, is, to cite the report, “difficult”. Indeed, it would not be advisable to engage in such a process which in any case would not be helpful in terms of resolving the challenges at hand and in time. Keeping in mind the internal balance, as well as the universal and unified character of the Convention, which sets out the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out, this option should not be the focus of further work of the Commission. That said, while it is too early to take an affirmative position, the Nordics do not exclude that joint interpretive declarations or other common international legal instruments could be a way of addressing the issue of sea-level rise.<br /> <br /> Mr. Chair,<br /> <br /> The Co-Chairs have emphasized the importance of further exploring the issue of submerged territories, which is related to both the law of the sea and to statehood. The Nordics support further exploration of this issue, as well as of the principle of self-determination in the context of sea-level rise, to be addressed by the Study Group in 2024.<br /> <br /> Lastly and importantly, regarding future work of the Study Group, prioritization of issues for the Commission to address in its final report two years from now, would be recommendable. We are looking forward to further engaging with the members of the ILC and other colleagues over the next two years.</p>

<p><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1447%20PC%20Meeting,%2019%20October%202023%20(Unified%20Budget%20Proposal%20for%202024).pdf">EU Statement on the Unified Budget Proposal for 2024</a></p> <p><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/European%20Union%20Member%20States%20On%20the%20Unified%20Budget%20Proposal%20for%202024%20(French).pdf">EU Statement on the Unified Budget Proposal for 2024 (French)</a></p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1447%20PC%20Meeting,%2019%20October%202023%20(International%20Day%20of%20the%20Girl%20Child).pdf">EU Statement on the International Day of the Girl Child</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1447%20PC%20Meeting,%2019%20October%202023%20(World%20Day%20Against%20Death%20Penalty).pdf">EU Statement on the European and World Day against the Death Penalty</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1447%20PC%20Meeting,%2019%20October%202023%20(Unfolding%20Situation%20In%20The%20Middle%20East).pdf">EU Statement on the unfolding situation in the Middle East</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Joint%20Statement%20on%20the%20World%20Day%20against%20the%20Death%20Penalty%20at%20the%20OSCE%20Permanent%20Council,%2019%20October%202023.pdf">Joint Statement on the World Day against the Death Penalty at the OSCE Permanent Council, 19 October 2023</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Joint%20Statement%20on%20the%20International%20Day%20of%20the%20Girl%20at%20the%20OSCE%20Permanent%20Council,%2019%20October%202023.pdf">Joint Statement on the International Day of the Girl delivered by Ambassador Anne-Kirsti Karlsen at the OSCE Permanent Council, 19 October 2023</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Joint%20Statement%20on%20the%20Report%20by%20the%20Head%20of%20the%20OSCE%20Mission%20in%20Kosovo%20at%20the%20OSCE%20Permanent%20Council,%2019%20October%202023.pdf">Joint Statement on the Report by the Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo delivered by Ambassador Cristophe Kamp at the OSCE Permanent Council, 19 October 2023</a></span>

<p><span><strong>Statement by H.E. Jorundur Valtysson<br /> Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations<br /> General Assembly 78th session, 18 October 2023<br /> 26/27th Plenary Meeting of Third Committee<br /> Promotion and protection of human rights (Item 71)</strong></span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>Mr. Chair,<br /> <br /> </span>Iceland aligns itself with the statements made by Luxembourg, Ireland and the United Kingdom - made on behalf of three separate groups of countries.<br /> <br /> At the outset, allow me also to say a few words about the horrific hostilities unfolding in Israel and Gaza. Millions of people are gravely affected. The growing number of deaths among civilians is devastating. We are appalled by the strike on Al-Ahli hospital adding further to the suffering we have witnessed in the past days.<br /> <br /> Iceland has condemned in the strongest terms the barbaric acts committed by Hamas. Terrorism can never be justified. It is clear that Israel has a right to defend itself within the bounds of international law that provides states with both rights and obligations. Both are sacred.<br /> <br /> We are deeply concerned about the risk for further escalation. International humanitarian law must be respected and upheld at all times. Breaches thereof must be carefully investigated. Safe and unimpeded humanitarian access must be ensured, and civilians and civilian objects, medical personnel and humanitarian workers and assets must be protected.<br /> <br /> Mr. Chair,<br /> <br /> Human rights are a key pillar of Iceland’s foreign and development policy, based on the conviction that all human rights are universal, indivisible, interrelated, interdependent and mutually reinforcing. <br /> <br /> This year we mark the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that proclaimed that everyone is born free and equal in dignity and rights, no matter their identity, beliefs, or circumstances. This milestone document is still a guiding light for our work today. <br /> <br /> Unfortunately, we are seeing challenges to many of the basic rights we thought had been secured and accepted. We are witnessing an increase in hatred and intolerance, both in the real world as well as on social media and other online platforms. Religious intolerance, violent nationalism and racism, including antisemitism and Islamophobia, are on the rise. We see signs of increasing homophobia, transphobia and biphobia. We are also witnessing increased hate speech and a pushback on the gains that have been made towards gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights. <br /> <br /> We must reverse and fight these trends and work together to secure the universal human rights of all people, regardless of race, religion, beliefs, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity. We must stand up for the values of democracy, freedom, and human rights and defend the freedom of expression and assembly and tolerance for dissent as an integral part of public discourse – where we agree to disagree and fight for each other’s right to do so.<br /> <br /> Mr. Chair,<br /> <br /> These are some of the primary motivations behind Iceland’s decision to seek a seat on the Human Rights Council for the term 2025 to 2027, as a Nordic candidature, at the next elections in the fall of 2024. Iceland will actively contribute to the Council’s core mandate of advancing the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe and addressing human rights violations and abuses. <br /> <br /> Iceland will also continue to engage with countries from all regions of the world in an inclusive manner, recognizing the critical importance of respectful and genuine dialogue for a more efficient and effective Council. This is an important point. Member states in the Human Rights Council do not have to be perfect. None of us are. But we can all do better, and we should all aim to do so. We should not shy away from dialogue and neither shy away from calling out human rights violations, regardless of where they take place or by whom.<br /> <br /> Mr. Chair,<br /> <br /> Regardless of the Third committee's important work there are real heroes out there defending human rights, risking their lives and liberties by calling out injustices, standing up for democracy and equality, and speaking out against discrimination and intolerance. These brave people deserve our attention and support, especially as many of them increasingly face derision, threats and attempts to silence their voices. <br /> <br /> Especially, as this year marks the 25th anniversary of the UN Declaration on human rights defenders, we call on this Committee to reiterate its call for providing safe and enabling environment for them, and strongly condemn reprisals against those who cooperate with the UN system.<br /> <br /> Thank you.</p> <div>&nbsp;</div>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council – 54^th session</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 2: Annual report of HC for Human Rights and report of OHCHR and SG</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>General Debate on the High Commissioner’s Oral Update</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Iceland</strong><strong> </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>13 September 2023</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I thank the High Commissioner for his update.</p> <p>The Human Rights Council draws strength from its diversity and respect for different backgrounds. That being said, there is no denying that this Council is increasingly struggling to find consensus.</p> <p>We are reminded of these differences when the rights of women and girls are on the Council’s agenda, and the polarization increases exponentially when the rights of LGBTI persons are discussed. </p> <p>Similarly, when the right to freedom of religion or belief and the right to freedom of opinion and expression are up for discussion, this Council finds itself in what some have referred to as a “clash” of civilizations.</p> <p>Let us be cognizant that behind these debates there are individuals. Individuals who face discrimination and persecution. Individuals who fear for their lives. Individuals who are not granted the same recognition and rights as those of us sitting in this very room.</p> <p>No society is perfect, and we all represent our respective governments. However, when emotions are running high, let us be mindful that this Council has a precious mandate. Individuals count on us. Their lives may depend on our work.</p> <p>The advancement of human rights is inherently an ongoing process. We as humans continue to learn from past mistakes. Policies and practices that were seen as acceptable are now recognized as human rights violations.</p> <p>Irrespective of our governments’ national positions, let us not forget that lives are at stake.</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 54th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 4 General Debate: Human rights situations that require the Council’s attention</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Iceland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>26 September 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>Iceland reiterates its condemnation, in the strongest possible terms, of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine with mounting evidence of war crimes and other violations of international human rights and humanitarian law resulting in atrocious human suffering and loss of life.</p> <p>In Russia, the widespread and systematic curtailment of human rights and crackdown on civic space is of serious concern. We continue to condemn the severe limitation on freedom of opinion and expression, crackdown on independent media and all types of opposition.</p> <p>In Belarus, we are gravely concerned about the deteriorating human rights situation, including continuous systemic repression and politically motivated sentencing of civil society, including human rights defenders, and political opponents for exercising their right to freedom of expression.</p> <p>In Afghanistan, we condemn the Taliban for their systematic discrimination against women and girls which may amount to gender persecution, a crime against humanity.</p> <p>Iceland reiterates its concern about the serious human rights situation in China, including in Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and Tibet. We urge China to abide by its obligations under international human rights law, especially the right to freedom of expression and the rights of persons belonging to minorities.</p> <p>In Iran, we are deeply concerned about reports of authorities reinforcing actions to quell dissent, including through surveillance technology, and the exacerbating punitive measures against those exercising their fundamental rights. We urge the authorities to repeal the new Chastity and Hijab Bill and to eliminate, in law and in practice, the systemic discrimination against women and girls in public and private life.</p> <p>In closing, Iceland refers to Nordic-Baltic statements made in the interactive dialogues under item 4, including on Russia, Syria, Belarus and Myanmar.</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 54th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 2: </strong><strong>Interactive dialogue on report of Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar</strong> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Finland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>11 September 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</p> <p>We fully support the work of the IIMM. We welcome its increased cooperation with civil society and initiatives regarding the well-being of both witnesses and staff members. Furthermore, we welcome the financial investigations on issues that have had a direct impact on victim communities.</p> <p>The report tells of sexual and gender-based violence, torture, extrajudicial killings, enlisting children, burning and destroying civilian objects and other crimes, some of which may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. We fully condemn all human rights violations and abuses in Myanmar and call for an immediate end to brutal attacks on civilians, including the Rohingya. </p> <p>Despite lack of cooperation from the junta, first hand testimonials in the IIMM repository have increased. We will not turn our back on the brave survivors and witnesses, but keep on calling for accountability.</p> <p>We urge the junta to fully cooperate with the IIMM, respect human rights and uphold the rule of law, and fully implement the ASEAN’s Five Point Consensus. </p> <p>I thank you. </p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 54th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 2: Interactive dialogue on the report of OHCHR on promoting reconciliation, accountability, and human rights in Sri Lanka</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Norway on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>11 September 2023</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President.</p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden and my own country Norway.</p> <p>We thank the High Commissioner for this update. We welcome Sri Lanka’s efforts to release long-term detainees. Efforts to ensure devolution should include the timely holding of elections at all levels.</p> <p>We welcome the government’s efforts to set up a truth-seeking mechanism but stress the need for such a mechanism to be inclusive and responsive to the needs of victims and their families. Ensuring accountability for serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law is important.</p> <p>We urge Sri Lankan authorities to protect freedom of expression and assembly for everyone in Sri Lanka, including persons belonging to minorities, and stress that any replacement of the Prevention of Terrorism Act should meet international human rights norms. We remain concerned by arrests of peaceful protesters and arrests carried out under the national ICCPR International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights Act.</p> <p>We support the recommendations of the High Commissioner’s report and call upon Sri Lanka to cooperate fully with the Office in line with resolution 51/1.</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 54th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 2: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan (oral update)</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>11 September 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic Baltic Countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, and my own country Iceland.</p> <p>We commend the Special Rapporteur for his steadfast commitment to the Afghan people and his sobering advice to the de facto authorities and the international community.&nbsp; </p> <p>Grim does not even begin to capture the lived realities of Afghan women and girls. </p> <p>In little over two years, the Taliban have undone hard-won gender equality gains through draconian, oppressive and misogynistic directives.&nbsp; </p> <p>Their systematic discrimination against Afghan women and girls may amount to gender persecution, a crime against humanity.</p> <p>The exclusion of half of Afghanistan’s population, from most spheres of life, severely limits the country’s economic recovery, with detrimental consequences for the entire Afghan society. </p> <p>We applaud Afghan women and girls, who continue to show immense resilience and defiance. Without them, Afghanistan will never achieve peace, prosperity and stability. </p> <p>What scope does the Special Rapporteur see for promoting opportunities for Afghan women and girls to make their voices heard and influence their own future?</p> <p>I thank you.&nbsp; </p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 54th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 2: Interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner’s report on the situation of human rights in Nicaragua</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Sweden on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>12 September 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr High Commissioner,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries. We thank the High Commissioner for his latest report on the human rights situation in Nicaragua. </p> <p>We remain deeply concerned about the deteriorating human rights situation in Nicaragua, including arbitrary detentions, violations of the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, and consistent attacks against human rights defenders, journalists and other media workers, political opposition, religious and academic institutions, and civil society leaders.</p> <p>We are deeply concerned by the Nicaraguan Government’s decision to confiscate all assets of the Central American University and the detention of three students. We urge the Nicaraguan Government to respect its obligations under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.</p> <p>We call on the Nicaraguan Government to ensure the full enjoyment of human rights, including civil and political rights, and to immediately and unconditionally free all political prisoners. Impunity for human rights violations must end. </p> <p>Mr High Commissioner,</p> <p>In light of the latest development in Nicaragua, what concrete steps can the international community take to urge Nicaragua to ensure academic freedom and freedom of expression?</p> <p>I thank you. </p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 54th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 2: </strong><strong>Interactive ialogue on the High Commissioner’s oral update on the Sudan</strong> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>12 September 2023</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, and my own country Iceland.</p> <p><strong>We thank the High Commissioner for his update.</strong></p> <p>The human rights and humanitarian situation in Sudan has deteriorated even further since his last update to the Human Rights Council in June. Every week there are new allegations of grave human rights violations and abuses, as well as violations of international humanitarian law, by both parties to the conflict. We are alarmed by reports of sexual and gender-based violence, as well as the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict. </p> <p>Humanitarian needs are enormous. We once again call on all parties to the conflict to respect and ensure respect for international humanitarian law and to facilitate full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access. 19 aid workers have been killed in Sudan this year alone.</p> <p>The violence has to stop now. All parties to the conflict must agree and adhere to an immediate ceasefire and civilians need to be protected.</p> <p>High Commissioner, given the dire situation and the lack of access to Sudan, what tools do we have at our disposal to best protect the human rights of people in Sudan? </p> <p>I thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 54th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur </strong><a href="https://www.ohchr.org/en/special-procedures/sr-truth-justice-reparation-and-non-recurrence" target="_blank"><strong>on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence</strong></a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>delivered by </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Permanent Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Martin Eyjólfsson </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>13 September 2023</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country Iceland.</p> <p>We thank the Special Rapporteur for his detailed report on international legal standards underpinning the five pillars of transitional justice.</p> <p>We concur that respect for and compliance with international human rights law and humanitarian law are the parameters for implementing and measuring transitional justice processes. Due consideration must be given to principles of non-discrimination with the aim of addressing root causes of serious human rights violations. Full compliance with human rights is vital to generate truth, justice, peace and security. </p> <p>The international human rights obligations of States are applicable to transitional justice processes. States have the obligation to address serious violations of human rights and humanitarian law and ensure that perpetrators are held to account. As emphasized in the report, impunity in transitional processes is of great concern. Failure to close the impunity gap emboldens perpetrators and encourages re-occurrence. </p> <p>Special Rapporteur, how can States ensure a comprehensive approach combining the elements of each pillar in a mutually reinforcing manner? </p> <p>I thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 54th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>delivered by</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Permanent Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Martin Eyjólfsson</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>14 September 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, and my own country Iceland.</p> <p>We thank the Special Rapporteur for his report that emphasizes the importance of restoring the good condition of the aquatic ecosystems that supply water to ensure the right to safe and clean drinking water and sanitation. </p> <p>We concur that equal access to drinking water and sanitation goes hand in hand with the importance of climate change adaptation strategies to counter the increasing risks of drought and floods caused by climate change. </p> <p>The overexploitation and pollution of aquatic ecosystems as well as mismanagement of rivers, lakes, wetlands and aquifers and their impact on the realization of the right to safe and clean drinking water and sanitation is of great concern. These impacts are disproportionate in territories of those who suffer marginalization and discrimination.</p> <p>It is clear that democratic water governance based on a human rights approach, is needed, paving the way to a new environmental regeneration model based on sustainability. </p> <p>Special Rapporteur Indigenous Peoples have effectively protected aquatic ecosystems through their worldviews, practices and knowledge. How can we take this better into account?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council, 54th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive dialogue on OHCHR report on economic, social and cultural rights, and COVID-19 recovery</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Finland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>15 September 2023</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries: Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Finland.</p> <p>We thank the High Commissioner for the Office’s important work to advance economic, social and cultural rights, and for this report. The global increase in extreme poverty following the COVID pandemic and ongoing conflicts poses serious human rights concerns. </p> <p>OHCHR’s support to national institutions in implementing their human right obligations is very valuable. Disaggregated data is indeed critical in ensuring gender equality and non-discrimination in the fulfilment of economic, social and cultural rights. </p> <p>COVID-19 recovery must be rooted in human rights and individual rights holders at its centre. The independence of the work of OHCHR needs to be ensured, without question. </p> <p>Civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights all build on each other. They are indivisible and interdependent. Our joint efforts are required to build a safer and more just world that is based on the rule of law and the universality of human rights.</p> <p>Mr. High Commissioner, how are individual rights holders and human rights defenders, including those in vulnerable situations, involved in your office’s work to promote and protect economic, social and cultural rights?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 54th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Latvia on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>18 September 2023</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf on the Nordic-Baltic countries – Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country Latvia.</p> <p>We commend the Working Group’s efforts to prevent and to end the practice of arbitrary detention, and thank the Group for presenting the report on its activities in 2022. We welcome the extension of the mandate of the Working Group for a further period of three years. We support the call of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to end arbitrary detention and to release those who have been arbitrary detained.</p> <p>The Nordic-Baltic countries note with grave concern the continuous rise in the arbitrary detention of human rights defenders, journalists, political opponents or activists for exercising their rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly.&nbsp; Moreover, we condemn the criminalization of the work of environmental human rights defenders, including women and Indigenous Peoples, in a range of countries. We agree with the Working Group’s recommendations in this regard and call on States to take all necessary measures to protect and empower environmental human rights defenders. </p> <p>Madam Chair-Rapporteur, in this respect, what further steps should be taken in the implementation of the Human Rights Council resolution 40/11 and upholding human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 54^th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive dialogue with UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Lithuania, on behalf of Nordic-Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>19 September 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries – Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Norway, Sweden, and my own country Lithuania.</p> <p>We thank the Working Group for its tireless work to shed light on enforced disappearances and to respond to calls for help by victims’ families. Thousands of people disappear due to their civil or political activities. They experience torture and executions, while their relatives live in despair. </p> <p>It is deeply regrettable that new digital technologies are used to suppress civil society and facilitate enforced disappearance, for example Internet shutdowns, cyberattacks, and mass surveillance, to name some. We must ensure that digital technologies are developed, regulated and used ethically, responsibly, and in accordance with human rights.</p> <p>We are deeply troubled that some States use enforced disappearances as a tool to intimidate and silence civil society, including human rights defenders, political dissidents, lawyers, journalists and other media workers. As the report states, these human rights violations often increase before, during and after elections, undermining crucial democratic processes. </p> <p>It is a common responsibility of all States to ensure justice for victims, properly investigate enforced disappearances and hold perpetrators accountable. We encourage countries to accept visit requests from the Working Group and to fully cooperate.</p> <p>Dear Panellists,</p> <p>What most effective mechanisms can international community use to hold States accountable for practicing enforced disappearances?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council - 54^th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on right to development</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Lithuania, on behalf of Nordic-Baltic countries</strong><strong> </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>20 September 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries – Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Norway, Sweden, and my own country Lithuania.</p> <p>The right to development is rooted in the universality, indivisibility, interrelation, and interdependence of all human rights. </p> <p>The Nordic-Baltic countries firmly believe that without human rights, rule of law and good governance, inclusive and sustainable development cannot be achieved. We welcome your proposed strong focus on gender equality and active, free and meaningful participation of all people in development efforts. </p> <p>We are coming to the mid-point of the 2030 Agenda and yet less than 20 percent of Sustainable Development Goal targets are on track. Each day climate change, multiple crises and conflicts persist, affecting people and countries in vulnerable situations the hardest. As states bear the primary responsibility for the full realisation of human rights for all, we urge all states to ensure that no one is left behind and to abstain from actions that violate human rights.&nbsp; </p> <p>Mr Special Rapporteur, could you please share your views on how we, as states, could enhance the implementation of the 2030 Agenda without losing focus of ensuring that all human rights are equally protected? </p> <p>I thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council - 54^th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Latvia on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>21 September 2023</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</p> <p>We thank the Commission for the update and reiterate our strong support for its work.</p> <p>We welcome the steps already taken by the Government of Ethiopia in implementing the Pretoria and Nairobi Agreements of November 2022.&nbsp; </p> <p>However, we are deeply concerned by the worrying report of the Commission, in particular its findings identifying grave and systematic violations of international law and crimes committed in Tigray, Amhara, Afar and Oromia. We are especially concerned by the appalling level of conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence&nbsp;and we call for immediate cessation of all violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law.</p> <p>We encourage the Government of Ethiopia to continue taking concrete steps to advance accountability and transitional justice, in accordance with international human rights' norms and standards and supported by an international component, such as the OHCHR. An active, constructive and effective cooperation with national and international human rights mechanisms is important going forward.</p> <p>Commissioners, how can we best engage with the Government of Ethiopia and all stakeholders to ensure follow up to your work? </p> <p>I thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 54^th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 4: Interactive dialogue with the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland, H.E. Elina Valtonen on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>21 September 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of Nordic and Baltic States: Estonia, Denmark, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country Finland. We thank the Special Rapporteur for her report. We strongly support the mandate’s continuation.&nbsp; </p> <p>The grim human rights situation in Russia, our neighbouring country, is of deep concern to us. For years, Russian authorities have systematically stripped people of their fundamental freedoms, including free expression and peaceful assembly. </p> <p>Russia’s unlawful war of aggression against Ukraine has amplified internal repression. </p> <p>The government brutally silences political opponents, human rights and democracy defenders, lawyers, journalists, independent media and others who dare to have differing opinions or make anti-war statements. </p> <p>Indigenous Peoples and various minorities are repressed. The so-called anti-gay propaganda law violates the dignity and human rights of LGBTI-persons. </p> <p>Repressive legislation, targeted intimidation and politically motivated, harsh sentences of critics have closed off any democratic space. The avenues for debate or protest are closed, also online. </p> <p>We urge Russia to cooperate with the Special Rapporteur and to abide by its international human rights obligations, including by releasing and rehabilitating all political prisoners. </p> <p>Special Rapporteur, how can we support efforts to secure room for civic space? </p> <p>I thank you. </p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 54th session.</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 4: Interactive dialogue with the Commission of Enquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Estonia on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>22 September 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>I speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country Estonia. </p> <p>We express our firm support for the work of the Commission of Inquiry, and share its serious concern that grave violations of human rights and humanitarian law continue across the country. </p> <p>We are deeply concerned about the continued patterns of alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes committed by the Syrian regime. We welcome the establishment of the independent institution on missing persons.</p> <p>We reiterate the need to cease all indiscriminate and direct attacks on civilians as well as to end torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment. </p> <p>We deplore the expiration of the cross-border mechanism, and in particular, the veto cast by a P5 member in July, further exacerbating the dire humanitarian situation in northwest Syria.</p> <p>The Syrian people have suffered enough. There must be a comprehensive ceasefire, and there must be a political solution in line with UNSCR2254.</p> <p>Mr Chairperson: What more can we do to help the Syrian people?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 54^th session </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 4: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Burundi</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Norway on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>22 September 2023</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries: Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden, and my own country Norway.</p> <p>We thank the Special Rapporteur for his dedicated efforts.</p> <p>We remain deeply concerned about continued human rights violations and abuses in Burundi, including impunity for extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, torture and sexual violence. We worry about human rights defenders, journalists, opposition, and civil society that are punished for exercising their rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly.</p> <p>We urge the Burundian government to thoroughly investigate all incidents and hold perpetrators accountable.</p> <p>The government of Burundi is responsible for protecting the human rights of all citizens of Burundi. We strongly urge the government to fully take on that responsibility. And to that end, cooperate with the Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Burundi by allowing full and unhindered access to the country and by providing all information needed to fulfil its mandate.</p> <p>Special Rapporteur, in your report you underline the need for an inclusive inter-Burundian dialogue. In the current situation marked by political stalemate, do you see room for such a dialogue?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council - 54^th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 4: Interactive dialogue on the interim oral update of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on the situation of human rights in Belarus </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia, H.E. Mr. Margus Tsahkna on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>22 September 2023</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, and my own country Estonia.</p> <p>The human rights situation in Belarus is catastrophic. The Belarusian authorities’ violations against civil society actors, human rights defenders, lawyers, journalists and media workers, anti-war protesters and opponents of the Belarusian authorities are increasingly massive and systematic and some of these violations may amount to crimes against humanity. The entire Belarusian society lives in fear of intimidation, harassment, prosecution, arbitrary arrests and detention. </p> <p>Moreover, the decision by Belarusian authorities to ban citizens from renewing their passports abroad further intensifies repressions against Belarus people. Those in exile also face sham in absentia trials and can be deprived of their citizenship. We call upon Belarusian authorities for immediate and unconditional release of all arbitrarily detained persons, while the international community has a collective responsibility to ensure accountability for the violations of international human rights law and to continue fighting against impunity. </p> <p>We reiterate our call to introduce a moratorium on all executions with a view to abolishing the death penalty.</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>We will also continue our international efforts to hold Belarusian authorities accountable for the violations of international law committed in relation to Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine.</p> <p>Finally, we take note of recent reports that indicate systematic and large-scale actions by Belarusian authorities to deport Ukrainian children to Belarus. These actions include indoctrination and training aimed at erasing the children's Ukrainian identity and may constitute severe violations of the rights of the child and international law.</p> <p>High Commissioner, how can the international community help ensure the safe return of Ukrainian children to Ukraine?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 54^th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 5: Annual discussion on integration of a gender perspective (HRC res. 6/30)</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Norway on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>25 September 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries: Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden, and my own country Norway.</p> <p>Gender equality is at the heart of human rights. Among other things, equal gender representation in treaty bodies, special procedures and other human rights mechanisms is a fundamental part of combatting gender discrimination in the work of the United Nations system.</p> <p>Gender parity contributes to integration of gender perspectives throughout the United Nations human rights mechanisms. It is important for the legitimacy and effectiveness of the Council and its mechanisms. </p> <p>It is also necessary to ensure that gender perspectives are reflected in recommendations and other actions taken.</p> <p>We are still far away from the target of equal representation in the human rights organs and mechanisms. We must nominate more women as member of the treaty bodies, and vote for them. And more women should be appointed as mandate holders.</p> <p>Gender parity is about equal representation.&nbsp; Bodies and mechanisms established to protect the rights of women and girls, tend to be overrepresented by women. We would encourage member states to consider gender parity as well as diversity in their appointments to these bodies and mechanisms. </p> <p>Dear panellists,</p> <p>What measures would you recommend to effectively ensure gender parity in the human rights mechanisms of the United Nations? </p> <p>I thank you. </p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council - 54^th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 4: </strong><strong>Interactive dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by </strong><strong>Minister for Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, H. E. Mr. Gabrielius Landsbergis on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>25 September 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr President, </p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States – Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Norway, Sweden, and my own country Lithuania.</p> <p>For nineteen months Russian armed forces continue to indiscriminately and deliberately kill, torture, commit acts of sexual and gender-based violence against Ukrainian civilians and destroy vital infrastructure in clear violation of international humanitarian law. </p> <p>Furthermore, the Russian authorities’ unlawful deportation and transfer of children from Ukraine to Russia, occupied territories, and Belarus, and their illegal adoption there, may constitute war crimes. We condemn these practices in the strongest possible terms. The ICC’s decision to issue arrest warrants for Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and Children’s Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova is an important step towards accountability. We must ensure the safe return of Ukrainian children and accountability of the perpetrators.</p> <p>There must be no impunity for Russia’s violations of international law. The investigations must continue until full accountability and justice are ensured. Therefore, we strongly support the work of this Commission of Inquiry. </p> <p>We also support the Register of Damage Caused by the Aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine established under the auspices of the Council of Europe. Russia must pay for the damages caused by its war. </p> <p>Mr. Erik Møse, after your last visit to Ukraine, how could efforts be strengthened to ensure justice for all victims, including comprehensive reparations programs? </p> <p>I thank you. </p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council - 54^th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Annual half-day panel on the rights of indigenous peoples:</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>The impact of certain development projects on the rights of Indigenous Peoples, in particular the impact on Indigenous women</em></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Finland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>27 September 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Chairperson, Distinguished Panellists, </p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries, Estonia, Denmark together with Greenland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Finland. </p> <p>We applaud the focus of this panel on the rights of Indigenous women.</p> <p>In the context of development, discrimination against Indigenous Peoples, particularly Indigenous women, hinders equal access to lands, resources and to participation in decision-making. This in turn leads to loss of their scientific and technical knowledge which is urgently needed as we are facing a climate and biodiversity crisis. Such discrimination only intensifies when there is intersection with characteristics such as disability or sexual orientation and gender identity.</p> <p>For development projects to be truly sustainable, governments and other stakeholders need to fully commit to the UNDRIP and respect the right to self-determination. Policies which ensure a seat and a say at the table for Indigenous women in development processes are necessary. </p> <p>Today we have discussed <span style="text-decoration: underline;">participation </span>- ensuring Indigenous Peoples’ right to self-determination and their right to be consulted to obtain their free, prior and informed consent when impacted by development projects. </p> <p>Guided by these principles, we should look around us, too. Drawing on the recommendations of the landmark workshop held last November, the Human Rights Council has the opportunity to take concrete measures and lead the way in enabling Indigenous Peoples’ representatives and institutions to participate under their own status at this Council in discussions on issues affecting them. </p> <p>Esteemed panellists, how can we ensure participation of Indigenous women in decision-making on development projects? </p> <p>I thank you. </p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council - 54th Session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3 &amp; 5:</strong> <strong>Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Indigenous Peoples</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>28 September 2023</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries: Denmark together with Greenland, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, and my own Iceland.</p> <p>We welcome the report presented by the Special Rapporteur on green financing, which provides insight to this important topic. </p> <p>Indigenous Peoples globally are the most affected by environmental harms. In the Arctic the temperatures continue to rise at three times the global annual average. Climate change threatens nature, and the livelihood of Indigenous Peoples. </p> <p>When developing green financed projects, two central concepts are human rights-based approach and sustainability. Additionally, it is crucial that politicians and authorities have knowledge of Indigenous Peoples’ culture and traditional ways of living. When projects are planned and developed authorities are obliged to consult with affected Indigenous Peoples. </p> <p>Consultations with the Indigenous Peoples concerned, including Indigenous women, imply that a real effort should be made with the aim to reach agreement on the proposed measures. </p> <p>Special Rapporteur: Why are consultations with Indigenous Peoples particularly important in the context of green financing?</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council - 54^th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 5: Interactive dialogue on the Secretary-General's report on reprisals</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Latvia om behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>28 September 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country Latvia.</p> <p>We thank the Secretary-General for presenting the fourteenth report on intimidation and reprisals and commend the United Nations’ strengthened efforts to prevent and address intimidation and reprisals. </p> <p>The Nordic-Baltic countries remain strongly committed to protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms and eliminating any act of intimidation and reprisal. </p> <p>We are profoundly concerned about the continuously high number of reprisals, in particular repeated incidents of reprisals against human rights defenders and civil society actors, including women and Indigenous Peoples. The reported increase in online and offline surveillance and restrictive regulations against civil society actors are especially alarming.&nbsp; </p> <p>We reiterate our call on all State and non-State actors to promote and support a safe and enabling environment for human rights defenders, journalists and other media workers, and show zero tolerance for reprisals.</p> <p>Ms Brands Kehris, what further steps could the Member States take to meaningfully integrate a gender and youth perspective in their work to prevent and address reprisals? </p> <p>I thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council - 54th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 9: Enhanced interactive dialogue with the High Commissioner and the International Independent Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equality in Law Enforcement</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Finland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>5 October 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries: Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country Finland.</p> <p>We thank the High Commissioner for this important report. Participation of persons of African descent in public affairs is key for achieving racial justice. Without tackling racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, we cannot reach equal societies where human rights of all are respected, protected and fulfilled. </p> <p>The report shows that despite many positive examples, we still have a long way to go, to considerably improve participation of persons of African descent and other underrepresented groups.&nbsp; Ending multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination should be our goal for all persons of African descent, including women, children, persons with disabilities and LGBTQI persons. Attacks, both online and offline, against academics, human rights defenders and others, who bring injustices to light, must be confronted.</p> <p>High Commissioner and members of the EMLER, how can we better address multiple and intersecting forms of racism, so that participation of all persons of African descent in public life can be improved? </p> <p>I thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council - 54^th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 9: Interactive dialogue with the High Commissioner for Human Rights on drivers, root causes and human rights impacts of religious hatred constituting incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Finland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>5 October2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries: Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country Finland.</p> <p>We thank the High Commissioner for the oral update.</p> <p>The Nordic Baltic countries strongly condemn all acts of discrimination, hostility, or violence on the basis of religion or belief against individuals, including against persons belonging to religious communities and minorities around the world and against their places of worship. We will continue to stand up for the right to freedom of religion or belief, freedom of expression and freedom of assembly. These are mutually reinforcing and interdependent. We continue combatting all forms of intolerance and discrimination against individuals of any religious or belief affiliation with equal determination.</p> <p>In accordance with Article 20 of the ICCPR, all states must prohibit advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence. In this regard, we emphasize existing international framework to draw from, including the Istanbul process framework and the Rabat Plan of Action. </p> <p>High Commissioner,</p> <p>In this context, how can your office make use of existing framework and standards in implementing the HRC resolution 53/1?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 54th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 10: Interactive dialogue with the High Commissioner on the oral update on Ukraine</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Sweden on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>9 October 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>High Comissioner,</p> <p>I speak on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is a war of destruction: Russia attempts to destroy; not only Ukrainian cities, livelihoods and cultural heritage, but also the Ukrainian population’s resilience and perseverence. And in the most brutal way, in direct violation of international law, including international humanitarian law. Russia weaponises food and thus exacerbates the global food crisis.</p> <p>According to numerous reports, Russia subjects civilians to summary executions, torture, enforced disappearances, sexual violence and filtration. Russia deports Ukrainian children to Russia and Belarus or forcibly transfers them to Russia-controlled territory. Russia systematically destroys Ukrainian cities by deliberately attacking civilian, energy and critical infrastructure. On 5 October, Russia once again demonstrated its ruthlessness by attacking a store full of innocent civilians in Hroza. At least 51 people were killed. Intentional attacks on civilians constitutes a war crime.</p> <p>The victims of these horrendous crimes, perpetrated by Russian authorities, deserve justice. We will continue to advocate for full accountability for the crimes committed as part of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, including for the crime of aggression. We welcome the reporting of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine and the work of the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, the investigation by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, and the operationalisation of the International Center for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. We also encourage states to support the work of the Core Group for the establishment of a tribunal for the crime of aggression in Ukraine. Furthermore, we welcome the establishment of the Council of Europe’s Register of Damage and encourage other states to join the Register. </p> <p>I thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council - 54^th Session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 10: </strong><strong>Enhanced interactive dialogue on the report of the High Commissioner and Experts</strong><strong> on the Democratic Republic of Congo</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Sweden on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>9 October 2023</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr President, </p> <p>I speak on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and my own country Sweden.</p> <p>Thank you, High Commissioner, for your report and to the Team of International Experts for their final report.</p> <p>The increase in armed violence in eastern DRC and related human rights violations and abuses, as well as violations of international humanitarian law, including attacks against civilians and conflict related sexual violence, are of serious concern. The deteriorating security and humanitarian situation, caused primarily by the armed group M23, as well as other armed groups, severely impacts the rights of the Congolese population. The violence also jeopardises the safe conduct of the coming general elections, and elections may not be held in three territories due to insecurity. We also note that the state of siege in the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri remains.</p> <p>Accountability and the rule of law must be ensured. We are closely following the developments in the appeal trial of the murders of UN experts Zaida Catalán and Michael Sharp in Kasaï Central in 2017. We are also following the continuation of the investigation into the disappearance of their four Congolese companions. The legal process remains vital and has our full support. We encourage the continued cooperation between the Congolese authorities and the UN-mandated follow-up mechanism for the DRC.</p> <p>High Commissioner, we would appreciate if you could elaborate on the impact that the ongoing violence may have on the safe conduct of the coming elections?</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 54^th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 10: Interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Central African Republic</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Norway on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>10 October 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden, and my own country Norway. </p> <p>We thank the Independent Expert for his dedicated efforts. </p> <p>We would also like to commend the Government of the Central African Republic for cooperating with the Independent Expert. </p> <p>The Independent Expert’s report shows that the civilian population suffers from persistent and widespread violence, grave human rights violations and abuses, and lack of access to basic services. We are particularly worried about the precarious situation for the country’s nearly 3 million children. </p> <p>The report highlights low school enrolment rate and lack of vocational training. These are aggravating factors in the recruitment of children by armed groups, the trafficking of children as well as child marriages. </p> <p>Education and lifelong learning are key to fostering peacebuilding and sustainable development. We would appreciate if you could elaborate on what measures are undertaken by the government to ensure children and youth quality education, free from fear, violence and threats.</p> <p>I thank you. </p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 54^th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 10: Interactive dialogue with the High Commissioner on interim report on Haiti</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Norway on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>10 October 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>The Nordic-Baltic States are deeply troubled by the deteriorating humanitarian and security situation in Haiti. Due to organized crime and gang violence, close to 200.000 people are currently displaced. </p> <p>Support to help Haiti restore security and the rule of law is much needed and we back efforts to ensure a multinational security support mission is urgently deployed. The increasing violence, illicit arms flows, and human rights abuses undermine the stability and security of Haiti and the region. The widespread use of sexual and gender-based violence is of particular concern.</p> <p>Weak accountability combined with large-scale corruption has resulted in state institutions that are not able to protect human rights. Efficient judicial institutions are needed to strengthen the fight against impunity. We urge the Government to continue to address these aspects of governance.</p> <p>Any comprehensive resolution requires a Haitian led political solution. We call on all political actors to continue to meaningfully engage in restoring Haiti’s democratic institutions and create a safe and secure environment.</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>The High Commissioner has stated that measures to re-establish security will need to focus on accountability, prevention, and protection. What progress has been made in this regard?</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>I thank you.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></p>

<p><strong>Report of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL)<br /> Statement by H.E. Jorundur Valtysson<br /> Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations<br /> 16 October 2023<br /> <br /> </strong></p> <p>Mme/Mr. Chair,</p> <p> <br /> I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Nordic countries Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Iceland on the report of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL).<br /> <br /> The Nordic countries wish to reiterate our support for the vital role that the Commission has to play in furthering rules-based cooperation in an economically interdependent world. We also highly appreciate the close relationship between the Commission and other key international organizations active in the field of international commercial and trade law. In today’s demanding and rapidly changing global environment, it is fundamentally important to coordinate efforts, avoid duplication of work, and focus efficiently on prioritized topics.<br /> <br /> As always, the Commission and its Secretariat has carried out work flexibly and in constructive spirit.&nbsp; We continue to welcome this approach and believe it guarantees the most efficient use of limited resources both within the organisation and in Member States.<br /> During this year’s session, the Commission finalised and adopted a number of texts in relation to investor-state dispute settlement. It also finalised and adopted recommendations on access to credit for micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises. Further, the Commission finalized and adopted the guidance text on early dismissal and preliminary determination for inclusion in the UNCITRAL Notes on Organizing Arbitral Proceedings. These text are sound proof of the Organisations ability to deliver.<br /> <br /> As to the work currently ongoing in the working groups, the Nordic countries firstly welcome the work carried out in Working Group I (Warehouse Receipts). The working group recently started its work on a new item and is now focusing its work on a model law on warehouse receipts. Taking into account the importance of warehouse receipts to agriculture and food security as well as their use in supply and value chains, we welcome the aim to develop a modern and predictable legal regime. The background work conducted under the auspices of UNIDROIT provides a sound basis for further deliberations in the working group.<br /> <br /> Working Group II (Arbitration and Conciliation / Dispute Settlement) was mandated to consider the topics of technology-related dispute resolution and adjudication jointly and also consider ways to further accelerate dispute resolution building on the Expedited Arbitration Rules. The working group has had very constructive and fruitful discussions on both of these topics and made good progress in its work.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Working Group III (Investor-State Dispute Settlement, ISDS) has made concrete and commendable progress in its work and remains fully committed to continue to reform the Investor-State Dispute Settlement system. Work so far concluded includes the UNCITRAL Model Provisions on Mediation for International Investment Disputes, the UNCITRAL Guidelines on Mediation for International Investment Disputes, the UNCITRAL Code of Conduct for Arbitrators in International Investment Dispute Resolution and the UNCITRAL Code of Conduct for Judges in International Investment Dispute Resolution. The Nordic countries take this opportunity to commend the Working Group for its progress and look forward to actively contributing to its important work also in the future.<br /> <br /> Working Group IV (Electronic Commerce) has commenced its work related to the digital economy. We look forward to constructive and fruitful negotiations in this very important and current field of practice and law.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Working Group V (Insolvency) continues working on two important topics: first, applicable law in insolvency proceedings and second, civil asset tracing and recovery. While we have more interest in the applicable law topic, we fully support the approach to discuss both of the topics simultaneously. We also welcome the progress made especially in the topic of applicable law and look forward to the discussions on remaining, crucial but rather complex issues.<br /> <br /> Working Group VI Working Group VI was assigned last year a new topic on negotiable multimodal transport documents. We are pleased to see reintroduction of transport law into the agenda of the Commission and participate in ongoing constructive negotiations. It is admittedly challenging to negotiate new rules in this area already covered by numerous conventions, other instruments, and practices of different modes of transport, trade and finance. On the one hand, it is most important that the legal framework for international transport enables the flow of electronic transport documents in a multimodal context. On the other hand, it is essential to meticulously consider the possible risks involved.<br /> In addition to negotiations being carried out in working groups, I wish to note the consultations underway in relation to areas in which international trade law can effectively support the achievement of climate action goals set by the international community as well as the scope and value of legal harmonization in those areas. We value these efforts and look forward to further discussions on this important topic.<br /> <br /> To conclude, Mme/Mr. Chair, we extend our thanks to the members of the Commission and its Secretariat for the excellent work and we look forward to continuing collaboration for the further development of international trade law.<br /> <br /> Thank you Mme/Mr. Chair.&nbsp;</p>

<ul> <li><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/EU%20statement%20-%20Opening%20Session.pdf">EU Statement - Opening Session</a></li> <li><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/EU%20statement%20%e2%80%93%20Plenary%20session%201%20Democratic%20institutions.pdf">EU Statement -&nbsp;<span>Plenary Session 1 Democratic institutions</span></a></li> <li><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/EU%20statement%20%e2%80%93%20Plenary%20session%202%20Fundamental%20Freedoms%20I.pdf">EU Statement -&nbsp;<span>Plenary Session 2 Fundamental Freedoms I</span></a></li> <li><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/EU%20statement%20%e2%80%93%20Plenary%20session%203%20Tolerance%20and%20Non-Discrimination%20I.pdf">EU Statement -&nbsp;<span>Plenary Session 3 Tolerance and Non-Discrimination I</span></a></li> <li><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/EU%20statement%20%e2%80%93%20Plenary%20session%204%20Fundamental%20Freedoms%20II.pdf">EU Statement -&nbsp;<span>Plenary Session 4 Fundamental Freedoms II</span></a></span></li> <li><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/EU%20statement%20%e2%80%93%20Plenary%20session%205.pdf">EU Statement -&nbsp;<span>Plenary Session 5 Rule of Law I</span></a></span></li> <li><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/EU%20statement%20%e2%80%93%20Plenary%20session%206%20Rule%20of%20Law%20II.pdf">EU Statement -&nbsp;<span>Plenary Session 6 Rule of Law II</span></a></span></li> <li><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/EU%20statement%20%e2%80%93%20Plenary%20session%207%20Tolerance%20and%20Non-Discrimination%20II.pdf">EU Statement -&nbsp;<span>Plenary Session 7 Tolerance and Non-Discrimination II</span></a></li> <li><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/EU%20statement%20%e2%80%93%20Plenary%20session%208%20Humanitarian%20Issues.pdf">EU Statement -&nbsp;<span>Plenary Session 8 Humanitarian Issues</span></a></li> <li><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/EU%20statement%20-%20Closing%20Session.pdf">EU Statement - Closing Session</a></span></li> </ul>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1058%20FSC,%2011%20October%202023%20(Russia%e2%80%99s%20War%20Of%20Aggression%20Against%20Ukraine).pdf">EU Statement on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine</a></span>

<p><span><strong>Statement by H.E. Jorundur Valtysson<br /> Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations<br /> General Assembly 78th Session, 9 October 2023<br /> First Committee - General Debate</strong><br /> <br /> </span></p> <p><span>Mr. Chair,<br /> <br /> At the outset, let me congratulate you and the members of the Bureau on your election and wish you well in leading the work of the First Committee. You have the full confidence and support of the Icelandic delegation. Iceland aligns itself with the statement already delivered by Denmark on behalf of the Nordic countries. Allow me to add a few remarks in my national capacity.<br /> <br /> Mr. Chair,<br /> <br /> Again, we meet under the dark shadow of war in Europe and intensifying and spreading conflicts in other parts of the world – as we witness now in the Middle East and, here, let me reiterate my country´s strong condemnation for the attacks of Hamas on Israel. The deterioration of the global security situation continues incessantly and with that the international arms control architecture - the very architecture that should and could have provided stability, predictability and protection for civilians in areas of conflict.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> <br /> This gathering needs to be reminded that if peace is to prevail in this world, we must preserve and strengthen the rule-based international order and that will only be done through effective multilateralism. That a permanent member of the Security Council, a custodian of peace and security, is waging a relentless war of aggression against Ukraine, is incomprehensible. This act of pure brutality must be subject to appropriate punity.&nbsp; How can 188 member states without veto power have trust in behavior such as exercised by the Russian Federation, in blatant violation of the principles of the UN Charter and international law?<br /> <br /> Sadly, this fuels other states and groups temptation and determination to resort to the same illegal measures of violence to solve their purported grievances - and it is always the civil population, especially women and girls, that suffer most in these situations. Iceland welcomes the significant role some arms control instruments play in protecting civilians and preventing gender-based violence in conflict situations. But we must do better. Doing better would also require more participation of women in reviving, developing and implementing the global arms control architecture.<br /> <br /> The subject matter of this remarkable committee, arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation, has been an integral part of global conflict resolution since the establishment of the United Nations. It has brought us success in the forms of treaties and established norms, but regrettably also failure in negotiations and implementation of these agreements. Unfortunately, this failure is presently becoming the norm, not the exception due to non-compliance and grave security challenges.<br /> <br /> Mr. Chair,<br /> <br /> The blatant effort to undermine arms control and disarmament is on-going and this is particularly relevant in the field of nuclear arms control, non-proliferation and nuclear safety. The nuclear rhetoric continues with the implicit threat of use of nuclear weapons. We have all witnessed how the Russian authorities, in the most irresponsible way, use their hold on the nuclear power plant at Zaporizhzhia as a threat in their illegal war on Ukraine. Iceland commends the IAEA for its critical role in sustaining nuclear safety in Ukraine.<br /> <br /> Russia’s continuous attempts to derail the important work on the implementation of the NPT Treaty, by blocking consensus at the 10th Review Conference of the treaty last year and undermining the work of the Preparatory Committee for the next NPT Review Conference in 2026, is deplorable. This destructive approach is manifested in its announcement on deployment of nuclear weapons to Belarus - a State that had previously given up its nuclear arsenal. This is a travesty.<br /> <br /> Now we are witnessing the same signs of undermining the successful Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty where the Russian authorities are raising the possibility of withdrawing its ratification. In addition, the illegal and dangerous nuclear program of the DPRK is sheltered by two of the P5 states - paralyzing all efforts by the Security Council to act on this rogue behavior, contravening various Security Council resolutions and international law. The DPRK must return to compliance with its international obligations, in particular the NPT and IAEA Safeguards Arrangements and the CTBT.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty must continue to fulfil its crucial role in nuclear disarmament and in preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons while at the same time safeguarding the benefits of nuclear technology for civilian use. Any attempts to undermine the Treaty must cease.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Considering the many negative developments in the nuclear field, the urgency of commencing negotiations on a Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty becomes more urgent to tackle the growing risks of nuclear proliferation. There is also an urgent need to see revival of nuclear arms control efforts among the nuclear powers where the participation of China - with the fastest growing number of nuclear weapons - is an absolute necessity.<br /> <br /> Iceland stands firm behind the Chemical Weapons Convention and strongly supports the role of the OPCW and its ongoing investigative efforts, which are guided by strong integrity, impartiality, and outstanding expertise. Perpetrators of the use of chemical weapons must be held accountable.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Iceland supports stronger efforts to counter the increased vulnerability of the international community to biological threats - a vulnerability brought to fore with the recent pandemic. Last year, the 9th Review Conference of the Biological Weapons Convention made some progress with the establishment of a working group for the purpose of strengthening the implementation of the treaty. This step forward must be sustained and reinforced.<br /> <br /> Mr. Chair,<br /> <br /> As in past years, weapons of mass destruction remain at the center of our attention. The risk of their use has grown with military action and political rhetoric of some States present in this room. However, it is critical not to lose sight of the importance to preserve, universalize, and develop treaties and initiatives in the sphere of conventional weapons as the number of conflicts in every corner of the world continues to grow.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> <br /> The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons continues to undermine peace, development, and human rights and create immense human suffering. We call on all UN member states to join the Arms Trade Treaty. The effective implementation of the Treaty and the Programme of Action on small arms is another key to reversing this negative trend.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> &nbsp;<br /> Mr Chair,&nbsp;<br /> <br /> The immense leap forward in technological advancement is raising many new challenges for global security.&nbsp; States, non-state actors and even individuals now have access to technologies and informational aids that we only used to read about in science fiction literature. How stakeholders confront the military application and armament proliferation in the era of artificial intelligence will have long term consequences for global security. The use of artificial intelligence begs some serious questions that will demand close multilateral cooperation to avoid the very real risk of this technology becoming the tool of destruction rather than creation.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> <br /> This risk is valid in all the new avenues that we have opened in the field of arms control, non-proliferation or disarmament. Whether it is open, free, secure and safe cyberspace in the form of a Programme of Action for advancing Responsible State Behavior in Cyberspace; whether it is lethal autonomous weapons systems or preventing arms race in outer space, it is critical that this work contributes to strengthen international peace and security - and is solidly grounded in the UN Charter and international law.<br /> &nbsp;<br /> Mr Chair,<br /> <br /> Despite continuous efforts to undermine the international arms control and disarmament regime, Iceland hopes for concrete results from the work of the Committee. As we embark upon substantial preparation for the Pact for the Future, to be adopted next year, it is important to have strong input from the First Committee. Arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament will be an important pillar of such a Future Pact as a primary tool for prevention in service of international peace and security.<br /> <br /> Thank you.&nbsp;<br /> </span></p> <div>&nbsp;</div>

<p>National statement of Iceland<br /> 217th session of the Executive Board of UNESCO, October 2023</p> <p><em><strong>Delivered by the Permanent Delegate of Iceland, Ms Auðbjörg Halldórsdóttir</strong></em></p> <p>Ms Chairperson of the Executive Board, Ms Director-General,&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p> Mr President of the General Conference,&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> Excellencies, distinguished colleagues,&nbsp;</p> <p>Let me start by thanking you, Madame Chairperson, for your excellent stewardship of the Executive Board. </p> <p>I would like to second your opening words on the horrific events that took place over the weekend. </p> <p>We deeply deplore the loss of lives and are gravely concerned by the rapidly deteriorating situation and the impact on the affected populations.&nbsp; </p> <p>Seventy-seven years have passed since the first session of the Executive Board took place in November 1946. It was a different world. Around 65% of the planet was considered wilderness. Today, a mere 23% of the planet's&nbsp;land surface can be classified as wilderness. If the current rate of decline continues, we might soon be left with less than 20% of wilderness and irreversible loss of biodiversity.</p> <p>That cannot be the future we want.</p> <p>Climate change and environmental degradation are undeniably some of our most urgent global challenges and UNESCO has an imperative role in addressing them through education, research and heritage protection. The world has a vested interest in the health of the oceans and ocean science. A greater focus on climate impact and climate actions at UNESCO is welcome - and sufficient support to the work of IOC is paramount.</p> <p>Dear colleagues.</p> <p>We are now halfway through the 2030 Agenda and yet only 12% of the SDGs are on track. A sharp and comprehensive emphasis on the SDGs, in all of UNESCO’s work is urgent, notably in the area of gender equality, which as we know, is imperative to the success of all the SDGs.</p> <p>Last month, UN Women and UN DESA issued the<em> Gender Snapshot 2023</em> report on the status of gender equality across all 17 SDGs. It states that the SDG5 on gender equality is “way off track” and that no SDG5 indicator is at the level of “target met” or “almost met”. </p> <p>A lack of commitment to gender equality, deeply rooted biases and underinvestment are listed as key reasons. We are failing women and girls. There is real urgency to systematically prioritize gender equality with a concrete transformative approach, stronger collaboration and policy actions. UNESCO has a lot to contribute, especially through its cross-sectoral approach. While we welcome the increased budget devoted to UNESCO’s Global Priority Gender Equality, the reality is that funding for gender equality remains insufficient.</p> <p>Dear colleagues.</p> <p>Human rights are a key pillar of Iceland’s foreign policy. Iceland has presented its candidature to the Human Rights Council for the term 2025-2027. If elected, we will actively contribute to the Council’s core mandate of advancing the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe as we have done in the CR committee of the Executive Board.</p> <p>The forced transfers of civilians and children, and the bombing of schools and cultural institutions – these are crimes and should not be ignored by those fortunate to enjoy the privilege of peace.</p> <p>As Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine continues, we welcome UNESCO’s efforts of providing emergency assistance and to monitoring, assessing and developing measures across UNESCO’s fields of competence. We must support human rights defenders, civil society, independent media and journalists. </p> <p>Media freedom and the freedom of expression are the cornerstone of an informed society, fostering democratic engagement and upholding fundamental human rights. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>The right to education is an indispensable human right, for which UNESCO has the lead role and responsibility. The systemic violation of Afghan women’s human rights and their exclusion from almost all spheres of society in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime is one of the gravest human rights violations in the world today. In the acute humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, access to education remains women’s highest priority. Iceland will present amendments, prepared in cooperation with the Group of Friends of Afghanistan and the Afghan Permanent Delegation, on the draft decision on item 4.I.G. <em>UNESCO’s actions in support of Afghans.</em></p> <p>We count on all your support.</p> <p>Excellencies.</p> <p>Our forthcoming discussions at the Executive Board are important and will lay the groundwork for the upcoming General Conference. I extend my thanks to the IOS and the entire Secretariat team for excellent reports and tireless efforts in preparing for this board meeting.</p> <p>The return of the United States of America to the UNESCO family is great news for the organization and will help deliver the Organization’s important mandate. </p> <p>We can endorse the programme and budget as presented. We must ensure to use it wisely and to direct funds towards high-impact programmes and projects, that will help deliver the results needed to achieve the 2030 Agenda. Together, let’s ensure that UNESCO is both prepared and well suited to fulfill its mandate. We look forward to fruitful and constructive conclusions of our discussions in the weeks ahead. </p> <p>Dear friends.</p> <p>UNESCO was born of a clear vision of bringing people together and building a culture of peace through solidarity, mutual understanding and dialogue between cultures. Supporting the vision of UNESCO and the principles of the Multilateral system, on which UNESCO is built, is our best chance for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and creating a prosperous future for generations to come.</p>

<p>The EU condemns in the strongest possible terms the multiple and indiscriminate attacks across Israel by Hamas and deeply deplores the loss of lives.</p> <p>The EU calls for an immediate cessation of these senseless attacks and violence, which will only further increase tensions on the ground and seriously undermine Palestinian people’s aspirations for peace.</p> <p>The EU stands in solidarity with Israel, which has the right to defend itself in line with international law, in the face of such violent and indiscriminate attacks.</p> <p>The EU recalls the importance of working towards a lasting and sustainable peace through reinvigorated efforts in the Middle East Peace Process.</p> <p>The candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Ukraine, Republic of Moldova and Bosnia and Herzegovina, the potential candidate country Georgia, as well as the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, align themselves with this statement.</p> <br />

<p><span><strong>Statement by H.E. Jorundur Valtysson<br /> Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations<br /> General Assembly 78th session, 6 October 2023<br /> 14th Plenary Meeting of Third Committee</strong></span></p> <p><span><strong>&nbsp;</strong></span></p> <p><span>Mr. Chair,<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span><br /> <br /> In the past ten years, since the Convention on the Rights of the Child was incorporated directly into Icelandic legislation, the Government of Iceland has made significant progress regarding children’s rights. Within our Government, the ministerial responsibilities fall under a specific Ministry of Education and Children and, two years ago, the Government introduced a wholistic policy and action plan, the so-called “Child Friendly Iceland”. This approach is now also being implemented at the municipal level. The work on this continues and we have been forthcoming in sharing experiences and learning from others, including other Member States and the UN.<br /> <br /> While we have moved forward on many fronts, plenty of challenges remain. These include access to mental health services and treatment, and combating violence against children, as pointed out in the periodic review by the Committee on the Rights of the Child last year. On the positive side, Iceland has been lauded by the CRC for allowing children to challenge custody cases and request the custody of another parent.<br /> <br /> Mr. Chair,<br /> <br /> Iceland is firmly committed to end all violence against children, both domestically and globally. Iceland will continue to support UNICEF, UN Women and UNFPA programmes to accelerate global actions to end child, early and forced marriages and female genital mutilation. We must also work together to empower girls all over the world, and support and enable them to prosper. This includes ensuring sexual and reproductive health rights and services for youth, comprehensive sexuality education and to protect the right to bodily autonomy, privacy and self-determination.<br /> <br /> The protection of children in armed conflict is an uncontested obligation under international law. It is therefore alarming to see this obligation blatantly disregarded - especially by a Permanent Member of the Security Council. We deplore and condemn the unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children from areas occupied by Russian armed forces. The evidence is there and, earlier this year, the International Criminal Court issued warrants of arrest against the President of the Russian Federation and the Commissioner for Children’s Rights for these heinous crimes.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Mr. Chair,<br /> <br /> New technologies are creating great advances and opportunities for our children and adolescents. These should be exploited to the benefit of our youth. However, these exciting developments also come with their own risks, which can pose threats to children and many other vulnerable groups. We must remain alert to these challenges.<br /> <br /> Regrettably, we see old patterns of misogyny, racism, intimidation, and gender-based violence spreading on new platforms, intimidating and posing real threats to their victims. Children and adolescents, who are using these new technologies more frequently and at an earlier age, are among the most vulnerable. In addition, cyberbullying is reaching younger and younger children. The smartphones and tablets that enable learning and personal development can be misused to destroy their wellbeing, even lives.<br /> <br /> Awareness and education are key factors in preventing these negative aspects of new technology. We must take preemptive actions by targeting the root causes of negative social norms, gender stereotypes and gender-based violence. This includes engaging and educating young men and boys, to empower them to become agents of change for gender equality, both online and offline.<br /> <br /> Finally, Mr. Chair – and on a personal note.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Last year, I had the opportunity to spend some time with my young son on a paternity leave - on the basis of a progressive legislation in Iceland. I quickly learnt that caring for a toddler can be more exhausting than lengthy UN negotiations. However, this time and the bond we formed was invaluable and endures. I also believe in leading by example and it is important that we, as supervisors and senior staff, pave the way for others to follow. But, ultimately, it is not only about me and us, but the child´s right to enjoy this precious time with both parents.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Thank you.&nbsp;<br /> </span></p> <div>&nbsp;</div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Statement%20by%20Iceland%20at%20the%201446%20Special%20Meeting%20of%20the%20OSCE%20Permanent%20Council,%206%20October%202023.pdf">Statement delivered by Eva Dröfn Hassell Guðmundsdóttir, Special Adviser, Permanent Mission of Iceland, at the 1446 Special Meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council, 6 October 2023</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1446%20Special%20PC,%206%20October%202023%20(Russian%20Federation%e2%80%98s%20Ongoing%20Aggression%20Against%20Ukraine).pdf">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine</a></span>

<p>President, excellencies,</p> <p>We are now - more than ever in the history of mankind - in a mutual state of dependence. The common theme in some of the most pressing problems societies across the globe face is that they are for the most part they are problems that do not respect national borders.</p> <p>The slow progress of implementing the SDGs over the past years is troubling. Our attention and our resources have been strained by the accelerating climate crisis, the COVID pandemic, and Russian aggression in Ukraine with its worldwide consequences.</p> <p>Of course, we are reminded that the founding impetus of the UN, to spare the people of the world from the horrors of territorial warfare between states, is under dire threat by a permanent member of the security council. Let's be mindful that if there is a risk of a breakdown in this most sacred duty of the international system; all other worthy goals and ambitions are likely to break down as well.</p> <p>***</p> <p>President, Iceland supports the global governance reforms proposed by the Secretary-General in “Our Common Agenda” and the subsequent policy briefs. This process offers us an opportunity to adapt the United Nations to the existing and emerging challenges.</p> <p>This is not an easy task, and there is a real risk of failure.</p> <p>Maintaining the relevance and importance of an organization throughout many decades is difficult. It falls to both the organization itself, but more crucially to its member states, to avoid the pitfalls that put in jeopardy all organizations as they age; that they take on a life of their own, increasingly independent from their original aims.</p> <p>The United Nations must not only be capable of reform but be open to transformative change and reinvention if the times require it. We will need to be creative, innovative, and willing to look critically at how things are done.</p> <p>***</p> <p>The global community needs a robust “New Agenda for Peace” and it needs to be urgently implemented.&nbsp;</p> <p>President, a realistic, but ambitious, Pact for the Future would be a major step forward for the global community and could be instrumental in realizing the Sustainable Development Goals.</p> <p>Iceland will support and engage constructively in this unique endeavour to make the United Nations not only fit for purpose - but fit for the future.</p> <p>Failure is not an option.</p> <p>Thank you.</p>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1445%20PC%20Meeting,%205%20October%202023%20(Situation%20in%20Nagorno-Karabakh).pdf">EU Statement on the Situation in Nagorno-Karabakh</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1445%20PC%20Meeting,%205%20October%202023%20(Situation%20in%20Nagorno-Karabakh).pdf"></a><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1445%20PC%20Meeting,%205%20November%202023%20(D%c3%a9claration%20de%20l%e2%80%99Union%20europ%c3%a9enne%20sur%20la%20situation%20au%20Haut-Karabakh).pdf"><span></span></a><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1445%20PC%20Meeting,%205%20October%202023%20(Situation%20in%20Nagorno-Karabakh).pdf"></a><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1445%20PC%20Meeting,%205%20November%202023%20(D%c3%a9claration%20de%20l%e2%80%99Union%20europ%c3%a9enne%20sur%20la%20situation%20au%20Haut-Karabakh).pdf">Déclaration de l’Union européenne sur la situation au Haut-Karabakh</a></span></p>

<span></span> <p style="background: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0c0c0c;"><strong>78^th General Assembly Third Committee, Advancement of Women (Item 25)<br /> </strong><strong>Statement by H.E. Jörundur Valtýsson, Permanent Representative of Iceland<br /> </strong></span><strong><span style="color: #0c0c0c;">New York, 4 October 2023</span><br /> <br /> </strong><span>Thank you, Mr. / Madam Chair,<br /> <br /> As this is the first time Iceland takes the floor this session, allow me to begin by congratulating you and other members of the Bureau on your election. We look forward to working under your steadfast stewardship.<br /> <br /> Iceland aligns itself with the joint statement read by the United Arab Emirates on the deplorable situation of women in Afghanistan. Member States represented here today may disagree on many agenda items, but no-one can deny that the setback of Afghan women’s rights under Taliban control requires our urgent action.<br /> <br /> Mr. / Madam Chair,<br /> <br /> Shifting the attention much closer, namely to the UNGA General Debate two weeks ago, the representation of only twenty-one women speaking on behalf of their governments was a disheartening example of how far we are from achieving full, equal and meaningful political participation of women.<br /> <br /> Astonishingly, there are only 28 women serving as Heads of State and Government in the world. Today, women represent only one in four members of parliaments worldwide and the numbers of female cabinet ministers are even lower.<br /> <br /> According to UN Women, gender parity in the highest positions of power will not be reached for another 130 years if we continue at this current rate. Should this turn out to be the case, we might reach gender parity at the 208th session of the General Assembly.<br /> <br /> Mr. / Madame Chair,<br /> <br /> Social, cultural and economic impediments to women and girls’ participation in political and public life are all too familiar. They do not only challenge women’s rights but also the functioning of democracy. These impediments are often perpetuated by social norms and gender roles, but also local laws and customs, as well as media, including social media. Algorithms and artificial intelligence that are designed mostly by men, and by implication for men, are bound to exacerbate the inequality in the world.<br /> <br /> Rapid advances and new technologies have also opened new fronts in the battle against gender-based violence. Old patterns of misogyny, intimidation, and gender-based violence are increasingly finding new platforms to spread, intimidate and pose real threats to the security of women and girls.<br /> <br /> Recent numbers show that roughly two-in-five women have experienced technologically facilitated gender-based violence. Younger women are more likely to have been the victim of such violence and adolescent girls are a particularly vulnerable group in this regard. If we do not act to reverse this trend, more women and girls will opt to self-censorship and withdraw from public spaces. In other words, the exact opposite of what we wish for the future generations to come.<br /> <br /> Whenever new technologies are on our agenda, we must address the immense gendered impacts they are having, especially on young women and girls. We must also engage men and boys, so they become agents of change in promoting gender equality and eliminating gender-based violence.<br /> <br /> Mr. / Madam Chair,<br /> <br /> We are witnessing increased polarization and deepening divisions with global backlash on gender equality and human rights - even the ones collectively agreed as part of the Sustainable Development Goals.<br /> <br /> Women’s rights and equality continue to be at the heart of Iceland’s foreign and international development policy. This includes access for all women and girls to the full range of sexual and reproductive health and rights services. To do that, they must be aware of, and understand, their ability to realize these rights – hence the importance of comprehensive sexuality education. Women must also be able to have control over and decide freely and responsibly on matters relating to their sexuality and bodily autonomy.<br /> <br /> Mr. / Madam Chair,<br /> <br /> Fighting for equality is not a fight for lofty principles. The belief that everyone should enjoy their fundamental freedoms and dignity is as practical as it is principled. Discrimination comes at a cost to society; both human and economic.<br /> <br /> If we are to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and truly “Leave No One Behind”, we must guarantee non-discrimination and equality of all. That includes men, women and anyone identifying as neither. Human rights, equality and diversity are strengths and enablers of the sustainable progression of societies – not a luxury or an afterthought.<br /> <br /> Thank you.</span></p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/FSC%20Side%20Event,%204%20October%202023%20(International%20Humanitarian%20Law.pdf">EU Statement on International Humanitarian Law</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Statement%20by%20Iceland%20at%20the%20Opening%20Session%20of%20the%20Warsaw%20Human%20Dimension%20Conference,%202%20October%202023.pdf">Statement delivered by H.E. Helga Hauksdóttir, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Iceland, at the Opening Session of the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference, 2 October 2023</a>&nbsp;</span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1444%20PC,%20Meeting%2028%20September%202023%20(Russian%20Federation%e2%80%98s%20Ongoing%20Aggression%20Against%20Ukraine).pdf">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1444%20PC%20Meeting,%2028%20September%202023%20(Recent%20Developments%20in%20the%20North%20of%20Kosovo).pdf">EU Statement on the recent developments in the north of Kosovo</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1444%20PC%20Meeting,%2028%20September%202023%20(Current%20Issue%20to%20be%20raised%20by%20the%20US).pdf">EU Statement in response to the Current Issue to be raised by the US</a></span>

<span></span> <p class="Default" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council - 54th Session</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3:</strong> <strong>Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Indigenous Peoples</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>28 September 2023</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries: Denmark together with Greenland, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, and my own Iceland.</p> <p>We welcome the report presented by the Special Rapporteur on green financing, which provides insight to this important topic. </p> <p>Indigenous Peoples globally are the most affected by environmental harms. In the Arctic the temperatures continue to rise at three times the global annual average. Climate change threatens nature, and the livelihood of Indigenous Peoples. </p> <p>When developing green financed projects, two central concepts are human rights-based approach and sustainability. Additionally, it is crucial that politicians and authorities have knowledge of Indigenous Peoples’ culture and traditional ways of living. When projects are planned and developed authorities are obliged to consult with affected Indigenous Peoples. </p> <p>Consultations with the Indigenous Peoples concerned, including Indigenous women, imply that a real effort should be made with the aim to reach agreement on the proposed measures. </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>Special Rapporteur: Why are consultations with Indigenous Peoples particularly important in the context of green financing?</span></p>

<p><strong>78th United Nations General Assembly&nbsp;<br /> General Debate 23 September 2023<br /> Statement by H.E. Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir<br /> Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland</strong><br /> <br /> <br /> Mr President, excellencies</p> <p>First, I would like to thank all those whose daily work is dedicated to the United Nations and its ideals.</p> <p>All across the globe people work in the name of the United Nations, wearing the colours and emblems of this organization, giving their effort in the pursuit of making our world a better place. Thank you.</p> <p>Thank you also to those who are responsible for keeping the buildings and offices clean and ready for business. Thank you to those who make sure that technology runs smoothly, to the translators and security staff, to the diplomats of the member states, and those who are entrusted with making decisions and bearing the responsibility of managing the day-to-day operations of the United Nations.</p> <p>In a large organization, each individual must do their part, and every task—no matter how mundane—is done in the name of our common cause and deserves to be done well. Everyone has a role to play, and all those roles are important.&nbsp;</p> <p>***</p> <p>Mr President.</p> <p>This week has been dominated by discussions of the many and serious problems that humankind faces. Most of these pressing problems do not respect national borders.&nbsp;</p> <p>We are now - more than ever in the history of mankind - in a state of mutual reliance and dependence.&nbsp;</p> <p>The problems created by some of us, often have dire consequences for others.&nbsp;</p> <p>A disruption in production in one part of the world impacts the well-being of people in another.</p> <p>Hateful rhetoric that is used for political gain in one country can spread with the speed of light across borders and poison public discourse in another.</p> <p>But, there are other and more uplifting parts of this reality.</p> <p>Solutions that are discovered in any distant region of the world can be transported and utilized across the globe in an instant.</p> <p>New ideas in culture, in science and in political thought don’t respect any national boundaries.</p> <p>Being interconnected also means that people are aware of each other’s humanity.</p> <p>***</p> <p>But, sadly—at the same time when we need it the most, multilateralism is in serious crisis.&nbsp;</p> <p>I believe that we are at a critical juncture—that when we look back at these times— 30 years from now—we will either look back with absolute sadness and horror to a catastrophe that could have been avoided, or these times will be considered a moment of strength, when the international system showed that it could withstand its toughest test without breaking apart.</p> <p>We need to take the long view and contemplate how our actions today will look a few decades from now.</p> <p>How leaders act and how institutions respond will determine the difference between hope and despair.</p> <p>This means the United Nations, and this means us, the people who are entrusted with positions of leadership and service.</p> <p>In this regard we all have a role to play, and each role is important.</p> <p>***</p> <p>Mr President.</p> <p>This year marks the halfway point for the ambitious Sustainable Development Goals set out in 2015. It is estimated that only 15 percent of the SDGs are currently on track for completion by 2030.</p> <p>Plainly speaking - it is halftime - and we are down by a big margin. During this week some positive steps have been taken at the SDG summit; but it will be actions, not words, that count.</p> <p>Iceland presented its second voluntary national review in July. As with many others, we have a mixed story to tell. Some of our goals are on track, others are not. My government remains committed to the timely implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2030. As for most of us, the second half will be decisive.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>The Paris Agreement is also in jeopardy. Over the past months, we have witnessed the increased intensity of climate change and natural disasters in the form of flooding draught and extreme weather patterns. Wildfires are battering every corner of the world. These have local and global ramifications, including increased food insecurity, poverty and hunger.</p> <p>This is not just a threat to some in distant parts of the world. This is an existential threat to us all. And it is the most vulnerable, especially women and children and poorer communities, that bear the brunt of these events, that are the consequences of problems that they had no part in creating.</p> <p>***</p> <p>Mr President.</p> <p>Where there is hope, it continues to be in co-operation and in a multilateral approach to solving problems.</p> <p>A recent example is the historic agreement reached earlier this year on marine biodiversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction, under the auspices of UNCLOS—our constitution of the ocean. The BBNJ agreement is a testament to the importance and effectiveness of multilateralism when it comes to tackling the triple planetary threat of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.&nbsp;</p> <p>It was an important milestone that Iceland is proud to have contributed to.</p> <p>***</p> <p>Mr President</p> <p>December marks the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is a milestone worth celebrating.</p> <p>The world has long since learned that when the rights of people are denied in one state, there is a real danger that the effect will be felt by others. Just as domestic violence is a societal problem, not a family matter—brutal treatment of citizens in one state of the UN is a matter that concerns us all.</p> <p>Earlier this month Iceland formally presented its candidature to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the term 2025–2027.&nbsp;</p> <p>Human rights are a key pillar of Iceland’s foreign and development policy, based on the conviction that all human rights are universal, indivisible, interrelated, interdependent and mutually reinforcing. Our candidature is endorsed by the Nordic countries.</p> <p>Member states in the Human Rights Council do not have to be perfect. None of us are. We can all do better, and we should all aim to do better.</p> <p>***</p> <p>Mr President.</p> <p>We are seeing a serious degradation of human rights in many member states.</p> <p>Women and girls in Afghanistan can’t go to school. Their basic freedoms are taken from them, and they live under cruel and violent suppression. I salute the bravery of the women, within Afghanistan and outside, who continue to bring the attention of the world to the horrors perpetuated by the Taliban.&nbsp;</p> <p>In Iran the authorities continue to deny women freedom and punish those who dissent. We should all listen to the voices of people who put themselves in danger by openly fighting for human rights.</p> <p>We are seeing degradation in the rights of LGBTI+ communities in many places.</p> <p>Of all the things people choose to worry about—I simply can never understand why people should not be allowed the freedom to love and be loved for who they are.</p> <p>***</p> <p>Mr President.</p> <p>The shocking treatment of women by many countries, and the blatant inequalities in even more countries, are not only a terribly sad and unfair situation for the women of those countries.</p> <p>Quite frankly it makes no sense.</p> <p>I come from a country that is considered to have a very strong record when it comes to gender equality. And Iceland is fortunate enough to be a society that has developed from being among the poorest in Europe to one of the most prosperous since we became an independent Republic almost 80 years ago.</p> <p>The fact of our equality and the fact of our prosperity are strongly linked.</p> <p>We do not have gender equality in Iceland because it is a luxury we can afford.</p> <p>It is gender equality that has made us strong.</p> <p>***</p> <p>Mr President.</p> <p>In Belarus opponents of the regime are jailed and exiled while the rulers align themselves with Russia´s war in Ukraine. All of those who dedicate themselves to ensuring human rights and freedoms for the people of Belarus deserve to be listened to and supported.</p> <p>And there are so many other places around the world where people are being punished for their opinions and for challenging authorities.</p> <p>Civil society, media and freedom of speech are being undermined, not only in autocratic countries, but all over the world.</p> <p>Cases of people being arbitrarily detained by governments are on the rise and are deeply troubling.</p> <p>There is a trend in the direction of deterioration of democratic values and civil rights—often led by populist politicians who offer simplistic solutions to complex problems.</p> <p>They spread suspicion, peddle misinformation and foster polarization in their societies.</p> <p>This poses a dilemma. Those who undermine democratic norms do so under the protection of the same human rights they are attacking.&nbsp;</p> <p>And while some of these rights are misused, it is also clear that we will need to rely on human made solutions to our human made problems. And this will rely on the creative and innovative thinking of individuals who have the freedom to express their thoughts, to challenge the status quo and to test their ideas, services and products in an open and competitive society.&nbsp;</p> <p>Artificial intelligence asks some serious questions that will demand close multilateral co-operation to avoid the very real risk of this technology becoming a tool of destruction rather than creation.</p> <p>We must also bear in mind that the promise of human rights and freedom applies to individuals and does not necessarily extend to state sponsored propaganda or artificially generated misinformation that is intended to sow discord and disunity.</p> <p>Freedom of expression is for human beings, not for programmed bots that spread hate, lies and fear. Human rights are for human beings.</p> <p>***</p> <p>Mr President.</p> <p>Military coups are proliferating in Africa, the situation in Sudan is deteriorating, the Taliban regime tightens the grip in Afghanistan, the military junta in Myanmar continues to commit atrocities and the conflict between Israel and Palestine frequently flairs up with the two-state solution nowhere in sight.</p> <p>Russia’s war of territorial aggression is not only a brutal assault on Ukraine and its people - it is also an unprecedented affront to the international system.</p> <p>This madness has been ongoing for over 18 months and is the sole responsibility of a permanent member of the Security Council, which should be acting on behalf of the UN membership as a guardian of international peace and security. Instead, the Russian Federation chooses to viciously attack a neighbouring country in complete violation of the UN Charter and international law.&nbsp;</p> <p>Iceland is proud to have been at the helm when the Council of Europe decided last May to establish a Register for Damage incurred by the Russian invasion in Ukraine. This is an important step in seeking reparations after the war and holding perpetrators to account.&nbsp;</p> <p>Every country of the world and humankind as a whole, stands to lose if the international community allows wars of neo-colonial conquest by large powers against its neighbours.</p> <p>There are many grey zones in world affairs. This is not one of them.</p> <p>Russia is the aggressor and must be stopped.</p> <p>Ukraine is rightly defending its land, and by extension our international system. It must be supported.</p> <p>***</p> <p>Mr President.</p> <p>Mankind does not only create problems. We also create solutions, and some of these solutions border on being miraculous.</p> <p>In fact—this very organization, and the system of international and multilateral co-operation of which it is both the pinnacle and foundation—is an example of a man-made solution to man-made problems.&nbsp;</p> <p>But maintaining relevance and importance throughout many decades is no easy task. It falls to the organization itself, but more crucially to its member states, to avoid the pitfalls that put in jeopardy all organizations as they age; that they take on a life of their own, increasingly independent from their original aims.</p> <p>We will need to be creative, innovative and willing to look critically at how things are done, with the aim of finding ever better ways of serving the states and people of the world.<br /> We need reforms to the United Nations Security Council that reflect a much changed and evolved world since the institution was set up.</p> <p>And we need more high-level dialogue that is open and unscripted. Where the people responsible for the making important decisions can engage with each other, exchange views.</p> <p>Sometimes it is difficult to talk to people that you don’t agree with. But I have never found it to be harmful.&nbsp;</p> <p>The people of this organization, and us—people who hold positions of leadership in member states—are all human beings that benefit from being in the company of other human beings.<br /> The United Nations must be modern and change with the times.&nbsp; This system—a miracle of the human spirit when it was first set up—must earn its legitimacy over and over again, as new generations replace those who hold memories of why our current world order, with all its flaws, is still vastly and completely superior to any known alternative.</p> <p>We have no alternative but to adapt. We all have a role to play, and each role is important.</p> <p>Failure is not an option.</p> <p>Thank you.</p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Statement%20by%20the%20Minister%20for%20Foreign%20Affairs%20of%20Iceland%20at%20the%20OSCE%20Permanent%20Council,%2026%20September%202023.pdf">Statement delivered by by H.E. Mrs. Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland at the OSCE Permanent Council, 26 September 2023</a></span>

<span></span> <p class="paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><span><strong><span>Human Rights Council – 54th session</span></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 4 General Debate: Human rights situations that require the Council’s attention</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Iceland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>26 September 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>Iceland reiterates its condemnation, in the strongest possible terms, of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine with mounting evidence of war crimes and other violations of international human rights and humanitarian law resulting in atrocious human suffering and loss of life.</p> <p>In Russia, the widespread and systematic curtailment of human rights and crackdown on civic space is of serious concern. We continue to condemn the severe limitation on freedom of opinion and expression, crackdown on independent media and all types of opposition.</p> <p>In Belarus, we are gravely concerned about the deteriorating human rights situation, including continuous systemic repression and politically motivated sentencing of civil society, including human rights defenders, and political opponents for exercising their right to freedom of expression.</p> <p>In Afghanistan, we condemn the Taliban for their systematic discrimination against women and girls which may amount to gender persecution, a crime against humanity.</p> <p>Iceland reiterates its concern about the serious human rights situation in China, including in Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and Tibet. We urge China to abide by its obligations under international human rights law, especially the right to freedom of expression and the rights of persons belonging to minorities.</p> <p>In Iran, we are deeply concerned about reports of authorities reinforcing actions to quell dissent, including through surveillance technology, and the exacerbating punitive measures against those exercising their fundamental rights. We urge the authorities to repeal the new Chastity and Hijab Bill and to eliminate, in law and in practice, the systemic discrimination against women and girls in public and private life.</p> <p>In closing, Iceland refers to Nordic-Baltic statements made in the interactive dialogues under item 4, including on Russia, Syria, Belarus and Myanmar.</p> <p>I thank you.</p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Joint%20Statement%20on%20the%20first%20anniversary%20of%20the%20Moscow%20Mechanism%20Report%20at%20the%20OSCE%20Permanent%20Council,%2022%20September%202023.pdf">Joint Statement on the first anniversary of the Moscow Mechanism Report on the threat to the fulfilment of the provisions of the human dimension posed by human rights violations and abuses in the Russian Federation at the OSCE Permanent Council, 22 September 2023</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1442%20PC%20Meeting,%2021%20September%202023%20(Russia%e2%80%99s%20Detention%20of%20OSCE%20Officials%20as%20Part%20of%20its%20War%20of%20Aggression%20Against%20Ukraine).pdf">EU Statement on Russia’s detention of OSCE officials as part of its war of aggression against Ukraine (Current issue to be raised by the US)</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1055%20FSC,%2020%20September%202023%20(Russia%e2%80%98s%20War%20of%20Aggression%20Against%20Ukraine).pdf">EU Statement on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine</a></span>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1055%20FSC,%2020%20September%202023%20(Mine%20Action).pdf">EU Statement on Mine Action</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/EU%20Statement%20on%20Mine%20Action%20(French).pdf"><span></span>EU Statement on Mine Action (French)</a></span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>delivered by</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Permanent Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Martin Eyjólfsson</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>14 September 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, and my own country Iceland.</p> <p>We thank the Special Rapporteur for his report that emphasizes the importance of restoring the good condition of the aquatic ecosystems that supply water to ensure the right to safe and clean drinking water and sanitation. </p> <p>We concur that equal access to drinking water and sanitation goes hand in hand with the importance of climate change adaptation strategies to counter the increasing risks of drought and floods caused by climate change. </p> <p>The overexploitation and pollution of aquatic ecosystems as well as mismanagement of rivers, lakes, wetlands and aquifers and their impact on the realization of the right to safe and clean drinking water and sanitation is of great concern. These impacts are disproportionate in territories of those who suffer marginalization and discrimination.</p> <p>It is clear that democratic water governance based on a human rights approach, is needed, paving the way to a new environmental regeneration model based on sustainability. </p> <p>Special Rapporteur Indigenous Peoples have effectively protected aquatic ecosystems through their worldviews, practices and knowledge. How can we take this better into account?</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>I thank you.</span></p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1054%20FSC,%2013%20September%202023%20(Opening%20Statement).pdf">EU Opening Statement</a></span>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><span><strong><span>Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur </span></strong></span><strong>on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>delivered by </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Permanent Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Martin Eyjólfsson </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>13 September 2023</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country Iceland.</p> <p>We thank the Special Rapporteur for his detailed report on international legal standards underpinning the five pillars of transitional justice.</p> <p>We concur that respect for and compliance with international human rights law and humanitarian law are the parameters for implementing and measuring transitional justice processes. Due consideration must be given to principles of non-discrimination with the aim of addressing root causes of serious human rights violations. Full compliance with human rights is vital to generate truth, justice, peace and security. </p> <p>The international human rights obligations of States are applicable to transitional justice processes. States have the obligation to address serious violations of human rights and humanitarian law and ensure that perpetrators are held to account. As emphasized in the report, impunity in transitional processes is of great concern. Failure to close the impunity gap emboldens perpetrators and encourages re-occurrence. </p> <p>Special Rapporteur, how can States ensure a comprehensive approach combining the elements of each pillar in a mutually reinforcing manner? </p> <p><span>I thank you.</span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Item 2: Annual report of HC for Human Rights and report of OHCHR and SG</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>General Debate on the High Commissioner’s Oral Update</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Iceland</strong><strong> </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>13 September 2023</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I thank the High Commissioner for his update.</p> <p>The Human Rights Council draws strength from its diversity and respect for different backgrounds. That being said, there is no denying that this Council is increasingly struggling to find consensus.</p> <p>We are reminded of these differences when the rights of women and girls are on the Council’s agenda, and the polarization increases exponentially when the rights of LGBTI persons are discussed. </p> <p>Similarly, when the right to freedom of religion or belief and the right to freedom of opinion and expression are up for discussion, this Council finds itself in what some have referred to as a “clash” of civilizations.</p> <p>Let us be cognizant that behind these debates there are individuals. Individuals who face discrimination and persecution. Individuals who fear for their lives. Individuals who are not granted the same recognition and rights as those of us sitting in this very room.</p> <p>No society is perfect, and we all represent our respective governments. However, when emotions are running high, let us be mindful that this Council has a precious mandate. Individuals count on us. Their lives may depend on our work.</p> <p>The advancement of human rights is inherently an ongoing process. We as humans continue to learn from past mistakes. Policies and practices that were seen as acceptable are now recognized as human rights violations.</p> <p>Irrespective of our governments’ national positions, let us not forget that lives are at stake.</p> <p class="paragraph" style="text-align: justify;"><span>I thank you.</span></p>

<span></span> <p style="background: white; text-align: center;"><strong><span>Item 2: </span></strong><strong>Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner’s oral update on the Sudan</strong> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>12 September 2023</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, and my own country Iceland.</p> <p><strong>We thank the High Commissioner for his update.</strong></p> <p>The human rights and humanitarian situation in Sudan has deteriorated even further since his last update to the Human Rights Council in June. Every week there are new allegations of grave human rights violations and abuses, as well as violations of international humanitarian law, by both parties to the conflict. We are alarmed by reports of sexual and gender-based violence, as well as the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict. </p> <p>Humanitarian needs are enormous. We once again call on all parties to the conflict to respect and ensure respect for international humanitarian law and to facilitate full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access. 19 aid workers have been killed in Sudan this year alone.</p> <p>The violence has to stop now. All parties to the conflict must agree and adhere to an immediate ceasefire and civilians need to be protected.</p> <p>High Commissioner, given the dire situation and the lack of access to Sudan, what tools do we have at our disposal to best protect the human rights of people in Sudan? </p> <p style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span>I thank you.</span></p>

<span></span> <p class="Default" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Item 2: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan (oral update)</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>11 September 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic Baltic Countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, and my own country Iceland.</p> <p>We commend the Special Rapporteur for his steadfast commitment to the Afghan people and his sobering advice to the de facto authorities and the international community.&nbsp; </p> <p>Grim does not even begin to capture the lived realities of Afghan women and girls. </p> <p>In little over two years, the Taliban have undone hard-won gender equality gains through draconian, oppressive and misogynistic directives.&nbsp; </p> <p>Their systematic discrimination against Afghan women and girls may amount to gender persecution, a crime against humanity.</p> <p>The exclusion of half of Afghanistan’s population, from most spheres of life, severely limits the country’s economic recovery, with detrimental consequences for the entire Afghan society. </p> <p>We applaud Afghan women and girls, who continue to show immense resilience and defiance. Without them, Afghanistan will never achieve peace, prosperity and stability. </p> <p>What scope does the Special Rapporteur see for promoting opportunities for Afghan women and girls to make their voices heard and influence their own future?</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>I thank you. </span></p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Joint%20Statement%20on%20the%2015%20Year%20Anniversary%20of%20the%20Full%20Scale%20Military%20Aggression%20against%20Georgia%20by%20the%20Russian%20Federation,%208%20September%202023.pdf">Joint Statement on the 15 Year Anniversary of the Full Scale Military Aggression against Georgia by the Russian Federation, 8 September 2023</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Joint%20Statement%20on%20the%20Anniversary%20of%20the%20Fraudulent%20Presidential%20Elections%20in%20Belarus%20at%20the%20OSCE%20Permanent%20Council,%208%20September%202023.pdf">Joint Statement on the Anniversary of the Fraudulent Presidential Elections in Belarus delivered by Chargé d‘Affaires Knut-Are Okstad at the OSCE Permanent Council, 8 September 2023</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1438%20PC%20Meeting,%207%20September%202023%20(Russian%20Federation%e2%80%98s%20Ongoing%20Aggression%20Against%20Ukraine).pdf">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1438%20PC%20Meeting,%207%20September%202023%20(Address%20by%20the%20President%20of%20the%20OSCE%20Parliamentary%20Assembly).pdf">EU Statement in Response to the Address by the President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Ms Pia Kauma</a></span>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1438%20PC%20Meeting,%207%20September%202023%20(Permanent%20Council%20decision%20on%20the%20appointment%20of%20the%20External%20Auditor).pdf">EU Statement on a draft Permanent Council decision on the appointment of the External Auditor</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/EU%20Statement%20on%20a%20draft%20Permanent%20Council%20decision%20on%20the%20appointment%20of%20the%20External%20Auditor%20(French).pdf">EU Statement on a draft Permanent Council decision on the appointment of the External Auditor (French)</a></span></p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Statement%20by%20Iceland%20at%20the%20CiO%20Gender%20Equality%20and%20Women%e2%80%99s%20Empowerment%20Conference,%206%20September%202023.pdf">Statement by Iceland delivered by Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Iceland, Helga Hauksdóttir, at the CiO Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Conference, 6 September 2023</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Joint%20Statement%20at%20the%20CiO%20Gender%20Equality%20and%20Women%e2%80%99s%20Empowerment%20Conference,%206%20September%202023.pdf">Joint Statement at the CiO Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Conference, 6 September 2023</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Statement%20by%20Iceland%20on%20the%20Russian%20Federation%e2%80%99s%20Ongoing%20Aggression%20against%20Ukraine%20at%20the%20OSCE%20Permanent%20Council,%2024%20August%202023.pdf">Statement by Iceland delivered by Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Iceland, Helga Hauksdóttir at the OSCE Permanent Council, 24 August 2023</a></span>

<span></span> <p><span>Delivered by H.E. Martin Bille Hermann, Permanent Representative of Denmark to the UN<br /> 03.08.2023</span></p> <p><span><br /> President,<br /> <br /> I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries: Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Denmark.<br /> <br /> President,&nbsp;<br /> <br /> This year has seen devastating effects of conflict in many regions, further compounded by the destructive consequences of climate change. The combined effects have upended the lives of millions of people. Hunger is on the march.<br /> <br /> In this context, <strong>we deplore Russia’s decision to withdraw from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, and condemn the subsequent Russian attacks on Ukrainian ports and grain facilities that are key to food security in many parts of the world.</strong> The Black Sea Grain Initiative has been critical for avoiding a further deterioration of the global food crisis; and it has helped stabilise global food prices which have already shown signs of an increase following Russia’s withdrawal.<br /> <br /> Resolution 2417 – which was unanimously adopted by the Security Council 5 years ago – strongly condemns the use of starvation as a method of warfare. It urges parties to armed conflict to protect civilian infrastructure and ensure the proper functioning of food systems and markets. And in this vein, The Nordic countries have joined the cross-regional group of countries who have co-signed the Joint Communique Condemning the Use of Food as Weapon of War, presented by the United States.<br /> <br /> In line with resolution 2417, <strong>we urge all parties to armed conflicts to fully comply with their obligations under International Humanitarian Law and to ensure safe, rapid, unrestricted humanitarian access and to not deprive civilians of objects indispensable for their survival.<br /> </strong><br /> Hunger leads to conflict. However, by developing long-term sustainable and effective global food systems, we can contribute to ending hunger and preventing conflict. <strong>We need to adopt policies and financial instruments to support robust, sustainable and scalable agriculture and food production.</strong><br /> <br /> In order to address the issue of hunger and conflict effectively, we need to work closely and efficiently together across the humanitarian - development – peace nexus, and to include climate action in this equation. Likewise, collaboration across the public and private sector as well as collaboration with affected populations are crucial to deliver the results we need. To this end, we must ensure the full, equal and meaningful participation, as well as protection and access to assistance, in particular for women and girls who are disproportionately affected by hunger worldwide.<br /> <br /> <strong>The Nordic Countries consider Anticipatory Action an important tool for taking action ahead of climate shocks to mitigate, reduce and sometimes even avert humanitarian needs and safeguard long-term development investments.</strong> Anticipatory Action is a cost-effective tool, saving more lives and livelihoods against climate-induced hunger through pre-positioning of supplies, including food items and items for food production.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> In the end, nothing is achieved without adequate, flexible, and predictable financial support to humanitarian and development assistance. The Nordic countries are and will continue to be reliable contributors of this type of funding.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> President,<br /> <br /> Let me reiterate that the Nordic countries will always stand firm on the side of International Humanitarian Law. In this context, we call for universal ratification of the Rome Statute of the ICC, as well as the two 1977 additional protocols to the Geneva Conventions. This would further strengthen international cooperation in the fight to end the use of starvation as a method of warfare.<br /> <br /> Thank you.<br /> <br /> </span></p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/31.7.2023%20-%20Final%20-%20EU%20Statement%20-%20NPT%20PrepCom%20%20-%20General%20Debate.pdf"></a><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/31.7.2023%20-%20Final%20-%20EU%20Statement%20-%20NPT%20PrepCom%20%20-%20General%20Debate.pdf">EU Statement at General Debate</a><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"></span></span>

<span></span> <p><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=1e28780e-3872-11ef-b886-005056bcde1f">EU Interpretative Statement under Paragraph IV.1(A)6 of the OSCE Rules of Procedure on the Permanent Council Decision to Extend the Mandate of the OSCE Mission to Moldova for Six Months</a></p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Joint%20Statement%20on%20the%20World%20Day%20Against%20Trafficking%20in%20Persons%20at%20the%20OSCE%20Permanent%20Council,%2027%20July%202023.pdf">Joint Statement on the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons delivered by Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to the OSCE Ambassador Neil Holland at the OSCE Permanent Council, 27 July 2023</a></span>

<a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/26.7.2023%20-%20EU%20Closing%20Statement%20-%20OSCE%20Forum%20for%20Security%20Co-operation%201053.pdf">EU Closing Statement</a>

<a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/25.7.2023%20-%20EU%20Statement%20on%20the%20Russian%20Federation%e2%80%99s%20ongoing%20aggression%20against%20Ukraine%20-%20OSCE%20Special%20Permanent%20Council%20No.1435.pdf">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine</a>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/20.7.2023%20-%20EU%20Statement%20in%20response%20to%20the%20OSCE%20Secretary%20General%e2%80%99s%20Report%20on%20the%20OSCE%e2%80%99s%20Response%20to%20the%20Implications%20of%20Afghanistan%20for%20the%20OSCE%20Region%20-%20OSCE%20Permanent%20Council%20No.1434.pdf">EU Statement in response to the OSCE Secretary General’s Report on the OSCE’s Response to the Implications of Afghanistan for the OSCE Region&nbsp;</a></span>

<span lang="EN-GB"><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/20.7.2023%20-%20EU%20Statement%20on%20the%20ninth%20anniversary%20of%20the%20downing%20of%20Malaysia%20Airlines%20flight%20MH17%20on%2017%20July%202014%20-%20OSCE%20Permanent%20Council%20No.1434.pdf">EU Statement on the ninth anniversary of the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 on 17 July 2014</a></span>

<a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/20.7.2023%20-%20EU%20Statement%20on%20the%2058th%20round%20of%20the%20Geneve%20International%20Discussions%20-%20OSCE%20Permanent%20Council%20No.1434.pdf">EU Statement on the 58th round of the Geneva International Discussions&nbsp;</a>

<a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/20.7.2023%20-%20EU%20Statement%20on%20the%20Russian%20Federation%e2%80%99s%20ongoing%20aggression%20against%20Ukraine%20-%20OSCE%20Permanent%20Council%20No.1434.pdf">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine</a>

<p>Delivered by H.E. Martin Bille Hermann, Permanent Representative of Denmark to the UN<br /> 19.07.2023</p> <p>Check Against Delivery<br /> <br /> </p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries – Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and my own country, Denmark.<br /> <br /> Dear colleagues. We find ourselves in this hall once again deliberating on an incomprehensible situation: A permanent member of the Security Council has abused their veto power to block humanitarian aid from crossing into northern Syria. The cross-border mechanism should never have been subject to a veto and its use is a blatant disregard for the suffering of the affected people.<br /> <br /> Mr. President<br /> <br /> Although we regret the need to convene another debate about the use of a veto in the Security Council, we welcome this opportunity for the General Assembly to discuss the use of veto by Russia on 11 July.<br /> <br /> We underline the significance of resolution 76/262. The adoption of the veto-initiative is an important step in making the Council more transparent and accountable, and has paved the way for our debate today.<br /> <br /> We would like to thank the Security Council for sending the Special Report, and would like to see it being formally adopted in a transparent way as well as reflected in the Council’s Annual Report to the General Assembly.<br /> <br /> We – as signatories to the Charter of the UN – have entrusted the Security Council with the primary responsibility to maintain international peace and security and to discharge its duties in accordance with the purposes and principles of the United Nations. The misuse of the veto to prevent the Council from discharging its duties is a matter of great concern – and in this case, it has forced the Council to inaction on a matter of life and death.<br /> <br /> This meeting is another opportunity to convey the urgent need for increased restraint in the use of the veto and for more transparency and accountability when the veto power is used. This debate provides a much-needed occasion for Russia to explain itself and for other member states to express their opinion on this matter.<br /> <br /> We would like to express our strongest possible support for the penholders, Brazil and Switzerland.<br /> <br /> The Secretary-General and humanitarian organizations operating on the ground have consistently stressed that humanitarian imperatives called for a predictable 12-month extension of the mandate to allow for adequate planning and implementation. The final draft resolution put forward by Brazil and Switzerland suggested a 9 month extension, and reflected a fair and careful compromise. It was in no way ideal, but would have secured humanitarian relief through the harsh winter months. <br /> <br /> At a time when Russia stood isolated in the Council with its veto, we are also grateful - once again - for the role played by the elected members. The E10’s collective voice of conscience and the invaluable effort by the penholders, sends a strong and important message of unity when it comes to humanitarian work in the Council.<br /> <br /> Mr. President.<br /> <br /> The war in Syria has caused appalling amounts of human suffering, and earlier this year the people of Syria were hit by yet another catastrophe. An earthquake sent humanitarian needs soaring to the great detriment of people in the most vulnerable situation.<br /> <br /> This adds woes to an already dire situation.<br /> <br /> At a moment when relief is needed more than ever, it is appalling to observe a permanent member obstruct Council action, that would provide critical humanitarian relief to people with immense needs.<br /> <br /> On 13 July the Government of Syria announced in a letter that they have opened the Bab al-Hawa border crossing.<br /> <br /> The United Nation has expressed the need to clarify this letter. We stress the importance of the United Nation’s independence, impartiality, and neutrality. Furthermore, the UN has to be able to communicate with all relevant state and non-state parties, as operationally necessary, to carry out safe and unimpeded humanitarian operations.<br /> <br /> We call on all parties including Syria to find a solution that would allow for sustained, predictable and unconditional humanitarian assistance in line with international humanitarian law and the humanitarian principles, including through the Bab al-Hawa border crossing.<br /> <br /> We also call on the Security Council to undertake every effort to find a solution that would enable cross-border assistance to continue without conditions and in line with the humanitarian principles.<br /> <br /> Mr. President,<br /> <br /> In light of yet another veto in the Council, we are once again reminded of why reform of the Security Council is necessary. We encourage all Member States to support the French-Mexican initiative and the ACT Code of Conduct.<br /> <br /> The Council does its work on behalf of all UN Members, its decisions affect us all. It therefore marks an important progress that resolution 76/262 holds it accountable.<br /> <br /> In light of latest developments, we would encourage the wider UN membership to be ready to take decisive action in the General Assembly. Action that would allow for the delivery of humanitarian assistance to affected people in line with international humanitarian law and humanitarian principles.<br /> <br /> We hope that the General Assembly today sends a clear signal that life-saving humanitarian assistance must not be politicized. And it should never be made subject to a veto. The legitimacy of this very organization depends on it and most importantly, countless human lives depend on it.<br /> <br /> Thank you.</p>

<p>Written Statement by H.E. Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland</p> <p>Commemoration of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, 17 July 2023</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Madame President.</p> <p>Since the adoption of the Rome Statute 25 years ago, the International Criminal Court has made pivotal progress, shaping international criminal law, and contributing to justice for victims of international crimes. Building on the experience from the past, the international community managed to establish a permanent international court trying the most serious crimes of international concern. This was a huge achievement.</p> <p>A paramount characteristic of the ICC is that within its remit, no one is above the law. Even heads of state and government are subject to the court's scrutiny. And, as a court that must act within the foundational principles of the rule of law, it must retain its absolute independence from any outside influence.</p> <p>However, the Court and the continued progress of its work is contingent on the States Parties and their support.</p> <p>In 2022 Iceland responded to the Court’s plea for further funding and provided an additional, unearmarked, contribution of 100 thousand Euros, doubling Iceland’s annual contribution. This was done again this year. The efficiency of the ICC is dependent on the cooperation, both financial and practical, of all its States Parties. </p> <p>All efforts of the Court should build on a victim-oriented approach. The ICC must be able to fulfil its core purpose of delivering justice to victims. A crucial element of the Court’s delivery of justice is implemented by the Trust Fund for Victims. Iceland is proud to contribute annually to the ICC Trust Fund for Victims. </p> <p>Iceland welcomes the work of the Office of the Prosecutor to systematically address sexual and gender-based crimes, and its efforts to put focus on the investigation and prosecution of gender persecution.</p> <p>To ensure consistent and sustainable support for the ICC there needs to be effective outreach and consistent implementation of the Court’s mandate across the situations and cases under its jurisdiction.</p> <p>Iceland calls on all States that have not yet become party to the Rome Statute to become States Parties. Our common goal is to put an end to impunity for the perpetrators of the gravest crimes that threaten the peace, security, and well-being of the world, and to contribute to the prevention of such crimes. This goal has not been reached and we must work together to realise it.</p>

<p>Delivered by Lotte Machon, Deputy Minister for Development Policy of Denmark<br /> <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Check Against Delivery<br /> <br /> President,</p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden – and my own country Denmark.</p> <p>As Russia’s brutal war in Ukraine rages on, we must recall that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine did not start last year.</p> <p>Nine years ago, the Russian Federation launched a hybrid aggression in the east of Ukraine and illegally annexed Crimea and Sevastopol.</p> <p>But since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine last year, Russia has further illegally occupied and annexed parts of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions of Ukraine, in addition to parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, which it had occupied by proxy since 2014. All in clear violation of international law, including the UN Charter.</p> <p>The human rights situation in the temporarily occupied territories has severely deteriorated since 2014, and has become critical since the full-scale invasion last year. Credible reports show that residents, especially Crimean Tartars and those perceived as pro-Ukrainian, face systematic restrictions of their human rights and fundamental freedoms, such as the rights to freedom of expression, religion or belief, association and peaceful assembly.</p> <p>We also continue to witness systematic violations of international humanitarian law, with reports of illegal detentions, torture, ill-treatment, summary executions of prisoners of war, rampant use of sexual violence and indiscriminate attacks against civilians, including children and civilian objects. In addition, there are reports of illegal deportations and transfers of Ukrainian children out of Ukraine, as well as forced adoptions, which constitute a potential war crime. In this regard, we have taken note of the decision of the International Criminal Court to issue arrest warrants against President Putin and Presidential Commissioner for Children's Rights Lvova-Belova.</p> <p>Moreover, reports show that Russia continues the forced adoption of Russian passports in territories under its temporary illegal occupation. This leaves Ukrainian citizens, who do not acquire Russian passports, at real risk of being deported from their homes, in violation of international law. And in yet another violation of international law, Russia has announced its intention to hold “elections” in September in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.</p> <p>These violations are compounded by the severity of the humanitarian needs of the civilian population in the temporarily occupied areas. We are deeply concerned that it has become nearly impossible for international monitoring bodies and humanitarian actors to gain safe and unhindered access to these areas, dramatically worsening the humanitarian situation on the ground.</p> <p>We reiterate our condemnation of these actions as clear violations of international law and call on Russia to immediately end all hostilities and immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from the entire territory of Ukraine.</p> <p>We also condemn the continued military support for Russia’s war of aggression provided by Iran and Belarus.</p> <p>We reaffirm our unwavering support to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders, including its territorial waters.</p> <p>We emphasize the importance of accountability for violations of international law, including human rights and international humanitarian law, committed in the temporarily occupied territories. We are committed to holding all perpetrators accountable for the crimes committed in connection with Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. We welcome progress towards the establishment of an appropriate mechanism for the prosecution of the crime of aggression, which is of concern to the international community as a whole. Impunity for these acts undermines the prospects for reconciliation and lasting peace, and diminishes the possibility of justice for victims and survivors.</p> <p>We call for a thorough and independent investigation into all alleged violations of international law, ensuring that those responsible are held accountable through fair and transparent legal processes. We welcome the establishment of the Register of Damage, as agreed at the Council of Europe Summit in Reykjavík, as a first step toward an international compensation mechanism for victims of Russia’s aggression. And we look forward to the meeting of Ministers of Justice in Riga in September.</p> <p>The Nordic-Baltic States stand united in our condemnation of Russia’s brutal aggression against Ukraine, as well as the ongoing illegal occupation. We stand united in support of Ukraine’s Peace Formula and call on the international community to work together to reach a comprehensive, just and lasting peace, consistent with the UN Charter.<br /> <br /> Thank you, Mr. President.</p>

<p>Statement by Eggert Benedikt Guðmundsson,<br /> Special Envoy for Sustainable Development <br /> High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Developmen </p> <p>18 July 2023, General debate<br /> <br /> <br /> Chair, Excellencies.<br /> <br /> The SDG Summit in September may mark the mid-point of the time that we have to implement the Sustainable Development Goals. But we are nowhere near halfway there yet, in terms of reaching the Goals. In fact we are even regressing on some of the targets. During the four years since the last SDG Summit, humanity has had to face incredible challenges – from COVID and climate change to conflicts. Many of these challenges are human made. We have no other option than to meet them, and to rapidly accelerate implementation of the SDGs; to work even harder than we thought. We know what to do.<br /> <br /> This year, Iceland presents its second Voluntary National Review. In the true democratic, multi-stakeholder spirit of Agenda 2030, in addition to the government assessment; the report includes chapters written several stakeholders. While progress is being made in many areas, the report demonstrates clearly how far we still must go to reach the targets of 2030.<br /> <br /> An important aspect of the work on the SDGs is the effect our work has on other countries - the spillover effects. Iceland is dedicated to analyzing and discussing the various spillover effects and the importance that governments address them in their policy-making and actions. Our Prime Minister mandated aspecial report on the topic, outlining the challenges and tasks at hand.<br /> <br /> To accelerate our progress towards the SDGs, a new cooperation platform, Sustainable Iceland, was established last year. Its purpose is to formulate a national strategy and action plan for sustainable development and coordinate the work of the government with various stakeholders. <br /> <br /> In addition to the SDG indicators, 40 wellbeing indicators have been established, monitoring the quality of life in Iceland and wellbeing by looking at factors beyond traditional economic measures such as GDP. <br /> <br /> The strategy work has two phases. First, we have compiled a status report, explaining the work in progress within the government and with the various stakeholders of the society. It also describes the progress already made. Furthermore, it outlines the challenges we must address in the coming years, at home and through international cooperation.<br /> <br /> The second phase is to develop an action plan for the years 2024 through 2030. This action plan will outline the priorities and focus areas of our work on the SDGs. These will emphasize gender equality, which is the SDG with the slowest global progress to date. On the domestic level, the need to reduce carbon emissions is a top priority. Our electrical energy and energy for house heating come exclusively from green sources, i.e. hydro and geothermal. Now we must complete the energy transition in transport on land, at sea, in the air, where more careful utilization of energy plays a crucial role and we also must reduce our emission through implementing the circular economy, continue to support research and innovation in green solutions and nature-based solution. <br /> <br /> The backbone of Sustainable Iceland is the National Sustainability Council. Its members include all ministers of the government, representatives from each party of the parliament, municipalities, the business sector, social partners and civil society organizations. <br /> <br /> Madame / Mr. Chair,<br /> <br /> Iceland remains fully committed to the SDGs and to implementing the 2030 Agenda nationally and through international cooperation. Our Prime Minister, Katrín Jakobsdóttir, will participate in the SDG summit in September, which will be a milestone event. The Icelandic government remains optimistic that the momentum being built here at the HLPF will accelerate dramatically the progress we all have to make towards the SDGs for 2030.<br /> <br /> Thank you!</p>

<p>Delivered by Lotte Machon, Deputy Minister for Development Policy of Denmark</p> <p>Check Against Delivery</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>Distinguished delegates,</p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the five Nordic countries, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden – and my own country Denmark.</p> <p>We thank Albania and the United States for convening this meeting and the Under-Secretary General for her briefing.</p> <p>The Nordic countries would like to express our grave concern over the grim humanitarian consequences of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, as well as the war’s devastating global implications in areas already affected by humanitarian crisis and food insecurity, such as the Sahel, the Horn of Africa, Yemen and beyond. All demand our immediate attention and concerted efforts.</p> <p>Today, the Nordics would like to share three messages on 1) the grave humanitarian situation in Ukraine, 2) the global implications of Russia’s aggression and the importance of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, and 3) our support to all meaningful initiatives towards a just peace.</p> <p>Russian drone attacks and missile strikes continue in Ukraine, with devastating effects for civilians and civilian infrastructure. On 9 July several civilian casualties were reported, in yet another attack, at a humanitarian aid distribution site in the frontline town of Orikhiv. Not far from there, Russia’s illegal military seizure of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant continues to pose devastating and widespread risks, in an area already severely affected by the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam.</p> <p>President,</p> <p>Attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure are prohibited under international law and may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. The same applies to the use of weapons and methods of warfare that have indiscriminate effects. We strongly condemn Russia’s indiscriminate warfare and intentional attacks on civilians, as well as Iran’s provision of drones to Russia, in violation of Security Council resolution 2231 of 2015. All those responsible must be held accountable for violations of international humanitarian law and violations and abuses of human rights against Ukraine’s civilian population, including the forcible transfer and deportation of children and conflict-related sexual violence.</p> <p>We also call on Russia to ensure full, safe and unhindered access for humanitarian actors to all areas under its temporary military control, as well as to persons detained by Russia or forcibly transferred by Russia, including children.</p> <p>Second, we are concerned with the future of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. The Initiative has helped avoid a further deterioration of the global food crisis amplified by Russia’s war on Ukraine. We welcome the active engagement by the Secretary-General and Türkiye in facilitating the Initiative.</p> <p>Since the launch of the Initiative, which has safely exported over 32 million tonnes of grain and food stuff, we have seen a lowering of global food prices. 56 percent of the exports have gone directly to developing countries. In May, exports dropped, however, to the lowest volume since the Initiative began, largely due to Russian obstructions in the inspection and registration of shipping vessels.</p> <p>Let us not forget that the Black Sea Grain Initiative would not have been needed, had it not been for the Russian aggression - and Russia obviously bears a heavy responsibility for ensuring its continuation and smooth operation. We deeply deplore today’s news that Russia has suspended the initiative and urge Russia to ensure a long-term rollover and full implementation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, in line with the Istanbul agreement, and to urgently lift all impediments that delay operations of the Initiative.</p> <p>President,</p> <p>The Nordics support all meaningful efforts to bring an end to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Such efforts must include Russia’s complete and unconditional withdrawal of its military forces from the entire territory of Ukraine, and respect for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. We stand ready to support Ukraine’s initiative for a just peace and all initiatives seeking to advance peace in line with the UN Charter, international law and relevant General Assembly resolutions. And we welcome the G7 Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine and intend to build on that framework to ensure Ukraine’s long-term security.</p> <p>In closing, the Nordics reaffirm our commitment to the UN founding principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. To the security and well-being of the people in Ukraine and everywhere. Our resolve is unwavering for as long as it takes.</p> <p>Thank you, Mr. President.</p>

<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 2: Enhanced interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan and the Working Group on discrimination against women and girls, on a report on the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint Statement by the EU on behalf of 57 Countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>19 June 2023</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>We are gravely concerned by the increasing and systematic erosion of respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of women and girls in Afghanistan by the de facto authorities, in particular women and girls’ lack of equal access to education, economic opportunities, including access to work, participation in public life, freedom of movement, justice, and basic services, the absence of which make peace, stability, and prosperity in the country unattainable</p> <p>Banning women from working for the United Nations, and national and international NGOs, is yet another alarming violation of Afghan women’s rights. These restrictions also undermine humanitarian principles, and severely impact the delivery of life-saving assistance and basic services to those most in need.</p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>The realization of women’s and girls’ rights is indispensable for achieving sustainable development, in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, in peace-building, and in the humanitarian response. </p> <p>We jointly call on de facto authorities to revisit their discriminatory policies. Women and girls have the right to live free from all forms of violence, to exercise all rights in accordance with international human rights law, and to contribute to the social and economic development of the Afghan society. </p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 2: Interactive dialogue with the High Commissioner for Human Rights</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint Statement by Australia on behalf of a Group of Countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>20 June 2023</strong></p> <p>Mr President, </p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of more than 37 countries. </p> <p>As we celebrate the 75^th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights this year, we reaffirm our commitment to the universality of human rights: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”. </p> <p>We also look ahead toward the 30^th anniversary of the International Day of Families. </p> <p>Families, in all their diversity, play a fundamental role in society. They can be critical in helping people, especially children, to realise their full potential, and bear most of the burden of care work. Supporting families is therefore an important element in promoting and protecting human rights. In turn, ensuring the respect, protection and fulfillment of the human rights of all creates an enabling environment where families can thrive.&nbsp; </p> <p>There is great diversity in families all around the world, and so this support must be inclusive of all family compositions, including multigenerational and extended families, single parent households, LGBTIQ+ families and Indigenous kinship groups. </p> <p>We recognise however, that families can also be the context in which human rights abuses occur, including intimate partner violence, non-partner family violence, violence against children, and elder abuse, amongst others. Gender inequalities and unequal power relations are among the root causes of this violence.&nbsp; In 2020, 58 per cent of women and girls killed, died at the hands of an intimate partner or family member. For this reason, it is critical we support families to be safe spaces for all, in which individuals’ human rights are respected.</p> <p>We are committed to supporting families, and call on States, the OHCHR and UN bodies to continue to apply an inclusive lens to families, and to ensure that equality, non-discrimination, and the universality of human rights remains at the centre of engagement in supporting families.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 2: Interactive dialogue on the annual report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint Statement on cultural preservation delivered by the United States of America on behalf of a Group of Countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>20 June 2023</strong></p> <p>Mr High Commissioner, we deliver this statement on behalf of a group of states.</p> <p>We begin by recalling the grievous history of destruction of diverse forms of indigenous and local cultures in many parts of the world, policies that have harmed these populations by denying them their beliefs, their history, and their dignity, while impoverishing humankind as a whole.</p> <p>International law prohibits discrimination, including that based on religious or ethnic identity, and protects minorities in the enjoyment of their culture, the professing of their religion, and the use of their language.</p> <p>Despite these clear obligations, in some parts of the world deplorable human rights violations are being committed against persons belonging to religious, linguistic, national, and ethnic minorities, often with the stated aim of mitigating a perceived security threat.&nbsp; Government laws and policies specifically restrict and suppress practices that are part of the identity and cultural life of persons belonging to minorities:&nbsp; authorities destroy cultural heritage sites, cemeteries and places of worship; suppress languages; forcibly assimilate children through the educational system; place severe restrictions on movement; and restrict access to livelihoods, education, and healthcare. </p> <p>Mr High Commissioner, we reiterate the importance of promoting universal respect for human rights.&nbsp; We call on all governments around the world, including our own government, to uphold their duties and respect the rights of persons belonging to minorities – to allow the culture of ethnic and religious minorities to flourish, and to respect the ability of everyone to worship as they please, to speak the language of their parents, as well as to use their traditional knowledge and to participate in the social institutions of their choice.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint Statement delivered by Argentina on behalf of the SOGI Group of Friends</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>21 June 2023</strong></p> <p>Mr President, </p> <p>As members of the SOGI Group of Friends, we strongly support the promotion and defence of the universal human rights system, emphasizing that human rights are indivisible, interdependent, mutually reinforcing, and, by their very nature, universal. </p> <p>In this sense, we reaffirm the importance of the work of this Council and the Independent Expert, for the protection of LGBTIQ+ persons against violence and discrimination in all regions, as well as for the progressive development of international human rights norms and standards. Globally, the LGBTIQ+ community still faces discrimination, violence and marginalization, and we need urgent actions to address these issues. This is why we celebrated the renewal of the mandate last year as a fundamental milestone for this topic.</p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>On this occasion, we wish to highlight and thank the exceptional work of Víctor Madrigal in his role as Independent Expert during his mandate, which is coming to an end. With commitment and responsibility, he managed to foster dialogue with stakeholders from all regions of the world, build consensus and move the international agenda on inclusion and diversity forward.</p> <p>We conclude by highlighting once again the commitment of our countries to the fight against all forms of violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and the importance to continue promoting the respect, protection, and realization of the human rights of LGBTIQ+ persons in the universal system of human rights, and reaffirming our commitment to the consolidation of the issue on the agenda of this Council.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint Statement on Femicides and Human Rights</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Delivered by Cyprus on behalf of 69 Countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>22 June 2023</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of a cross-regional group of 69 countries.</p> <p>Sexual and Gender-based violence against women and girls has alarmingly increased worldwide, amplified during the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2021, over 5 women and girls were killed by someone in their family, every hour.</p> <p>The gender-related killing of women and girls, also known as femicide or feminicide, constitutes the most extreme and brutal manifestation of violence against all women and girls and is prevalent in all regions and countries worldwide. A major problem is the difficulty of identifying the occurrence of femicide given the absence of data collection strategies and systems.</p> <p>The former Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women produced a landmark report in 2016, where she proposed the establishment of different levels of a “femicide watch” and observatories on violence against women and girls. The centrality of data collection and monitoring in State efforts to combat femicides was recognized by her, UN Women, and by the CEDAW Committee in recent years.</p> <p>Therefore, we encourage all States to acknowledge its existence, define gender-related killings in national legal frameworks, and develop prevention strategies to address it, including through education, to strengthen response systems through training service providers, law enforcement authorities, judicial officials, educators, health system workers, and other relevant stakeholders so they can recognize it and prevent its occurrence. Moreover, we need to develop, in advance, systems for collecting disaggregated data that specify the type of gender-based crime committed, the relationship between victim and perpetrator and the response regarding accountability and reparations. In this regard, we welcome UN Women and UNODC efforts to improve data collection through the Statistical Framework for measuring the gender-related killing of women and girls. </p> <p>This will allow us to take appropriate and effective action towards eradicating this heinous crime. We owe it to the victims and their families.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint Statement delivered by Belgium on behalf of a Group of Countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>26 June 2023</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>I deliver this statement on behalf of 35 countries, in order to express our deep collective concern about the findings published by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights last month. The report states that in March 2022 over 500 civilians were killed in the village of Moura, in central Mali, by elements of the Malian armed forces, with support from, and, I quote, “foreign military personnel”. Hidden behind this label lies the Wagner Group, whose presence in Mali is well-known and has been confirmed by Russian authorities, and which has contributed to continued instability and a rise in human rights violations both in Mali and in other areas of conflict.</p> <p>Mr President, this report provides harrowing details of summary executions, sexual and gender-based violence, torture and other ill-treatment, backed up by extensive evidence. This is despite the Malian authorities’ refusal to allow UN access to the site of the most serious reported atrocity committed in Mali in a decade. &nbsp;The report concluded that these acts could amount to war crimes and, depending on the circumstances, crimes against humanity. These cannot go unanswered and perpetrators must be held to account.&nbsp; The Malian authorities must investigate these allegations and all other reports of human rights violations and abuses regardless of the actors allegedly involved, fully, transparently, impartially and independently, and urgently implement the recommendations of this report to ensure, that both their own forces and foreign military personnel fully comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law. We call on the UN High Commissioner and the international community to continue to raise this matter with the Malian authorities, and for Malian authorities to ensure full protection of witnesses and human rights defenders.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Working Group on the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint Statement on the tobacco industry and human rights</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Delivered by Panama on behalf of a Group of Countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>26 June 2023</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of a group of countries.</p> <p>By virtue of the UNGP on Business and Human Rights, the tobacco industry has the responsibility to respect human rights across its supply chain. Yet, it continues to assert undue corporate influence in the implementation of tobacco control policies and regulations.</p> <p>Tobacco remains the leading cause of global preventable diseases, resulting in more than 8 million deaths annually, and it negatively affects the enjoyment of human rights throughout its whole life cycle, in particular the right to life and the right to health.</p> <p>We are deeply concerned about reports of persons at risk of trafficking for forced labour, child labour, exploitation and exposure to hazardous conditions while working in tobacco fields.</p> <p>This year marks the 20^th anniversary of the adoption of the WHO FCTC, which provides an international legal safeguard against corporate capture. We invite States that have not yet ratified it, to consider doing so. </p> <p>We wish to take this opportunity to encourage the Working Group to address the adverse impacts on human rights, health and the environment related to the tobacco industry, including on the grounds of,<em> inter alia</em>, age, gender, race, ethnicity and disability, as well as States’ obligations to respect, protect and fulfil human rights and their commitment to the SDGs and target 3.a, and to collaborate with the WHO FCTC Secretariat in this regard.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: </strong><strong>Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint Statement on safe learning environment</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Delivered by Kazakhstan on behalf of a Group of Countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>27 June 2023</strong></p> <p>Mr President, </p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of a Group of Countries.</p> <p>We thank the Special Rapporteur for her timely report.</p> <p>We concur that fundamental human right to education includes the right to be safe in education.</p> <p>Children should get the best possible start in life and have access to education in which every child, including adolescents, have ample opportunity to develop their individual capacities in a space where they feel safe, respected and valued. It is crucial for their physical, emotional, and mental well-being.</p> <p>We are committed to implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in its entirety, especially the SDGs and targets aimed at ending abuse and all forms of violence against and torture of children, and creating child-friendly learning environments where every child feels safe and encouraged to learn.</p> <p>Recognizing State’s responsibility to ensure every child’s protection and care, we also acknowledge the distinct and important roles that parents, legal guardians, schools and all other institutions of society can play in contributing to providing safe and inclusive learning environment.</p> <p>We believe that all forms of violence and abuse in schools <em>can </em>and <em>must </em>be prevented. It is important to foster culture of open communication and trust between children, parents, and educators. Educational programs and materials that fully reflect the promotion and protection of all human rights, as well as the values of peace, tolerance and gender equality, can make a significant contribution to their prevention.</p> <p>Children should feel comfortable speaking up about any concerns or issues they may have, and parents should be encouraged to be involved in their child’s education and well-being.</p> <p>Ending violence in and around schools and ensuring safe and inclusive learning environments for children requires joint work and multifaceted approach of governments and other stakeholders.</p> <p>By prioritizing the safety and well-being of our children, we can help them to thrive and reach their full potential.<br clear="all" /> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: </strong><strong>Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint Statement </strong><strong>delivered by Qatar on behalf of a Group of Countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>27 June 2023</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of a group of 57 countries. </p> <p>Education is a basic human right that should be enjoyed by everyone without discrimination of any kind. It is a key right the access to which impacts the enjoyment of all other human rights.</p> <p>Education benefits both individuals and society. It promotes the knowledge, skills and values that are fundamental for human, social, and economic development, thus helps achieving lasting peace and sustainable development.</p> <p>By ratifying international human rights treaties, states assume responsibilities to respect, protect and fulfil the right to education.</p> <p>The obligation to protect education includes protecting education and educational facilities from attacks through all appropriate and feasible measures and safeguards.</p> <p>Unfortunately, attack against education has continued unabatedly over the last years. Records in this regard are very alarming. According to the GCPEA, in 2020 and 2021, there were more than 5,000 reported attacks on education and incidents of military use of schools and universities, harming more than 9,000 students and educators in at least 85 countries.</p> <p>While attacks on education have a devastating impact on all students and teachers, they can have a particular horrific suffering for girls and women.</p> <p>Female students and educators are particularly targeted during attacks on education. They face all kinds of conflict related violations committed against women and girls that can have long-lasting consequences on their future.</p> <p>We urge States and all conflicting parties to refrain from using schools for military purposes. We encourage States to endorse and implement the Safe Schools Declaration so that schools shall always remain safe havens.</p> <p>We also invite the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Special Procedures mandate holders and treaty bodies to address this issue within their respective mandates.<br clear="all" /> </p> <p><strong>Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint Statement on the Role of Access to Clean and Affordable Energy in Eradication of Extreme Poverty</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Delivered by India on behalf of a Group of Countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>30 June 2023</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>I am delivering this joint statement on behalf of a cross-regional group of countries, on the critical role of access to clean and affordable energy in the eradication of extreme poverty. </p> <p>Clean and affordable energy is a critical input to primary developmental goals and basic human rights of providing adequate food, housing, water, sanitation, healthcare, education, and access to information including digital media and entertainment. Availability of energy plays a fundamental role in improving living standards, enhancing productivity, and unlocking development opportunities for individuals and communities. Unfortunately, a significant part of the global population still lacks access to clean, reliable, and affordable energy, perpetuating their entrapment in the vicious cycle of poverty and gravely hindering their social and economic progress.</p> <p>Reliable energy supply facilitates education through lighting for schools and power for electronic learning devices like tablets, computers, and projectors; improves availability of water, sanitation, and good hygiene practices. Clean cooking fuel reduces the burden of disease and drudgery, particularly for women. Access to energy enables productive economic activities, including agriculture and small and cottage industry, which directly contributes to poverty reduction. </p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>Without ensuring access to energy for all, it would be impossible to achieve the SDGs of reducing poverty, broadening the education base, and improving public health.&nbsp;Therefore, access to clean, reliable, and affordable energy is not only fundamental to the eradication of extreme poverty, but for enjoyment of human rights by all.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>International Day of Women in Diplomacy</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Annual full-day discussion on the human rights of women</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Panel 1: Gender-based violence against women and girls in public and political life</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint Statement by Mexico and Costa Rica on behalf of a Group of Countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>30 June 2023</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>I have the honor to deliver this statement on the International Day of Women in Diplomacy on behalf of México, Costa Rica and a Group of States.</p> <p>Last year the General Assembly adopted the resolution 76/269 marking this International Day, to celebrate and highlight the significant contributions that women have made and continue to make in shaping the course of our global affairs. </p> <p>We acknowledge the significant progress of recent years, recognize there are still challenges to be addressed, and reaffirm our commitment to promoting women's full, equal and meaningful participation at all levels of decision-making, as an essential measure for achieving sustainable development, peace, and effectively protecting human rights.</p> <p>Women's participation in diplomacy is an indispensable pillar of a well-rounded foreign policy. It has a transformative effect on the way we design, implement, and promote initiatives in bilateral engagements and multilateral fora. Women ´s contributions have been essential in finding adequate, just, and comprehensive avenues to address global challenges.</p> <p>We need to further accelerate efforts to mainstream a gender perspective throughout the Human Rights Council work and mechanisms, and advocate for increased representation of women. We also need to reflect more profoundly on the challenges of a work-life balance which impacts disproportionately on women, including women in diplomacy and can be an inhibiting factor in the choice of a career.</p> <p>This year’s commemoration coincides with the 75^th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 30^th anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action.&nbsp; In this regard, we recall that the VDPA also affirms that “the human rights of women should form an integral part of the United Nations human rights activities”.</p> <p>Let us mark this day as an opportunity to reflect on the measures that should be taken to enable full and equal participation of women in all diplomatic spheres.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Annual full-day discussion on the human rights of women</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Panel 1: Gender-based violence against women and girls in public and political life</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint Statement by South Africa, Bolivia and Belgium</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>30 June 2023</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>I have the honor to deliver this joint statement on behalf of a Group of Countries. </p> <p>Today, women represent only one in four members of parliament around the world. If we look at female ministers, the situation is even worse. While progress has been made, we are still far from achieving full, equal and meaningful political participation, and a lot of obstacles remain. </p> <p>Women's and girls’ participation in political and public life is linked to the organization of society as a whole: it depends heavily on social, cultural and economic factors. It is related to education, economic position, the division of household chores, persistent stereotypes, the role of the media during elections, intolerance and discrimination, election systems and many other elements. But above all, it is impeded by widespread patterns of misogyny, intimidation and violence faced by women leaders today. Around the world, women leaders are subject to sexist hate speech and misinformation – very often online – which not only have a detrimental effect on women's right to political participation, but also pose a challenge to democracy itself. </p> <p>By targeting, intimidating and silencing women, gender-based violence has a particularly negative impact on women's freedom of expression. It pushes them to self-censor and withdrawing from public spaces online and offline. And it sends the message that women and girls in general have no place in public life.</p> <p>We call on all States, but also on private actors, to step up and take bold actions to end gender-based violence against women and girls in public and political life, while looking forward to the CEDAW’s Committee upcoming General Recommendation that will explore this issue. </p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive dialogue on the Secretary General report on climate change</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint Statement on importance of civil society access to and participation in international climate discussions</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement delivered by the EU on behalf of a Group of Countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>3 July 2023</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>The European Union has the honour to deliver this Joint Statement on behalf of a group of countries.</p> <p>We welcome today’s discussion, and the increased awareness and engagement shown by this Council on the interdependence between human rights, and combatting climate change.</p> <p>A crucial element to advance this agenda must be to ensure transparent, inclusive, safe and meaningful participation and leadership both online and offline by civil society in international climate discussions.</p> <p>We welcome the UAE’s commitment, as also expressed during the recent UPR, “to ensure that the COP28 is inclusive for all, especially those at the frontlines of climate change, including civil society, Indigenous Peoples, and youth”. We are convinced that the meaningful participation of climate activists, human rights defenders and other members of civil society, especially women, youth and marginalized groups, in an enabling environment free of intimidation, harassment, including sexual harassment, arbitrary surveillance and reprisal, is an indispensable element for the success of the Conference.</p> <p>The climate crisis requires immediate accelerated action and strengthened ambition, including to deliver on global commitments and fully integrate human rights into our response. Nobody knows this better than those already in vulnerable situations. Let’s ensure their voices can resound strong and free; and contribute to all international climate discussions.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Panel discussion on the role of digital, media and information literacy in the promotion and enjoyment of the right to freedom of opinion and expression</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint Statement delivered by the EU on behalf of a Group of Countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>3 July 2023</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>The European Union has the honour to deliver this Statement on behalf of a Group of Countries.</p> <p>Access to the Internet is an indispensable enabler of a broad range of human rights. An open, free, global, interoperable, reliable and secure Internet for all facilitates individuals’ enjoyment of their rights, including freedoms of expression, opinion, and peaceful assembly, the rights to education and to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health. It allows access to objective information and public services. </p> <p>Internet shutdowns are a growing concern worldwide, as some governments take measures to disrupt access to Internet and telecommunications, often in the context of political protests, electoral processes, crises, or armed conflicts. </p> <p>Shutdowns and network disruptions negatively affect the ability of journalists, media workers, and civil society, including human rights defenders, to operate. Internet shutdowns also undermine access to critical support and protection, including for women and girls, and hamper humanitarian assistance.</p> <p>Furthermore, Internet shutdowns severely hinder the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights, and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals, while deepening digital divides. Internet shutdowns hamper businesses and customers, disrupt trade, investment, financial transactions, and the delivery of services and remittances. </p> <p>The signatories of this Joint Statement call on States to foster an open Internet and not to impose shutdowns, restricting civic space online.</p> <p>We emphasise that the private sector, in particular telecommunication companies and social media platforms, also plays an important role in sharing information on shutdowns and taking measures to prevent those that they have been requested or forced to implement. </p> <p>We will continue to promote meaningful connectivity for all, including those in marginalised and vulnerable situations.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint Statement on the Commemoration of the 75^th Anniversary of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Delivered by Armenia on behalf of a Group of Countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>4 July 2023</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of a Group of Countries.</p> <p>We welcome Special Adviser Nderitu, and reiterate our continuous support to the Office of the Special Advisors of the Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide and on the Responsibility to Protect. </p> <p>This year marks the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. It was the first human rights treaty adopted by the General Assembly, one day before the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Together, these documents outline a vision of a world where genocide and other mass atrocities are prevented and punished.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> <p>This anniversary offers an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to this objective and to reflect on best practices and challenges with regard to the Convention’s implementation. </p> <p>Genocide never happens suddenly. It is typically preceded by discriminatory practices against a national, ethnic, racial or religious group, and patterns of human rights violations and abuses. </p> <p>We vow to mobilise the political will to prevent genocide and other atrocity crimes, notably by using the Secretary-General’s Framework of Analysis for Atrocity Crimes. There is no excuse for the failure to properly address situations where genocide is at risk of occurring.</p> <p>We emphasize the role of the UN human rights system, including this Council, the OHCHR, and relevant special procedures, and treaty bodies to collate information on violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law that may lead to genocide. </p> <p>Drawing the world’s attention to situations at risk of atrocity crimes requires follow-up actions and coordinated efforts in order truly to make prevention work.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Item 4: Interactive dialogue on the oral update of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint Statement delivered by Costa Rica on behalf of a Group of Countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>5 July 2023</strong></p> <p>I deliver this statement on behalf of Costa Rica and a cross-regional group of countries.</p> <p>We would like to thank the Fact-Finding Mission for their update. </p> <p>We are particularly concerned by the reports of the ongoing surge of executions in Iran and the authorities’ use of the death penalty as a tool to chill dissent.&nbsp;</p> <p>Iran has been carrying out death sentences at an alarming pace, with over 300 executions reported since the beginning of 2023, and 582 last year compared to 333 in 2021. </p> <p>Many of these executions are for alleged offences that do not meet the threshold of “the most serious crimes” under the ICCPR, including drug offenses. Seven were in connection to the protest movement following the death in custody of Jina Mahsa Amini.</p> <p>We strongly condemn the execution of three alleged child offenders in 2022 and are deeply concerned that dozens of alleged child offenders remain on death row, at risk of execution.&nbsp;</p> <p>Persons belonging to ethnic and religious minorities are being executed at disproportionately high rates; one-third of those executed in 2022 belonged to the Baloch minority.</p> <p>We remain deeply troubled by reports that death sentences are often imposed following unfair trials procedures, without due process, and based on forced confessions obtained through torture and other inhuman treatment.</p> <p>We urge Iran to immediately cease its violations, respect human dignity and cooperate with UN human rights mechanisms. We note calls by the Secretary-General, the High Commissioner for Human Rights and Special Procedures for Iran to “establish an immediate moratorium on executions with a view to abolishing the death penalty”.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Item 10: Interactive dialogue on oral presentation of the High Commissioner on Ukraine and interim report of the Secretary-General on human rights in Crimea</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint Statement by the Group of Friends of Accountability following the aggression against Ukraine</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>12 July 2023</strong></p> <p>Mr President, Mr High Commissioner,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the 'Group of Friends of Accountability following the aggression against Ukraine'. </p> <p>763 men, 94 women, and 7 boys unlawfully detained, 72 men and 5 women summarily executed.</p> <p>These numbers, presented in your reports, paint a clear picture of the serious violations of international humanitarian law and egregious human rights violations and abuses perpetrated since the launch of Russia’s full-scale, unprovoked and illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. They depict the blatant disregard of the Russian authorities for their obligations under international law. But they only form the tip of the iceberg of human suffering as the OHCHR has recorded 25,170 civilian casualties since 24^th February 2022.</p> <p>Behind these numbers, there are individuals, their families and loved ones who suffer. This we must never forget. Especially not here, at this Council, which seeks to uphold the inherent dignity of every person. </p> <p>Human dignity that has been denied time and time again by Russia. As shown by your report more than 91 per cent of civilian detainees held by Russia have been subjected to torture and ill-treatment, including through sexual violence.</p> <p>These alarming findings from your report reinforce the need to ensure accountability for the serious crimes under international law committed on the territory of Ukraine, and ensure justice for all victims and the prevention of future crimes. </p> <p>We, therefore, welcome the reporting of the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine,&nbsp; work by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, the investigation into the Ukraine situation by the International Criminal Court, the operationalization of the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, the establishment of the Council of Europe’s Register of Damage, and the work of the Core Group towards a tribunal on the crime of aggression against Ukraine. We call for work to continue on the path towards full accountability.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>End of Session Statement by members of the Group of Friends of the SOGI Mandate</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>14 July 2023</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>This statement is delivered on behalf of members of the Group of Friends of the Mandate of the Independent Expert on Protection Against Violence and Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.</p> <p>We regret the initiative of a group of states to disregard the agenda items set in the Programme of Work of the Human Rights Council and to deliver a statement regarding a report that was presented earlier in this session and that had a full interactive dialogue dedicated to it, with opportunities for Members and Observers to engage in dialogue with the mandate holder. </p> <p>The Human Rights Council should foster respectful and constructive dialogue. We believe that to present a statement about a Special Procedure report without the presence of the mandate holder and therefore not providing them with the opportunity to reply is not a constructive approach and should not be a practice taken by Members and Observers of the Human Rights Council.</p> <p>We take this opportunity to reiterate our strong support for the mandate of the IE SOGI and for the work carried out by the current mandate holder. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>High Commissioner for Human Rights farewell speech at the Organizational Meeting of the&nbsp;</strong><strong>Nordic – Baltic Statement, delivered by Finland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>30 August 2022</strong></p> <p>Your Excellency,</p> <p>On behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries, allow me to express our deepest appreciation for your service as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. It has been a great pleasure to work with you. We will remember your dedication to support human rights globally and strengthen the multilateral system.</p> <p>Your Excellency, you have always been ready to discuss various human rights concerns and dedicated to broaden our horizons. In particular, we note the significant progress in this Council in addressing the human rights implications of climate change. We reiterate our support to the efforts of Your Office’s work to address both civil and political rights as well as economic, social and cultural rights and ensure that everyone, everywhere, can fully enjoy them.</p> <p>Your term coincided with some unpredicted crises. The Covid 19 pandemic had an effect on the respect and protection of human rights globally. These included shrinking civic space and disproportionate consequences for persons in vulnerable situations, women’s and girls’ enjoyment of all human rights, the elderly, the disabled and others. Your guidance has been most valuable in ensuring that our work continues and new challenges to the global constituency of human rights are addressed. We thank you for this.</p> <p>We will continue to support the independent mandate of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and that of its Office. We remain concerned about the severe lack of funding to human rights pillar in the United Nations. We all have a responsibility to ensure that the human rights pillar, as one of the three foundational pillars of the United Nations, can function properly in advancing the enjoyment of Human Rights globally.</p> <p>Your Excellency, we wish you success in your future endeavours. May they bring you fulfilment and happiness. Even if our paths are now diverging, we hope we can continue to contribute to the global dialogue on human rights and gender equality together.&nbsp;</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 2 – Enhanced ID on human rights situation of women and girls in Afghanistan</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic – Baltic Statement, delivered by Sweden</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>12 September 2022</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>I am pleased to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries.</p> <p>We remain deeply concerned about the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan, including the continuous human rights violations and abuses, the lack of political inclusion and the growing humanitarian needs.</p> <p>Promises made by the Taliban to respect human rights have not been fulfilled. This is particularly true when it comes to women and girls, whose lives have changed dramatically to the worse.</p> <p>We strongly condemn the imposition of restrictive measures for women and girls, excluding them from work, education, politics, and public life. Afghanistan will never find peace and stability if half the population is left out.</p> <p>We urge the Taliban to take immediate steps to ensure women’s and girls’ full and equal enjoyment of all human rights, including freedom of movement, freedom of expression and access to education and work.</p> <p>It is time the Taliban back their words with concrete action.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 2 – Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic – Baltic Statement, delivered Denmark</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>12 September 2022</strong></p> <p>Mr Special Rapporteur,</p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries. We welcome your report. We are deeply concerned about the continued deterioration in the human rights situation in Afghanistan. We are alarmed by the speed and scale of the deprivation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of Afghan women and girls, such as the rights to work, education, freedom of movement, expression and peaceful assembly. We strongly call on the Taliban to ensure full respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all people, including women and girls.&nbsp;</p> <p>We are concerned by the reports of arbitrary detention, intimidation and discrimination of media workers and human rights defenders. We call on the Taliban to secure the safety of media workers, human rights defenders and to respect the right to access to information.</p> <p>The crisis in Afghanistan is also humanitarian. Half the population is in need of humanitarian assistance and many are on the brink of starvation. The restrictions on human rights and fundamental freedoms and the shrinking space for NGO’s and civil society remain a primary concern.</p> <p>We welcome your recent successful trip to Afghanistan. How does the Special Rapporteur envisage to engage the Taliban to ensure the implementation of the recommendations in the report?</p> <strong><br clear="all" /> </strong> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 2 - Interactive dialogue on the report of OHCHR on promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic – Baltic Statement, delivered by Finland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>12 September 2022</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries: Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Finland.</p> <p>We thank the Deputy High Commissioner for this update. We acknowledge the difficult circumstances Sri Lanka finds itself in. However, such circumstances should also be viewed as an opportunity to undertake much-needed reforms, ensuring inclusiveness.</p> <p>We are concerned by the lack of progress in the areas of transitional justice, accountability, and reconciliation, and encourage the new government to demonstrate progress. Establishing a Truth and Reconciliation Commission would be a welcome start to an inclusive process, where impunity for past violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law are addressed.</p> <p>We are deeply dismayed at the use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act against student activists despite an alleged moratorium. We urge Sri Lankan authorities to repeal the PTA, and in the interim, stop its use.</p> <p>We urge Sri Lankan authorities to protect the freedom of expression and assembly for all, including persons belonging to minorities, and to stop arbitrary arrests of persons engaging in peaceful protests.</p> <p>We support the recommendations of the OHCHR report and call upon Sri Lanka to cooperate fully with the Office in line with resolution 46/1 and any new resolution.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 2 - Interactive dialogue on the report of Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic – Baltic Statement, delivered by Finland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>12 September 2022</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries: Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Finland.</p> <p>We welcome the report of the IIMM and reiterate our support for its mandate. We strongly condemn the human rights violations and abuses in Myanmar, which the IIMM indicates amount to systematic crimes against humanity, as well as the recent execution of pro- democracy leaders. The reporting on systematic sexual and gender based violence and crimes against and affecting children is especially appalling.</p> <p>Since the military takeover in February 2021, the human rights situation in Myanmar has only deteriorated, especially for persons belonging to religious and other minorities. Over one million Rohingyas are displaced. This underlines the importance of a well-functioning accountability Mechanism. The three million information items in the IIMM repository send a clear message: perpetrators must be held accountable. We call on all partners of the international community, to cooperate fully with the Mechanism, so it can deliver and victims can get justice.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 2 - Annual report of HC for Human Rights and report of OHCHR and SG</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>General Debate on High Commissioner’s Oral Update</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Iceland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>13 September 2022</strong></p> <p>Thank you, Mr. President. </p> <p>Iceland thanks the Acting High Commissioner for her oral update.</p> <p>We would like to raise concerns of the sharply deteriorating human rights situation in the Russian Federation after its war of aggression against Ukraine. The persecution of human rights defenders, silencing of journalists, the ban against independent media and peaceful protests, and the attack against civil society is alarming. </p> <p>Iceland also strongly condemns Russia’s expansion and harsh enforcement of its “foreign agents’ law” which is systematically used to silence dissenting and opposition voices. Formal scrutiny of the human rights situation in Russia is urgently needed. </p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>In Afghanistan, we remain greatly alarmed by the sharp deterioration of human rights, in particular women and girls, and ethnic and religious minorities. We reiterate our call on Taliban to respect women’s and girls’ rights and accept diversity and different views. The Taliban must close the gap between their words and their deeds, as they continue to be judged by the latter.</p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>We thank the OHCHR for the assessment report of human rights concerns in China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region which is sound, and its credibility cannot be refuted. </p> <p>Iceland is gravely concerned by accounts of systematic, widespread, and targeted human rights violations and abuses against Uyghurs and other minorities that may amount to crimes against humanity. Accountability must be ensured. We urge China to abide by its international human rights obligations and to immediately implement the report’s recommendations. </p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 2 - Interactive dialogue on the report of the High Commissioner on the situation of human rights in Nicaragua </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic – Baltic Statement, delivered by Sweden</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>13 September 2022</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>Madame Acting High Commissioner,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries. We thank the High Commissioner for her latest report on the human rights situation in Nicaragua.</p> <p>We remain deeply concerned about the deteriorating human rights situation in Nicaragua, including arbitrary detentions, violations of the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, and consistent attacks against human rights defenders, journalists and other media workers, political opposition, religious institutions, and civil society leaders.</p> <p>We strongly condemn the Nicaraguan Government’s latest assault on the freedoms of association and religion and the arbitrary and unlawful imprisonment of Catholic clerics. We demand that the regime immediately release those imprisoned and cease its harassment against human rights defenders, journalists, clergymen, political opponents and persons considered as such.</p> <p>We urge Nicaragua to ensure the full enjoyment of human rights, including civil and political rights, and to free all political prisoners. Impunity for human rights violations must end. We call on Nicaragua to cooperate fully with international and regional human rights mechanisms, including the OHCHR.</p> <p>Madame Acting High Commissioner,</p> <p>What concrete steps can be taken to urge Nicaragua to stop arbitrary detentions, and to release political prisoners?</p> <br clear="all" /> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 2 - Interactive dialogue on the UN High Commissioner’s comprehensive report on the situation of human rights in Nicaragua</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic – Baltic Statement, delivered by Sweden</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>13 September 2022 </strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>I make this intervention on behalf of a group of countries.</p> <p>We thank the High Commissioner and her Office for her new comprehensive report, which showcases the self-isolation of the authorities of Nicaragua from cooperation with human rights mechanisms. This attitude constitutes more evidence of the lack of responsibility and accountability from Nicaragua’s international human rights obligations, resulting in the continued and progressive deterioration of human rights in the country.</p> <p>Nicaragua has continued to suppress the right to freedom of assembly and association; this year alone, it has cancelled the legal personality of 1112 human rights, development and other organizations, professional associations, including medical associations, and others. Twelve universities have also had their legal personality cancelled, impacting the right to education. The enjoyment of the freedom of opinion and expression also worsened, with more journalists being forced into exile, and by the recent closure of 12 radio and television media outlets of the Catholic Church, especially in Matagalpa.</p> <p>Without delay Nicaragua should reinstitute the national dialogue. Furthermore, in view of the upcoming November municipal elections, it is particularly concerning that recommendations by the OHCHR to reform Nicaragua’s electoral body have not been undertaken.</p> <p>We once again urge the authorities of Nicaragua to collaborate openly with human rights mechanisms, restore civic space, release all political prisoners, guarantee judicial independence, end politically motivated detentions and the repression of independent media, as well as of minorities, cooperate with the OHCHR, and implement its recommendations.</p> <p>We reiterate our commitment to and solidarity with the Nicaraguan people and call on this Council to continue to take concrete measures to promote and protect their human rights.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3 - ID with SR on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic – Baltic Statement, delivered by Iceland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>14 September 2022</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</p> <p>We thank the Special Rapporteur for his report.</p> <p>We firmly belief that safe drinking water and sanitation is not only a human right; it is also central to living a life in dignity.</p> <p>Lack of access to quality water and sanitation disproportionately affects women and girls; and indigenous women and girls are no exception. Discriminatory norms and structures, gender stereotypes, and stigma and taboos related to menstruation and child birth seriously affect the realization of the right to water and sanitation. The multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination that indigenous women and girls face need to be taken into account.</p> <p>With growing global water scarcity and contamination, indigenous women and girls are increasingly forced to walk longer distances to fetch water. With this, the risk of sexual and gender-based violence, discrimination and exploitation and lack of autonomy increases.</p> <p>Despite indigenous women’ and girls’ irrefutable live-saving water role, they remain under-represented in consultative processes and decision-making about water management. The vast majority of water-related laws and programmes fail to include their knowledge. Essentially, their effective participation is not guaranteed. This must change.</p> <p>Mr. Special Rapporteur, what more can be done to guarantee indigenous women’s and girls’ seat at the table?</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3 - Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, including its causes and consequences</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic – Baltic Statement, delivered by Norway</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>15 September 2022</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden, and my own country Norway.</p> <p>We welcome the report from the Special Rapporteur focusing on contemporary forms of slavery particularly affecting persons belonging to ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities. Persons belonging to minority groups are in some countries still suffering from deep-rooted intersecting discrimination. In some cases, the discrimination is State-sponsored and institutionalized in the national legislation.</p> <p>We are deeply concerned about the continued existence of different forms of contemporary forms of slavery, such as chattel slavery, forced and bonded labour, child labour, child and forced marriage, domestic servitude and sexual slavery in all regions of the world. Several of these are linked to discrimination based on gender and descent. Migrant workers globally face a disproportionate risk of being subjected to forced labour.</p> <p>Mr. Special Rapporteur, in your report you also outline some positive developments in protecting minorities from contemporary forms of slavery, highlighting new legislative measures and requirements of human rights due diligence in supply chains. We would like to ask you to further explore what have been the driving forces for the positive changes that have taken place in certain countries?</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3 - Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the right to development </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic – Baltic Statement, delivered by Lithuania </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>15 September 2022</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries – Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Norway, Sweden, and my own country Lithuania.</p> <p>The right to development is rooted in the universality, indivisibility, interrelation, and interdependence of all human rights.</p> <p>The Nordic-Baltic countries are convinced that human rights and good governance are key to the achievement of inclusive and sustainable development.</p> <p>The COVID-19 pandemic marked a major setback in implementation of the 2030 Agenda.</p> <p>The impacts of the pandemic are further exacerbated by the current food and energy crises, as well as by climate change. And of course, nothing violates the right to development so directly and devastatingly as an outright military aggression. These crises are likely to further increase poverty, and inequalities, which hit people and countries in vulnerable situations the hardest.</p> <p>It is critical that recovery plans and policies put emphasis on individuals as central actors, drivers, and beneficiaries of development processes and include the most vulnerable. </p> <p>As States bear the primary responsibility for the full realisation of human rights, we call on all governments to ensure participatory approaches that leave no one behind and to refrain from actions that put human rights, at risk.</p> <p>Mr Special Rapporteur, could you please share your views on how to best mitigate the negative impact of the current crises on human rights?</p> <strong><br clear="all" /> </strong> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3 - Interactive dialogue on the report of OHCHR on the right to privacy in the digital age</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic – Baltic Statement, delivered by Finland.</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>16 September 2022</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</p> <p>Use of digital technologies, be it by governments or private companies, should be regulated by safeguards that are up to date and comply with international human rights law. We need more collaboration with, inter alia, academia and technology experts, to help anticipate development and deployment of digital technologies that risk resulting in human rights violations and abuses, identify gaps in regulation, and create solid due diligence processes.</p> <p>It is crucial to understand how human rights can be violated by the use of digital technologies. The failure to regulate the use of digital technologies in institutions that are either not aware of or not incentivized to accommodate human rights can result in substantial harm to democracy and the realization of human rights.</p> <p>Lastly, we need more informed, public debate about this topic. Knowledge about the risks to the right to privacy is key.</p> <strong><br clear="all" /> </strong> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3 - Interactive Dialogue with special rapporteur on truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic – Baltic Statement, delivered by Estonia</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>16 September 2022</strong></p> <p>Mr Special Rapporteur,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country Estonia.</p> <p>We would like to thank you for your detailed report on the role and responsibilities of non-State actors in transitional justice processes. We concur with you that international humanitarian law; international human rights standards and international criminal law are applicable to non-State armed groups.</p> <p>It is important that in addition to the individual accountability also non-State armed groups can effectively be held organizationally responsible for serious breaches of humanitarian or human rights law. Blanket amnesties for serious breaches of humanitarian or human rights law are unacceptable as this practice further endorses a culture of impunity, leading to the recurrence of new violations.</p> <p>Memorialization must aim at building a democratic, pluralistic, inclusive and peaceful society where non-State armed groups could engage in dialogue with the State and civil society organizations. We believe that online and archived forums for such interventions, systematically tracked, can help to create a meaningful soul-searching platform as well as effectively encounter disinformation. In addition, all transitional (justice) processes should be victims-centered and gender-transformative.</p> <p>Mr Rapporteur,</p> <p>We would welcome your advice to governments on how to better ensure victims´ rights in the transitional justice processes, including through their positive engagement, and how to better mediate memorialization dialogue between victims and non-State armed groups?</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3 - Interactive dialogue with the Working Group on arbitrary detention</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic – Baltic Statement, delivered by Estonia</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>19 September 2022</strong></p> <p>Mr President.</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries – Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Latvia.</p> <p>We thank the Working Group for presenting the report on its activities in 2021, and welcome the resumption of country visits.</p> <p>We note with concern the low response rate under the Working Group’s regular communications procedure and the decrease in the response rate under the follow-up procedure. The Nordic-Baltic countries concur with the Working Group’s recommendation in this regard and encourage all States to fully cooperate and engage with all UN special procedures, including this Working Group.</p> <p>The Nordic-Baltic countries condemn all acts of torture and other ill-treatment and call for universal eradication of torture and for holding all those responsible for acts of torture accountable. Admissibility in courts of evidence obtained by torture can lead to situations of arbitrary detention due to the denial of the fair trial guarantees. In this regard, we welcome the launch of the Principles on Effective Interviewing for Investigations and Information Gathering, and urge all States to provide for their effective implementation by law enforcement authorities.</p> <p>Madam Chair-Rapporteur, how can effective implementation of the Méndez Principles safeguard against arbitrary arrest and detention?</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3 - Interactive Dialogue with the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic – Baltic Statement, delivered by Lithuania</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>20 September 2022</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries – Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Norway, Sweden, and my own country Lithuania.</p> <p>We thank the Working Group for the report and its addendums.</p> <p>As this year marks the 30^th anniversary of the Declaration on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, we regret to acknowledge that enforced disappearance continues to be an alarming reality. As stipulated by the article 7 of the Declaration, no circumstances whatsoever, whether a threat of war, a state of war, internal political instability or any other public emergency, may be invoked to justify enforced disappearances.</p> <p>Continued reports of reprisals faced by families of victims and the human rights defenders, as well as increasing numbers of enforced disappearance of journalists and media workers are particularly alarming.</p> <p>We urge all States to immediately stop and prevent enforced disappearances, initiate impartial and independent investigations and protect the rights of the victims and their families. We also reiterate our call to countries concerned to engage and cooperate with the Working Group in order to facilitate their important work.</p> <p>What additional measures could this Council take to improve the implementation of the Declaration?</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: General debate on the promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic – Baltic Statement, delivered by Lithuania</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>20 September 2022</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Norway, Sweden and Lithuania.</p> <p>We welcome the comprehensive report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on the implications for civil society in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.</p> <p>The pandemic proved to everyone that active involvement in public affairs is of paramount importance, especially in times of crisis. Volunteers and other civil society actors stayed on the frontlines providing health care, food, shelter and other essentials to those in need, despite the risks to their own safety.</p> <p>Human rights defenders, journalists and other media workers significantly contributed by promoting vaccination campaigns and disseminating reliable information, as well as playing a monitoring role, ensuring that any imposed restrictions were justified, proportional and temporary.</p> <p>A significant number of civil society initiatives started around the world, thus boosting active public engagement.</p> <p>However, the report regrettably concludes that despite being essential to combating the pandemic, civil society was frequently excluded from critical processes, such as decision-making, often due to the lack of digital infrastructure and digital literacy. In particular, women, youth and other groups of society were significantly under-represented in Covid-19 management and decision-making, or even disregarded, thus undermining global efforts to overcome and sustainably recover after the pandemic.</p> <p>It is particularly alarming that journalists and other media workers faced increased surveillance, smear campaigns, restrictions on reporting and other repressions against them, both online and offline.</p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>We want to emphasize that crisis situations must never become an excuse for undue restrictions on democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.</p> <p>Rather than fearing, dismissing or repressing, we call on governments to engage with civil society and ensure ways for its meaningful participation in decision-making at all levels, especially in times of crisis.</p> <strong><br clear="all" /> </strong> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 4 - Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar (oral progress report)</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic – Baltic Statement, delivered by Sweden</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>21 September 2022</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States.</p> <p>Thank you, Special Rapporteur, for your update and tireless efforts.</p> <p>Since the military coup last year, a complete human rights catastrophe has unfolded in Myanmar.</p> <p>We continue to condemn the coup in the strongest of terms and call for an immediate end to all forms of violence, including mass killings, torture, including of children, and sexual and gender-based violence. The systematic persecution must stop.</p> <p>We condemn the politically motivated executions of four persons and call on the military to reinstate the de facto moratorium on the death penalty. All those arbitrarily detained, including political prisoners, including children and minors, must be immediately and unconditionally released.</p> <p>It is of utmost importance to ensure justice for victims and accountability for past and ongoing serious international crimes, including for the atrocities committed against the Rohingya.&nbsp;</p> <p>Since the coup, the country has plunged into a humanitarian crisis that threatens the lives and wellbeing of millions. Full, safe, and unimpeded humanitarian access must be ensured.</p> <p>Special Rapporteur,</p> <p>At this stage, what measures can the international community, including regional actors and the UN, take to prevent the military from continuing its violence against its own people?</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 4 - Interactive dialogue on OHCHR report on Myanmar </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic – Baltic Statement, delivered by Lithuania</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>22 September 2022</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Norway, Sweden and my own country Lithuania.</p> <p>We highly value the work of the Office of the High Commissioner and appreciate its latest report.</p> <p>Attacks directed against the Myanmar people continue, as the perpetrators remain unpunished.</p> <p>The Nordic-Baltic countries condemn in the strongest possible terms the military coup and the military’s actions since, leading Myanmar towards a deep and multidimensional crisis.</p> <p>We reiterate our call on military and security forces to immediately cease all violence and attacks against the people of Myanmar, release all those arbitrarily detained, discontinue politically motivated prosecutions and permanently halt the imposition of the death penalty.</p> <p>We echo the recommendations of the OHCHR and the repeated calls of the people of Myanmar to isolate the military authorities and implement effective targeted sanctions, including on those arms transfers that enable them to continue perpetrating the crimes.</p> <p>The Nordic-Baltic states remain in full solidarity with the Myanmar people not least those who continue to protest and oppose the regime despite enormous threats to their lives.</p> <p>What measures could be taken to enhance regional cooperation helping to prevent violence and ensure accountability?</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 4 - Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Burundi</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic – Baltic Statement, delivered by Norway </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>22 September 2022</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries - Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden, and my own country Norway.</p> <p>We thank the Special Rapporteur for this update and for the dedicated efforts to follow up on his mandate.</p> <p>We have seen some positive developments on freedom of expression after the new administration came into power in 2020. However, we still raise considerable concern about the structural human rights violations in Burundi.</p> <p>We are deeply concerned about continued human rights violations committed by security forces and Imbonerakure against members of the opposition, human rights defenders, civil society, and journalists.</p> <p>The Government has a responsibility to protect human rights and ensure that state and non-state actors cannot act with impunity. The role and the actions of the Imbonerakure are of particular concern.</p> <p>We urge the Government to ensure that human rights violations and abuses are efficiently investigated, and perpetrators brought to justice; and to enhance human rights and political freedoms. This includes encouraging the voluntary return of refugees and exiles. National human rights institutions must be strengthened, including the National Human Rights Commission.</p> <p>We urge the Government to cooperate with the UN Human Rights system and give the Special Rapporteur full and unhindered access.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 4: Interactive dialogue with Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic – Baltic Statement, delivered by Lithuania</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>22 September 2022</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>I speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Norway, Sweden and my own country Lithuania.</p> <p>We express our firm support for the work of the Commission of Inquiry and its mandate and appreciate its latest comprehensive report.</p> <p>The human rights and humanitarian situation in the Syrian Arab Republic remain dire for the twelfth year of this protracted conflict.</p> <p>It is exacerbated by attacks by the Syrian regime and its allies, such as the Russian Federation, on civilian objects indispensable to the survival of the population, including water stations, fuel depots, and farms.</p> <p>Damage to the water system caused shortages of water, which have recently led to the outbreak of cholera in Aleppo and Deir Al-Zour provinces.</p> <p>Risk of hunger in Syria remains high due to global food insecurity resulting from draught and Russia‘s military aggression against Ukraine. Future of cross-border aid through the Bab al-Hawa corridor is uncertain.</p> <p>We join the Commission of Inquiry in urging all relevant actors to refrain from providing military support and funds to the government forces and other parties to the conflict continuously committing war crimes and violations of international humanitarian law.</p> <p>We fully support the international monitoring and accountability mechanisms, including the IIIM. Accountability for crimes committed against the Syrian people must be ensured.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 4 - Interactive dialogue with the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic – Baltic Statement, delivered by Denmark</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>22 September 2022</strong></p> <p>Mr President, </p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries: Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country Denmark.</p> <p>We thank the Commission for its update and the initial report. We welcome the efforts of the Commission, which is an important complement to national efforts to ensure accountability. Comprehensive, transparent and independent investigations are central to ensuring a credible accountability process without which there will be no sustainable peace or justice for victims.</p> <p>We welcome previous commitments by the Federal Ethiopian Government as well as the recent announcement by Tigray authorities to an immediate cessation of hostilities and to commit to an AU-led peace process without preconditions.</p> <p>However, we remain deeply concerned about human rights violations and abuses by all parties to the conflict in northern Ethiopia. We call for all parties to end hostilities immediately and urge them to seek a negotiated political peace settlement, ensure unhindered humanitarian access and respect the human rights, security and safety of civilians.</p> <p>Commissioners,</p> <p>could you share your thoughts on how you will pursue cooperation with relevant stakeholders going forward, including the Government of Ethiopia, regional State governments and the Government of Eritrea?</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 4 - Interactive Dialogue on the interim oral update of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on the situation of human rights in Belarus</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Iceland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>23 September 2022</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>We thank the acting High Commissioner for her oral update.</p> <p>The Belarusian authorities continue to seriously infringe on the fundamental rights of their own people. The relentless attack on civil society and independent voices, and the widespread use of disinformation is appalling. Today, over one thousand three hundred political prisoners remain detained in Belarus. Moreover, the repression by the Belarusian regime of persons belonging to minorities, such as the Polish minority, is gravely concerning.</p> <p>Despite this grave situation, Belarusian activists continue to show great courage in their fight for the public’s enjoyment of their fundamental human rights. The recent harsh sentencing of Belarusian journalist Katsiaryna Andreyeva and Belarusian activists Maria (Marfa) Rabkova and Andrey Chapiuk are a stark reminder of the risks they take.</p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>We call on Belarus to adhere to its international commitments and obligations under human rights law. We request an immediate and unconditional release of political prisoners and other arbitrarily detained persons. The rights of persons belonging to minorities likewise need to be respected, including their right to foster their ethnic, cultural, linguistic, and religious identity.</p> <p>The international community must send a strong message that we stand united for a democratic Belarus. Iceland certainly does so.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 4 - Interactive dialogue with the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the situation of human rights in Ukraine stemming from the Russian aggression</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Iceland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>23 September 2022</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>We thank the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine for the oral update.</p> <p>We continue to witness systematic violations and abuses of international humanitarian law and human rights law by Russia in Ukraine. Russia´s complete disregard for human lives is appalling, confirmed by sickening reports of mass graves and atrocities in areas recaptured by the Ukrainian armed forces.</p> <p>Evidence of filtration camps in Russian occupied territory in Ukraine are extremely disturbing and bring back painful memories of Europe´s past. Reports of forced transfers of unaccompanied Ukrainian children to Russia are likewise chilling. These cannot and will not be tolerated.</p> <p>Along with the immediate damage and destruction, where civilians and civilian infrastructure, are the primary victims, Russia’s war will have devastating long-term consequences on the Ukrainian population, not least young people and future generations. Scars caused by war take long to heal.</p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>Iceland strongly condemns Russia´s plans for "referendums". They are a clear violation of international law and their outcomes can never be respected.</p> <p>We once again call on Russia to respect international humanitarian law and human rights law.</p> <p>Iceland stands in full unity with the people of Ukraine and demands the withdrawal of all Russian military personnel and equipment from Ukraine.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 4 - Interactive Dialogue on the interim oral update of OHCHR on the situation of human rights in Belarus</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic – Baltic Statement, delivered by Estonia</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>23 September 2022</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries – Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country Estonia.</p> <p>We thank the OHCHR for the oral update on Belarus.</p> <p>The human rights situation in Belarus is appalling. As we speak, the authorities continue imprisoning and torturing persons for exercising their human rights, including their right to freedom of expression. There are currently more than 1300 political prisoners behind bars. Foreign diplomats are systematically harassed for attempting to attend sham trials of political prisoners. This month the&nbsp;Chargé d'affaires of the EU Delegation to Minsk was detained in a blatant violation of international law.</p> <p>The authorities have developed a widespread system of repression. We support all international initiatives to hold perpetrators of human rights violations to account. We urge the Belarusian authorities to release immediately and unconditionally all arbitrarily detained persons, including political prisoners, journalists and media workers.</p> <p>Since the falsified elections 2 years ago, we observe in Belarus a steady departure from the rule of law. We are deeply worried by the widened scope of application of capital punishment, and we repeat the call to promptly introduce a moratorium on all executions with a view to abolishing the death penalty.</p> <p>We strongly condemn Belarus’ illegal involvement in Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified military aggression against Ukraine and the human rights violations against Ukrainian people.</p> <p>Madam Acting High Commissioner,</p> <p>Which steps should we take to improve the exchange of information when human rights are violated evermore vigorously?</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 4 - ID with Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine (oral update)</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic – Baltic Statement, delivered by Finland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>23 September 2022</strong></p> <p>Chairperson,</p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</p> <p>We thank the Commission of Inquiry for the important update.</p> <p>The reported international law violations escape any reasoning. Indiscriminate attacks affecting civilians, deliberate attacks on schools, forced deportations and rapes are not only a source of deep concern. These violations may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.</p> <p>The mass graves discovered in Izyum are deeply shocking. Reports of trials of Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians in filtration camps are alarming.</p> <p>We need to investigate. We strongly support the mandate’s crucial contribution on ensuring accountability for violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.</p> <p>We need to hold Russia accountable. Its warfare against civilians is not collateral damage. Russia must immediately end its aggression.</p> <p>We are gravely concerned on the disproportionate impact on children, women, elderly and persons with disabilities.</p> <p>Russia must grant full and safe access for humanitarian actors and allow safe passage for civilians who wish to leave.</p> <p>Our support to Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity remains firm.</p> <p>Chair, how can the Commission collaborate with other ongoing investigative efforts, including the ICC?</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 4: General Debate on Human rights situations that require the Council’s attention</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Iceland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>26 September 2022</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>Iceland remains gravely concerned about steps <strong>Russia </strong>has taken to further restrict fundamental freedoms inside Russia since its invasion of Ukraine. We urge Russia to respect freedoms of opinion, expression and peaceful assembly, and welcome steps underway to bring the human rights situation inside Russia to Council’s attention.</p> <p>In Ethiopia, we are alarmed by reports of extrajudicial killings, sexual and gender based violence and starvation, as a method of warfare. We urge all parties to immediately cease&nbsp; hostilities, and take steps towards reachin<em>g</em>&nbsp;a political solution. Redress for past violations and abuses, some of which may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity, must be ensured.</p> <p>We are deeply alarmed by accounts of systematic human rights violations and abuses against Uyghurs and other minorities in <strong>China </strong>that may amount to crimes against humanity, including mass arbitrary detention, cultural and religious persecution, forced labor and sterilization. Accountability must be ensured.</p> <p>In Iran, we condemn the violent enforcement of the discriminatory compulsory veiling law. We urge the authorities to ensure that fundamental human rights of its citizens, including those of women and girls, are respected and that those under any form of detention are not subject to any form of mistreatment. Violence directed against peaceful protesters and human rights defenders must stop.</p> <p>In Egypt, we remain concerned about widespread and systematic violations and abuses of human rights, including freedom of opinion and expression and freedom of assembly and association.</p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>In Myanmar, we deplore the relentless attacks on children and call for an immediate end to all forms of violence, including sexual and gender-based violence, mass killings, torture, airstrikes and arson. Ensuring accountability for past and ongoing international crimes is vital.</p> <p>Finally, Iceland raised its concerns about the human rights situation in Belarus and Ukraine stemming from Russia’s aggression elsewhere under item 4.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 4 - Annual Discussion on Integration of a Gender Perspective</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic – Baltic Statement, delivered by Lithuania</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>26 September 2022</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries – Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Norway, Sweden, and my own country Lithuania.</p> <p>The right to freedom of opinion and expression for all people, irrespective of their sex or gender identity, are characteristic of true democracies. They are crucial for maintaining peace and achieving sustainable development. Despite the impressive and inspirational gains made by women and girls, as well as people with diverse gender identities, expression and opinion are still not equally free and protected for all of us.</p> <p>Cultural norms, gender stereotypes and ensuing discrimination online and offline continue to suppress, censor and mute women and girls’ voices. Unfortunately, women activists, politicians, human rights defenders, journalists and media workers are disproportionately targeted by State and non-State actors, including hate speech, bullying and acts of violence.</p> <p>Discriminatory laws, policies and practises continue enabling additional challenges for women and girls and people with diverse gender identities, disregarding their particular needs. Lack of gender perspective hinders meaningful participation of half of the population in decision making and creation of sustainable future, adding additional obstacles to an already demanding path towards gender equality.</p> <p>Mr. President, we would like to ask the panellists, how State and private actors could provide the necessary support for freedom of opinion and expression for all genders and an integrated gender perspective throughout the work of the Human Rights Council?</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Panel Discussion on the future of the right to work in connection with climate change actions, responses and impacts in the context of sustainable and inclusive economies</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic – Baltic Statement, delivered by Lithuania</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>27 September 2022</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries – Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Norway, Sweden, and my own country Lithuania.</p> <p>The negative impact of climate change on work environment is a worrisome reality. It is our common responsibility to implement human rights-based policies on climate change while ensuring effective enjoyment of the right to work. Special emphasis must be placed on promoting decent work for those most affected by climate change– women, indigenous peoples and communities in rural areas.</p> <p>We thank the panellists for their insights on these issues and especially the ILO for comprehensive information and reports that highlight the urgency to reform and transit to green, sustainable and inclusive economies.</p> <p>We note with concern that by 2030, 80 million jobs including key workers and essential services might be lost due to rising temperatures. This has to be taken into account and adaptation to new reality should start immediately to minimize the negative consequences and ensure the right to work.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>The Nordic-Baltic countries continue to ensure access to adequate social protection, decent work, education and training opportunities for all through national programmes. It is particularly important to ensure the inclusion of women, as they often have less access to resources and tend to work in informal settings.&nbsp;</p> <p>Distinguished panellists, as today's discussion is dedicated to explore practical examples of inclusive economies, how can we improve the inclusion of women in decision-making processes?</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Annual half-day panel discussion on the rights of indigenous peoples.</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Theme: “Impact of social and economic recovery plans in the COVID-19 context on indigenous peoples, with a special focus on food security"</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic – Baltic Statement, delivered by Sweden</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>28 September 2022</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>Esteemed panellists,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic states.</p> <p>COVID-19 has exacerbated pre-existing inequalities and has had a disproportionate negative impact on indigenous peoples, not least regarding the right to food and the protection against food insecurity due to the loss of jobs and livelihoods, lands and natural resources. Additionally, the situation for many indigenous women and girls, indigenous LGBTIQ persons and indigenous persons with disabilities is further exposed as they face multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination.</p> <p>We are deeply concerned about reports of threats, violence and attacks on indigenous human rights defenders standing up to protect their livelihoods, lands and the natural environment, not least indigenous women human rights defenders. We all have an obligation to protect human rights defenders and to hold perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses to account.</p> <p>To achieve truly successful COVID-19 responses and recovery measures it is crucial that indigenous peoples, are included and can participate in the development of those measures in a meaningful way, also taking in to account their traditional cultural practices and knowledge.</p> <p>How can we make sure that the lessons learned from the panel discussion today can be included in the future responses to support and improve the realization the rights of indigenous peoples?</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3 - Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic – Baltic Statement, delivered by Denmark</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>28 September 2022</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries: Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country Denmark together with Greenland.</p> <p>We thank the Special Rapporteur for his report.</p> <p>The protection of Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge, including their science and technologies, languages and practices is inextricably linked to the rights to self-determination, autonomy, lands and resources.</p> <p>The scientific and technical knowledge of Indigenous women has a key role to play in managing the risks and impacts of climate change, protecting biodiversity and achieving sustainable development. Generation after generation, Indigenous women pass on their knowledge, which is a precious inheritance. Not just to indigenous peoples, but to all of us.</p> <p>Yet, despite Indigenous women’s irrefutable life-saving knowledge, they face unique challenges in retaining and revitalizing their role as knowledge keepers. Indigenous women are disproportionally affected by the loss of lands, territories and resources owing to climate change. Furthermore, they are still under-represented in consultative processes and political decision-making. This must change.</p> <p>Mr. Special Rapporteur, what do you see as the most pressing steps to protect the scientific and technical knowledge of Indigenous women?</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3&amp;5 - Interactive dialogue with the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP)</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic-Baltic Statement, delivered by Finland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>28 September 2022</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries, Denmark together with Greenland, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Finland.</p> <p>We welcome the annual report of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.</p> <p>We applaud EMRIP for its leadership in discussions on enhanced participation of Indigenous Peoples at the Human Rights Council. We will engage actively in the forthcoming workshop in November and look forward to taking concrete next steps.</p> <p>We reiterate your call to guarantee indigenous human rights defenders a safe living and working environment, without discrimination, fear of reprisals, intimidation or threats of any kind. The additional risks faced by indigenous women human rights defenders must be addressed.</p> <p>We strongly condemn the increase in cases of harassment against Indigenous Peoples’ representatives, particularly women leaders, attending UN meetings. This simply must stop.</p> <p>Members of the EMRIP, what are your expectations from us Member States at the forthcoming workshop?</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 5 - Interactive Dialogue on the Secretary-General's report on cooperation with the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic-Baltic Statement, delivered by Latvia</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>28 September 2022</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries – Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, and Latvia.</p> <p>We thank the Assistant Secretary-General for presenting the annual report on intimidation and reprisals.</p> <p>The Nordic-Baltic countries strongly condemn all acts of intimidation, harassment and reprisals. The continuously high number of reprisals reported is alarming, as is the fact that many of the countries cited in the report are members of or candidate States to this Council.</p> <p>Often these acts are indicative of a broader practice of shutting down civic space, including by imposing disproportionate requirements on CSO funding and reporting, and using counter-terrorism or national security legislation to restrict legitimate activities of CSOs, activists and journalists.</p> <p>We call on all States and non-State actors to ensure an open, secure and safe environment for civil society and human rights defenders, free from all acts of intimidation, harassment and reprisals.</p> <p>Women are most at risk of intimidation and reprisals. The Nordic-Baltic countries are committed to protecting women from all acts of intimidation and reprisals and ensuring that their voices continue to be heard and they are able to safely and meaningfully engage with this Council and all other UN bodies and mechanisms.</p> <p>Assistant Secretary-General, what concrete actions can this Council take to address acts of intimidation and reprisals in a gender-transformative manner?</p> <br clear="all" /> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 8 - Follow-up to and implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic-Baltic Statement, delivered by Denmark</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>30 September 2022</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries: Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and Denmark.</p> <p>We condemn in the strongest possible terms Russia’s illegal sham “referenda” in Ukraine and announced illegal annexation of four Ukrainian regions. We reiterate our unwavering support to Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. We will never recognize the so-called results and claimed consequences of the sham “referenda”. All states have an obligation under international law to not recognize the illegal annexation.</p> <p>We underline that there can be no such thing as legitimate “referenda” reflecting the will of the people amidst widespread and systematic human rights violations and abuses conducted by Russia and its illegitimately appointed authorities in Ukraine. Voting at gunpoint does not constitute a referendum.</p> <p>Russia’s faulted attempts at legalizing acts of aggression and human rights violations are blatantly violating the very foundations of the UN Charter. In this regard, we are deeply concerned by the atrocities committed by Russia in Ukraine, with recent discovery of several mass burial sites in Izyum giving special rise to alarm.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 9 - Enhanced interactive dialogue on the report of the High Commissioner and the report of the International Independent Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equality in Law Enforcement</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic-Baltic Statement, delivered by Finland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>3 October 2022</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries: Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country Finland.</p> <p>The law enforcement has the duty to ensure national legislation is respected. Situations where law enforcement acts against those it has sworn to protect, especially persons in vulnerable situations, are always serious. These must be dealt with accordingly.</p> <p>We are not yet free from racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerances. Better, disaggregated data, both quantitative and qualitative research as well as analysis are crucial to understanding how racism and racial discrimination can affect the behaviour and decision-making processes of the law enforcement. Furthermore, better data can shed more light on the multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination that people of African descent can face. The work done in this field by civil society organizations, researchers, academia and human rights institutions are especially valuable.</p> <p>The Nordic-Baltic countries are committed to the fight against racism and racial discrimination in all spheres of our societies.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 10 - Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner on the oral update on Ukraine</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Iceland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>4 October 2022</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>Iceland reiterates its unwavering commitment to the independence, sovereignty and respect for the territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.</p> <p>We condemn in the strongest possible terms Putin’s illegal sham “referenda” in Ukraine and the illegal annexation of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzia regions of Ukraine. The annexation is a fundamental violation of the Principles of the UN Charter and international law.</p> <p>Relately, we are sickened by Russia´s systematic use of filtration camps which are integral to Russia´s annexation and “Russification”.</p> <p>We continue to witness grave violations and abuses of international humanitarian law and human rights in Ukraine. Russia´s disregard for human lives is harrowing, confirmed by sickening reports of mass graves and atrocities in areas recaptured by Ukrainian armed forces.</p> <p>We welcome the launch of the Fact-Finding Mission regarding the 29 July incident at Olenivka and look forward to the report to the Secretary General.</p> <p>We are deeply alarmed by the severe repercussions of Russia’s unprovoked aggression against Ukraine on global food security, which particularly affects developing countries and persons in vulnerable situations.&nbsp;</p> <p>Iceland stands in full unity with the people of Ukraine and demands the withdrawal of all Russian military personnel and equipment from Ukraine.</p> <strong><br clear="all" /> </strong> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 10 - Interactive dialogue on the oral update of OHCHR on technical assistance and capacity-building for South Sudan </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic-Baltic Statement, delivered by Iceland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>4 October 2022</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries - Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, and my own country Iceland.</p> <p>Human rights violations and abuses and human suffering remain pervasive in South Sudan. Extrajudicial, summary and arbitrary executions, sexual and gender-based violence are sadly only some of the ongoing violations and abuses. These must stop.</p> <p>We urge the Government – that has the primary responsibility to protect its population – to take long-awaited steps to improve the security situation in the country. This must include investigating and holding those responsible of human rights violations and abuses to account.</p> <p>With the recent two-year extension of the Peace Agreement and the Government’s own Roadmap, we call for a renewed push for the implementation of Chapter V on transitional justice. The technical assistance provided by the Office of the High Commissioner is fundamental to ensure this. Building capacity in national courts to investigate and prosecute alleged crimes is imperative.</p> <p>The support of the Office of the High Commissioner can only translate to progress with the full cooperation of the Government. We urge the Government to make use of the support provided, to take active measures to reduce the level of violence and ensure that those responsible are held to account.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 10 - Interactive dialogue with the High Commissioner on the oral update on Ukraine </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint Statement, Delivered by Denmark</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>October 4 2022</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>I am delivering this statement on behalf of the 46 member states of the Group of Friends of Accountability Following the Aggression against Ukraine.</p> <p>We condemn in the strongest possible terms Russia’s illegal sham “referenda” in Ukraine and the announced illegal, attempted annexation of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia regions of Ukraine. We urge the international community to condemn the attempted annexation and to join us in support of Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. We reaffirm that any annexation of a State’s territory by another State resulting from the threat or use of force is a violation of the UN Charter and international law and without legal effect under international law. &nbsp;</p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>We are equally devastated by the discoveries of mass graves in the formerly Russian-controlled areas of Ukraine, recently in Izyum, and the increasing number of civilian casualties across the country. We remain deeply alarmed about the continuing and widespread reports of human rights abuses and violations and violations of international humanitarian law in Ukraine, including those stemming from Russia’s reported filtration policy.</p> <p>This filtration policy is designed to intimidate and harass local populations, identify individuals whom Russia deems insufficiently compliant or opposed to its aggression and temporary control, suppress Ukrainian identity, and lay the groundwork for the continued “Russification” and attempted, illegal annexation of parts of a sovereign Ukraine.</p> <p>The filtration operations are reported to include practices of torture of civilians and military forces, as well as the separation of families,&nbsp;including forced adoption of Ukrainian children, confiscation of Ukrainian passports, issuance of Russian passports, and surveillance.</p> <p>Evidence is mounting that Russian authorities are also reportedly detaining or making disappear thousands of Ukrainian civilians during the filtration processes, with reports that some civilians have been summarily executed.</p> <p>We call on Russia to immediately halt its pervasive filtration operations, arbitrary detentions, and forced deportations and disappearances and to promptly release those arbitrarily detained, and&nbsp;allow all citizens, particularly children to promptly and safely return home.&nbsp;</p> <p>We recall obligations under international human rights law and international humanitarian law prohibiting torture and inhuman treatment of detainees and strongly condemn all reported cases of torture and ill-treatment.</p> <p>We furthermore express deep concern about the grave effects of Russia’s war against Ukraine on global food and energy security, which particularly affects developing countries and persons in vulnerable situations. </p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>We reaffirm our full solidarity with Ukraine and its courageous people in their defence of their country and of the UN Charter. And we express our unwavering commitment to the independence, sovereignty and respect for the territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 10 - Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner on the oral update on Ukraine</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic-Baltic Statement, delivered by Estonia</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>4 October 2022</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>Estonia fully aligns with the statement delivered by the European Union. We thank the Acting High Commissioner for the update.</p> <p>Russia´s brutal war of aggression in Ukraine has lasted 7 months. Russia bears full responsibility for the war and for the immense suffering its aggression is bringing upon the Ukrainian people.</p> <p>Russia´s continued mass displacement of Ukrainians enables the exploitation of the vulnerable, allowing systemic and barbaric sexual and gender-based violence and trafficking of women and girls. Russia tramples on Ukrainian children. Overwhelming evidence of forced transfers of unaccompanied children to Russia, granting them Russian citizenship to facilitate their adoption in Russia, is a gross violation of human rights and international humanitarian law.</p> <p>In Crimea, after calls for mobilization, Russians hunt for Crimean Tatars to cowardly send them to fight in their war.</p> <p>As we heard from the International Commission of Inquiry earlier during this session – Russian forces have committed war crimes in Ukraine. The future is clear. All atrocities by Russian forces will be investigated, all perpetrators held accountable.</p> <p>To conclude, we will never recognize Russia’s illegal sham “referenda” in Ukraine’s occupied territories and do not and will never recognize the attempt of the annexation.</p> <p>Madam Acting High Commissioner, what more can the international community do to help to monitor and document the gross and massive human rights violations committed by the Russia in Ukraine?</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 10 - EID on the report of the High Commissioner on the human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and on the final report of the team of international experts on the situation in Kasai</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic-Baltic Statement, delivered by Iceland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>4 October 2022</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>I make this statement on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries.</p> <p>Thank you, Deputy High Commissioner, [for your report] and to the Team of International Experts for their final report.</p> <p>The increase in ethnic tensions, attacks against civilians and other human rights violations and abuses in eastern DRC is of serious concern. We note that the state of siege in the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri introduced in 2021, remains. The volatile security situation and the challenges regarding good governance constitute major obstacles to legal proceedings. We also note the dependence on military courts and the limited judicial accessibility outside of urban areas.</p> <p>Accountability and the rule of law must be ensured. We note the verdict regarding the murders of UN experts Zaida Catalán and Michael Sharp. It is of utmost importance that the upcoming appeals process takes all evidence into consideration. The ongoing investigation to shed full light on these heinous crimes, which is conducted in close cooperation with the UN-mandated follow-up mechanism, remains important and enjoys our full support.&nbsp;</p> <p>Deputy High Commissioner, we would appreciate if you could elaborate on the consequences of the state of siege and the following extensive use of military courts rather than civilian courts?</p> <br clear="all" /> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 10: Enhanced interactive dialogue on the report of the High Commissioner on technical cooperation and capacity-building for the promotion and protection of human rights in the Philippines</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Iceland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>5 October 2022</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>We would like to express our deep appreciation for the invaluable work of the Office of the High Commissioner and the Resident Coordinator together with the Government to achieve a first of its kind framework in the UN Joint Programme.</p> <p>As Iceland had been a vocal critic of the Philippine’s human rights record it is important that the Joint Programme addresses the issues raised in the previous High Commissioner’s report and resolution 45/33 jointly submitted by the Philippines and Iceland.</p> <p>The briefing today underlines that important steps and progress have been made since the Programme came into effect, as well as further steps that we trust will be taken to fully implement the Joint Programme.</p> <p>We emphasize the importance of its&nbsp;full&nbsp;implementation and particularly note the recommendations made by the Office of the High Commissioner and the Resident Coordinator in this regard. We encourage the Government to take them onboard.</p> <p>We particularly welcome the recommendation for OHCHR to produce a follow-up report to evaluate the impact of the Programme and look forward to the Government and Resident Coordinator continuing to keep the Council up to date on the Programme’s implementation.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 10 - Enhanced interactive dialogue on the report of the High Commissioner on technical cooperation and capacity-building for the promotion and protection of human rights in the Philippines </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic-Baltic Statement, delivered by Denmark</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>5 October 2022</strong></p> <p>Mr President.</p> <p>The Nordic-Baltic countries welcome the report and thank the Acting High Commissioner and the Resident Coordinator for their updates.</p> <p>Resolution 45/33 importantly requested technical assistance and capacity building through the implementation of a multi-year UN Joint Programme in the Philippines. We are pleased that the Programme is based on this request of the Council with corresponding focus areas.</p> <p>We express concern over the lack of progress made on the accountability agenda. This is a key component of the program and justice is needed, both for the victims of human rights violations and to prevent new ones from occurring. In addition, we would like to highlight the importance of broad civil society participation across all components of the Programme. &nbsp;</p> <p>We believe the Programme, if implemented to the letter, is an important tool in institutionalizing human rights in law enforcement.</p> <p>The Programme has generated some important outputs over the past fourteen months. Now we need to see the outcomes. Anything less than genuine intentions of all stakeholders to use the Programme to improve the human rights situation in the Philippines will constitute a failure.</p> <p>We look forward to the Government and the Resident Coordinator continuing to keep the Council abreast of the implementation of the Programme at future sessions.<br clear="all" /> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 10 - Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic-Baltic Statement, delivered by Finland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>5 October 2022</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries – Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, and my own country Finland.</p> <p>We thank the Special Rapporteur Dr. Muntarbhorn for his second report and welcome Cambodia’s cooperation with Special Procedures.</p> <p>We welcome also the efforts of Cambodia in strengthening the social protection system while combatting Covid-19, and in upholding an advanced positioning towards LGBTQI rights.</p> <p>In spite of achieved progress, we are deeply concerned about repressions regarding civil and political rights as well as the further shrinking civic space. We are disturbed by the systematic detentions, intimidation, harassment and politically motivated trials of members of political opposition, journalists and media workers, human rights defenders and other civil society actors. Independent and impartial judiciary must be ensured.</p> <p>We urge Cambodia to fully implement the recommendations as well as other benchmarks the Special Rapporteur has identified in his report and which are also supported by the Treaty Bodies. Respect to political and civil rights as well as social and economic rights is essential for a functioning society. It is crucial to form an enabling environment for all actors to ensure free and fair national elections in 2023.</p> <p>Mr. Special Rapporteur, how can we collaborate with Cambodia best to strengthen its implementation of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all?&nbsp;</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 10 - Interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic-Baltic Statement, delivered by Denmark</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>5 October 2022</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries: Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country Denmark.</p> <p>We welcome the successful completion of the electoral process and peaceful transition of power in Somalia. However, many serious challenges remain, including with regard to human rights.&nbsp;</p> <p>We are deeply concerned with the increasing number of internally displaced persons due to drought and conflict. People on the move, particularly women, girls and children, are especially vulnerable to human rights violations and abuse, not least sexual and gender-based violence.</p> <p>We remain seriously concerned about the increase in violence against women and girls and encourage the Government of Somalia to adopt and implement sexual offenses legislation in line with international standards. It is key that women are supported and perpetrators held to account. In this regard, we reiterate our call on the Government of Somalia to ratify CEDAW.</p> <p>Lastly, we underscore the importance of adopting a constitution in line with Somalia’s human rights obligations and ensure that the human rights of all Somalis are respected, protected and fulfilled.</p> <p>Ms. Dyfan; how can we best support you in your mandate?</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 10 - Interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Central African Republic </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic-Baltic Statement, delivered by Norway</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>5 October 2022</strong></p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries: - Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden, and my own country Norway.</p> <p>We thank the Independent Expert for his dedicated efforts.</p> <p>The Independent Expert’s report highlights human rights violations and abuses that are overwhelming in scope and character: large scale killings targeting civilians, recruitment and use of child soldiers, sexual and gender based violence against women and children, torture, arbitrary arrests.</p> <p>The armed groups are not the only perpetrators. It is shocking to learn that the armed forces of the Central African Republic and its Russian allies, are responsible for a large part of the violations. We call on the government of the Central African Republic to investigate all incidents, hold the perpetrators accountable, and ensure that their Russian allies do not impede MINUSCA human rights investigations.</p> <p>Those who are most vulnerable usually suffer the most in conflicts. Efforts must increase&nbsp; to protect civilians, in particular children, persons with disabilities, and those at risk of sexual and gender-based violence.</p> <p>We urge the government of the Central African Republic to take specific measures to enact the Child Protection Code provisions to prevent and punish the recruitment and use of children in hostilities, early marriages, and trafficking of persons.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 2: Enhanced interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan and the Working Group on discrimination against women and girls, on a report on the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Finland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>19 June 2023</strong></p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>I speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries, Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, and my own country Finland. We welcome the joint report. </p> <p>We commend the Special Rapporteur’s valuable work and appreciate his access to the country.</p> <p>Afghanistan has the duty to comply with various international human rights conventions, including CEDAW, and conventions prohibiting torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment.</p> <p>Supporting human rights defenders and civil society space remains our priority. </p> <p>We strongly condemn the systematic discrimination against women and girls in Afghanistan, which may amount to gender persecution, a crime against humanity. This systematic crackdown on women’s and girls’ rights damages the entire Afghan society, also boys and men. </p> <p>Without access to education at all levels, girls and women of Afghanistan lose the opportunity to fulfil their potential. Female professionals are crucial for the delivery of basic services not least healthcare and perinatal care. Education is key for protecting girls and women from violence, poverty and exploitation.</p> <p>The use of cruel, inhuman and degrading punishments is deeply concerning.&nbsp; </p> <p>The severe lack of respect for international obligations by the de facto authorities only further isolates Afghanistan from the international community.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 2: Enhanced interactive dialogue on a comprehensive report on the situation of human rights in the Sudan, with the High Commissioner, the designated Expert on Human Rights in the Sudan, and other stakeholders</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Lithuania on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>19 June 2023</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries. </p> <p>We thank the High Commissioner for the update and echo the grave concern over the crisis in Sudan. Reported cases of unlawful killings, including of children, arbitrary detentions, sexual and gender-based violence continue to be worrisome. We are concerned over the increasing numbers of refugees, internally displaced persons and millions of Sudanese in need of humanitarian aid and protection. We strongly condemn all violations and abuses of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, and the decision to expel the Head of UNITAMS, Mr. Volker Perthes.</p> <p>We call on all parties to the conflict to immediately cease violence and put the interests and safety of the people in Sudan first. We urge the belligerents to engage in an African-led political process under the auspices of the African Union in order to find an immediate, peaceful and sustainable solution to the conflict. </p> <p>We firmly believe that the cessation of hostilities, protection of human rights and accountability for all violations and abuses committed should remain central and contribute to the resolution of crisis in Sudan. Ultimately, a return to an inclusive political process, where women are included, is where the future for Sudan lies.</p> <p>Mr. High Commissioner, how can the international community best support the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all persons in Sudan? </p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 2: Interactive dialogue on the annual report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Iceland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>20 June 2023</strong></p> <p>Mr President.</p> <p>I would like to thank the High Commissioner - and his Office – for their tireless work in promoting and protecting human rights around the world. </p> <p>As the High Commissioner highlighted, the human rights pillar remains chronically underfunded. Meanwhile, the need for a well-resourced and effective international human rights framework continues to increase. </p> <p>In your remarks, Mr High Commissioner, you paid tribute to countries that engage constructively with OHCHR and international human rights bodies. </p> <p>Iceland is a stern supporter of Special Procedures and Treaty Bodies. Cooperating and engaging with all mechanisms should be the norm and we urge all countries to do so unconditionally. No one is above scrutiny. </p> <p>The 75^th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights presents a valuable opportunity to both look inwards as well as outwards – to take stock of opportunities and challenges and commit to improving and enhancing our respective national frameworks in line with international human rights obligations, and to collectively re-commit to respecting, protecting and fulfilling the human rights of all. </p> <p>Let us continue to work together to ensure that the vision of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is fully realised for all persons, everywhere, in all their diversity. </p> <strong><br clear="all" /> </strong> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 2: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Norway on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>20 June 2023</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>The Nordic-Baltic countries thank the Special Rapporteur for his report<em>.</em></p> <p>Again, we must express our concern over the persistent human rights violations in Eritrea, including indefinite national service, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances and widespread sexual and gender-based violence.</p> <p>We welcome progress made in the sphere of social rights as concerns education and health, and the withdrawal of Eritrean forces from several towns in Northern Ethiopia. Yet, we remain deeply concerned by reports of continued Eritrean involvement in Ethiopia and condemn earlier deployments of child soldiers and the forced conscription of Eritrean refugees. We urge the Government to immediately seize such practises, withdraw any remaining Eritrean forces from Ethiopia and investigate all alleged breaches of international law by Eritrean actors. </p> <p>We call on the Eritrean Government to release all those arbitrarily detained, to end the practices of prolonged, incommunicado and arbitrary detention, and to develop independent rule-of-law institutions to protect human rights. We condemn the severe restrictions on the rights to freedoms of expression, religion or belief and on civil organisations.</p> <p>Yet again, we call on Eritrea to fully co-operate with the Council’s mechanisms, including by granting the Special Rapporteur full and unhindered access to the country.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 2: Panel discussion on the measures necessary to find durable solutions to the Rohingya crisis and to end all forms of human rights violations and abuses against Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Norway on behalf of the Nordic Baltic Countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>21 June 2023</strong></p> <p>High Commissioner and panelists, </p> <p>Thank you for these insights. The Nordic-Baltic States remain deeply disturbed by the human rights situation in Myanmar. </p> <p>Daily, we hear reports of military action against civilians amounting to serious violations and abuses of human rights and international humanitarian law.</p> <p>The consequences are increased human suffering and regression in all areas of human rights, including for the Rohingya and other minorities. </p> <p>We condemn the military’s indiscriminate use of force against civilians, including women and children.</p> <p>We call for an immediate end to all violence against civilians, for perpetrators to be brought to justice and the provision of full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access.</p> <p>We urge Myanmar to endorse and implement the Safe School Declaration.</p> <p>This is not the first time we discuss durable solutions for Rohingya and other minorities in Myanmar. As we are witnessing a prolonged crisis, we need to adopt our recommendations to the current developments.</p> <p>In this regard, we are concerned about the planned repatriation pilot of Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh to Myanmar. </p> <p>The refugees need an environment that allows for voluntary, safe, and dignified return. Even before the cyclone Mocha hit Rakhine State, the conditions were not conducive to their sustainable return, according to UNHCR. </p> <p>In the last two years, intercommunal dialogue and a shared plight has seemingly fostered a greater understanding amongst some ethnic groups and democratic forces in Myanmar. </p> <p>High Commissioner and panelists, what actions should be prioritized by external actors in the short and medium term to make sure this moment does not become a missed opportunity?</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>21 June 2023</strong></p> <p>Mr. President.</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country Iceland.</p> <p>We reiterate our unwavering support for the work of the Independent Expert and this critical mandate. </p> <p>The right to freedom of religion or belief and the right to live free from violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity are not at odds and states are bound to uphold these rights together. </p> <p>However, as the report highlights, some states use religious narratives and invoke freedom of religion to excuse, condone or justify discrimination and violence against LGBT and other gender diverse persons. </p> <p>Criminalisation of consensual same-sex conduct is one of the most severe manifestations of state-led discrimination and repression of persons of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity. Justifications range from dogmatic interpretations of faith-based scriptures to colonial-era legislation that has morphed into norms invoking religion. </p> <p>We urge states that have not done so yet to decriminalise consensual same-sex conduct, in line with their obligations under international human rights law.</p> <p>The full realisation of all human rights of LGBT and other gender diverse persons hinges on states respecting, fulfilling and upholding the rights and fundamental freedoms of all their citizens, in all their diversity. </p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Working Group on discrimination against women and girls</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Estonia on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>22 June 2023</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries.</p> <p>Women and girls – in all their diversity – play a crucial role in promoting positive change and inclusive sustainable development and peace. However, multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination against women and girls is still widespread across the globe, gendered socioeconomic inequality and poverty being some of the consequences. </p> <p>To this day, there is no country in the world that has achieved full and substantial gender equality. The persistence of the discriminatory and negative social norms and gender stereotypes affect women and girls across every area of life, from families to communities, in businesses and in all branches of the public sector, and contribute to maintaining and deepening socioeconomic inequalities. </p> <p>Women and girls continue to experience structural gender discrimination in both formal and informal employment on the grounds of gender, pregnancy and caring responsibilities. As highlighted in the report, the unequal and inadequate remuneration, precarious employment, lack of union representation, and violence and harassment in the workplace are all factors that increase sex- and gender-based inequalities and entrench poverty for women and girls. </p> <p>In your report, you describe how women‘s poverty and inequality is directly linked to economic policy choices at the global, regional and national levels. What can we do on multilateral level and in UN fora to advance the economic policies so that women and girls – everywhere and in all their diversity – can enjoy the full range of human rights? </p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women and Girls </strong><strong>Statement by Norway, on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>22 June 2023</strong></p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries – Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden, and my own country Norway.</p> <p>We thank the Special Rapporteur for highlighting the concern about the pattern of ignoring intimate partner violence against women in determining child custody cases.&nbsp; </p> <p>It is particularly worrisome that there are cases where protection systems fail in their duty to protect children and women, and children are compelled to return to abusive and life-threatening situations.&nbsp; All violations of the rights of the child and the principle of the best interest of the child are to be fully respected.&nbsp; </p> <p>To address these challenges, we must ensure that judges and other experts have adequate training.&nbsp; Allegations of domestic violence must be properly investigated and women experiencing such violence must be ensured with all necessary protection and services.&nbsp; </p> <p>The Nordic-Baltic countries are committed to protecting women and children against domestic violence and ensuring that gender stereotypes do not affect decisions in child custody cases.&nbsp; </p> <p>Ms. Asalem, what would be your advice to national authorities to ensure proper processes in child custody cases?</p> <br clear="all" /> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Latvia on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>23 June 2023</strong></p> <p>Mr. President.</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</p> <p>We thank the Special Rapporteur for presenting her latest report.</p> <p>Freedom of expression and access to information are integral to achieving sustainable development that leaves no one behind. Human rights defenders, journalists and media workers have a vital role in advancing sustainable development, and restricting their actions and suppressing their voices hinders global efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda goals.</p> <p>Special Rapporteur, as you mention in your report, a harrowing 97 per cent of the world’s population today is estimated to be living in countries where civic space is either closed, severely repressed, obstructed or has narrowed.</p> <p>Nordic-Baltic countries condemn all threats, attacks and killings of human rights defenders, journalists and media workers. It is the duty of all States to ensure that they can carry out their work free from attacks, harassment, intimidation and reprisals both online and offline.</p> <p>With less than halfway to 2030 we are far from achieving the SDGs, including strengthening information, media and digital literacy, breaching digital divides, and ensuring connectivity for all humans to a free, secure and open Internet, which promotes inclusion and participation in societies. What we see instead is more censorship and internet shutdowns.</p> <p>Madam Special Rapporteur, what can we do to strengthen a multi-stakeholder approach that can help support meaningful participation of women and Indigenous Peoples in decision-making and development processes?</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement delivered by Finland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>26 June 2023</strong></p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>I deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries; Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Finland. We thank the Special Rapporteur for his report highlighting the severe issue of deaths in prison and express our full support for the renewal of his mandate this session.</p> <p>States assume direct responsibility for the lives of individuals deprived of liberty. The relatively high rate of deaths in custody is a grim reminder that States have not been able to uphold the right to life for all. However, positive reforms from across the globe, presented in the report, show that change is possible.&nbsp; </p> <p>Preventing deaths is key. Ways to reduce the amount of prisoners, for example by applying non-custodial measures, could be explored. Women should not be imprisoned for exercising their reproductive rights.</p> <p>We call for investigating every death in custody and observing the Minnesota Protocol in investigations. Prisoners should be treated with dignity, including after their death.</p> <p>We highlight the need to ratify the OPCAT (Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment).&nbsp; Could the Special Rapporteur elaborate why it is so important for States to ratify this protocol?</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Lithuania on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>28 June 2023</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries:&nbsp; Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Norway, Sweden and my own country Lithuania.</p> <p>We thank the Special Rapporteur for the report and its two addendums. </p> <p>Advancing accountability and ending impunity for human rights violations, including those related to the exercise of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, both online and offline, is a priority for our states.&nbsp; </p> <p>We recognize the digital sphere as a unique space for assembly and association. However, we are concerned about the growing trend of imposing restrictions, including internet shutdowns and digital surveillance.</p> <p>It is alarming that civil society activists, including human rights defenders, journalists and media workers, are facing increasing repression, criminalization and judicial harassment. They are often depicted as a threat to national security or public order, instead of enabling and protecting their rights. </p> <p>We call on states to refrain from actions that undermine the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association and to ensure robust and timely accountability for serious crimes committed against activists and protesters. Also, as the report points out, it is particularly incumbent on the international community to respond to serious human rights violations, in order to ensure accountability and deter further violations. </p> <p>Mr. Special Rapporteur, how could the cooperation between national, regional and international mechanisms be strengthened in order to advance accountability? </p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Finland, on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>30 June 2023</strong></p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries; Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Finland. </p> <p>We thank the Special Rapporteur for his report and his work in promoting the full realization of the right to work as a way of tackling poverty. </p> <p>Unemployment can have far-reaching effects on individuals and on society as a whole. Full and productive employment and decent work for all contribute to the realization of human rights, including the right to work by reducing poverty and discrimination. </p> <p>The labour market is not equal for all. We need to better integrate persons in vulnerable situations, including persons with disabilities, into the labour market and ensure social protection for those who are excluded from it. Innovative solutions are necessary to tackle poverty globally as is also ensuring that the greening of the economy is fair and inclusive. </p> <p>Mr. Special Rapporteur,</p> <p>How can we make sure that the just transition to a green economy is human rights-based and inclusive of persons with disabilities and others in vulnerable situations?</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Annual full-day discussion on the human rights of women</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Panel 1: Gender-based violence against women and girls in public and political life</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Latvia on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>30 June 2023</strong></p> <p>Mr<strong>. </strong>&nbsp;President.</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</p> <p>Over the past few decades, there has been significant normative progress towards eliminating violence against women and girls and sexual and gender-based violence. However, more often than not this has not translated in tangible results. Every day, women and girls around the world continue to experience sexual and gender-based violence in public spaces, including sexual harassment, rape, domestic violence, and femicide. This has a significant negative effect on the ability of women and girls to exercise their rights and participate in school, work, and public life, and negatively impacts their health, including their sexual and reproductive health and rights, and well-being. This particularly concerns armed conflicts.</p> <p>International human rights law guarantees the right of women and girls – in all their diversity – to participate in political and public life. It is the obligation of States to remove all structural barriers preventing their participation, including the disproportionate share of unpaid care work, gender stereotypes, negative social norms and sexual and gender-based violence.</p> <p>Girls face particular challenges due to misconceptions about children’s right to participation in political and public life, restrictions on their autonomy, disregard for their best interests, and paternalistic control, among others.</p> <p>Dear panellists, can you share some of the best practices in empowering girls to participate in public and political life and addressing the challenges to girls’ participation, including violence against women and girls?</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Annual full-day discussion on the human rights of women</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Panel 2: Social protection: women’s participation and leadership</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Lithuania on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>30 June 2023</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries – Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Iceland, Norway, Latvia, Sweden, and my own country Lithuania.</p> <p>Gender stereotypes, harmful and discriminatory social norms continue to impact women and girls’ rights across the world.&nbsp; In addition to the increased negative impact on women and girls of armed conflicts, pandemics and climate crises, women and girls – in all their diversity – continue to experience structural gender-based discrimination in education, formal and informal employment due to pregnancy and caring responsibilities. </p> <p>The position of women in the labour market is still less favourable than that of men. They continue to face gender pay gaps, precarious employment, sexual and gender-based violence, and sexual harassment in the workplace. It accumulates gender discrimination throughout their life-course, makes it harder for women to access contributory social security, and feminizes poverty. </p> <p>Full, equal, inclusive, and meaningful participation and leadership of all women and girls, including women with disabilities and women in vulnerable situations, in decision-making is crucial for their full enjoyment of all human rights. Empowering women and girls and closing the gender gap in the world of work is also key to achieving the 2030 Agenda. However, this is not possible without increased efforts in reforming social protection policies, such as ensuring sexual and reproductive health and rights, accessible childcare services, parental leave, and work life balance. </p> <p>Dear panellists, how would you recommend expanding and strengthening social protection to make it gender transformative?</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Annual Panel on Adverse Impacts of Climate Change</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Lithuania on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>3 July 2023</strong></p> <p>Mr. President.</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries -Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Norway, Sweden, and my own country Lithuania.</p> <p>We thank the High Commissioner and distinguished panellists for providing valuable insight on the negative impact of climate change on the right to food, especially on its physical and economical accessibility, availability, adequacy, and sustainability, as well as on how we should respond to these challenges.</p> <p>Climate change continues to increase pressure on food production, particularly in already vulnerable regions. Climate-induced disasters and wars reduce food availability and quality, impact food prices, especially harming persons in vulnerable situations. People at the frontline of climate change, including women, children, and Indigenous Peoples, are especially at risk. </p> <p>Furthermore, in many parts of the world, farmers and agricultural workers increasingly face highly unfavourable conditions ranging from conflicts and weather shocks, such as desertification in dry areas, floodings, and salinization in low-lying coastal areas.</p> <p>Distinguished panellists, how would you recommend to increase the participation of vulnerable groups, including women, youth and Indigenous Peoples in transforming food systems to promote everyone‘s full realization of the right to food and build climate resilience?</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive dialogue on the report of the Secretary-General on climate change and the right to food</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Denmark on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>3 July 2023</strong></p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries: Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country Denmark.</p> <p>This decade represents a closing window of opportunity for us to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees. We must act together to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. </p> <p>Increasingly, we witness the negative impacts of climate change. From extreme drought and flooding to more frequent and severe natural disasters destroying the ability of entire regions to feed themselves. </p> <p>Climate induced events like these, whether they hit suddenly or arrives slowly, have an impact not only on the right to food, but on the full realization of all human rights all over the world. Persons at the frontline of climate change, including women, children, Indigenous Peoples, and LGBTQI+, are especially at risk, and action needs to be inclusive and ensure their participation. </p> <p>We welcome the report of the Secretary-General, and we would welcome the thoughts of the Office on how we could further bring forward the report and the topics it touches upon in the work of the Council?&nbsp; </p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Panel discussion on the role of digital, media and information literacy in the promotion and enjoyment of the right to freedom of opinion and expression</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Denmark on behalf of the Nordic- Baltic Countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>3 July 2023</strong></p> <p>Mr, President, esteemed panellists, </p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries. </p> <p>We are living in an era marked by digital technologies that are causing unprecedented challenges as well as opportunities. </p> <p>In this new era, digital, media and information literacy are necessary tools to protect the respect and enjoyment of human rights. It empowers people and builds their resilience against disinformation and misinformation. </p> <p>The role of civil society and media is crucial in identifying, uncovering and debunking false information, as well as identifying and raising awareness on practices of internet shutdowns, unlawful surveillance and other malicious cyber activities.</p> <p>Protecting freedom of expression online and offline are key components in our efforts to defend and promote democracy and human rights. To be able to seek, evaluate, use and create information online and offline is crucial in this regard.</p> <p>Our firm belief is that we should leave no one behind. For this cause, we must close the gender digital divide and make sure to address the needs of women, girls and persons in vulnerable or disadvantaged situations. </p> <p>Esteemed panellists, what role do you see for the OHCHR in taking the important work on the topic of this panel forward?</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Norway on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>4 July 2023</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I am pleased to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries. </p> <p>We congratulate the Special Rapporteur on her appointment and we thank her for the report, detailing her vision and thematic priorities.</p> <p>We support the approach presented, building on the efforts made by her predecessors and momentum created by the High-Level panel on Internal Displacement, the Secretary General’s Action Agenda and the appointment of the Special Adviser on Solutions. </p> <p>We also support the focus on a rights-based approach in the implementation of the mandate, recognizing IDPs as rights holders. Likewise, integration of a perspective that considers gender in all its diversity and recognition of specific vulnerabilities among IDPs is essential.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> <p>The recent steep increase and record numbers of IDPs resulting from armed conflicts, human rights violations, adverse effects of climate change and natural disasters are of grave concern. The trend must be addressed.; The efforts by the Special Rapporteur are important for preventing growing numbers of IDPs, as well as improving the protection of and respect for their human rights. </p> <p>The Nordic-Baltic countries strongly support the mandate of the Special Rapporteur and stand ready to assist her in its implementation.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Denmark on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>4 July 2023</strong></p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic states: Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country Denmark. </p> <p>We reaffirm our firm commitment to atrocity prevention and our full support to the Joint Office on Genocide Prevention and R2P. </p> <p>We thank you for the new report on the role of technological advances in the prevention and perpetration of genocide. We will study the report carefully to further the implementation of its recommendations. </p> <p>In addition to thematic reports, we call on the Joint Office to share country-specific updates on warning signs and recommendations on atrocity prevention. These will provide Member States with concrete advice on how to better implement R2P and genocide prevention. This is especially meaningful in the context of the prevention mandate of the Human Rights Council.</p> <p>Madam Special Advisor, how often do you share your country analysis on atrocity risks with the OHCHR and special procedures under the Human Rights Council? And how does your office interact with and follow up on treaty body recommendations?</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Item 4: Interactive dialogue on the oral update of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Iceland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>5 July 2023</strong></p> <p>Mr President, </p> <p>Iceland thanks the Experts of the Fact-Finding Mission for their valuable update and reiterates its unwavering support for the mandate. </p> <p>We welcome the FFM’s interpretation of the mandate, and their carefully crafted approach to collecting, consolidating, analysing and preserving information and evidence of violations by taking a victim-centred and intersectional approach, and by examining how multiple forms of discrimination affect victims of human rights violations. </p> <p>Iceland is also strongly supportive of the FFM analysing patterns of impunity and identification of individuals and entities responsible for alleged violations and the establishment of facts regarding their responsibility.&nbsp; </p> <p>We look forward to the FFM’s findings in HRC 55 and recommendations including on measures for prevention, protection, and reparation and accountability. </p> <p>We urge the Iranian authorities to reconsider their initial rejection of the mechanism and to heed the Secretary-General’s and the High Commissioners call for full cooperation with the FFM and to accept their request for a country visit.</p> <p>History has shown that addressing grievances and ensuring accountability is key to justice and reconciliation. </p> <p>In closing, Madam Chair how can we best support the work of the FFM going forward?</p> <strong><br clear="all" /> </strong> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 4: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Estonia on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>5 July 2023</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</p> <p>Madam Rapporteur, we thank you for the report and highly appreciate your work.</p> <p>The human rights situation in Belarus is appalling. Since 2020, there have been hundreds of raids on media offices and private homes of journalists and media workers, who face serious legal consequences and prison sentences. Over 600 professionals have been arrested and more than 100.000 Belarusians have been forced into exile. </p> <p>By allowing and enabling Russia to use the territory of Belarus for Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, the leadership of Belarus is responsible for the act of the aggression. Those responsible must be held accountable for violations of international law. Since February 2022, over 1500 people have been detained and persecuted for their opposition to government, including for anti-war statements and for supporting Ukraine. New amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code allow trials <em>in absentia</em> on extremism charges.</p> <p>We call upon Belarus for immediate and unconditional release of all arbitrarily detained persons and for the charges against them to be dropped, including political prisoners, journalists and media workers. We also reiterate our call to introduce a moratorium on all executions with a view to abolishing the death penalty.</p> <p>Disregarding the rights of the child, Belarus has started the militarization and politicization of school programs. Hundreds of Ukrainian children have also been allegedly forcibly transferred to Belarus, which implies that Lukashenko may be considered directly responsible for such a despicable war crime.</p> <p>Madam Rapporteur, how can the international community ensure accountability for the persecution by the Belarusian authorities of journalists, human rights defenders and civil society organizations? </p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Item 4: Interactive dialogue on the oral update of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Finland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>5 July 2023</strong></p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>I speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries. We thank the Fact-Finding Mission for the valuable update and reiterate our support to the mandate.</p> <p>People of Iran persistently demand respect for their rights, including an end to systemic discrimination against women and girls. Yet, the repression intensifies in law and in practice. We are alarmed by the draft bill regarding the enforcement of compulsory veiling laws and the draft Penal Code provisions, further criminalizing non-compliance. </p> <p>We echo the profound concern of the High Commissioner on the wave of executions, including in the context of the protests. Iran must immediately halt the executions and introduce a moratorium on death penalty.</p> <p>Civic freedoms, especially freedom of expression and assembly, continue to be severely curtailed, both online and offline. We call on the authorities to cease arbitrary detention, killings, torture and inhuman treatment, and sexual and gender-based violence, and to release all those unjustly detained.</p> <p>Finally, we expect Iran to fully cooperate with the Council’s mechanisms. </p> <p>Distinguished Chairperson, could you elaborate on the challenges you experience or foresee in investigating sexual and gender-based violence as part of your mandate?</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 4: Interactive dialogue on the oral update of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>5 July 2023 </strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country Iceland. </p> <p>We express our firm support for the work of the Commission of Inquiry. We are gravely concerned about reported continued violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in Syria. </p> <p>All indiscriminate and direct attacks on civilians must cease immediately, as well as torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.</p> <p>Accountability is crucial for achieving a lasting political solution to the conflict. We welcome the legal proceedings initiated at the International Court of Justice concerning violations of the Convention against Torture.</p> <p>Mr President, </p> <p>Humanitarian needs are record high. We note the improved humanitarian access after the earthquakes in February. All parties must provide full, unhindered, and sustained humanitarian access. We also urge the UN Security Council to renew the cross-border mechanism before it expires on 10 July.</p> <p>To end the suffering of the Syrian population there must be a comprehensive ceasefire, and an inclusive political process in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254.</p> <p>Mr. Commissioner, you have reported a gendered impact of the conflict and how longstanding discrimination against women and girls has been dramatically amplified. What measures would you recommend for addressing these issues?</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 4: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights situation in Myanmar</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Denmark on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>6 July 2023</strong></p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>I deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries.</p> <p>We thank the Special Rapporteur for his update and reiterate our firm support for his mandate.</p> <p>The Nordic-Baltic States are deeply troubled by reports of an intensification of violence, indiscriminate attacks, persecution of perceived opponents, systemic discrimination against Rohingya and other minorities and the disregard for human rights. Ensuring that the perpetrators of these crimes are held accountable remains a critical task. Therefore, we continue to support the important work carried out by the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar. </p> <p>The recent cyclone Mocha has only exacerbated the already existing immense humanitarian needs of the affected population. We express our grave concern over the growing access constraints, particularly in the wake of the cyclone, and we call for full, safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access to reach those who are suffering, with the assistance needed. </p> <p>Furthermore, we cannot turn a blind eye to the deteriorating situation for women and girls. The alarming reports of sexual and gender-based violence, discrimination, and lack of access to healthcare and education are deeply distressing. We stand in solidarity with the women and girls of Myanmar and emphasize the urgent need for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in all aspects of society. </p> <p>Special Rapporteur, what is your view on the potential complicity of the countries that continue to supply the Myanmar military with heavy weapons that are used for suppression and human rights violations?</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 9 - Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Norway on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>10 July 2023</strong></p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries. </p> <p>We welcome the first report of the Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Racism which gives the strategic vision and priorities for the mandate holder. </p> <p>We stay fully committed to combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance as stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The 75th anniversary of the Declaration gives us the opportunity to highlight the need for strengthening efforts against all forms of discrimination.&nbsp; </p> <p>President,</p> <p>Let me highlight two aspects from the report which we find especially important: </p> <p>Persons can face multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination based on gender, race, and ethnicity. We are pleased that the mandate holder pays attention to the relationship between gender discrimination and racism. </p> <p>To advance on the implementation of the Durban declaration and to move the international debate on racism further we need engagement from all relevant stakeholders. </p> <p>What steps will the Special Rapporteur take to have a broad and inclusive approach to the process going forward?</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 10: Enhanced</strong><strong> Interactive dialogue on the report of the High Commissioner on technical cooperation and capacity-building</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Lithuania, on behalf of Nordic-Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>11 July 2023</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries. </p> <p>We thank the High Commissioner for the report and commend the OHCHR’s unwavering efforts to assist states in fulfilling their international human rights obligations and commitments.</p> <p>The Nordic-Baltic countries will therefore continue to support technical assistance and capacity-building, which is of vital importance for the improvement of the human rights situation on the ground, for the prevention of further violations and abuses, as well as for the facilitation of accountability processes. </p> <p>We encourage all countries to provide unhindered access and cooperate with the OHCHR, other UN human rights mechanisms and the UN Country Teams, and to implement their recommendations. In the spirit of dialogue and cooperation, this will, in turn, help States to overcome crises, achieve tangible human rights impact on the ground, build up resilience and ensure sustainable economic development.</p> <p>Furthermore, demand-driven technical cooperation, partnerships, complementarity, as well as sufficient and predictable funding are key for solving global challenges, sustaining peace, and improving human rights situation worldwide.</p> <p>Mr. High Commissioner, how can we ensure complementarity and facilitate cooperation among stakeholders operating on the ground? </p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 10 - Interactive dialogue on the oral update of the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Central African Republic</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Norway on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>12 July 2023</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</p> <p>We thank the Independent Expert for his dedicated efforts.</p> <p>The security, humanitarian, and human rights situation in the Central African Republic remains deeply worrying. The widespread and serious human rights </p> <p>violations and abuses continue to alarm us. </p> <p>Armed groups are responsible for attacks and grave abuses against civilians. It is even more alarming that the majority of human rights violations are reportedly committed by State agents – agents with a responsibility to protect. </p> <p>We are particularly worried about the grave violations and abuses committed against children. We call on the CAR government to investigate all incidents and hold perpetrators accountable.</p> <p>Half of the population in CAR requires lifesaving assistance, and the escalation in neighbouring Sudan worsens the situation. Rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access must be guaranteed, and in line with humanitarian principles. </p> <p>Children are entitled to special protection under international law and are to be given priority in humanitarian action. In your view, what are the most urgent measures to be undertaken to ensure adequate protection of children in the Central African Republic?</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Item 10: Interactive dialogue on oral presentation of the High Commissioner on Ukraine and interim report of the Secretary-General on human rights in Crimea</strong></p> <p><strong>Statement by Finland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>12 July 2023</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries. We thank the High Commissioner for the update and strongly support the reporting mandate.</p> <p>Every day, Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine results in massive suffering of civilians, including in illegally annexed Crimea. The price they pay is beyond comprehension. </p> <p>We are alarmed by the reports of arbitrary detention of almost 900 men, women and children by Russia. Most of them were tortured and ill-treated, some of them subjected to sexual violence. We echo the grave concern of the OHCHR on the summary executions of civilians in detention. </p> <p>Russia must immediately halt the filtration processes and enforced disappearances often related to detention. The Ukrainian children, deported by force to Russia, must be returned. </p> <p>No country is above international human rights and humanitarian law. Perpetrators of blatant violations of international law will be held accountable. </p> <p>Finally, we expect Russia to provide OHCHR unconditional and unimpeded access to temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. We encourage Ukraine to continue its full cooperation with the OHCHR.</p> <p>Distinguished High Commissioner, how can we ensure effective psycho-social support for survivors of Russian atrocities?</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

<span lang="EN-GB"><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/13.7.2023%20-%20EU%20Statement%20on%20the%20Russian%20Federation%e2%80%99s%20ongoing%20aggression%20against%20Ukraine%20-%20OSCE%20Permanent%20Council%20No.1432.pdf">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine</a></span>

<a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/13.7.2023%20EU%20Statement%20in%20response%20to%20the%20report%20of%20the%20Head%20of%20the%20OSCE%20Centre%20in%20Ashgabat,%20Ambassador%20John%20MacGregor%20-%20OSCE%20Permanent%20Council%20No.1432.pdf">EU Statement in response to the report of the Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, Ambassador John MacGregor</a>

<a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/13.7.2023%20-%20EU%20Statement%20on%20the%2028th%20Anniversary%20of%20the%20Srebrenica%20genocide%20-%20OSCE%20Permanent%20Council%20No.1432.pdf">EU Statement on the 28th Anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide&nbsp;</a>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Joint%20Statement%20on%20the%20Annual%20Progress%20Report%20on%20the%20Implementation%20of%20the%20OSCE%202004%20Action%20Plan%20on%20the%20Promotion%20of%20Gender%20Equality%20at%20the%20OSCE%20Permanent%20Council,%20Vienna,%2013%20July%202023.pdf">Joint Statement by the Nordic and Baltic Countries on the Annual Progress Report on the Implementation of the OSCE 2004 Action Plan on the Promotion of Gender Equality delivered by Ambassador Kristín A. Árnadóttir at the OSCE Permanent Council,&nbsp; 13 July 2023</a></span>

<a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/13.7.2023%20-%20EU%20Statement%20on%20the%20Presidential%20elections%20in%20Uzbekistan%20-%20OSCE%20Permanent%20Council%20No.1432.pdf">EU Statement on the Presidential elections in Uzbekistan</a>

<span></span> <p><em>Allocution à l’occasion de l’ouverture de l’exposition Søsterskap au Rencontres d’Arles.</em></p> <p><em>4 juillet, 2023</em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Chers festivaliers, chers organisateurs, curateurs de cette exposition, chères artistes, Dear all !&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>C’est avec une grande joie et une immense fierté que nous nous réunissons ce soir pour célébrer le vernissage de cette exposition photographique, Søsterskap, ici, à Arles, capitale de la photographie, mettant en lumière le talent et la créativité des artistes femmes nordiques.</li> <li>En tant qu’ambassadrice d’Islande, pays peu peuplé, mais par ailleurs, vivier d’artistes et notamment, d’artiste femmes, je suis particulièrement touchée par la thématique de cette exposition et de voir ces photographes de tous les pays nordiques exposées ensemble.&nbsp;</li> <li>Les pays Nordiques sont reconnus pour leur engagement profond en faveur de l’égalité femmes-hommes. Ils ont établi des normes élevées en matière de droits des femmes, de parité et d’inclusion. Dans ces sociétés, la promotion des artistes femmes joue un rôle essentiel pour renforcer ces valeurs d’égalité. Cette exposition est un témoignage vivant de cet engagement, mettant en avant des voix féminines fortes et talentueuses.&nbsp; <ul> <li>C’est une grande opportunité pour les artistes nordiques ici présentes – que d’être si magnifiquement honorées et au sein d’un festival photographique aussi prestigieux que celui-ci et à la renommée internationale.&nbsp;</li> </ul> </li> <li>As the Ambassador of Iceland, a country with a small population but an incredibly rich and vibrant cultural life, I'm particularly touched by the theme of this exhibition, and by seeing all these immensely talented photographers from all the Nordic countries exhibited together here in Arles.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>“<em>Søsterskap</em>”, en islandais “<em>Systralag</em>”, en anglais «&nbsp;<em>sisterhood</em>&nbsp;», c’est la « fraternité féminine » : un lien unique entre les femmes, basé sur la sororité, la reconnaissance et la valorisation des expériences, des luttes et des réussites féminines.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <ul> <li>C’est une solidarité entre celles qui se soutiennent, s’inspirent mutuellement et travaillent ensemble pour atteindre des objectifs communs, mais surtout bénéfiques à toutes et tous, car donner la parole aux femmes, leur donner l’opportunité de s’exprimer dans la création, est essentiel pour questionner notre société, surtout d‘un point de vue personnel et humain. Car, comme disait le slogan des années 70 „<em>the personal is political</em>“, la sphère privée dévoile les fractures dans nos sociétés et nous devons les combattre pour créer un état du bien-être digne de ce nom.</li> <li>Pour les anglophones présents dans la salle, je souhaite leur adresser également ces quelques mots &nbsp;:</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Each of the Nordic artists, find their uniqueness in universal themes of daily life, such as childhood, parenthood, work, relationship, nature, and identity, but common to all, sisterhood as a driving force for emancipation, is present in all the works.</li> <li>Their work showcase the Nordic welfare model as seen through the lens of woman photographers and society‘s expectations and view on different gender roles.</li> <li>Although the Nordic states are in many ways very progressive in terms of gender, equity, and justice there is still work to do and a need to discuss and challenge the traditional gender roles and intersectionality.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Je tenais à adresser un immense bravo aux curateurs et scénographes de l’exposition, d’avoir su mettre si bien en valeur des travaux à la fois si différents et si complémentaires.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Je tiens également à remercier la direction du festival de m’avoir si chaleureusement accueillie. C’est un grand honneur pour moi d’être ici et de représenter mes collègues et homologues nordiques, les ambassadeurs du Danemark, de Finlande, de Norvège et de Suède avec qui je travaille main dans la main au quotidien à promouvoir notre culture, mais également nos liens forts et amicaux, inspirants je l’espère pour la France, pays très accueillant et avec lequel nous prenons tant plaisir à collaborer.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>I'd like to express my heartfelt congratulations to everyone involved in this incredible exhibition, the curators and the scenographers, for bringing out the very best in works that are so different yet so complementary, to the Festival Rencontres d´Arles and to all the artists for brining their work to Arles, giving a glimpse of &nbsp;the daily life and work in the Nordic region and showcasing the strength of Nordic photography.</li> </ul> <p>Merci à toutes et à tous&nbsp;!</p>

<span lang="EN-GB"><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/6.7.2023%20-%20EU%20Statement%20in%20Response%20to%20the%20Report%20by%20the%20OSCE%20High%20Commisioner%20on%20National%20Minorities,%20Amb.%20Kairat%20Abdrakhmanov%20-%20OSCE%20Permanent%20Council%20No.1431.pdf">EU Statement in Response to the Report by the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, Amb. Kairat Abdrakhmanov</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Joint%20Statement%20marking%20the%20International%20Day%20in%20Support%20of%20Victims%20of%20Torture%20at%20the%20OSCE%20Permanent%20Council,%206%20July%202023.pdf">Joint Statement marking the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture delivered by Switzerland at the OSCE Permanent Council, 6 July 2023</a></span>

<p><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=a2e9a33a-33ca-11ef-b885-005056bcde1f">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine</a></p>

<p><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=f9329e5f-33c9-11ef-b885-005056bcde1f">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine</a></p>

<p><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=5cb6dba0-33cb-11ef-b885-005056bcde1f">EU Statement on Russia’s ongoing military aggression against Ukraine</a></p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Joint%20Statement%20by%20the%20Nordic%20Countries%20and%20Canada%20at%20the%20OSCE%20Chairpersonship%e2%80%99s%20Security%20Review%20Conference,%2028-29%20June%202023.pdf">Joint Statement by the Nordic Countries and Canada delivered by Ambassador Kristín A. Árnadóttir at the OSCE Chairpersonship’s Security Review Conference, 28-29 June 2023</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Joint%20Statement%20on%20World%20Refugee%20Day%20at%20the%20OSCE%20Permanent%20Council,%2022%20June%202023.pdf">Joint Statement on World Refugee Day delivered by Ambassador Jocelyn Kinnear at the OSCE Permanent Council, 22 June 2023</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Joint%20Statement%20in%20Observance%20of%20Pride%20Month%20at%20the%20OSCE%20Permanent%20Council,%2022%20June%202023.pdf">Joint Statement in Observance of Pride Month delivered by Ambassador Natasha Meli Daudey at the OSCE Permanent Council, 22 June 2023</a></span>

<a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=909bb0c3-33ce-11ef-b885-005056bcde1f">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine</a>

<a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=57e1b1f2-33cd-11ef-b885-005056bcde1f">EU in Response to the Head of the OSCE Mission to Serbia, Ambassador Jan Braathu</a>

<span></span> <p><span><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=3353c407-33cc-11ef-b885-005056bcde1f">EU Statement on the Report by the Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, Dr. Volker Frobarth</a></span></p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Joint%20Statement%20on%20Security%20Dialogue%20at%20the%20OSCE%20Forum%20for%20Security%20Cooperation,%2021%20June%202023.pdf">Joint Statement on Security Dialogue delivered by Ambassador Gesa Bräutigam at the OSCE Forum for Security Cooperation, 21 June 2023</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Joint%20Statement%20in%20connection%20with%20the%20Security%20Dialogue%20on%20Women,%20Peace%20and%20Security%20at%20the%20OSCE%20Forum%20for%20Security%20Cooperation,%2021%20June%202023.pdf">Joint Statement in connection with the Security Dialogue on Women, Peace and Security delivered by Vesa Häkkinen, Permanent Representative of Finland to the OSCE at the OSCE Forum for Security Cooperation, 21 June 2023</a></span>

<p><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=bbf1b28f-33cf-11ef-b885-005056bcde1f">EU Statement at the Security Dialogue on the Implementation of UNSCR 1325 and the Women Peace and Security Agenda</a></p>

<a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=32e686dd-33cf-11ef-b885-005056bcde1f">EU Statement on Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine</a>

<p>Statement by Birgir Hrafn Buasson,<br /> Deputy Legal Adviser, Directorate for Legal and Executive Affairs, MFA</p> <p> Thank you, Madam President. We did it.<br /> <br /> We would like to start by thanking you for your able and dedicated leadership. Your knowledge and professionalism kept us on track, and your lightness created an atmosphere where difficult positions could be reconciled. We would also like to thank your team, all facilitators and DOALOS, as well as the many interpreters and other staff who assisted us. Together you made all this possible.<br /> <br /> Furthermore, we would like to recognize the support of civil society. Thank you for keeping us focused and on track towards conclusion of this agreement.<br /> <br /> As the International Day for Women in Diplomacy is this week, allow me to highlight the major role played by a high number of female Heads of Delegations and negotiators in this process. Without them none of this would have been possible.<br /> <br /> On that note, I see some familiar faces around the room, and there are many more that I miss. I would like to use this chance to thank you all, dear colleagues, for constructive engagement, especially those who sat with me for 17 hours on Wednesday, 19 hours on Thursday, and then 37 hours from Friday morning until 10 pm on Saturday night. We are and will forever be trauma bonded.<br /> <br /> Madam President.<br /> <br /> In a considerably high percentage of statements made by Iceland here at the UN, we emphasise the importance of the ocean to our country. I am sorry for the repetition, dear colleagues, but today will be no exception. A half a century ago, when many of the customs of international law were formed that later became the foundation of UNCLOS, Iceland was classified as a developing country.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Since then, the sustainable use of the ocean has been a cornerstone of Iceland’s prosperity. A healthy and bountiful ocean, with long-term sustainability at the core of all management decisions is for the benefit of all. As we have said throughout this process, conservation and sustainable use are not separate or conflicting notions, but two sides of the same coin.<br /> <br /> Iceland remains committed to the health of our Ocean and we see this new agreement as an important addition to the law of the sea family, under the Convention, our constitution of the Ocean. The BBNJ Agreement provides us with many of the tools we need to achieve our common objectives, some of which have now been set out in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted by the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity last December.<br /> <br /> As so many of my colleagues have said, while this adoption is a victory for multilateralism, this is only the beginning. Nothing has been conserved or protected. No benefits have been shared.<br /> <br /> Now it is our time to show the world that we cannot only come together and agree on text, we can take action - and we can do it together.<br /> <br /> Madam President.<br /> <br /> I thank you.</p> <div>&nbsp;</div>

<span></span><span>Statement by Prime Minister of Iceland, Katrín Jakobsdóttir.<br /> <br /> Excellencies.<br /> <br /> It gives me great pleasure to participate in this timely event on a pressing topic.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Tomorrow, June 17th, is both the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, as well as the National Independence Day of Iceland.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Gender equality is a top priority for Iceland and is a key to a good society as far as we see it. The same will apply to combatting land degradation. This is a major challenge but we firmly believe that keeping gender equality in mind will increase success.<br /> <br /> In one version of the Icelandic Book of Settlement (called Landnámabók in Icelandic) composed around 1300, is a passage where it says that when the land was almost fully settled, limits had to be set as to how much land the newcomers could claim. When it came to men, the limit was how much he could cover running with a torch whereas a woman could claim as much land as she could lead a cow through for the same amount of time. Obviously the idea here (whether this passage describes actual practice in the 10th century) is different rules for different genders, but such discriminatory laws and practices need to be abolished.<br /> <br /> For example, it is unacceptable that women are still being denied the right to inherit their husbands’ property in over 100 countries. Similarly, the fact that women globally spend 200 million hours every day collecting water is thought-provoking. Would it not be a better use of these women’s time to own the land and have the resources to work it?<br /> <br /> It is our firm belief that gender equality will increase the probability of success in combatting major global challenges, such as reaching land degradation neutrality, and ultimately in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> This is firmly kept in mind at the GRÓ Land Restoration Training Program, hosted in Iceland, under the auspices of UNESCO.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> The topic of gender and land tenure is specifically addressed within this program, which assists low- and middle-income countries to combat land degradation, promote sustainable land management and restore degraded land through targeted capacity building. Gender equality is an integral part of the Program’s Mission.<br /> <br /> I thank you for your attention.  <br /> </span> <div>&nbsp;</div>

<p> Statement by Birgir Hrafn Búason, Director (International Law),<br /> Directorate for Legal and Executive Affairs, Ministry for Foreign Affairs</p> <p> SPLOS 33rd session, 15 June 2022, Agenda item 14<br /> <br /> Reports of the SG under Article 319 (general debate)<br /> <br /> <br /> Madame President.<br /> I would like to start by congratulating the newly elected members of ITLOS, and no less importantly, to thank all the highly qualified candidates for making themselves available. On that note, I would also like to use this opportunity to thank you all for your kind support during yesterday’s election. <br /> <br /> My delegation also thanks the Secretary General for the informative report that this agenda item refers to. <br /> <br /> In December last year, Iceland was delighted to join the global community in celebrating the 40th anniversary of the remarkable achievement that is UNCLOS. Our constitution of the ocean, within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out. As we have often reiterated, such a success, and its continued effectiveness should not be taken for granted. <br /> <br /> Madame President. <br /> This year we are able to celebrate another achievement. Through constructive engagement, delegations were finally able to conclude the text of a new agreement under UNCLOS on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, usually referred to as BBNJ, and we look forward to participating in its adoption next week. <br /> <br /> We believe that the new BBNJ agreement will be an important addition to our ocean tapestry and provides us with necessary tools to achieve our common objectives, some of which have now been set out in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted by the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity last December. <br /> <br /> Madame President.<br /> A month ago, we participated in the resumed Review Conference of the UN Fish Stocks Agreement here in NY. What my delegation took away from that meeting is that positive steps have been taken, towards sustainable management of fish stocks, since the last conference in 2016, and many important issues are on the right track. That being said, there is still much to be done, and a third of the world's fish stocks remain over-fished. <br /> Two positive developments regarding the health and sustainability of our ocean, which we believe important to highlight, are the commencement of the negotiations on a legally binding agreement to end plastic pollution, as well as the conclusion of the WTO Agreement on harmful fisheries subsidies. <br /> Last year was “the super year of the Ocean. A lot has happened, and it is clear that we as States Parties need to adapt to a changing reality and an evolving regulatory framework. We need to prepare, both unilaterally and through close cooperation within various international bodies and frameworks, so that we can all meet our joint objectives and provide the action that our ocean so desperately needs. <br /> <br /> Madame President. <br /> Iceland would like to warmly thank Kenya and Portugal for the excellent organization of the UN Ocean Conference in Lisbon last summer. Following this success, we very much welcome the decision of the General Assembly that the next UN Ocean Conference will be co-hosted by Costa Rica and France. As a sign of the importance Iceland attaches to the Ocean and law of the sea, we participated in Lisbon at the highest level of government. We look forward to coming together with the extended Ocean family again in Nice in 2025 – and we emphasize that the UN Ocean Conference is without doubt the most important international conference on the Ocean and SDG14. It is a conference mandated by the General Assembly, where we all participate on an equal footing, united by a common ambition to sustainably manage the Ocean, tackle the grave challenges it faces and make the most of its potential. <br /> <br /> Madame President .<br /> As we sit here at the meeting of the States Parties, our colleagues in Bonn have been discussing ocean aspects of climate change. The two are closely interlinked in many different ways. Furthermore, greenhouse gas emissions not only lead to climate change, but to ocean acidification as well. In the cold, Arctic waters around Iceland, ocean acidification is happening faster than the global average. It is a serious threat to biodiversity in the Ocean, that in and of itself is a reason to end the use of fossil fuels. <br /> <br /> Now that humanity is at a point where both mitigation and adaptation to climate change becomes ever more pressing, and the Sustainable Development Goals have reached halfway point in time, Iceland believes that greater attention can be given to food sustainably sourced from the Ocean. Often referred to as blue food, it is a low carbon-intensity, nutritious source of food that provides a vital source of nutrition for more than 3 billion people worldwide and livelihoods for hundreds of millions. Iceland has the honour of Chairing the Aquatic Blue Food Coalition; a multi-stakeholder Coalition that promotes the realization of the full potential of blue food in order to end malnutrition and build nature-positive, equitable and resilient food systems. <br /> <br /> Madame President. <br /> Sea level rise is another major threat that carbon emissions and the burning of fossil fuels contribute to. This threat is going nowhere, even if humanity manages to quit the use of fossil fuels in the next few years. As Iceland has stated before, we are confident that in the context of UNCLOS, solutions will be found - even if it is challenging due to that this problem was largely unknown at the time UNCLOS was negotiated. We closely follow developments on this topic, both in terms of state practice as well as the continued work of the International Law Commission on sea level rise. Importantly, small island developing states and others in particularly vulnerable positions, should not carry the burden of a situation they have done the least to contribute to. <br /> <br /> Madame President. <br /> Last but not least, we would like to thank all of those who engaged this week in the discussions on the conditions of service of the members of the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf. For the first time, there seems to be a general sense that something needs to be done and that we are moving towards a solution. This is an extremely positive development, and I thank my colleagues for their open-mindedness and flexibility. <br /> <br /> We need to build on this momentum and jointly move towards a sustainable long-term solution. <br /> <br /> I thank you.</p>

<p>UNICEF Executive Board<br /> Annual Session 13-16 June 2023<br /> Agenda item 5: Annual report on the implementation of the UNICEF Gender Action Plan 2022-2025<br /> <br /> Madam/Mr. President, </p> <p>I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Costa Rica, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Georgia, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, the Republic of Moldova, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States and my own country Iceland. </p> <p>Thank you for the presentation on the first Annual Report on the implementation of the 2022-2025 Gender Action Plan.</p> <p>The Secretary General’s progress report on the Sustainable Development Goals paints a bleak picture overall, including on gender equality. It is therefore more important than ever that UNICEF continues to gain traction in its gender equality programming. We appreciate that the Gender Action Plan symbolizes an intentional programming shift, addressing the root causes of gender inequality for more transformative, lasting results. We also thank the Executive Director for having a strong focus on gender equality and for acknowledging that the achievement of gender equality is truly central to all our development goals.</p> <p>We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Ms. Lauren Rumble and her gender team for their tireless efforts towards promoting gender equality in UNICEF’s work. The Annual Report details some impressive results achieved during these challenging social, political and economic contexts for women and girls worldwide. This includes a 5-percentage point increase in live births attended by skilled health personnel. Nearly half of all UNICEF country offices are reporting gender-transformative results. And 116 million children and adolescents benefitted from UNICEF-supported gender-responsive nutrition programming. An important result, given that one billion adolescent girls and women suffer from undernutrition, micronutrient deficiency, or anemia, with devastating consequences for their wellbeing and the development of their children. </p> <p>However, more can and needs to be done. Too many girls continue to be out of school and girls’ learning opportunities and outcomes remain disadvantaged compared to boys. Undernutrition, slowing progress on reducing child marriage, lagging HIV rates, lack of access to services for sexual and reproductive health and rights and ongoing high levels of violence, including technology-facilitated gender-based violence, all point towards the necessity of scaling up interconnected adolescent girls’ programming. One important step in that direction is the UNICEF Adolescent Girls Programme Strategy for 2022-2025, which targets 20 million girls in 30 countries by 2025 and aims to leapfrog girls’ health, nutrition, protection, education and learning and economic outcomes.</p> <p>We take note of the new gender transformative expenditures formula and the corresponding drop in expenditures from around 14% to 6%. At the same time, we appreciate your efforts in revising the calculation formulas to reflect more ambitious goals in terms of gender. Because this is no time to be complacent, we must be ambitious.</p> <p>Ambition is also needed when it comes to evaluating the impact of our actions. While we note with satisfaction that the number of evaluations covering gender increased in 2022, the Annual Report on the Evaluation Function also notes that the quality of the integration of gender equality and the empowerment of women in the scope of the analysis has declined, as did the overall performance of UNICEF under the UN-SWAP on Gender Equality. </p> <p>The whole-of institution approach to gender equality is vital for achieving transformative results, as is institutional strengthening. We note that around half of country offices have a system in place to prevent and respond to sexual exploitation and abuse. While there have been positive gains, we urge the acceleration of the achievement of the target that at least 90% of country offices have a system in place by 2025. </p> <p>Gender equality is a major challenge that cannot be met without ample coordination and joint initiatives among all UN actors, and we encourage UNICEF to work closely with other UN agencies, such as UN Women and UFPA, on joint programming and sharing of data and best practices on gender equality.”</p> <p>Allow us to pose a few questions. </p> <p>When do you expect to reach the institutional gender transformative expenditure target of 15%? </p> <p>We regret that the Thematic Fund on Gender continues to be the least funded of the thematic funds, despite its pivotal role in mainstreaming gender across UNICEF’s strategic objectives. Could you indicate how much of core funding is dedicated for the implementation of the Gender Action Plan and what can be done to increase funding for the thematic fund on gender? </p> <p>And finally, we pivot towards countries where we are witnessing increasing restrictions on women and girls’ exercise of their rights, such as Afghanistan and Iran, with devastating results. Could you elaborate on how UNICEF manages to deliver gender-transformative services under these circumstances? </p> <p>Madam/Mr. President, </p> <p>You can count on us, as a collective, in advancing the rights of children and gender equalityworldwide with UNICEF as a key partner. </p> <p>Thank you.</p>

<a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=75f99573-33d0-11ef-b885-005056bcde1f">EU Statement on Russia’s ongoing military aggression against Ukraine</a>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Statement%20in%20response%20to%20the%20Address%20by%20the%20UN%20High%20Commissioner%20for%20Human%20Rights,%20at%20the%20OSCE%20Permanent%20Council,%208%20June%202023.pdf">Statement in response to the Address by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights delivered by Ambassador Kristín A. Árnadóttir at the OSCE Permanent Council, 8 June 2023</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Statement%20by%20Iceland%20on%20the%20Address%20by%20the%20UN%20High%20Commissioner%20for%20Human%20Rights%20at%20the%20OSCE%20Permanent%20Council,%208%20June%202023.pdf">Statement by Iceland on the Address by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights delivered by Ambassador Kristín A. Árnadóttir at the OSCE Permanent Council, 8 June 2023</a></span>

<p>Statement by Hendrik Dadi Jonsson<br /> Ministry for Foreign Affairs<br /> <br /> Co-Chairs,</p> <p>As this is the first time our delegation takes the floor, we would like to begin by congratulating you on your respective appointment and reappointment as co-chairs of this twenty third meeting of the open-ended informal consultative process on oceans and the law of the sea. We wish to express to you our support for your stewardship over the discussions we will engage in in the coming week.<br /> <br /> We thank the Secretary-General for an informative and extensive report, which has been useful groundwork in preparation for this meeting. Furthermore, we also convey to the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea our continuing appreciation and commendations for their excellent and important work in the organisation of this meeting.<br /> <br /> At the outset, we would like to reaffirm Iceland’s support for the Informal Consultative Process, on which we place a great deal of both importance and expectation. The scale of the acute challenges that our oceans are facing and, as the focus of this meeting makes evident, the boundless opportunities which they hold require our discussions and action at the international level to be informed, cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary.<br /> <br /> Our oceans are not a monolith which we can survey, discuss and address from a single perspective. Their inherent multiplicity necessarily means that ocean issues are dispersed across a myriad of different global, regional and sectoral fora. It is for this reason that the Informal Consultative Process is both unique and valuable. This is the thoroughfare where governments, scientists, stakeholders and innovators can converse thereby bringing new knowledge and shared lessons onwards into other fora.<br /> <br /> Co-chairs,<br /> <br /> Our oceans, enveloping 70% of our planet’s surface and harbouring up to 80% of its life, are under enormous stress. Stress from climate change; biodiversity loss; ocean acidification; pollution; and other grave challenges which threaten the habitability of our planet for present and future generations.<br /> <br /> As the focus of our meeting reveals, the responses to the oceans’ challenges, and global challenges at large, may themselves be found in the oceans. Innovation in the development of new maritime technologies could hold opportunities to harvest the powers of the oceans to mitigate climate change, decarbonise the shipping sector, counter pollution and develop new renewable energy sources.<br /> <br /> However, these opportunities cannot be brought to bear without bridging existing capacity gaps which result in research efforts being insufficiently funded and too narrowly concentrated in geographic terms. Enhanced and sustained efforts for capacity-building are essential to ensure the widespread research, development, uptake and implementation of new maritime technologies.<br /> <br /> Co-chairs,<br /> <br /> We anticipate that the exchanges which we will have in the coming days will serve as a reminder to us all of the significant value and importance of marine scientific research in addressing shared global challenges. It is the conviction of the Icelandic government that effective responses to the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, food insecurity and poverty may be crafted and deployed by sustainably realising the unrealised potential of the oceans.<br /> <br /> As an island state dependent on the ocean, much of Iceland’s research and innovation relates to the development of new maritime technologies, in particular as a response to shared global challenges. As just one example, Icelandic innovators are coordinating joint efforts with European partners in the WHISPER project which works to support the onboard harnessing of wind and solar energy sources in the long-distance maritime transport industry.<br /> <br /> Indeed, the challenges we face can only be addressed through successful international cooperation. In turn, international cooperation can only be successful where it builds on mutual trust fostered and underpinned by a rules-based international order. It is the right of all States to engage in marine scientific research, but it must be conducted for peaceful purposes and in compliance with other obligations, including relevant international regulations.<br /> <br /> Iceland would like to reiterate our continued support for and commitment to the Law of the Sea, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which is the cornerstone of international cooperation in ocean affairs; our Constitution of the Ocean.<br /> <br /> In this regard, we are heartened by recent successes in the multilateral arena, in particular the finalisation of negotiations for an international legally binding instrument under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction.<br /> <br /> We are hopeful that the new BBNJ agreement, once adopted and in force, will be an effective, multilateral tool for conservation, sustainable use, capacity building and enhanced marine scientific research.<br /> <br /> With all of the aforementioned in mind, we welcome the focus of this meeting on new maritime technologies and look forward to the discussions in the week ahead.<br /> <br /> Thank you.</p> <br />

<p>Remarks by H.E. Mr. Jörundur Valtýsson, Permanent Representative of Iceland</p> <p>Mr President, Commissioner General, Excellencies,<br /> <br /> Let me start by thanking the President for convening this important meeting in support of UNRWA and Palestinian refugees - and expressing Iceland´s appreciation to Commissioner General Lazzarini for his leadership and measures undertaken by him and his staff to address the serious financial situation that UNRWA continues to face. I also wish to thank the two Palestinian students that spoke so eloquently this morning. <br /> <br /> Mr. President,<br /> <br /> Iceland is a longstanding supporter of UNRWA’s mandate. Our support consists of unearmarked, predictable funding through a multi-year framework agreement. We also continue to provide seconded staff into UNRWA’s structures.<br /> <br /> To lend a helping hand in addressing the financial shortfalls of the agency, I am pleased to confirm that Iceland is doubling its core contribution for this year - from 25 million ISK in 2022 to 50 million ISK in 2023. <br /> <br /> I wish to take this opportunity to commend UNRWA for its enduring commitment and dedication to Palestinian refugees in Palestine and neighbouring countries. In the absence of a lasting political solution, UNRWA´s role remains of critical importance. You can rely on Iceland´s continued support.<br /> <br /> I thank you. </p>

<p> Delivered by H.E. Jörundur Valtýsson, Permanent Representative of Iceland<br /> on behalf of<br /> Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Slovenia and Sweden<br /> <br /> Thank you, Mr. Chair, and at the outset let me welcome the chairs of the treaty bodies to New York. I have the pleasure to deliver this statement on behalf of a group of countries that have led a biannual resolution on the Human Rights treaty body system in the Third Committee of the General Assembly since 2016; Belgium, Slovenia, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and my own country, Iceland. Together we attach great importance to the strengthening of the human rights treaty body system and have been actively engaged on this issue for more than a decade. Therefore, we welcome today’s timely exchange and other discussions happening this week. <br /> <br /> We would like to extend our appreciation for the recently published working paper as a good basis for further discussion, with many suggestions for practical solutions, although we will need time to study it more carefully. We also look forward to actively engaging in the forthcoming consultations organized by the High Commissioner for Human Rights, to solicit inputs for the implementation plan. <br /> <br /> This paper adds to a growing body of reports and studies, including the 2020 report co-facilitated by Morocco and Switzerland, previous chairs’ reports, and reports of the Secretary-General, that identify a number of proposals that urgently need your attention. These include the implementation of predictable review cycles, better alignment of working methods, and acceleration of the digital shift, including with regards to individual complaints and the use of virtual forms of meetings. Further progress on these proposals is needed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the treaty body system and bring more predictability and transparency to its work. <br /> <br /> While plenty of challenges remain, many opportunities lie within the work that has already been carried out over the years, through various processes and reports, including your own, on how to improve and better align the working methods of the treaty bodies. As chairs, you play a key role in ensuring that implementation happens in a timely manner. We urge you to be more ambitious in this work, within your respective mandates. <br /> <br /> Mr. Chair,<br /> <br /> The challenges faced by the treaty body system are not new, but eighteen months of full suspension or postponement of their sessions, due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-2021, did worsen these challenges. Our biannual resolution was most recently adopted by the General Assembly in December 2022 as resolution 77/210. An important element of it has been maintaining consensus, while reflecting the ongoing efforts towards strengthening the human rights treaty body system. The resolution adopted last December has two new additions worth highlighting. <br /> <br /> 1. The resolution acknowledges the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on the work of the human rights treaty bodies, and;<br /> 2. Notes the considerable potential of digitalization of the work of the treaty bodies and encourages further use of digital technologies in the treaty bodies’ work.<br /> <br /> As it stands now, overcoming the Covid-backlog will take years for most of the treaty body committees. We have seen, however, that increased use of simplified State party reporting procedures has helped some committees to begin to address their backlogs. We therefore encourage you – the chairs – to take further steps in this regard, so that simplified reporting procedure can be implemented by all committees for all interested State parties, making the reporting process both more efficient and focused.<br /> <br /> We also urge you to coordinate and shorten the list of issues and to work, in consultation with member states, on a more predictable and better aligned calendar for States’ reporting, which is coordinated with other treaty bodies and with the calendar of the UPR. We look forward to the future digitalization of the treaty body system, which will strengthen the work of the Treaty Bodies and improve efficiency and transparency. Introducing a digital case management system and an online submission platform for individual complaints, as recommended in the 2020 Treaty Body review process, should remain a key priority of any “digital shift”.<br /> <br /> Mr. Chair,<br /> <br /> In conclusion, many of the measures that have been identified do not require more guidance or budget allocations from Member States. The COVID pandemic provided the committees with some practical experiences in terms of adapting their working methods, State Party reviews and further digitalization. We would like to emphasise the importance of these lessons to be used as a ground to build upon in your work as Chairs. <br /> <br /> Finally, let me reiterate that much of the success depends on your stewardship – the chairs’ – in leading your respective committees towards improved working methods, predictability and alignment in a timely manner. In achieving this, you should be guided by your mandates, inspired by the extensive work already done and encouraged by our firm support of your work.<br /> <br /> Thank you.</p>

<a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=5e65c92f-33d3-11ef-b885-005056bcde1f">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine</a>

<a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=ccf1d81e-33d2-11ef-b885-005056bcde1f">EU Statement in response to the report by the Director of the Conflict Prevention Centre</a>

<a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=943b6398-33d2-11ef-b885-005056bcde1f">EU Statement on recent developments in the north of Kosovo</a>

<a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=b8bc7d48-33d3-11ef-b885-005056bcde1f">EU Statement on Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine</a>

<a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=8139faf0-33d4-11ef-b885-005056bcde1f">EU Statement on the Report by the Head of the Programme Office in Bishkek and the interim Director of the OSCE Academy in Bishkek</a>

<a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=668fe095-353e-11ef-b885-005056bcde1f">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine</a>

<span></span> <p><span><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=ef42b041-353e-11ef-b885-005056bcde1f">EU Statement on Russia’s ongoing military aggression against Ukraine</a></span></p>

<p>State Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland Ms. Johanna Sumuvuori delivered the Joint Nordic Statement on behalf of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden at the Annual Open Debate on the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict: “Ensuring the security and dignity of civilians in conflict: Addressing food insecurity and protecting essential services” on May 23, 2023.</p> <p > Madam President, Members of the Security Council,<br /> <br /> I have the honour to speak on behalf of the five Nordic countries, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden – and my own country Finland.<br /> <br /> Still today, five years after the adoption of resolution 2417, armed conflict continues to be the main driver of humanitarian needs, and of food insecurity globally. Consequences of Russia’s war of aggression on global food security are devastating. Especially for those most in need, and for those that were already facing food-insecurity.<br /> <br /> Safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access is a prerequisite to effective humanitarian action, especially in situations of armed conflict. All parties to a conflict must fully comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law. This includes protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure, and ensuring the safety of humanitarian workers. For the aid to reach those most in need, ceasefires and security guarantees for humanitarian organizations are essential.<br /> <br /> Addressing food insecurity and protecting essential services are especially important in protracted conflicts, where the needs are ever increasing, and aggravated by climate change.<br /> <br /> Women play an essential role in food security and they often face enormous challenges due to limited access to resources, information and education, and because of discriminatory structures and social norms. Consequently, women are more likely to experience poverty and income inequality, which can lead to higher rates of food insecurity.<br /> <br /> The Nordics promote the protection of women and girls, and the full realization of their rights at all stages of a conflict. We stress the importance of prevention and elimination of gender based and sexual violence, and promotion of women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights. Furthermore, women should play a role in the design and delivery of humanitarian aid. The international community must support local groups, including women’s groups that are the first to respond to conflict.<br /> <br /> Particular attention needs to be paid to persons in vulnerable situations, such as women and girls who are subject to multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination, as well as gender and sexual minorities, and persons with disabilities. <br /> <br /> Protecting civilians is one of the key tasks of UN peacekeeping operations. Providing training for peacekeeping personnel on how to ensure the protection of civilians is critical for successfully implementing this mandate. <br /> <br /> Access to water is a prerequisite for the protection of civilians and food security, and for providing essential services. Modern warfare has an impact on water sources and provision by destroying essential infrastructure, and by causing pollution and environmental degradation. Water is indispensable for the survival of the civilian population, and has special protection under international humanitarian law.<br /> <br /> Water plays an increasing role in geopolitical strategies, and pressures on transboundary basins are mounting. In many contexts, these effects may be exacerbated by climate change. Transboundary water cooperation often continues during armed conflict, and can act as a driver for peace. We call on governments to make necessary investments in providing access to water, particularly in areas already marginalised and prone to conflict. We call on the development community to invest in basic services and climate adaptation in fragile and conflict-prone regions.<br /> <br /> Five years after the adoption of resolution 2417, the impact of conflicts on global hunger remains strong, and work remains to be done to change the trend. We welcome the attention of the Security Council to this important topic, and remain committed to the objectives set forth in resolution 2417.<br /> <br /> Thank you.</p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Joint%20Statement%20on%20the%20International%20Day%20Against%20Homophobia,%20Biphobia,%20Intersexphobia%20and%20Transphobia%20at%20the%20OSCE%20Permanent%20Council,%2018%20May%202023.pdf">Joint Statement on the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexphobia and Transphobia delivered by Ambassador Kristín A. Árnadóttir at the OSCE Permanent Council, 18 May 2023</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Statement%20by%20Iceland%20on%20the%20Outcome%20of%20the%20Council%20of%20Europe%20Summit%20at%20the%20OSCE%20Permanent%20Council,%2018%20May%202023.pdf">Statement by Iceland on the Outcome of the Council of Europe Summit at the OSCE Permanent Council, 18 May 2023</a></span>

<a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=8384896b-353f-11ef-b885-005056bcde1f">EU Statement on Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine</a>

<a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=42e81314-353f-11ef-b885-005056bcde1f">EU Statement in Response to the Head by the OSCE Mission in Montenegro, Ambassador Dominique Waag</a>

<a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=21ff34a7-33d0-11ef-b885-005056bcde1f">EU Statement on Capacity Development in Humanitarian Mine Action</a>

<a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=6ed8d4f1-3540-11ef-b885-005056bcde1f">EU Statement on Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine</a>

<a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=db7e055a-353f-11ef-b885-005056bcde1f">Déclaration de l’Union européenne sur le développement des capacités dans le déminage humanitaire</a>

<span></span> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Light'; color: black;"><em>National Statement of Iceland&nbsp;<br /> </em></span><em><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Light';">216th session of the Executive Board of UNESCO, May 202</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Light';">3</span></em></p> <p><em><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Light'; color: black;"><strong>Delivered by the Permanent Delegate of Iceland, Ms Auðbjörg Halldórsdóttir</strong></span></em></p> <p class="paragraph"><span class="normaltextrun" style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif; color: black;">Ms Chairperson of the Executive Board, Ms Director-General,&nbsp;</span><span class="eop" style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif; color: black;"><br /> </span><span class="normaltextrun" style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">Mr President of the General Conference,&nbsp;</span><span class="eop" style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;"><br /> </span><span class="normaltextrun" style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;">Excellencies, distinguished colleagues,</span><span class="eop" style="font-family: 'FiraGO Light', sans-serif;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Light';">As we approach the half-way point of the 2030 agenda this year, it is clear the SDGs are far off track and there is a need for turbocharged process on all fronts.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Light';">The various multi-dimensional crises we are confronted with will be hard to address without restoring trust in the multilateral system, between countries and within societies. Senseless armed conflicts around the world not only inflict unimaginable suffering on ordinary civilians, but exacerbate social disparities, undermine trust in democracy, threaten fundamental human rights and damage the future of generations to come. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Light';">The destruction of Russia’s unlawful war on Ukraine was evident in Kyiv when visited by a group of Ambassadors from the Group of Friends of Ukraine last month. Destroyed homes, schools, cultural centres, livelihoods. But the visit also underscored the critical importance of UNESCO’s expertise and assistance. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Light';">The need for UNESCO‘s message and creative intelligence has never been more compelling.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Light';">UNESCO‘s work promotes culture of peace and tolerance, celebrates diversity in all of its‘ shape and form, works to deliver knowledge, science and educational development and defends human rights and freedom of expression. &nbsp;It is our job to help the Organization achieve these goals and to uphold the principles and common values as set out in the UN Charter.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Light';">We need concrete actions, ambitious commitments and innovative policies based on scientific inputs and lessons learned. We need to work harder to address climate change, inequalities, strengthen quality education for all and the general advancement of social well-being and human development. And we need to do it faster.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Light';">Our forthcoming discussions at the EXB are therefore important and I would like to thank the IOS and all the secretariat’s staff for excellent reports and your hard work in preparation for the board meeting.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Light';">Dear colleagues.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Light';">We need to provide UNESCO with the necessary funds to implement the organization‘s important work, including its leading role across sectors. In this regard let me emphasize the importance of transparency, effectiveness and prioritization, as well as the alignment of the organization with the overall efforts of the UN system. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Light';">We need a strong, agile and well-manned organization, built on an inclusive and diverse working environment. We encourage the consideration of gender balance and geographical distribution and we would especially like to encourage the organization to continue to &nbsp;address the gender gap in managerial positions. The safe inclusion of people of other marginalized groups is also of high importance to Iceland, including the LGBTQI+ community and persons with disabilities. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Light';">Dear collegues</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Light';">Iceland is committed to supporting the Organization’s Global Priorities. According to UN Women, it will take 300 years to achieve gender equality at the current pace – and the gender gap has increased, following recent crises. &nbsp;We must reverse this serious backlash. UNESCO needs to invest more in a Gender-transformative approach. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Light';">Clear frameworks on gender equality for all programmes are necessary, and a theory of change should be applied to all of UNESCO’s Programmes. We encourage the Sectors to strengthen the monitoring and information-sharing of gendered results and call for an increased focus on the accountability of staff for delivering these results. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Light';">We would also like to highlight the critical situation of women and girls in Afghanistan and the continued violation of their basic human rights, including education. We recognize &nbsp;and emphasize the importance of continued support to UNESCO’s work in Afghanistan and the reporting thereon.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Light';">Excellencies.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Light';">Let me congratulate UNESCO and all ratifying Member States on the entry into force of the 20-19 Global Convention on Higher Education and we look forward to participating in its first Intergovernmental Conference.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Light';">We also want to highlight the importance of UNESCO’s focus on the issue of climate change, which is undeniably one of our most urgent generational challenges. UNESCO has an important role to play through education, adaptation at World Heritage Sites, the Open Science Strategy, and not the least through the work of the IOC. The UN General Assembly has recognized the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment for all and we would like to see a greater focus on climate change across all programmes and sectors.<span class="eop" style="background: white; color: black;"></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Light';">Finally.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Light';">AI and transformational technologies are developing at an exponential speed and the impact on our societies is unquestionable. With the invention of new technologies, come responsibilities. This topic is critical for the future of our societies and international relations. We welcome the initiative on ethics of neurotechnology and believe it is important that the international community can move swiftly on this important topic. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Light';">I thank you.</span></p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Joint%20Statement%20On%20the%20Report%20by%20the%20Rapporteur%20under%20the%20OSCE%20Moscow%20Mechanism%20on%20the%20serious%20threat%20to%20the%20OSCE%20human%20dimension%20in%20Belarus%20at%20the%20OSCE%20Permanent%20Council,%2011%20May%202023.pdf">Joint Statement on the Report by the Rapporteur under the OSCE Moscow Mechanism on the serious threat to the OSCE human dimension in Belarus Delivered by Ambassador Christian Grønbech-Jensen at the OSCE Permanent Council, 11 May 2023</a></span>

<p><span><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=4794313f-f4b7-11ed-9bba-005056bc4727">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s Ongoing Aggression Against Ukraine</a></span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

<a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=a67f3d07-3541-11ef-b885-005056bcde1f">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine</a>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Joint%20Statement%20on%20the%20Report%20by%20the%20Rapporteurs%20under%20the%20OSCE%20Moscow%20Mechanism%20on%20the%20Forcible%20Transfer%20andor%20Deportation%20of%20Ukrainian%20children%20at%20the%20OSCE%20Permanent%20Council,%209%20May%202023.pdf">Joint Statement on the Report by the Rapporteurs under the OSCE Moscow Mechanism on the Forcible Transfer and/or Deportation of Ukrainian children delivered by Ambassador Vesa Häkkinen at the OSCE Permanent Council, 9 May 2023</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Joint%20Statement%20on%20World%20Press%20Freedom%20Day%202023%20at%20the%20OSCE%20Permanent%20Council,%204%20May%202023.pdf">Joint Statement on World Press Freedom Day 2023 delivered by Switzerland at the OSCE Permanent Council, 4 May 2023</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Joint%20Statement%20in%20Response%20to%20the%20Report%20by%20the%20Head%20of%20the%20OSCE%20Mission%20in%20Kosovo%20at%20the%20OSCE%20Permanent%20Council,%204%20May%202023.pdf">Joint Statement in Response to the Report by the Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo delivered by Ambassador Christian Gronbech-Jensen at the OSCE Permanent Council, 4 May 2023</a></span>

<p><span><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=4c59c1a6-f4b6-11ed-9bba-005056bc4727">EU Statement in Response to the Head by the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Ambassador Michael Davenport</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=84f1283a-f4b6-11ed-9bba-005056bc4727">EU Statement on the World Press Freedom Day</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=c112d3b2-f4b6-11ed-9bba-005056bc4727">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s Ongoing Aggression Against Ukraine</a></span></p>

<span><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=d2cd3927-3544-11ef-b885-005056bcde1f">EU Statement on the World Press Freedom Day</a></span>

<span><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=8c3cc433-3544-11ef-b885-005056bcde1f">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine</a></span>

<span><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=584bde48-3544-11ef-b885-005056bcde1f">EU Statement in Response to the Head by the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Ambassador Michael Davenport</a></span>

<a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=ede8cbbb-3543-11ef-b885-005056bcde1f">EU Statement on “Moscow Mechanism invoked by 45 OSCE participating States following consultation with Ukraine”</a>

<a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=17084cf9-3541-11ef-b885-005056bcde1f">EU Statement for Security Dialogue on “Black Sea Region: Security Horizons“</a>

<a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=d80e94a2-3540-11ef-b885-005056bcde1f">EU Statement on on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine</a>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1420pc%20eu.pdf">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s Ongoing Aggression Against Ukraine</a></span>

<span><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=47065b94-3545-11ef-b885-005056bcde1f">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine</a></span>

<p>Statement by H.E. Jörundur Valtýsson<br /> Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour, on behalf of Iceland, as current Chair of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, and Ireland as the previous Chair, to introduce draft resolution A/77/L.65 entitled “Cooperation between the United Nations and the Council of Europe”. I would like to thank Member States who have joined Iceland and Ireland as co-sponsors.<br /> <br /> Mr. President,<br /> <br /> The cooperation between the United Nations and the Council of Europe is characterized by long tradition and shared vision of the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, democracy and rule of law.<br /> <br /> First submitted to the 55th Session of the General Assembly in the year 2000, this biannual resolution touches on numerous important issues. Consultations, as customary, began in Strasbourg amongst Council of Europe members during the Irish Presidency last spring. The zero draft was agreed upon last November, outlining the issues of most importance to the Council of Europe and its members, before being introduced to the wider UN membership here in New York.<br /> <br /> As co-facilitators, Iceland and Ireland strived to conduct inclusive negotiations through several rounds of informal consultations, in addition to bilateral and smaller group discussions. Based on the previously agreed language from resolution A/75/264, adopted by consensus two years ago, compromises were reached on several issues in order to submit a draft that the vast majority of members could accept. This meant that some key elements from the zero draft, agreed upon by the Council of Europe membership, were omitted from the text.<br /> <br /> Mr. President,<br /> <br /> Early on, in the informal consultations, it became clear that there was no ground for consensus on preambular paragraph 9. The war that followed the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation fourteen months ago has had devastating impact on Ukraine, the region and every corner of the world. No country has escaped the far-reaching consequences of this unprovoked and unjust invasion. <br /> <br /> The draft resolution before us recognizes these unprecedented challenges in the context of regional cooperation, international law and multilateralism. PP9 calls for strengthened cooperation between the UN and the Council of Europe, and I quote “notably in order to promptly restore and maintain peace and security based on respect of sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of any State”. End of quote. <br /> <br /> Mr. President,<br /> <br /> It is regrettable that we will have to vote on this draft resolution here today. I call on all Member States to support the text as drafted, and vote in favour. <br /> <br /> I thank you.</p>

<span><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=5e6dc433-3541-11ef-b885-005056bcde1f">EU Opening Statement</a></span>

<p><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1419pc%20Statement%20by%20Iceland.pdf"><span>Statement of Iceland in Response to the Address by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe Ms. Marija Pejčinović Burić, at the 1419 Meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council, 20 April 2023, Vienna</span></a></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

<span><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=824c4147-3542-11ef-b885-005056bcde1f">EU Statement under the Current Issue raised by the US on the Political Repression in Russia</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1419pc%20joint%20statement.pdf">Joint Statement Delivered by Ambassador Jocelyn Kinnear on Political Repression in Russia, 1419th Special Meeting of the Permanent Council</a></span>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1419pc%20eu%20reply%20CoE%20SG.pdf">EU Statement in Response to the Address by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Ms. Marija Pejčinović Burić</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1419%20pc%20eu.pdf">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s Ongoing Aggression Against Ukraine</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1419pc%20eu%20reply%20hom%20skopje.pdf">EU Statement in Response to the Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje, Ambassador Kilian Wahl</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1419pc%20eu%20on%20SG%20thematic%20report.pdf">EU Statement in Response to the Secretary-General’s Thematic Report on Trafficking of Cultural Property</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1419%20pc%20eu%201.pdf">EU Statement under the Current Issue raised by the US on the Political Repression in Russia</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1419pc%20eu%20on%20GID.pdf">EU Statement on the 57th Round of the Geneva International Discussions</a></span></p> <br />

<p> Statement by H.E. Jörundur Valtýsson,<br /> Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations</p> <p>19 April 2023<br /> <br /> Madam/Mr. Chair,<br /> <br /> This year’s Financing for Development Forum marks the halfway point in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda. An important milestone in the lead-up to the SDG Summit and the Summit of the Future.<br /> <br /> We thank the President of ECOSOC and the Department of Economic and Social Affairs for organizing these thoughtful discussions and the co-facilitators from Portugal and Rwanda, and member states, for their efforts in delivering a balanced and forward-looking FFD outcome document. Not an easy task, as Iceland knows first-hand, serving as a co-facilitator with Grenada last year, where member states strived to meet the moment and collectively move the needle forward.<br /> <br /> Regrettably, the global economic outlook has not improved since. The significant progress that developing countries have achieved through decades of effort is fading in part due to conflicts and soaring food and energy prices, the climate and debt crises and increasing inequality. We must act immediately if we are to ensure that the impacts of the overlapping crises are not felt for generations to come. <br /> <br /> Madam/Mr. Chair, <br /> <br /> Iceland is committed to play its part during these trying times. Our Official Development Assistance grew in real terms by approximately 32% between 2021 and 2022. Although this increase is due, in part, to our steadfast and continued support to Ukraine as well as an increase in in-donor refugee costs, we are acutely aware of the fact that the far-reaching ramifications of the Russian aggression in Ukraine have hit the most vulnerable the hardest. Therefore, we continue to emphasize the importance of continuing our strong support to our bilateral development partners, and we have increased our core funding to our key UN partners. Our contributions to climate finance are increasing, as well as our assistance to some of the most fragile places on earth. <br /> <br /> But ODA alone cannot ensure the achievement of the SDGs by 2030. We need to expand on new and innovative partnerships and funding streams, including private and blended finance, and green and gender bonds. Domestic resource mobilization must be strengthened, and illicit financial flows curbed. The external debt burden and debt service obligations are preventing far too many developing countries from investing in their people and recovering from COVID-19. A holistic approach to financing for development is more urgent than ever.<br /> <br /> We welcome the Secretary-General’s efforts to address the financing gap and his proposal for an SDG stimulus to tackle the high cost of debt and rising risk of debt distress. We also hear the calls of several members states to strengthen the inclusiveness and effectiveness of international tax cooperation and look forward to further discussions on this important topic. <br /> <br /> The ongoing UN discussion on a “beyond GPD” metric is highly important. Indeed, as the Secretary General has outlined, when profits come at the expense of people and our planet, we are left with an incomplete picture of the true cost of economic growth. While we agree that “beyond GDP” could serve as a tool to enhance decision-making in the best interest of people, planet, prosperity, peace and partnerships, it is important that we proceed carefully and ensure that access to finance for the most vulnerable countries is not further limited in the process.<br /> <br /> Madam/Mr. Chair, <br /> <br /> You can count on Iceland to play its part for the achievement of the SDGs and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda.<br /> <br /> I thank you. </p>

<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement on behalf of the Nordic countries&nbsp; </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Resumed session of the 6^th Committee on Crimes Against Humanity </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>10 – 14 April 2023</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>(International Measures, Articles 13,14 and 15 (and annex))</strong></p> <p>Thank you, Mr Chair.</p> <p>Speaking on behalf of the five Nordic countries, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Iceland, I would like to begin by thanking colleagues for excellent discussions so far this week.</p> <p>Now that we move on to discussing international measures, the Nordic countries would like to underline that aspects of international cooperation are vital in reaching the overall goals of prevention and punishment for crimes against humanity.</p> <p>To close the impunity gap, states need to be able to prosecute at the national level. This requires a clear treaty definition as well as national legislation, but what it also requires is a joint understanding of and clear provisions on inter-state cooperation. Without that, States run a risk of unintentionally becoming safe havens for those who commit core international crimes.</p> <p>In this regard, the Draft Articles are a strong addition to international law in and of itself, as well as contributing to the implementation of the principle of complementarity as prescribed by the Rome Statute for States Parties. Regarding the latter, the Nordics would like to emphasise that in order to join an agreement based on the ILC proposed Draft Articles, no State would have to become a state party to the Rome Statute. </p> <p>Ultimately, it is the duty of every State to exercise its criminal jurisdiction over those responsible for international crimes.</p> <p>The nature of the Draft Articles calls for the text to be succinct, not unlike the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide from 1948 that has 153 States Parties. The text should be easily understandable and not unwieldy so as not to deter States from undergoing the obligations set out in the instrument.</p> <p>The Draft Articles strike the right balance in terms of being effective and broadly acceptable to States. This is evident in the text of Draft Articles 13, 14 and 15, read together with the annex. The text builds on widely adhered to treaty provisions that have been previously accepted by States and is not dependent on adherence to any other treaty. This is certainly one of the strengths of the Draft Articles. The carefully thought-out internal balance is a central element of the Draft Articles, and therefore these particular articles should, as the ILC points out, be considered in the overall context of the draft.</p> <p>The structure of the Draft Articles incentivises States to strengthen national legislation to end impunity. They also provide a clear overview on international cooperation. The overall structure of draft Articles 13 and 14 is clear and reflects the nature of extraditions and mutual legal assistance in practice. This is complemented by the draft Annex, which is an integral part of the draft articles. </p> <p>While international law currently lacks a special regime for State-to-State cooperation concerning international crimes, we note that the Mutual Legal Assistance and Extradition initiative is a very positive development. The diplomatic conference taking place in Slovenia next month [to negotiate a multilateral treaty that would provide inter-State cooperation mechanisms for the investigation and prosecution of the most serious international crimes] is highly welcomed.</p> <p>Compared to the MLA draft text, which is more detailed and covers mutual legal assistance on more than crimes against humanity alone, the text of these Draft Articles is clear and concise. The Nordic countries take the view that the MLA Initiative and the Draft Articles discussed here today would simply complement each other. </p> <p>We support Draft Article 13, paragraph 3, which provides that an offence covered by the draft articles shall not be regarded as a political offence and, accordingly, a request for extradition based on such an offence may not be refused on these grounds alone. </p> <p>As regards Draft Article 13, paragraph 11, the ILC commentary points out that this paragraph may strictly speaking not be necessary for an extradition occurring solely pursuant to the present Draft Articles. The Nordics, however, agree with the ILC that paragraph 11 enhances the draft Articles in terms of extradition pursuant to extradition treaties or national law, since this will help prevent extradition requests made on impermissible grounds.</p> <p>Draft Article 14, paragraph 8, on the application of the Annex, helps close any potential gaps in terms of mutual legal assistance. Notably, point two of the Annex to the Draft Articles, on the designation of a central authority, strengthens effective communication between States for a speedy and effective cooperation.</p> <p>Lastly, clear provisions on settlement of disputes are necessary for any well-functioning international agreement. Draft Article 15 on the settlement of disputes strikes a careful balance and should lay a good foundation for universal membership of what eventually would become a new international agreement on crimes against humanity.</p> <p>I thank you.</p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Nordic-Baltic Statements and National Statements of Iceland during the 52^nd session of the Human Rights Council 27 February – 4 April 2023</span></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Annual high-level panel discussion on human rights mainstreaming: A reflection on five years of UN Youth 2030: mapping a blueprint for next steps</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement of the Republic of Lithuania, on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>27 February 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries – Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Norway, Sweden, and my own country Lithuania.</p> <p>Today we see active, determined and concerned young people. The international community has an obligation to provide a safe and prosperous future for the next generation. But the main global urgencies remain: including armed conflicts, climate change, disparities in education and employment both within and between countries, digital inequalities and social exclusion of vulnerable groups. In order to make progress on these issues, we fully support the UN Youth Strategy and we are determined to continue engaging and working for and with youth.</p> <p>As a next step for tangible results we see the need for strengthened cooperation among the private sector, governments and civil society. Only by working together we can provide platforms for young people to express their concerns and participate in decision making processes. </p> <p>Furthermore, we believe it is important to provide opportunities for active youth participation in labour market and ensure increased youth employment without any discrimination or age-related exploitation. It would allow young people to improve their skills and balance labour demand.&nbsp; </p> <p>Our goal is to hear, learn and work together with youth. We are looking forward to engage in further implementation of the UN Youth Strategy.</p> <p>Thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Biennial high-level panel discussion on the question of the death penalty</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic-Baltic Statement delivered by Finland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>28 February 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</p> <p>Crimes must be met with consequences. However, taking a life is never the answer. We call on all states to abolish the death penalty.g</p> <p>We commend the countries and states that have recently abolished the death penalty or actively moved towards it. We call for immediate moratoria on executions, leading to abolition, as well as restricting the use of the death penalty to the minimum, only to the “most serious crimes” in accordance with international law. </p> <p>We are alarmed by the lack of transparency on the death penalty in various countries and call upon States to provide public, disaggregated data on death sentences. Increased attention to the gender dimension of the death penalty is necessary.</p> <p>The state has the obligation to respect, protect and fulfil human rights of all. Not meeting due process and fair trial guarantees or causing additional suffering in the execution of the death penalty can amount to torture or inhuman or degrading treatment, among other violations. In accordance with international human rights law, children must always be exempted from the death penalty. </p> <p>Lastly, exercising human rights, such as freedoms of religion and belief, of expression, or belonging to the LGBTQI+ community, must never be punishable by death.</p> <p>Thank you.</p> <strong><br clear="all" /> </strong> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>High level meeting on right to development</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Finland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>28 February 2023</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President.</p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries – Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, and my own country Latvia.</p> <p>Last year we celebrated the thirty-fifth anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on the Right to Development. It was agreed that the right to development, which is rooted in the universality, indivisibility, interrelation, and interdependence of all human rights, is a fundamental human right by virtue of which every person is entitled to participate in, contribute to, and enjoy economic, social, cultural and political development, in which all human rights and fundamental freedoms can be fully realized. </p> <p>Thirty-six years ago, there was a strong belief that our future will be better, wealthier and happier.</p> <p>Unfortunately, global trends are not encouraging – many different challenges, as the COVID 19 pandemic, devasting climate change and outright military aggressions, hinder the achievement of sustainable development goals and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. These crises have already increased extreme poverty, which hits people and countries in vulnerable situations the hardest.</p> <p>The Nordic-Baltic countries call on all governments to ensure participatory approaches that leave no one behind, and to refrain from actions that put human rights at risk. </p> <p>Thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>High-level panel discussion on UPR Voluntary Funds</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic-Baltic Statement delivered by Finland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>1 March 2023</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished colleagues,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</p> <p>No country is perfect, but we can help each other to do more on human rights. The Universal Periodic Review is a key tool in this regard. The recommendations, given in constructive spirit, guide States to build societies that are equal and just for all. We can take pride in the 100% participation rate thus far and aim at the same during the fourth UPR cycle. </p> <p>The UPR Voluntary Funds play an essential role in ensuring that all States, including least developed countries and small island developing states can benefit from the UPR process in full. We particularly welcome the concrete actions on implementation and follow-up which have been possible with contributions through the UPR Voluntary Funds.</p> <p>The UPR is a state driven process but it can greatly benefit from taking the civil society on board. Consulting their views during the process and including their representatives in national delegations can bring stronger, more inclusive results.&nbsp; </p> <p>Esteemed Panellists, how can the UPR Voluntary Funds support the participation of the civil society in the UPR process?</p> <p>Thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 2: Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner’s oral update on the Sudan</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Norway on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>3 March 2023</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour of delivering this statement on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic Countries. We thank the High Commissioner for the update.</p> <p>The situation for human rights in Sudan remains a cause for serious concern. In recent months, parts of the country have seen clashes between armed groups. Too many civilians remain exposed to violence, harassment and SGBV while those responsible are not held to account. We once again call on the signatories to implement the Juba Peace Agreement. Moreover, the right of peaceful protests must be respected, and we urge the military authorities to show restraint.</p> <p>Human rights violations and abuse are linked to the fragile political situation. Therefore, we appreciate that&nbsp;a broad range of Sudanese stakeholders are engaged in negotiations to solve the country’s crisis. This work should be centred around the Framework Political Agreement, which remains the only credible basis to establish a new civilian-led government to lead Sudan through a transitional period to free and fair elections.</p> <p>We are encouraged by your own and the High Commissioner’s visits to Sudan, and we call upon the Sudanese authorities to fully cooperate with UN mandates and mechanisms.</p> <p>What steps can the Sudanese authorities take to protect and promote human rights during the current political crisis?</p> <p>Thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>I</strong><strong>tem 2:</strong> <strong>Interactive dialogue on the report of the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic – Baltic Statement delivered by Iceland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>6 March 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</p> <p>We thank the Group of Human Rights Experts for their report. </p> <p>The Nordic-Baltic countries remain deeply concerned about the human rights situation in Nicaragua, including arbitrary detentions, restrictions on civic space and violations of the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association. The consistent attacks against human rights defenders, Indigenous Peoples, journalists and other media workers, political opposition, religious institutions, and civil society leaders must stop.</p> <p>The release of the 222 political prisoners by the Government of Nicaragua marks a constructive move, however we condemn the decision to revoke their citizenship and to strip nationality from a further 94 citizens.</p> <p>We urge the Nicaraguan Government to respect all civil and political rights, and to free all political prisoners. Impunity for human rights violations must end. We call on Nicaragua to lift all restrictions on civic space and guarantee all persons their rights to freedom of expression, assembly and association. We call on Nicaragua to resume full cooperation with international and regional human rights mechanisms, including the OHCHR. </p> <p>In conclusion, what concrete steps can be taken to urge Nicaragua to end impunity and guarantee accountability for all human rights violations? </p> <p>Thank you. </p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 2: Interactive Dialogue on the Report of the High Commissioner on the Human Rights situation in Myanmar</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic-Baltic Statement delivered by Norway</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>6 March 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. High Commissioner, </p> <p>The Nordic Baltic countries remain deeply disturbed by the human rights violations and abuses which continue to cause human suffering and regression in all areas of human rights in Myanmar.</p> <p>We condemn the military’s indiscriminate use of force, including air attacks, and other violent actions causing civilian casualties, including women and children in Myanmar. </p> <p>We express our continued support to the ASEAN five-point consensus. We recall UN Security Council Resolution 2669 (2022) and demand an immediate end to all forms of violence throughout the country. We call for the release of all arbitrarily detained prisoners, the provision of full and unhindered humanitarian access and the protection of civilians in Myanmar.</p> <p>The Nordic Baltic countries strongly support the OHCHR recommendation to sanction arms transfers enabling further violations. We urge Myanmar to give the UN Human Rights Office access to monitor the situation independently and impartially. We call on all member states to support efforts to bring perpetrators to justice.</p> <p>High Commissioner, </p> <p>What measures can be taken to reduce violence against civilians and human rights violations and abuses in Myanmar, as well as to ensure accountability for past and ongoing crimes? </p> <p>Thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 2: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic – Baltic Statement delivered by Iceland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>6 March 2023</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr President, </p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, and my own country Iceland.</p> <p>We commend the Special Rapporteur for his ardent efforts in documenting human rights abuses and engaging the de facto authorities.</p> <p>We remain deeply concerned about the dire situation in Afghanistan, in particular the situation of women and girls and that of minorities.</p> <p>We strongly condemn the draconian restrictions on women and girls, excluding them from education, politics, and public life. This discriminatory denial of women and girls’ human rights may amount to gender persecution which is considered a crime against humanity. </p> <p>The recent decision to ban women from working for national and international NGOs underscores the Taliban’s utter disregard for half the population of Afghanistan.</p> <p>We stand with the women and girls of Afghanistan, who continue to show immense resilience. Without them, Afghanistan will never achieve peace, prosperity and stability. </p> <p>What scope does the Special Rapporteur see for ensuring women and girls’ full, equal and meaningful participation in all spheres of life and their right to have control over their own future?</p> <p>Thank you. </p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 2: Enhanced interactive dialogue on the report of the Commission of Human Rights on advancing the human rights in South Sudan</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic-Baltic statement delivered by Norway</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>6 March 2023</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the pleasure of delivering this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries - Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden, and Norway. We thank the Commission for its work in South Sudan.</p> <p>Political violence and insecurity continue to be fundamental obstacles to improving the human rights situation. We regret that the extension of the Peace Agreement has not been accompanied by a renewed sense of urgency in its implementation.&nbsp; </p> <p>As a result, human rights violations and abuses, such as arbitrary and extrajudicial killings, abductions, conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence, and attacks on humanitarian workers continue with impunity. We urge the parties to make immediate progress on security arrangements, transitional justice and rule of law.</p> <p>We are also deeply concerned by large-scale diversion of public revenues, which undermines South Sudan’s ability to fulfill its human rights obligations. We urge the government to strengthen its financial management systems and use more of its own resources to address the needs of its people. </p> <p>Finally, a strong UN human rights monitoring mechanism is still needed. We urge the government to continue its history of cooperation with the Commission. </p> <p>Thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 2: Annual report of HC for Human Rights and report of OHCHR and SG</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>General Debate on High Commissioner’s Oral Update</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Iceland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>7 March 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President. </p> <p>Iceland thanks the High Commissioner for his oral update.</p> <p>Iceland continues to monitor the UN Joint Programme on human rights in the <strong>Philippines</strong>. Genuine intentions of all stakeholders are crucial for the programme to bring about positive change. Iceland calls on the Government to implement the Programme to the letter and address accountability failings. </p> <p>In<strong> Ethiopia</strong>, Iceland commends the Government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front for steps taken in implementing the Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement. Transitional justice and accountability through independent, transparent and impartial investigations must be ensured. </p> <p>In <strong>Egypt</strong>, human rights defenders, journalists, and activists continue to face reprisals and unlawful restrictions. Iceland urges the Government to respect, protect and fulfill the rights to freedoms of expression and opinion, and peaceful assembly and association. </p> <p>In <strong>Yemen</strong>, Iceland calls on all parties to uphold international humanitarian law and human rights law and to secure a political solution. The people of Yemen deserve peace. </p> <p>In closing, Iceland refers to Nordic-Baltic statements on the situation in Afghanistan, Nicaragua, Sudan and South-Sudan in respective Interactive Dialogues. </p> <p>Thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the sale and sexual exploitation of children, including child prostitution, child pornography and other child sexual abuse material</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic-Baltic Statement delivered by Latvia</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>8 March 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President.</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</p> <p>We thank the Special Rapporteur for presenting her latest report on the importance of reparation for child victims and survivors of sale and sexual exploitation.</p> <p>The Nordic-Baltic countries believe that reparation should be tailored to the specific case and proportional to the gravity of violations and the harm suffered by the child victims and survivors.</p> <p>However, there are numerous barriers preventing child victims and survivors from being able to access justice and claim reparations. We are especially concerned about legislative gaps regarding, in particular, child, early and forced marriage and child labour. We align with the Special Rapporteur’s recommendations in this regard.</p> <p>Another challenge can be the lack of education about and awareness of potential venues for reparation. Capacity-building and comprehensive education of law enforcement officials, medical professionals, social workers and teachers is vital to ensuring that child victims and survivors are aware of their rights and are able to claim reparation.</p> <p>Madam Special Rapporteur, what are the best practices in providing for the participation of child victims and survivors in developing reparation programmes and procedures, while ensuring that their dignity and rights are respected and they do not face the risk of revictimization?</p> <p>Thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Adequate Housing</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic-Baltic Statement delivered by Finland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>8 March 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries. We thank the Special Rapporteur on his important report. </p> <p>The climate crisis is also a housing crisis. Extreme weather events, desertification and rising sea levels severely affect housing around the world. </p> <p>Impacts of climate change disproportionately affect persons in vulnerable situations and their homes. Persons with disabilities and older persons have less capacity to move away from exposed areas. Indigenous Peoples often live on lands heavily exposed to climate impacts.&nbsp; </p> <p>Therefore, we must ensure that persons in vulnerable situations are involved in climate responses at all levels. This includes participation in decision-making, implementation and monitoring of climate actions and policies.</p> <p>It is our joint duty to tackle the effects of climate change on the realization of the right to adequate housing. Comprehensive recommendations of the Special Rapporteur give us a way forward.</p> <p>Special Rapporteur, how can we best support the work of human rights defenders promoting the right to adequate housing and addressing the negative impact of climate change?</p> <p>Thank you. </p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive Dialogue on the report of Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic-Baltic statement delivered by Norway</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>8 March 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>The Nordic-Baltic countries thank the Special Rapporteur for an enlightening report on conflict and right to food. </p> <p>Conflict remains the primary driver for food insecurity and thus represents the main hindrance for fulfillment of the right to food.</p> <p>Keeping in mind that today is 8 March, we express our appreciation for Mr. Fakhri’s focus on discrimination and equality in the food systems. </p> <p>Women and girls are food producers, traders, consumers, care-takers, decision-makers and negotiators. Protecting women and girls from violence, including sexual and gender-based violence, is crucial to eliminating hunger. In many households, food insecurity and poverty prevail when women are hurt.</p> <p>We need targeted measures to strengthen women, including rural and Indigenous women and girls and other vulnerable groups’ position in the food systems. </p> <p>Special Rapporteur, the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine has led to disruption of global food markets and aggravated hunger and famines in other regions.</p> <p>In your view, what are the most serious consequences facing women in particular? And what would be the most pertinent measures? </p> <p>Special Rapporteur, your role and voice is more important than ever. </p> <p>Thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the issue of human rights obligations relating to the enjoyment of a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic-Baltic statement delivered by Lithuania</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>9 March 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries – Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Norway, Sweden, and my own country Lithuania.</p> <p>We thank the Special Rapporteur for his report highlighting the disproportionate harms on women and girls by environmental risks. </p> <p>It is particularly worrisome that gender stereotypes, biases, inequalities and multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination negatively affect women and girls’ enjoyment of the right to clean, healthy and sustainable environment. To address these challenges, a human rights-based approach, where States, businesses and civil society work together, must be in place.</p> <p>Furthermore, women and girls should participate fully, equally and meaningfully in all processes when it comes to protecting the environment. Their participation and empowerment is crucial for a sustainable future. </p> <p>The Nordic-Baltic countries are committed to accelerating gender-transformative and inclusive environmental action where everyone has a say. </p> <p>Mr. Boyd, how can the Human Rights Council contribute to eliminating systemic discrimination of women and girls and empowering them to be a part of the climate and environmental transformation? </p> <p>Thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Panel Discussion on strengthening of legislative system in order to protect children in digital environment</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Estonia on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>10 March 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries – Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country Estonia. </p> <p>Children are considered to be the largest proportion of users of digital technologies in the world. Even though the online network provides them the opportunity to express, fulfil and be informed about their rights, higher engagement and self-presentation by children on various digital platforms also poses risks to children’s rights – from violating their privacy to online sexual exploitation and abuse in worst cases.&nbsp;</p> <p>We are concerned that such violations that disproportionately affect children, are on the rise. Therefore, we believe that it is extremely important to continue taking concrete steps to guarantee children's privacy and confidentiality to better protect children from any harm in the digital space, which in the long run contributes to ensuring a healthy and safe childhood for them.</p> <p>In order to achieve this, it is crucial to evaluate, update and put in place wide-ranging measures and best practices, with children’s rights at the core and the best interests of every child as a primary consideration.&nbsp; In the legislative review, it is necessary to include relevant stakeholders, such as experts from civil society, private sector and academia, and guarantee to children the right to be heard and have their views taken into account. Implementing key elements from the Committee on the Rights of the Child general comment No. 25 is also crucial.&nbsp; </p> <p>Further attention should be given to private sector by better regulating their activities and ensuring compliance with their responsibility to prevent networks or online services from being used in ways that cause or contribute to violations or abuses of children’s rights. </p> <p>Thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic-Baltic Statement delivered by Iceland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>13 March 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</p> <p>We thank the special rapporteur for her <em>inclusive</em> approach, demonstrating how freedom of religion or belief can be traced back to many different sources. </p> <p>Yet, these different sources converge in highlighting the need for mutual understanding and respect. We wish to clearly signal today, that we disassociate with all actions by individuals, which only aim to hurt and provoke. We find them disturbing and disrespectful. </p> <p>Fortunately, as displayed in the report, elaborate human rights norms exist on freedom of religion or belief and freedom of expression. While they cannot prevent all incidents, they provide a clear human rights approach to tackle challenges in our interconnected world. We recall our full commitment to these standards and to our collective efforts to promote and protect them.</p> <p>Madame Special Rapporteur, you give a thorough overview of ongoing work on freedom of religion or belief, also in the regional organisations. How do you plan to work with them to ensure a coherent approach?</p> <p>Looking ahead, how will you address the intersectionality between freedom of religion or belief and gender equality throughout your mandate?</p> <p>Thank you.</p> <strong><br clear="all" /> </strong> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic-Baltic Statement delivered by Iceland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>13 March 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries.</p> <p>Let me start by thanking the Special Rapporteur for his valuable work and recent report on reimagining services to give effect to the right of persons with disabilities to live independently and be included in the community. </p> <p>We fully agree that active consultation with persons with disabilities and their representative organisations is required to understand what persons with disabilities need and want. We need human rights-based, inclusive and gender transformative solutions that can work in different countries and in different circumstances.</p> <p>We thank the Special Rapporteur for highlighting the potential of businesses and new technologies, including artificial intelligence, in transforming services for persons with disabilities. As stated in the report, the business sector is increasingly regarded as an important human rights actor. </p> <p>Mr. Special Rapporteur, how can we better engage with businesses as partners for change in the transformation of services and support for persons with disabilities?</p> <p>Thank you. </p> <strong><br clear="all" /> </strong> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the </strong><strong>Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic – Baltic Statement delivered by Finland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>13 March 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries. We thank the Special Rapporteur for the report. </p> <p>Ensuring the full respect for human rights and the rule of law is crucial in efforts to counter-terrorism. Any measure taken to counter terrorism must comply with international law, including international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, and should not unduly restrict civic space. We firmly believe that a human-rights based approach is a prerequisite for combatting terrorism effectively.</p> <p>We acknowledge the capacity of new technologies to enhance the full realization of human rights. </p> <p>However, we share the Special Rapporteur’s concern that the misuse of these technologies may have serious negative impacts on the enjoyment of human rights. It is vital to address and mitigate the human rights risks associated with these technologies. </p> <p>Madam Special Rapporteur, what measures should we take to better assess the human rights implications of new technologies in the context of counter-terrorism?&nbsp; </p> <p>Thank you.</p> <strong><br clear="all" /> </strong> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Annual interactive debate on the rights of persons with disabilities</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Theme: Support systems to ensure community inclusion of persons with disabilities, including as a means of building forward better after the COVID-19 pandemic</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic-Baltic Statement delivered by Lithuania</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>13 March 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries – Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Norway, Sweden, and my own country Lithuania.</p> <p style="text-align: center;">We thank the panellists for their contributions and the OHCHR for the report that gives a solid basis for our discussion. </p> <p>International human rights law leaves no doubt on the right of all persons with disabilities to live in the community, with choices equal to others. Care and support systems are main enablers of this right, as well as of the autonomy, independence and dignity of the persons with disabilities. </p> <p>Persons in vulnerable situations that rely on care work and support networks, including persons with disabilities, were disproportionally affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The pandemic has exposed deep-rooted problems of the support and care systems that urgently need to be addressed in our efforts to build forward better. </p> <p>As States play a fundamental role in organizing the distribution of the care work and ensuring community inclusion, we encourage their resolute action on transforming traditional care systems in a gender-responsive and disability-inclusive way. </p> <p>Furthermore, meaningful participation of persons with disabilities, as well as all other stakeholders, in the discussions related to the respect, protection and fulfilment of their rights must be ensured. </p> <p>Distinguished panellists, how could the international community better contribute to enhancing disability-inclusive approaches to care and support systems?</p> <p>Thank you.</p> <strong><br clear="all" /> </strong> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive Dialogue&nbsp;with the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Intervention by Denmark on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>14 March 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Madam Special Rapporteur,</p> <p>I have the honour of speaking on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries. </p> <p>From the outset, we would like to congratulate you on your appointment as new Special Rapporteur on Torture. We are committed allies in your important work to eradicate torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment globally.&nbsp; </p> <p>We appreciate your efforts to shed light on the good practices in national criminalization, investigation, prosecution and sentencing for offences of torture.</p> <p>The need to invest in training and education runs like a thread through the entire report and we could not agree more with you, as this is intrinsically linked to the duty to investigate enshrined in Article 12 of the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. </p> <p>Over the past year, many fundamental tools have either been developed or updated, such as the Méndez Principles on Effective Interviewing for Investigations and Information Gathering or the updated Istanbul Protocol on Effective Investigation and Documentation. These tools – together with the many others already existing – merit to be widely known and used so as to give full effect to the principle of the absolute prohibition of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. </p> <p>Madam Special Rapporteur,</p> <p>What measures can the Human Rights Council along with other relevant UN bodies take to ensure that these tools are known and used through training and education?</p> <p>Thank you. </p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the right to privacy</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic-Baltic Statement delivered by Latvia</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>14 March 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President.</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States.</p> <p>We thank the Special Rapporteur for presenting her latest report to this Council.</p> <p>It is the obligation of all States to ensure that the need to collect and analyse data in response to the Covid-19 pandemic or any potential future health crises is not used as a pretext for mass surveillance and the violation of an individual’s right to privacy.</p> <p>We concur with the Special Rapporteur that States must build and consolidate public confidence in the programmes of public entities that involve the processing of personal data. To achieve this, we need to promote the responsible and transparent collection and use of personal data and show compliance with the legal obligations established in personal data processing regulations.</p> <p>The right to privacy and its abuses have become important themes in the relationship between tech companies and their users. According to your mandate, you should promote and protect the right to privacy by, inter alia, articulating private sector responsibilities to respect human rights.</p> <p>Madam Special Rapporteur, can you share some of the best practices in establishing a risk monitoring and management system to ensure that data are processed fairly and lawfully?</p> <p>Thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic-Baltic Statement delivered by Norway</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>15 March 2023</strong> <strong><br /> <br /> </strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour of speaking on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic states.</p> <p>We welcome the report of the Special Rapporteur which again demonstrates the resourcefulness and tenacity of human rights defenders despite ongoing threats, harassment, and violence, both online and offline. </p> <p>The report recounts the achievements of human rights defenders, including women human rights defenders, </p> <p>-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; to end discriminatory laws, </p> <p>-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; to strengthen the rule of law by ensuring accountability and access to remedy, </p> <p>-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; and to ensure that more people enjoy and benefit from the rights and protections afforded them. </p> <p>We call on all States to acknowledge and protect of human rights defenders and to support the renewal of the mandate. The mandate has again demonstrated its relevance and value. </p> <p>Madame Special Rapporteur,</p> <p>On the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, and the 25th anniversary of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, this report demonstrates the value of human rights to peace, security and sustainable development.</p> <p>How can this Council best support human rights defenders in their efforts to bring about positive change?</p> <p>Thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>on Violence against Children</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>15 March 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</p> <p>We thank the Special Representative for the latest report and her actions taken on elimination and prevention of all forms of violence against children.</p> <p>The Nordic-Baltic countries also thank the Special Representative for focusing on the protection of children in the digital environment. We are alarmed by the high number of children cyberbullied and subjected to online sexual exploitation and abuse.</p> <p>We are equally highly concerned over the lack of comprehensive data on violence against children and believe the remaining gaps must be filled. An evidence-based approach in tackling violence against children is vital and can only be achieved when child- and gender-sensitive data is available.</p> <p>To ensure that children are protected, respected and empowered online, safety standards and regulations must be mandated. </p> <p>As the report confirms, many organisations are working on a wide range of actions on violence against children online. How can this work be better synchronized to meet the best interest of the child?</p> <p>Thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive Dialogue</strong><strong> </strong><strong>with the Special Representative of the Secretary General on children and armed conflicts</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordi</strong><strong>c-</strong><strong>Baltic</strong><strong> Statement delivered by Lithuania</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>16 March 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries. We would like to thank the Special Representative for the report. </p> <p>Armed conflicts deprive children of their rights, leaving permanent physical and psychological harm. From the right to education to the right to security and life itself – children’s rights continue to be violated in conflict zones and their future jeopardized.</p> <p>We are extremely concerned about the increasing use of indiscriminate airstrikes, landmines and attacks on schools. This trend places children directly at risk. According to the SRSG reports, the use of explosive weapons in densely populated areas leads to a steady increase in the number of killings and injuries over the years. In the context of Russia’s brutal war of aggression against Ukraine we witness deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure, killing and injuring thousands of children; also there are reports on forcible transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia and their illegal adoption there. </p> <p>Grave violations of children’s rights in conflict zones are one of the most pressing political and humanitarian concerns. In June 2023, Norway will host an international conference in order to mobilize action to better protect children in conflict zones.</p> <p>Madam Special Representative,</p> <p>How should we ensure accountability for crimes against children during armed conflicts, including their forced deportations?</p> <p>Thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive dialogue on the report of the High Commissioner on ensuring equitable, affordable, timely and universal access for all countries to vaccines in response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic Nordic-Baltic Statement delivered by Norway<br /> </strong><strong>16 March 2023</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I make this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden and Norway.</p> <p>We thank the OHCHR for the report on access for all countries to vaccines in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.</p> <p>The development of medical countermeasures to COVID-19 set new records including for time taken between vaccine development to roll-out in low income countries. The ACT-A* partnership aided this effort, and its vaccine pillar, COVAX, distributed billions of vaccine doses. </p> <p>The report points out many of the challenges faced in ensuring equitable, affordable, timely and universal access to vaccines. This includes the lack of diversified production across regions, the lack of capacity in some countries to store and distribute vaccines, vaccine hesitancy, the lack of reliable systematic and timely data, misinformation, and weak health systems. Learning from these experiences will be key. National policies should be human rights-based, including for immunization. Building resilient and robust health systems must be high on our agenda. </p> <p>High Commissioner, Could you elaborate on how you assist countries in ensuring that immunization priorities are in line with a human rights-based approach? </p> <p>* [Access to COVID-19 Tools-Accelerator]</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 4: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights situation in Myanmar</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic-Baltic </strong><strong>Statement delivered </strong><strong>by Denmark</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>20 March 2023</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States.</p> <p>We thank the Special Rapporteur for his update on the deeply concerning situation in Myanmar. We strongly support his mandate.</p> <p>We continue to condemn the military coup in the strongest possible terms and reiterate our call on the military to immediately end all forms of violence and abuses, including sexual and gender-based violence, against the people of Myanmar, including children. </p> <p>We call on the military junta to end the systematic intimidation and reprisals against the people of Myanmar for exercising their human rights and fundamental freedoms. Furthermore, we call for the immediate and unconditional release of all those arbitrarily detained – including children, political leaders, journalists, human rights defenders, and others. </p> <p>We are deeply concerned over the deteriorating humanitarian situation, and we call for unimpeded humanitarian access to all parts of the country without discrimination.</p> <p>Special Rapporteur, we are witnessing a prolonged crisis in which the military carries out actions against its own people which there are reasonable grounds to believe amount to serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. Some of these may – as you point out - amount to international crimes. </p> <p>Ensuring that the perpetrators of these crimes are held accountable remains a critical task. </p> <p>Special Rapporteur, how can the international community at this time best support the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all persons in Myanmar?</p> <p>Thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 4: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Islamic Republic of Iran</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Estonia on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>20 March 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</p> <p>We would like to thank the Special Rapporteur for his report.</p> <p>For months, the brave people of Iran, especially women and girls, have faced extreme and unjustified violence and crackdown by the Iranian authorities for exercising their right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. </p> <p>We strongly condemn the use of violence, harassment and detentions against peaceful protesters. Perpetrators of torture, killings and violence, including sexual and gender-based violence, must be held accountable. We urge Iran to release all persons who were imprisoned or detained for exercising their right to peacefully protest. We strongly oppose the death penalty at all times and in all circumstances and call on the Iranian authorities to impose an immediate moratorium on executions.</p> <p>We are also concerned about press freedom and safety of journalists in Iran. Journalists and media workers are threatened, harassed and detained. Families of Iranians working for foreign media outlets are intimidated and persecuted. We call on Iran to release all arbitrarily detained, including journalist, media workers and their family members and to ensure freedom of opinion and expression and access to information, both online and offline.</p> <p>Finally, we urge Iran to fully cooperate with the Special Rapporteur, including by granting full and unhindered access to the country.</p> <p>Mr. Special Rapporteur,</p> <p>What more can the international community do to support the people of Iran fighting for their human rights?</p> <p>Thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /> </strong><strong>Item 4: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on</strong> <strong>the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic-Baltic statement delivered by Norway</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>20 March 2023</strong><strong><br /> <br /> </strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honor of delivering this statement on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries. </p> <p>We thank the Special Rapporteur for her latest report. We are deeply concerned about the serious systematic and widespread human rights violations in the DPRK, some of which, as pointed out by the Secretary-General, may amount to crimes against humanity. The complete absence of an independent and impartial judiciary provides no national recourse for human rights violations in the country.</p> <p>We are particularly worried about the situation for women and girls, the prevalence of SGBV, the use of forced labor and the prevention of persons leaving or entering the country. </p> <p>The disproportionate share of the DPRK’s state budget allocated to military spending cripples the ability of the DPRK to meet its own population’s basic needs. </p> <p>We urge the DPRK to cooperate fully with the UN and the OHCHR and take meaningful and measurable steps to improve the human rights situation in the country, including opening its borders for humanitarian assistance. </p> <p>Efforts to support dialogue must be continued to achieve lasting peace and stability on the peninsula.</p> <p>In the Special Rapporteur’s view, how can we best engage with DPRK to improve the human rights situation in the country? </p> <p>Thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 4: </strong><strong>Interactive Dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic-Baltic Statement </strong><strong>delivered by </strong><strong>Lithuania</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>20 March 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries – Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Norway, Sweden, and my own country Lithuania.</p> <p>The brutality of the Russian armed forces is shocking. For more than one year indiscriminate killings of Ukrainian civilians, deliberate attacks on schools, hospitals and critical infrastructure have been daily occurrences in Ukraine. Russian soldiers continue to demonstrate unimaginable cruelty by perpetrating summary executions, torture and conflict-related sexual violence.</p> <p>Furthermore, the Russian authorities at all levels engage in forced transfers and deportations of children from Ukrainian territory to Russia and Russian occupied territory, and their illegal adoption there. We condemn these practices in the strongest possible terms and call for immediate return of all Ukrainian children to their homes. </p> <p>The findings of the Commission of Inquiry are objective and impartial as opposed to Russia’s deliberate disinformation and propaganda. Its findings give us even stronger impetus to take decisive action as it concludes that numerous of violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, as well as war crimes, were committed. </p> <p>There can be no impunity for violations of international law. The investigations must continue until full accountability is ensured. We strongly support the Commission’s crucial role in that regard. </p> <p>Mr. Møse, how could we make sure that the international community remains well informed about the violations happening in Ukraine? And how could we further strengthen your mandate in order to support the overall accountability effort? </p> <p>Thank you. </p> <br clear="all" /> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 4: Interactive Dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic-Baltic Statement delivered by Norway</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>21 March 2023</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</p> <p>We express our firm support for the work of the Commission of Inquiry. We note with serious concern the Commission’s conclusion that there have been “pervasive violations of human rights and humanitarian law across the country. </p> <p>We reiterate the need to cease all indiscriminate and direct attacks on civilians and civilian objects as well as to end torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment,</p> <p>President, after 12 years of armed conflict, the Syrian people, were recently hit by the most devastating earthquake in the area for decades. An already dire humanitarian situation has now become even worse.</p> <p>It is therefore important that all parties to the conflict provide full, unhindered, and sustained humanitarian access. We expect to see a renewal of the cross-border mechanism when it expires on 10 July.</p> <p>The Syrian people have suffered enough. There must be a comprehensive ceasefire, and there must be a political process in line with UNSCR 2254.&nbsp; </p> <p>Mr Commissioner: The many missing people and people under arbitrary detention in Syria is a major concern for the Syrian people. What more can we do – as you see it – to clarify the fate and whereabouts of missing people? </p> <p>Thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 4: Interactive dialogue with the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia<br /> Nordic-Baltic Statement delivered by Norway </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>21 March 2023</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>The Nordic and Baltic countries thank the International Commission of Human Rights Experts for the briefing and for your valuable contribution. We are glad to see progress on the implementation of the Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement of 2 November 2022 and the Agreement from the Senior Commanders Meeting 12 November. </p> <p>Accountability and transitional justice must remain at the core of the peace process. We welcome the announcement by the Ethiopian Minister of Justice that the OHCHR will deploy human rights monitors to the conflict-affected areas in northern Ethiopia. Furthermore, we welcome the commitment by Ethiopia to implement a comprehensive national transitional justice policy.</p> <p>Independent and credible documentation, investigation and prosecution of reported violations and abuses of international human rights law and violations of international humanitarian law are crucial for the victims and their communities and fundamental to ensure lasting reconciliation, peace and stability.</p> <p>We welcome further progress on the implementation which could signal to the Ethiopian people and the international community that the Ethiopian Government is fully committed to reconciliation, peace and stability.</p> <p>In the Commission’s view, how can we best engage with the Government of Ethiopia and all stakeholders to achieve this?</p> <p>Thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 4: Interactive dialogue – High Commissioner for Human Rights report on human rights situation in Belarus</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic-Baltic Statement by Lithuania</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>22 March 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</p> <p>As reported by the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the human rights situation in Belarus continuously deteriorates. </p> <p>Politically motivated persecutions, reprisals, arbitrary arrests and detentions, and torture remain endemic, while the justice system is abused to silence dissent and systematically oppress pro-democratic forces. </p> <p>By allowing Russia to use its territory for aggression against Ukraine, the leadership of Belarus is responsible for the act of aggression.</p> <p>Currently there are about 1500 political prisoners in Belarus; the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Ales Bialiatski among them. They are forced to wear identifying tags, subjected to violence and torture, and not provided with timely medical aid or legal counsel. Meanwhile, lawyers defending political prisoners are deprived of their licences. </p> <p>We strongly condemn the politically motivated prison sentences of human rights defenders, political opponents and representatives of the Belarusian democratic opposition in exile. We stand in solidarity with political prisoners in Belarus and call for their immediate, unconditional release. </p> <p>International community must ensure accountability of the Belarusian authorities for the violations of international law and international human rights law in order to end impunity and prevent further crimes. </p> <p>Mr. High Commissioner, </p> <p>What more could the international community do to protect political prisoners, journalists, media workers and human rights defenders persecuted by the Belarusian authorities?</p> <p>Thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 4 General Debate: Human rights situations that require the Council’s attention</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Iceland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>22 March 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President.</p> <p>Iceland condemns <strong>Russia</strong>’s unprovoked and unjustified war against Ukraine which is a flagrant violation of the UN Charter. The human suffering and loss of life stemming from Russia’s invasion is horrifying. Forced transfers and deportations of children, and targeting of civilians and critical infrastructure is a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and may constitute war crimes or crimes against humanity. </p> <p>We also condemn <strong>Belarus</strong>’ involvement in Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and deplore the widespread and gross human rights violations perpetrated in Belarus. We urge for an end to systematic repression and politically motivated sentencing, including of political opponents and representatives of the Belarusian democratic opposition in exile. </p> <p>In <strong>Saudi Arabia</strong>, we are alarmed by the handing down of sentences for peaceful expression of opinion and a surge in executions for offenses that no not meet the threshold of the most serious crimes.&nbsp; </p> <p>In <strong>China</strong>, we remain alarmed by the human rights situation in Xinjiang. We urge China to meaningfully cooperate with OHCHR and to abide by its obligations under international human rights law.</p> <p>In closing, Iceland refers to Nordic-Baltic statements on Myanmar, Iran, DPRK, Ukraine, Syria, Ethiopia and Belarus. </p> <p>Thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Debate in commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic-Baltic statement delivered by Iceland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>29 March 2023</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, and my own country Iceland.</p> <p>This year we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; however, concrete and coordinated action is still necessary to promote and protect human rights and to combat all forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance.</p> <p>Sadly, racism and racial discrimination continue to exist in all spheres of society, often causing conflict and suffering. Whether overt or covert, it remains a potent weapon to incite fear and polarization within society. But, as history has shown us far too many times: Any system of oppression, is ultimately one in which we all lose.&nbsp; </p> <p>Efforts to solve these challenges must be founded on respect for human rights, the inherent dignity and equality of every person. An inclusive civic space, with diverse and meaningful participation, representation, and leadership, is imperative for transformative change. This requires indicating and eliminating structural inequalities and implementing well-targeted policy measures.</p> <p>Women and girls, as well as persons in vulnerable situations, often face multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination and marginalization. Their perspectives must be heard and translated into action.</p> <p>Eliminating racism requires decisive, coordinated, and sustained efforts to achieve real change and progress towards a world where human rights are ensured for all, without discrimination of any kind, and where no one is left behind.</p> <p>Thank you. </p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 9: General Debate</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic-Baltic Statement delivered by Iceland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>30 March 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries. </p> <p>We remain fully committed to combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. All individuals must be treated with dignity and enjoy equal rights as also stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. </p> <p>We commend and are committed to protect those who work at the forefront in combatting racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, including persons and communities of African descent. It is key to increase full, equal and meaningful participation of persons from diverse backgrounds, especially those who have traditionally been marginalized, in all spheres of society. An inclusive civic space is imperative for positive change.&nbsp; </p> <p>In recent years, the fight against racism and racial discrimination has gained increased momentum globally. It has revitalized engagement at all levels of society. </p> <p>We acknowledge the need for strong Government leadership on this matter. But we also underscore that inclusion of a wide range of stakeholders, including from civil society, is essential to achieve sustainable progress. We must all work together towards ending the scourge of racism and racial discrimination, by upholding dignity and rights for everyone, everywhere. </p> <p>In conclusion, rest assured that we will continue our persistent efforts to combat racism in our own countries as well as promoting the cause internationally. </p> <p>Thank you. </p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 10: Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the oral updates of the High Commissioner on the Democratic Republic of Congo and the team of international experts on Kasai</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic-Baltic Statement delivered by Iceland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>30 March 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>I deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries.</p> <p>The recurrent and intensified armed violence in eastern DRC and related human rights violations and abuses, including attacks against civilians, are of serious concern. The deteriorating security situation, caused primarily by the armed group M23, as well as other armed groups such as the ADF, severely impacts the rights of the Congolese population and jeopardises the coming elections. We note that the state of siege in the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri introduced in 2021, remains.</p> <p>Accountability and the rule of law must be ensured. We note that the trial regarding the murders of UN experts Zaida Catalán and Michael Sharp is now in appeal and in the final instance. It is of utmost importance that the appeals process takes all evidence into consideration. The ongoing investigation on these heinous crimes, conducted in close cooperation with the UN-mandated follow-up mechanism, remains crucial and enjoys our full support.</p> <p>High Commissioner, we would appreciate if you could elaborate on the consequences that the violence may have on existing ethnic tensions?</p> <p>Thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 10: Interactive Dialogue on the human rights situation in the Central African Republic</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic-Baltic Statement delivered by Norway</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>31 March 2023</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President. </p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</p> <p>We remain deeply concerned about the security, humanitarian, and human rights situation in the Central African Republic. The scope and character of the human rights violations and abuses continue to alarm and grieve us. </p> <p>The perpetrators are not only the armed groups. The Central African armed forces and its Russian allies are responsible for the majority of the human rights violations. We call on the CAR government to investigate all incidents and hold perpetrators accountable in order to build peace.</p> <p>We are particularly worried about the grave violations and abuses committed against children. Increased effort must be made to protect them. Their childhood, education and future are at stake, and thus, the future of the Central African Republic.</p> <p>We have previously urged the CAR government to take specific measures to give effect to the Child Protection Code provisions to prevent and punish the recruitment and use of children in conflict, early marriages, and trafficking in persons. We would appreciate if you could elaborate on the progress on the government’s implementation of the Child Protection Code.</p> <p>Thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Item 10: Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner’s oral report on Ukraine</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic-Baltic Statement delivered by Estonia</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>31 March 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries – Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country Estonia. </p> <p>We thank the High Commissioner for the update and the continuous OHCHR’s work on the ground.</p> <p>Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has resulted in widespread terror and intolerable suffering with far-reaching consequences. We have witnessed images and reports of both indiscriminate and targeted attacks against civilians and civilian and critical energy infrastructure, as well as sexual and gender-based violence.</p> <p>Ukrainian children are paying a particularly high price for this brutal and unjustified war. More than 400 children have been killed, hundreds more injured and over 7 million Ukrainian children are left without peaceful and happy childhood, having lost family members, homes, schools or playgrounds. Moreover, numerous children have been systematically put through filtration camps and forcibly transferred within Ukraine and deported to Russia, many of them separated from parents and illegally adopted. As the Commission of Inquiry clearly stated – these forced transfers and deportations amount to war crimes.</p> <p>We once again reiterate that we will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes and do everything we can to hold Russia fully accountable for war crimes and other grave violations of international law. The ICC’s decision to issue arrests warrants against Vladimir Putin and Russia’s Commissioner for Children's Rights Maria <em>Lvova</em>-<em>Belova </em>is an important step towards accountability.</p> <p>High Commissioner, how can we best support the fight against impunity?</p> <p>Thank you.</p> <br clear="all" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item10: </strong><strong>Interactive dialogue with the Fact-Finding Mission on Libya</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic-Baltic Statement delivered by Finland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>3 April 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>I speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries. </p> <p>We commend the Fact-Finding Mission on Libya for its important report. In light of the deteriorating human rights situation in Libya, we urge continued engagement by the HRC on Libya’s efforts to end impunity, which, we believe, will also benefit national reconciliation. We also urge Libya to implement the recommendations of the FFM. </p> <p>We are seriously concerned by reports of torture, sexual and gender-based violence, enslavement including sexual slavery, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention and other human rights violations and abuses against Libyans, migrants, refugees and asylum seekers. Some of which may amount to crimes against humanity. Accountability for violations and abuses committed is key. We call upon Libya to hold accountable all those responsible. We encourage full scrutiny of detention centres, leading to reforms, and dismantling secret prisons. </p> <p>Finally, we are deeply concerned by the continued crackdown on civil society. We call on Libya to respect civil society and human rights defenders so they can participate in building the country, without fear of violence. A vibrant thriving civil society is a cornerstone of a thriving nation, where human rights are respected, protected and fulfilled.</p> <p>Thank you.<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Item 10: Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on Mali</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic-Baltic Statement delivered by Iceland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>March 31, 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President.</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries. </p> <p>We thank the Independent Expert for the report. We share the deep concern raised in the report.</p> <p>We are alarmed by the deteriorating human rights situation accompanying Mali’s worsening security crisis, including the systematic targeting of civilians by extremist armed groups. We are deeply concerned by continued reports of violations committed by national forces and the Wagner Group, including conflict related gender-based violence. It should be recalled that Malian authorities carry the responsibility also for violations committed by foreign military companies on their behalf.</p> <p>Strengthening access to justice, fighting impunity, and increasing accountability is crucial. The report of the Independent Expert clearly illustrates that much remains to be done.</p> <p>We note with deep concern the shrinking civic space and growing pressure on freedom of expression, including attacks on human rights defenders, who have been forced to flee the country. The decision by Malian authorities to declare the Director of the Human Rights Division of the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Mali "<em>persona non grata</em>” and the difficulties which the Independent Expert faced during his visit are worrying developments.</p> <p>Allow me to ask the following question: How can the Malian authorities improve freedom of speech and association, and how can the international community most effectively address the shrinking civic space in Mali?</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>Thank you.</span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Item 10: Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the oral updates of the High Commissioner on the Democratic Republic of Congo and the team of international experts on Kasai</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic-Baltic Statement delivered by Iceland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>30 March 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>I deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries.</p> <p>The recurrent and intensified armed violence in eastern DRC and related human rights violations and abuses, including attacks against civilians, are of serious concern. The deteriorating security situation, caused primarily by the armed group M23, as well as other armed groups such as the ADF, severely impacts the rights of the Congolese population and jeopardises the coming elections. We note that the state of siege in the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri introduced in 2021, remains.</p> <p>Accountability and the rule of law must be ensured. We note that the trial regarding the murders of UN experts Zaida Catalán and Michael Sharp is now in appeal and in the final instance. It is of utmost importance that the appeals process takes all evidence into consideration. The ongoing investigation on these heinous crimes, conducted in close cooperation with the UN-mandated follow-up mechanism, remains crucial and enjoys our full support.</p> <p>High Commissioner, we would appreciate if you could elaborate on the consequences that the violence may have on existing ethnic tensions?</p> <p>Thank you.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 9: General debate Racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance:&nbsp; follow-up to and implementation of the Durban Declaration and Program of Action</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic-Baltic Statement delivered by Iceland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>30 March 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</p> <p>We remain fully committed to combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. All individuals must be treated with dignity and enjoy equal rights as also stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.</p> <p>We commend and are committed to protect those who work at the forefront in combatting racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, including persons and communities of African descent. It is key to increase full, equal and meaningful participation of persons from diverse backgrounds, especially those who have traditionally been marginalized, in all spheres of society. An inclusive civic space is imperative for positive change.&nbsp;</p> <p>In recent years, the fight against racism and racial discrimination has gained increased momentum globally. It has revitalized engagement at all levels of society.</p> <p>We acknowledge the need for strong Government leadership on this matter. But we also underscore that inclusion of a wide range of stakeholders, including from civil society, is essential to achieve sustainable progress. We must all work together towards ending the scourge of racism and racial discrimination, by upholding dignity and rights for everyone, everywhere.</p> <p>In conclusion, rest assured that we will continue our persistent efforts to combat racism in our own countries as well as promoting the cause internationally.</p> <p>Thank you.</p>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1417pc%20eu%202.pdf">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s Ongoing Aggression Against Ukraine</a></span>&nbsp;</p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1417pc%20eu%20reply%20CoEEA%20report.pdf">EU Statement in Response to the Report by the Coordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities Ambassador Igli Hasani</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1417pc%20eu%20reply%20hom%20bah.pdf">EU Statement in Response to the Report by the Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina Ambassador Brian Aggeler</a></span></p> <p><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1417pc%20eu%20-%20Copy%20(1).pdf">EU Statement on the Outcome of the Early Parliamentary Elections in Kazakhstan</a></p>

<br /> Statement by H.E. Jörundur Valtýsson, <br /> Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations <br /> General Assembly 77th session, 29 March 2023 <br /> Draft resolution A/77/L.58 – Request for an advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on the obligations of States in respect of climate change.<br /> <br /> Mr. President.<br /> <br /> At the outset, let me thank Vanuatu and other core group members for this important initiative, and for the constructive approach they have taken to negotiations on the text. <br /> <br /> Iceland is a co-sponsor of this draft resolution, in recognition of that climate change is the defining issue of our time - and of the importance for Small Island Developing States and other states that are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.<br /> <br /> Throughout the process, leading up to the adoption of this resolution, it has been clear that above all else, the hope is that the initiative becomes part of a collective push towards greater climate action. Likewise, the UN Secretary General, in response to the report of the IPCC released earlier this month, has presented a plan to super-charge efforts, namely the Acceleration Agenda. <br /> <br /> The time to act is now. Iceland is committed to climate action. Our government has set an ambitious emission reduction goal, as well as a national carbon neutrality target through climate legislation. This means that our laws state that Iceland is to achieve carbon neutrality no later than 2040. In addition, Iceland is to reach full energy conversion no later than 2040, which will make Iceland fully free of fossil fuels. Also, our government will not issue any licences for oil exploration in our exclusive economic zone.<br /> <br /> Internationally, Iceland has stepped up contributions to climate finance, by doubling our commitment to the Green Climate Fund during the past two years and joining the Adaptation Fund. We thereby recognize the crucial role of adaptation, for which the need can be most dire within the states, and among the people, that have least contributed to climate change. Our multilateral development cooperation is also increasingly focused on Climate Finance.<br /> <br /> Mr. President, <br /> <br /> Regarding the text of this resolution, we welcome an advisory opinion of the ICJ, to shed light on the obligations of States under applicable international law, and the legal consequences for all States for breaching these obligations. <br /> <br /> We expect the Court to answer the legal questions on the basis of the current obligations of all States to ensure the protection of the climate system and other parts of the environment from anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases. The questions to the ICJ, and the Resolution as a whole, do neither prejudge the nature of such obligations, nor whether breaches have occurred, are occurring or will occur.<br /> <br /> Furthermore, we note that the preamble refers to some matters that are not related to legal obligations and as such would not be expected to have bearing on this advisory opinion.<br /> <br /> Our co-sponsorship is without prejudice to our position on, and interpretation of, the obligations, instruments and concepts this resolution refers to, as well as any eventual submissions before the ICJ and other courts and tribunals.<br /> <br /> Mr. President,<br /> <br /> Iceland actively and constructively participated in the process that led to the adoption of this resolution today. We were positive towards the idea from the outset and happy to have become one of the co-sponsors. We remain committed to climate action and recall the primary role of the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement in that regard.<br /> <br /> I thank you.<br /> <br />

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Debate in commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic-Baltic statement delivered by Iceland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>29 March 2023</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, and my own country Iceland.</p> <p>This year we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; however, concrete and coordinated action is still necessary to promote and protect human rights and to combat all forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance.</p> <p>Sadly, racism and racial discrimination continue to exist in all spheres of society, often causing conflict and suffering. Whether overt or covert, it remains a potent weapon to incite fear and polarization within society. But, as history has shown us far too many times: Any system of oppression, is ultimately one in which we all lose.&nbsp; </p> <p>Efforts to solve these challenges must be founded on respect for human rights, the inherent dignity and equality of every person. An inclusive civic space, with diverse and meaningful participation, representation, and leadership, is imperative for transformative change. This requires indicating and eliminating structural inequalities and implementing well-targeted policy measures.</p> <p>Women and girls, as well as persons in vulnerable situations, often face multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination and marginalization. Their perspectives must be heard and translated into action.</p> <p>Eliminating racism requires decisive, coordinated, and sustained efforts to achieve real change and progress towards a world where human rights are ensured for all, without discrimination of any kind, and where no one is left behind.</p> <p>Thank you. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1041fsc%20eu%201.pdf">EU Statement at the Closing Session of the FSC Chairpersonship of Bosnia and Herzegovina</a></span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

Statement by H.E. Jörundur Valtýsson, <br /> Permanent Representative of Iceland to the UN,<br /> at the DPPA’s Annual Donor Meeting<br /> 28 March 2023<br /> <br /> Thank you, Under-Secretary General DiCarlo for your report and informative briefing today. As others, let me start by commending the work of the DPPA and the daily impact you are having on people´s life. <br /> <br /> As you have described, the world, and by extension the work of the United Nations, has only become more challenging. In recent years, we have experienced the COVID-19 pandemic, exacerbated climate crisis, unprecedented humanitarian needs, refugee movements driven primarily by conflicts, and recently a war in Ukraine. <br /> <br /> And as your report illustrates, this has underscored the need for more preventive diplomacy, conflict resolution and peacebuilding. We fully acknowledge that the DPPA requires more resources and, like the UN as a whole, it needs to be better able to respond to needs in a timely manner. We believe the Multi-Year Appeal addresses many of these concerns and challenges. <br /> <br /> Therefore, it was a great pleasure to sign a new contribution agreement earlier this morning with the DPPA, where the Government of Iceland is doubling its yearly voluntary contribution for the period 2023-2026. While it is a modest contribution it signals appreciation for and readiness to support the work of the DPPA.<br /> <br /> There are two issues I wish to highlight:<br /> <br /> First, we much appreciate the work of DPPA on Women, Peace and Security. Iceland puts gender mainstreaming at the forefront of its foreign policy. We see the importance of these voluntary contributions for the Department and how they enable DPPA to continue its work on this very important file and intensify its efforts to promote inclusion in political processes. <br /> <br /> Second, some two years ago, we signed the UN75 Declaration. The New Agenda for Peace is meant to build on the Declaration and its call for using the diplomatic toolbox of the UN Charter to its full potential. It also requires capacity for DPPA to support the developing of the New Agenda for Peace ahead of the 2024 Summit of the Future. We look forward to contributing to the process.<br /> <br /> I thank you.<br />

Statement by H.E. Jörundur Valtýsson,<br /> Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations<br /> United Nations Water Conference<br /> 23 March 2023<br /> <br /> <br /> Madam/Mr. President, Excellencies,<br /> <br /> Iceland is pleased to address the UN 2023 Water Conference and thanks the co-hosts, Tajikistan and Kingdom of the Netherlands for their leadership and excellent work in organizing this conference. <br /> <br /> Water is fundamental to our existence. It is a human right, essential for all aspects of life and inextricably linked to the three pillars of sustainable development. And although it is abundantly clear that access to water provides enormous economic and health benefits, in addition to essential gender equality outcomes, we are far off track when it comes to the achievement of SDG6. <br /> <br /> Madam/Mr. President,<br /> <br /> We have plenty of fresh drinking water in Iceland, and my country is among the richest in terms of water resources. We therefore have an obligation to contribute to improving people’s access to water in areas where water scarcity is prevalent. That is why Iceland has, for decades, worked with local authorities to improve access to clean water and sanitation facilities in several countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.<br /> <br /> This also aligns with our emphasis on gender equality in our development cooperation, as the lack of access to safe drinking water disproportionately impacts women, who often have the primary responsibility for fetching water. SDG6 is at its core a gender goal. We need to ensure women’s active participation in all decision-making regarding water management, and that their voices are heard and taken into consideration, from policy and national budget decisions, to designing and constructing community water infrastructure.<br /> <br /> In Mangochi district in Malawi, Iceland has worked with local authorities to secure over 400 thousand people with access to clean drinking water. This is more than the entire population of Iceland. Now it takes an average of 8 minutes for families in the targeted areas to collect water. Before the water project was launched, it took an average of 28 minutes.<br /> <br /> In Buikwe district in Uganda, Iceland and the local authorities have increased the percentage of households that have access to safe drinking water from 58% in 2015 to 89% in 2021. Iceland also works closely with UNICEF on the achievement of SDG6, such as in refugee-hosting districts in north-eastern Uganda, improving access to water, sanitation, and hygiene for both refugees and the hosting communities. In Sierra Leone, UNICEF and Iceland have supported access to climate resilient water, sanitation and hygiene services in rural fishing communities.<br /> <br /> Madam / Mr. President,<br /> <br /> While Iceland is indeed rich in water resources, it is important to ensure their protection and sustainability for the foreseeable future. That is why Iceland adopted last year its first national water strategy for the years 2022-2027. We must not take for granted what we have - and ensure we preserve it for future generations. <br /> <br /> The Sustainable Development Goals are all interconnected, as demonstrated by the fact that climate change is driving water scarcity and floods. Droughts are leading to less, and more contaminated, water. Floods damage infrastructure and can lead to water contamination. This we are witnessing most recently in Mozambique and our partner country Malawi where cyclone Freddy has devastated the already vulnerable communities, leading to increased concerns that Malawi’s ongoing cholera outbreak will further worsen. Also, the most recent report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change provides us with a stark warning. If we do not correct course immediately, events such as those occurring in Malawi will increase in frequency and duration, disproportionately impacting the most vulnerable. <br /> <br /> Water and land are also interconnected. Land degradation, desertification and drought needs to be addressed to achieve universal access to water by 2030. When land degrades, it loses its natural ability to absorb, filter and store water. Restoring degraded land and fighting land degradation, coupled with sound water management, are therefore key to ensure availability of water by 2030.<br /> <br /> Madam/Mr. President,<br /> <br /> We have the tools at our disposal to significantly improve global access to water. What we need is universal political and financial commitments to SDG6. And everyone has a role to play, including governments, individuals, civil society, the private sector - and the United Nations. This momentous conference and the Water Action Agenda will hopefully drive this forward. <br /> <br /> This is, indeed, a watershed moment. Iceland is committed to play its part in this new tide of water action. By sustainably managing its water resources, by investing in improved water access for vulnerable populations and by increasing its climate financing. <br /> <br /> Thank you. <br />

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1416pc%20iceland.pdf">Statement by Ambassador of Iceland, Kristín A. Árnadóttir, at the 1416 Meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council, 24 March 2023</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1416pc%20joint%20statement.pdf">Joint Statement on the Moscow Mechanism: Threats to the Fulfilment of the Provisions of the Human Dimension Posed by Human Rights Violations and Abuse s in the Republic of Belarus</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1416pc%20eu.pdf">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s Ongoing Aggression Against Ukrain</a>e</span>

<span> </span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council – 52nd session</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 4 General Debate: Human rights situations that require the Council’s attention</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Iceland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>22 March 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President.</p> <p>Iceland condemns Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war against Ukraine which is a flagrant violation of the UN Charter. The human suffering and loss of life stemming from Russia’s invasion is horrifying. Forced transfers and deportations of children, and targeting of civilians and critical infrastructure is a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and may constitute war crimes or crimes against humanity. </p> <p>We also condemn Belarus’ involvement in Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and deplore the widespread and gross human rights violations perpetrated in Belarus. We urge for an end to systematic repression and politically motivated sentencing, including of political opponents and representatives of the Belarusian democratic opposition in exile. </p> <p>In Saudi Arabia, we are alarmed by the handing down of sentences for peaceful expression of opinion and a surge in executions for offenses that no not meet the threshold of the most serious crimes.&nbsp; </p> <p>In China, we remain alarmed by the human rights situation in Xinjiang. We urge China to meaningfully cooperate with OHCHR and to abide by its obligations under international human rights law.</p> <p>In closing, Iceland refers to Nordic-Baltic statements on Myanmar, Iran, DPRK, Ukraine, Syria, Ethiopia and Belarus. </p> <p>I thank you.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/EU%20on%20the%20Value%20of%20Sub-regional%20Initiatives%20for%20Arms%20Control.pdf">EU Statement on “Regional Mechanisms for Building Trust”&nbsp;</a></span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1415pc%20eu.pdf">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s Ongoing Aggression Against Ukraine.</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1415pc%20eu%201.pdf">EU Statement in Response to the Report of the ODIHR Director, Matteo Mecacci.</a></span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>52^nd session of the Human Rights Council</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>on Violence against Children</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>15 March 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</p> <p>We thank the Special Representative for the latest report and her actions taken on elimination and prevention of all forms of violence against children.</p> <p>The Nordic-Baltic countries also thank the Special Representative for focusing on the protection of children in the digital environment. We are alarmed by the high number of children cyberbullied and subjected to online sexual exploitation and abuse.</p> <p>We are equally highly concerned over the lack of comprehensive data on violence against children and believe the remaining gaps must be filled. An evidence-based approach in tackling violence against children is vital and can only be achieved when child- and gender-sensitive data is available.</p> <p>To ensure that children are protected, respected and empowered online, safety standards and regulations must be mandated. </p> <p>As the report confirms, many organisations are working on a wide range of actions on violence against children online. How can this work be better synchronized to meet the best interest of the child?</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>Thank you.</span></p>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/joint%20statement%20HDC.pdf">Joint Statement on the Moscow Mechanism on the Threats to the Fulfilment of the Provisions of the Human Dimension Posed by Human Rights Violations and Abuses in the Russian Federation</a>.</span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>52^nd session of the Human Rights Council</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic-Baltic Statement delivered by Iceland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>13 March 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</p> <p>We thank the special rapporteur for her <em>inclusive</em> approach, demonstrating how freedom of religion or belief can be traced back to many different sources. </p> <p>Yet, these different sources converge in highlighting the need for mutual understanding and respect. We wish to clearly signal today, that we disassociate with all actions by individuals, which only aim to hurt and provoke. We find them disturbing and disrespectful. </p> <p>Fortunately, as displayed in the report, elaborate human rights norms exist on freedom of religion or belief and freedom of expression. While they cannot prevent all incidents, they provide a clear human rights approach to tackle challenges in our interconnected world. We recall our full commitment to these standards and to our collective efforts to promote and protect them.</p> <p>Madame Special Rapporteur, you give a thorough overview of ongoing work on freedom of religion or belief, also in the regional organisations. How do you plan to work with them to ensure a coherent approach?</p> <p>Looking ahead, how will you address the intersectionality between freedom of religion or belief and gender equality throughout your mandate?</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>Thank you.</span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council – 52^nd session</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement delivered by Iceland on behalf of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>13 March 2023</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries.</p> <p>Let me start by thanking the Special Rapporteur for his valuable work and recent report on reimagining services to give effect to the right of persons with disabilities to live independently and be included in the community. </p> <p>We fully agree that active consultation with persons with disabilities and their representative organisations is required to understand what persons with disabilities need and want. We need human rights-based, inclusive and gender transformative solutions that can work in different countries and in different circumstances.</p> <p>We thank the Special Rapporteur for highlighting the potential of businesses and new technologies, including artificial intelligence, in transforming services for persons with disabilities. As stated in the report, the business sector is increasingly regarded as an important human rights actor. </p> <p>Mr. Special Rapporteur, how can we better engage with businesses as partners for change in the transformation of services and support for persons with disabilities?</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>Thank you.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></p>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1414pc%20eu%20on%20int.%20women%e2%80%99s%20day.pdf">EU Statement on the International Women’s Day&nbsp;</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1414pc%20eu%20on%20belarus.pdf">EU Statement on the Political Prisoners in Belarus</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1414pc%20eu%20reply%20to%20project%20coord%20uzbekistan.pdf">EU Statement in Response to the Report by the (Acting) Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1414pc%20eu%20-%20Copy%20(1).pdf">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s Ongoing Aggression Against Ukraine</a></span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

<span><br /> <a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/230131-Joint%20Statment%20on%20Ukraine-FINAL-With%20Sponsors.pdf">Joint Statement on Nuclear Safety, Security, and Safeguards in Ukraine</a></span>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Joint%20Nordic%20Statement%20on%20the%20IWD%201414%20PC%20FINAL.pdf">Joint Nordic Statement on the International Women’s Day as delivered by Ambassador of Iceland, Kristín A. Árnadóttir, at the 1414th OSCE Permanent Council Meeting</a></span></p> <p><span><br /> </span></p>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/87th%20Joint%20FSCPC%20Meeting%20on%20WPS%20Iceland%20FINAL%20(002).pdf">Statement Delivered by Special Adviser, Eva Dröfn Hassell Guðmundsdóttir, at the 87th Joint Meeting of the OSCE Forum for Security and Cooperation and the Permanent Council, Vienna, 8 March 2023</a></span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/87%20fsc%20eu%20-%20Copy%20(1).pdf">EU Statement on Women, Peace and Security and the Conflict Cycle</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/fscpcdel0014%20germany%20on%20behalf%20of%20WAN.pdf">Statement by Ambassador Gesa Bräutigam, Permanent Representative of Germany to the OSCE, on Behalf of the Women Ambassadors’ Network, Members of Women in the 1st Dimension and OSCE Men for Gender Equality</a></span></p>

<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 52^nd session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 2: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement delivered by Iceland on behalf of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>8 March 2023</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr President, </p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, and my own country Iceland.</p> <p>We commend the Special Rapporteur for his ardent efforts in documenting human rights abuses and engaging the de facto authorities.</p> <p>We remain deeply concerned about the dire situation in Afghanistan, in particular the situation of women and girls and that of minorities.</p> <p>We strongly condemn the draconian restrictions on women and girls, excluding them from education, politics, and public life. This discriminatory denial of women and girls’ human rights may amount to gender persecution which is considered a crime against humanity. </p> <p>The recent decision to ban women from working for national and international NGOs underscores the Taliban’s utter disregard for half the population of Afghanistan.</p> <p>We stand with the women and girls of Afghanistan, who continue to show immense resilience. Without them, Afghanistan will never achieve peace, prosperity and stability. </p> <p>What scope does the Special Rapporteur see for ensuring women and girls’ full, equal and meaningful participation in all spheres of life and their right to have control over their own future?</p> <p>Thank you. </p>

<p>Iceland General Debate Statement by<br /> Thórdís Sigurdardottir, Head of Mission, Embassy of Iceland in Uganda<br /> <br /> Mr. President, </p> <p>Allow me to first thank the Government of Qatar for hosting the second part of the Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries.</p> <p>The world has changed drastically since we last met in Istanbul 12 years ago. Unfortunately, not for the better. Gains made over the past decade in poverty eradication are evaporating. The significant progress that LDCs have achieved through decades of effort is fading due to soaring food and energy prices, the climate crisis and increasing hunger and inequality. It is therefore highly opportune that we convene here in Qatar to provide a second boost to the Doha Programme of Action and fulfill our commitments to the LDCs. Strengthened partnerships with the LDCs is needed now more than ever. </p> <p>Ladies and gentleman, </p> <p>Human rights, gender equality, and the environment are unwavering priorities in Iceland´s development cooperation. The achievement of gender equality is essential to achieving sustained, inclusive, and equitable economic growth and addressing climate change and environmental degradation is key for sustainable development. Iceland is no stranger to the three interconnected pillars of sustainability: environment, society, and economy. Sustainability has, in fact, been the key to our prosperity. By respecting our nature and its resources and promoting gender equality and human rights we have seen rapid and relatively inclusive socioeconomic growth. </p> <p>The Doha Programme of Action will serve as a blueprint for the next 8 years. The blueprint’s emphasis on eradicating poverty, investing in people, achieving gender equality and addressing environmental degradation and climate change aligns with Iceland’s strategic focus and priorities. It is now up to us member states to fulfill the potential of the Doha Programme of Action. </p> <p>Iceland is committed to play its part, especially now during these trying times. Our ODA continues to grow and we are increasing our core funding to all our main UN partners. Our contributions to climate finance are increasing and so is our assistance to some of the most fragile places on earth. And as the far-reaching ramifications of the war in Ukraine, have hit the most vulnerable the hardest, Iceland has decided to make sure that Iceland’s strong support for Ukraine is on top of existing ODA levels as developing countries are disproportionally affected. Furthermore, all three of our bilateral development partners are LDCs in Africa.</p> <p>Iceland is a small donor and therefore places an even stronger emphasis on high-quality partnerships. We work with national governments, district authorities and other development partners, based on a human rights-based approach working with both duty-bearers and rights-holders. Local ownership is emphasized, both as a principle and to ensure sustainability. In this regard, we have adopted a programme-based approach at the district level while aligning with national government efforts. This localisation effort requires higher short-term investments but increases the long-term sustainability. </p> <p>But ODA alone cannot address the needs of the LDCs or ensure the achievement of the SDGs by 2030. We need to expand on new and innovative partnerships and funding streams, including blended finance, and green and gender bonds. Domestic resource mobilization must be strengthened, and illicit financial flows curbed. The external debt burden and debt service obligations is preventing far too many LDCs from investing in their people and recovering from COVID-19. A holistic approach to financing for development is more urgent than ever. </p> <p>LDCs are more vulnerable than ever. But there are seeds of hope and opportunity which will ensure we move from potential to prosperity. Harnessing the power of the youth and their innovative mindsets has the power to transform our societies. This requires us to adequately invest in the social sectors, such as health and education, to achieve structural change. This is why Iceland emphasizes investments in health, education and water and sanitation in its bilateral development cooperation. </p> <p>Iceland recognizes the immense task we, the global community have at hand in addressing the severe climate change taking place in all parts of the world. We pay special attention to the impact climate change has on the LDCs as a group of countries as we do also for the SIDS.</p> <p>During the past two years Iceland has emphasized the dire need for strengthening the level of resource mobilization needed for funds to tackle the issue. For this Iceland has stepped up significantly its contributions to the already agreed facilities for this purposes, namely the Green Climate Fund and the Adaption Fund.</p> <p>In addition, Iceland is working with other likeminded sovereign donors under UNDP´s Climate Promise facility, which support over 100 hundred countries in their quest to achieve their NDCs before 2050. And similarly, Iceland is a founding member of the Systematic Observation Financing Facility (SOFF) which supports LDCs in addressing their needs to monitor, observe and address changing weather conditions under the leadership of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).</p> <p>Looking ahead, it is now clear that in order to tackle climate change sufficiently all stakeholders must be brought to the table. We must find ways to leverage private and philanthropic funding towards our common global task; to cut emissions and at the same time enhance what is becoming a call for a new green industrial revolution based on clean and sustainable energy sources.</p> <p>Ladies and gentlemen, </p> <p>It is Iceland’s sincere wish that the next time we meet, we have graduated at least 16 countries from the LDC category, as they are on track to do. This conference and our subsequent actions are indeed a litmus test for the idea of leaving no one behind during the current hardships. Our global commitment to solidarity and cooperation is weakened if we do not fulfill our commitments to the LDCs. You can count on Iceland in playing its part. </p> <p>Thank you. </p>

<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 52^nd session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 2: Annual report of HC for Human Rights and report of OHCHR and SG</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>General Debate on High Commissioner’s Oral Update</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Iceland</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Thank you, Mr. President. </p> <p>Iceland thanks the High Commissioner for his oral update.</p> <p>Iceland continues to monitor the UN Joint Programme on human rights in the <strong>Philippines</strong>. Genuine intentions of all stakeholders are crucial for the programme to bring about positive change. Iceland calls on the Government to implement the Programme to the letter and address accountability failings. </p> <p>In<strong> Ethiopia</strong>, Iceland commends the Government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front for steps taken in implementing the Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement. Transitional justice and accountability through independent, transparent and impartial investigations must be ensured. </p> <p>In <strong>Egypt</strong>, human rights defenders, journalists, and activists continue to face reprisals and unlawful restrictions. Iceland urges the Government to respect, protect and fulfill the rights to freedoms of expression and opinion, and peaceful assembly and association. </p> <p>In <strong>Yemen</strong>, Iceland calls on all parties to uphold international humanitarian law and human rights law and to secure a political solution. The people of Yemen deserve peace. </p> <p>In closing, Iceland refers to Nordic-Baltic statements on the situation in Afghanistan, Nicaragua, Sudan and South-Sudan in respective Interactive Dialogues. </p>

<p>Honourable chair.</p> <p>Iceland welcomes the opportunity to review our efforts and progress towards gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls.<br /> <br /> There are challenges that stand before us regarding gender equality and technological change.<br /> <br /> We all know that the world as we know it has largely been designed by men, for men. But what about the digital world, where we spend an increasing amount of our time? Who designs the algorithms that have more control over our thoughts and decisions than we care to think about?<br /> <br /> Algorithms will be exactly as flawed as their creators, including having built in gender biases. We have a huge data gap when it comes to women’s role in society and AI is based on data. If we do not have data on women and if the algorithms are mainly designed by men, the risk is that new technologies will make our world even more unequal.<br /> <br /> Gender equality must remain a top priority regarding innovation and technological change. We need to take action to make innovation and technological change work for all of us. By embedding gender in innovation and technology development, investing in feminist innovation and tech, dismantling gender stereotypes and educating and empowering women, I truly believe it will contribute to a better, more equal society, but we need the whole of humanity to produce knowledge and solutions for our current challenges, not just half of it.<br /> <br /> Digitalisation has expanded a growing resistance to gender equality and provided a new platform for gender based violence that cannot be tolerated. Recent numbers show that 38% of women have experienced online violence. At the same time that we should be moving forward we see that younger women are more likely to have been the victim of such violence In Iceland we are already taking action and in 2021 the Icelandic Parliament adopted a progressive legislation to fight online gender based violence. We will continue to build policies to end this and all forms of gender based violence.<br /> <br /> As one of the leaders of the Generation Equality Forum’s Action Coalition on Gender-Based Violence, Iceland participates in an action coalition on technology and innovation for gender equality. Our shared goal there is to bridge the gender gap in digital access and competence, which is substantial.<br /> <br /> But the fight against gender based and sexual violence takes place on many frontiers.<br /> <br /> In every war we see gender-based violence surging. In Ukraine, women have been raped and sexually assaulted as part of Russia’s military strategy, and more than 8 million Ukrainians have fled their country, mostly women and children.<br /> <br /> Domestic violence continues to be one of the greatest threats to women. Out of all violent crimes reported in 2020 in Iceland, 50% were crimes of domestic violence. The high number follows a change in protocol on how we deal with domestic violence crimes. This shift is happening right now and I strongly believe that bringing gender based violence into the light is the only way to eradicate it.<br /> <br /> Dear colleagues, the line of defense is not a constant – it moves and we are forever reminded that human rights, women’s rights, can be lost just as they can be won. Today the battle revolves around women’s sexual and reproductive rights that are under attack all around the world. Iceland passed a progressive abortion legislation in 2019, ensuring women’s self-determination over their bodies. Our demands for women all over the world are clear: They control their bodies.<br /> <br /> Distinguished guests:<br /> <br /> In Iceland we have put gender equality in the foreground in all decision-making. We will continue to do so both at home and in international cooperation, with the aim of creating a socially just, a more peaceful and a better world.</p>

<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Interactive dialogue on the report of the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic – Baltic Statement delivered by Iceland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>6 March 2023</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries. We thank the Group of Human Rights Experts for the latest report on the human rights situation in Nicaragua. </p> <p>We remain deeply concerned about the human rights situation in Nicaragua, including arbitrary detentions, restrictions on civic space and violations of the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, and consistent attacks against human rights defenders, Indigenous Peoples, journalists and other media workers, political opposition, religious institutions, and civil society leaders.</p> <p>The release of the 222 political prisoners by the Government of Nicaragua marks a constructive move, however we condemn the decision to revoke their citizenship and to strip nationality from a further 94 citizens.</p> <p>We urge the Nicaraguan Government to respect all civil and political rights, and to free all political prisoners. Impunity for human rights violations must end. We call on Nicaragua to lift all restrictions on civic space and guarantee all persons their rights to freedom of expression, assembly and association. We call on Nicaragua to resume full cooperation with international and regional human rights mechanisms, including the OHCHR.</p> <p>Mr President, </p> <p>What concrete steps can be taken to urge Nicaragua to end impunity and guarantee accountability for all human rights violations? </p> <p>Thank you. </p>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1413pc%20eu.pdf">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s Ongoing Aggression Against Ukraine</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1413pc%20eu%20on%20SG%20thematic%20report%20on%20climate%20change.pdf">EU Statement in Response to the SG Report on Climate Change</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1413pc%20eu%201.pdf">EU Statement in Response to the Current Issue Raised by Armenia on the Order of the International Court of Justice</a></span><span></span></p>

<p><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1038fsc%20eu.pdf">EU Statement on Russia’s Ongoing Military Aggression Against Ukraine</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1412reinforced%20pc%20eu.pdf">Statement by the EU High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell.</a></span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1412reinforced%20pc%20iceland.pdf">Statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland, H.E. Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir at the 1412 Reinforced Meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council<br /> Vienna, 24 February 2023.</a></span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

Statement by H.E. Mr. Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Denmark<br /> <br /> President,<br /> I have the honour to speak on behalf of the five Nordic countries, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden – and my own country Denmark.<br /> Almost eight decades ago, leaders from all over the world signed the UN Charter.<br /> They thereby committed their countries to protect future generations from the scourge of war and to ensure that armed force shall not be used, save in the common interest.<br /> They committed to refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State.<br /> They committed to settle their international disputes by peaceful means.<br /> But, one year ago, air raid sirens sounded across Ukraine, and Russian tanks crossed the Ukrainian border.<br /> Russia chose to launch an unprovoked and brutal war of aggression on a sovereign and peaceful neighbour. In blatant violation of the UN Charter.<br /> So far, many thousands have lost their lives. Millions have been displaced. And right now, we see no end to the war.<br /> Instead, we see Russia waging a brutal war. We see systematic violations of international law, including international humanitarian law by Russia.<br /> Inhumane attacks on civilians. On critical infrastructure. Health care facilities. Schools. Residential areas.<br /> We see sexual violence, and civilians – including children – being forcibly deported out of Ukraine. And we see forced adoption of children in violation of international law.<br /> We have a joint responsibility to stand up against all violations of international law, wherever they occur.<br /> A responsibility to ensure that war crimes and other atrocities are investigated and perpetrators held to account.<br /> Today, a resolution for peace will be put before us.<br /> A resolution, which – in essence – asks us to denounce this brutal aggression. Asks us to support a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the principles of the UN Charter.<br /> To support territorial integrity and demand that Russia immediately, completely, and unconditionally withdraw its forces from the territory of Ukraine, within its internationally recognized borders.<br /> A resolution that urges us to cooperate in the spirit of solidarity to address the global impact of the war.<br /> Distinguished colleagues. The UN charter was signed to maintain international peace and security.<br /> It clearly prohibits aggression and wars of conquest, like the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine.<br /> So let us be honest about the issue before us. This is about standing up for international law, including the UN Charter. About standing up for peace.<br /> We will not be neutral when asked to stand on the side of the UN Charter and of a victim of aggression.<br /> As the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu said: “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.”<br /> The fact remains today as simple as one year ago: If Russia stops fighting, there will be no more war. If Ukraine stops fighting, there will be no more Ukraine.<br /> The fact remains that Ukraine’s right to protect themselves is enshrined in article 51 of the UN Charter. The inherent right to self-defense.<br /> The fact also remains that Russia’s unprovoked aggression against Ukraine has no justification, legal or moral. The International Court of Justice has ordered Russia to immediately suspend the military operations that it commenced on 24 February 2022 in the territory of Ukraine.<br /> This war must end. The violence must end. We must restore respect for the UN Charter. And we must make sure that similar horrors do not happen again.<br /> Today we have an opportunity to vote for peace. For a peace, which respects and upholds the UN Charter. For a peace that does not encourage future aggressions. Against Ukraine or any other Member State.<br /> Let us not miss this opportunity. The Nordics will honour the signatures our representatives placed on the UN Charter. We hope to be joined by all.<br /> <br /> Thank you.

<p><strong>Statement by H.E. Mr. Martin Eyjólfsson</strong></p> <p><strong>Permanent Secretary of State of Iceland</strong></p> <p><strong>General Assembly, 22 February 2023</strong></p> <p><strong></strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>Iceland aligns itself with the statement to be made tomorrow by Denmark on the behalf of the Nordic countries.</p> <p>This is a sad moment. The General Assembly of the United Nations convenes in an Emergency Session to mark that a year has passed since Russia launched its unprovoked and unjustifiable full-scale invasion of Ukraine.</p> <p>Russia, a permanent member of the Security Council, has with this horrendous act of aggression assaulted not only Ukraine but our common institutions, our common values and our basic human rights. Rights enshrined in the very United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Rights that we have all subscribed to. Rights that Russia has subscribed to.</p> <p>Our admiration for the courage and resilience of the people of Ukraine grows with each day they valiantly defend their country. Their sacrifice and suffering must not be in vain. The Foreign Minister of Estonia said in his speech a short while a go that the people of Ukraine were the bravest people in the world. I can not only subscribe to that but added that the Captain of Team Ukraine, President Zelensky, is the bravest leader in the world and has given a whole new meaning to the concept of leadership.</p> <p>Mr. President.</p> <p>The solution to end the war is straightforward. Russia can and must stop this war today and withdraw all its forces from Ukraine in full respect of Ukraine´s recognized right to independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and self-defense.&nbsp; </p> <p>Let us also be reminded that ending the war is only first step. To establish just and lasting peace for Ukraine is also of critical importance.&nbsp; Russia must and will be held to account for its actions. Accountability for international crimes committed within the context of the war, including the crime of aggression, is vital to ensure justice and reparations. There can be no impunity. Accountability is the only way to ensure lasting peace.</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>This warfare conducted by Russia against a member state is an act of aggression that affects us all. Humanitarian concerns, food security, economic development - all these important issues that weigh so much on our agenda are hit by this senseless war. To sit idle on the fence or even support the aggressor is beyond comprehension.</p> <p>It is our collective responsibility to end this war, defend Ukraine, and stand up for the values and principles that underpin the UN Charter and the work of this organisation.</p> <p>That “we, the Peoples” owe to the people of Ukraine and all other innocent victims presently facing the scourge of armed conflict all over the world. That we owe to previous generations that built the system of international law and the rule-based order, from the ruins of two world wars and their unforgettable horrors. And that we owe to our children, the generations that will follow us.</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>Iceland remains unwavering in its support and solidarity with Ukraine We are committed to play our part, including in our role as the Chair of the Council of Europe, and we are proud to co-sponsor the resolution on just and lasting peace in Ukraine.</p> <p>I call on all Member States to support the draft resolution and vote against the Belarus amendments of course.</p> <p>I thank you Mr. President.</p>

<p>Statement delivered by H.E. Martin Bille Hermann, Permanent Representative of Denmark</p> <p>Excellences, Co-Chairs,</p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic countries, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Denmark.</p> <p>Please allow me to extend our sincere gratitude to Ambassador Alexander Marschik of Austria for taking on the important role as Co-Chair. We also thank Ambassador Tareq Albanai of Kuwait and Ambassador Michal Mlynar for getting us off to a good start in the first set of meetings last month.</p> <p>We wish to thank the Co-Chairs for their letter of 2 February 2023, which sets out the calendar for the remaining meetings on the five clusters of the IGN process. And we welcome the Co-Chairs’ initiative to formulate specific “areas of particular focus” to help guide our conversation and allow for deeper exploration to clarify further the positions of Member States and Groups of States on some of the central questions under each cluster.</p> <p>We further welcome the commitment of the Co-Chairs – as conveyed in the last IGN meeting on 26-27 January – to convene so-called “un-formal conversations” in order to allow delegations to think more freely and communicate more frankly with each other about ideas, proposals and concerns related to Security Council reform.</p> <p>Co-Chairs,</p> <p>The Nordic countries seek a more representative, transparent and accountable Security Council. One which is better equipped to address global challenges, while also better reflecting global realities and the desires, needs and concerns of people all over the world.</p> <p>The impact of the veto on the effectiveness of the Council is the first area of focus outlined by the Co-Chairs for this meeting. In terms of the use of the veto, we must carefully consider the possible negative impacts of the veto power on the work and functioning of the current and a future enlarged Security Council, and of the United Nations as a whole. The use of the veto should come with transparency and accountability, in line with how it was intended, when it was originally introduced at the founding of the United Nations.</p> <p>As co-sponsors of the veto initiative, adopted by the General Assembly in April last year, the Nordic countries believe that further reforms are urgently needed to ensure that a veto is always used in the spirit of the Charter and not to paralyze Council action on critical matters of international peace of security. The urgency of the current situation should be used to move the discussion on veto reforms forward.</p> <p>In terms of the second area of focus, he Nordics are strongly in favour initiatives to limit to the&nbsp;<em>use&nbsp;</em>of the veto, including through voluntary restraint and by enhancing accountability vis-à-vis the General Assembly. The Nordics have therefore supported the ACT&nbsp;<em>Code of Conduct</em>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<em>Political Declaration on Suspension of Veto Powers in Cases of Mass Atrocity</em>&nbsp;launched by France and Mexico. We once again urge remaining Member States, who haven’t already done so, to join these two important initiatives.</p> <p>Here, the Permanent five members of the Council can of course also set an important and meaningful example by leading the way. But so far, only two of the five permanent members have supported the Code of Conduct, while only one has signed on to the French-Mexican veto initiative. Most recently, the GA veto initiative managed to garner the support of a majority of the P5. It is important that we build on this momentum here in the General Assembly.</p> <p>In addition to these existing initiatives to limit the&nbsp;<em>use&nbsp;</em>of the veto, we believe that we must expand the scope of our deliberations to also explore possible restrictions to the very&nbsp;<em>scope&nbsp;</em>of the veto itself. We would therefore like to encourage all delegations to share their views on additional relevant reforms to also limit the&nbsp;<em>scope</em>&nbsp;of the veto. In this regard, Member States have presented various proposals to date. These include suggestions (1) to waive the veto power in all proceedings arising under Chapter VI – or even stricter to limit it to decisions taken under Chapter VII; (2) to restrict the scope of the veto power to only prevent the Council from adopting a resolution if it were cast by two or more permanent members simultaneously; or a third variant, whereby (3) the GA has the possibility to overrule the use of the veto by a two-thirds majority.</p> <p>There are possibly other meaningful ideas circulating, which have not yet been fully considered by Member States in the IGN process, and we encourage all delegations to share their views on additional options for relevant reforms to further limit the&nbsp;<em>scope</em>&nbsp;as well as the&nbsp;<em>use</em>&nbsp;of the veto.</p> <p>On the third area of focus, which is the principles for voting by a party to a dispute, we note that the UN Charter in its Article 27(3) includes a provision for restricting the use and scope of the veto. The key tenet of this provision is that a State should not be allowed to be party, judge and jury at the same time. According to the interpretation provided by the International Court of Justice in 1971,&nbsp;<em>“for the application of Article 27(3), the prior determination by the Council that a dispute existed and that certain members of the Council were involved as parties to such a dispute was required”</em>.</p> <p>The reality is that obligatory abstentions under Article 27(3) have been successfully invoked in only a limited number of early instances in the Council’s history, and in these cases on a voluntary basis by the abstaining Council members. It has been invoked by permanent and non-permanent members alike as the basis for their decision to either cast an abstaining vote or not participate in the vote altogether. It will be important to consider how to further bolster the practice associated with Article 27(3), since a veto cast by the aggressor in a given conflict undermines the purpose of the Council and is a violation of the very foundation of the Charter of the United Nations.&nbsp;Regarding the fourth area of focus, the extension of the veto to new members in case of enlargement, we welcome more in-depth discussions of this going forward. The Nordics stand committed to ensuring that reform contributes to a more representative but also a more effective Council. On the one hand, we recognize that new permanent members of a reformed Council would understandably demand the same powers as the sitting permanent members. On the other hand, the Nordics remain committed to ensuring a transparent, accountable and effective Council. Introducing more members with veto powers could potentially jeopardize these priorities. These are dilemmas and difficult trade-offs that we as diplomats are tasked with.&nbsp;</p> <p>Co-Chairs,</p> <p>In closing, let me reiterate that the Nordic Countries lend our full support to the Co-Chairs. We welcome today’s opportunity for delegations to engage in a dedicated discussion on the question of the veto. In the face of the ongoing violation of the Charter by a permanent member of the Council, our conversation could not be more timely. And our resolve could not be more urgently needed. Rarely before have regular people across the world taken as much interest in the language, intent and application of the UN Charter. To illustrate this, the veto has now become an actual hashtag.</p> <p>We stand ready to contribute to a constructive and interactive dialogue. We further take note of the concrete proposals presented in today’s meeting as well as in last month’s meetings, which gives us all something concrete to consider, while hopefully challenging us to further explore where there could be potential for convergences.</p> <p>Thank you.</p>

<span></span> <p><span class="normaltextrun" style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><em>Video-address by H.E. Ms. Katrín Jakobsdóttir, Prime Minister of Iceland</em><br /> <strong><a href="https://www.unesco.org/en/internet-conference">UNESCO Internet for Trust conference</a> - Paris 22 February 2023</strong></span></p> <p><span class="normaltextrun" style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span class="normaltextrun" style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"></span><span class="normaltextrun" style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Chere Audrey, distinguished audience,</span><span class="eop" style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">I am delighted to be with you here today virtually, to address this important issue. This issue is closely tied to the founding mandate of UNESCO. To protect the free flow of information, both word and images, and for UNESCO to serve as a laboratory of ideas.</span></p> <p><span class="normaltextrun" style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"></span><span class="normaltextrun" style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Today, few things impact our minds more than the information we get through our digital devices, brought to us by algorithms.&nbsp;</span><span class="eop" style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"></span><span class="normaltextrun" style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">The huge changes we are seeing in how we get our information, are neither the first or the last ones of their kind. When written language replaced spoken language, and when printing presses replaced manuscript writers, the power structures of societies were inevitably affected.</span></p> <p><span class="normaltextrun"><em><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"></span></em></span><span class="normaltextrun"><em><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">The medium is the message</span></em></span><span class="normaltextrun" style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">, has never been more relevant, now when we are in the middle of the digital transformation. It presents great opportunities, both economically and in challenging fields, such as our environmental issues and in healthcare.&nbsp;</span><span class="eop" style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"></span><span class="normaltextrun" style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">The internet and social media have enabled &nbsp;people, both within local communities and across borders worldwide, to connect in a way we have not seen before. This has often been a force for great positive change. These tools have given people a voice and agency, given marginalized groups ways to seek their rights, to get their issues on the political agenda.</span></p> <p><span class="normaltextrun" style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"></span><span class="normaltextrun" style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">But at the same time, the internet and social media can be a dangerous place. Hate speech has driven people into despair and online harassment has ruined lives. We also know that vulnerable people have been radicalized through internet communities. It´s also been notable how women, including politicians and public figures, are targeted with threats and sexual harassment. Here, the goal clearly seems to be to silence them and diminish their power. This is in line with tendencies we´ve seen before when traditional power structures change, and a wider group gets influence, the backlash against these changes becomes real. We must always fight against such tendencies, safeguarding the progress we have made towards a more equal and just world.</span><span class="eop" style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"></span></p> <p><span class="eop" style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">The online harassment and violence against journalists, not least women journalists poses a threat to media freedom globally. Deliberate spread of false information in order to </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">undermine democracy presents a grave danger to all of us. In the last past couple of years, we have witnessed two of the world’s largest democracies, question the integrity of elections, risking the peaceful transition of power, due to the spread of disinformation online. Algorithms can create large divides within communities. This can create deeper discord in our public discourse, harm democratic processes, affect elections, and undermine the institutions we rely on to run our societies.</span></p> <p><span class="normaltextrun" style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"></span><span class="normaltextrun" style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Discussions, such as the ones we are having now in Paris, are immensely important. I thank UNESCO for organizing this impressive</span><span class="normaltextrun" style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> multi-stakeholder gathering. This topic is one of the most important ones for the health of our societies and the future of international relations.&nbsp;</span><span class="eop" style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"></span><span class="normaltextrun" style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">It´s important to figure out a common set of guidelines on how to regulate this digital space. Technology cannot be misused to suppress people, to surveil or harass, or to&nbsp;shut down the internet.</span></p> <p><span class="normaltextrun" style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"></span><span class="normaltextrun" style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">We need to ensure that new technologies serve the people, that they strengthen democratic processes and human rights, instead of undermining basic principles and values. The impact of artificial intelligence on our societies is unquestionable and is a growing issue we must take seriously. And UNESCO’s important human rights-based recommendation on the ethics of AI responds to that reality.</span><span class="eop" style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="normaltextrun" style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">If these innovative technologies are to increase our common good, we need to ensure fair and equal accessibility. Accessibility of AI for indigenous and small language groups can be critical for their future viability. In Iceland, we face this challenge and it has been a priority of my government to make sure that new technology is and will be available in Icelandic, the <span style="text-decoration: underline;">language</span> on which our cultural heritage is founded, and we use to communicate.</span></p> <p><span class="normaltextrun" style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"></span><span class="normaltextrun" style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">We need to make the digital space a safe space for our <span style="text-decoration: underline;">children</span>. This is an integral part of the media legislation we are preparing to propose in Iceland, and the guidelines we are discussing here will be part of the upcoming debate in Iceland on this legislation.&nbsp;Moreover, we´ve been doing comprehensive work on how to counter hate speech and I will present a resolution to the Icelandic parliament on that shortly. The work of UNESCO and the UN, and these guidelines, will be useful in that discussion.&nbsp;</span><span class="eop" style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"></span><span class="normaltextrun" style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">We are also working on ways to counter the spread of disinformation during electoral periods. For this the guidelines will also be useful.</span><span class="eop" style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"></span></p> <p><span class="normaltextrun" style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Dear guests, Iceland currently holds the chairmanship of the Council of Europe, the key institution for democracy, human rights, and rule of law in 46 countries. Our goal is to use this chairmanship to advance human rights, and as the Council of Europe is a leading organization on media freedom, we will facilitate the debate on these guidelines there as well.</span><span class="eop" style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"></span></p> <p><span class="normaltextrun" style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"></span><span class="normaltextrun" style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Chere Audrey, merci pour votre direction sur cette question. </span><span class="normaltextrun" style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Je vous souhaite à toutes et à tous bonne chance dans cette tâche, extrêmement difficile, et j'ai hâte que mon gouvernement et moi continuions à travailler avec vous pour promouvoir la paix dans l'esprit de l'humanité à travers le monde.</span><span class="eop" style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"></span></p>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1037fsc%20eu.pdf">EU Statement on Russia’s Ongoing Military Aggression Against Ukraine.</a></span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1411pc%20eu%20on%20belarus.pdf">EU Statement on the Political Prisoners in Belarus.</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1411pc%20eu%20reply%20unhcr.pdf">EU Statement in Response to the Address by the UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner for Protection, Ms Gillian Triggs.</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1411pc%20eu%20-%20Copy%20(1).pdf">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s Ongoing Aggression Against Ukraine.</a></span></p>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1036fsc%20eu.pdf">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s Ongoing Aggression Against Ukraine</a></span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1410pc%20eu%20earthquake.pdf">EU Statement on the Earthquakes in Türkiye.</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1410pc%20eu%20statment.pdf">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s Ongoing Aggression Against Ukraine.</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1410pc%20eu%20response.pdf">EU Statement in Response to the Presentations by the Chairpersons of the Three Committees.</a></span></p>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1035fsc%20eu%20-%20Copy%20(1).pdf">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s Ongoing Aggression Against Ukraine.</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1035fsc%20eu%20code%20of%20conduct.pdf">EU Statement at the Security Dialogue on the Code of Conduct.</a></span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

<div class="contentheader contentheader-default " style="color: #1e1e1e; background-color: #ffffff; padding-top: 70px; padding-bottom: 40px; font-size: 20px; font-family: Noto Sans, sans-serif; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; text-align: left; letter-spacing: normal;"> <div class="container-fluid container-fluid-metadata" style="width: 1440px; padding-right: 14px; padding-left: 14px;"> <p class="page-metadata-content-container"> </p> <div class="page-metadata-content-container"> <p style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; color: black;">Joint Nordic statement on behalf of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. </span></p> <p style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; color: black;">Delivered by Martin Bille Hermann, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Denmark to the United Nations</span></p> <p style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; color: #1e1e1e;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; color: #1e1e1e;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; color: black;">Madam President,&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; color: black;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; color: black;">First, let me congratulate Malta on assuming the Presidency of the Security Council. I also thank Under-Secretary-General Griffiths for his briefing.</span></p> <p style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; color: black;">I have the honour to speak on behalf of the five Nordic countries, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden – and my own country Denmark.</span></p> <p style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; color: black;">I join others in expressing our condolences to the people in Türkiye and Syria affected by the recent devastating earthquake.</span></p> <p style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; color: black;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; color: black;">Madam President,</span></p> <p style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; color: black;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; color: black;">Today marks 347 days of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. 347 days of destruction and suffering for Ukraine’s population, as Russia continues its relentless attacks.</span></p> <p style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; color: black;">The unjustified and unprovoked attack by a permanent member of this Council is in blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter in particular. And in the wake of Russia’s full-scale invasion, we have witnessed systematic and widespread violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law.</span></p> <p style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; color: black;">This war is of grave concern to us all. Its consequences are felt far and wide – not only by the Ukrainian people, or Europe, but in all corners of the world. The most vulnerable have suffered the most.</span></p> <p style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; color: black;">***</span></p> <p style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; color: black;">Madam President,&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; color: #1e1e1e;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; color: black;">The Nordics would like to highlight the following three areas of concern: (1) Russia’s ongoing blatant violations of IHL and the need to provide full, safe and unhindered access for humanitarian actors. (2) The negative consequences of Russia’s war of aggression for global food prices and the important contribution of the Black Sea Grain Initiative to mitigating global food insecurity; and (3) the importance of accountability.</span></p> <p style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; color: #1e1e1e;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; color: black;">Russia’s illegal war has imposed widespread human suffering on the Ukrainian people. It has led to extensive destruction of critical civilian infrastructure and shattered essential services. The human and economic costs are immeasurable, as is the destruction of the environment.</span></p> <p style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; color: black;">Currently, the greatest needs are felt in areas under the temporary military control of Russia. We call on Russia to respect its obligations as an occupying power.</span></p> <p style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; color: black;">We also call on Russia to enable full, safe and unhindered access for humanitarian actors to the people living in these territories, including through the frontline. Obligations under international humanitarian law must be complied with by all.</span></p> <p style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; color: black;">We strongly commend international and national humanitarian responders for their bravery in delivering humanitarian protection and assistance to those in need. This includes aid delivery to newly liberated areas and areas close to the frontline, amidst constant shelling.</span></p> <p style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; color: black;">***</span></p> <p style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; color: #1e1e1e;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; color: black;">As Russia’s illegal war rages on, the impacts of the cost-of-living crisis induced by the war are felt across the world. Countries that were already struggling to recover from the negative economic effects of the pandemic now face severe challenges to food and energy security, commodity prices and public finances.</span></p> <p style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; color: black;">And we risk seeing the effects lasting far into the future. Last week, FAO reported that severe war-induced impacts in Ukraine are estimated to reduce winter wheat area plantings by about 40 percent. &nbsp;</span></p> <p style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; color: black;">As a glimmer of hope, grain exports from Ukraine and Russia have increased substantially since the signing of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Following the agreement, we have seen lower food prices globally and improved access to food for humanitarian actors.</span></p> <p style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; color: black;">As we approach the agreement’s renewal date in March, it is of utmost importance to see a smooth extension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative.</span></p> <p style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; color: black;">And while we must come together to prevent famine in the immediate term, the war has brutally underlined the need to also accelerate the transition to more sustainable and resilient food systems.</span></p> <p style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; color: black;">***</span></p> <p style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; color: #1e1e1e;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; color: black;">Lastly, we would like to underline the critical role of accountability for crimes committed in the context of the aggression.</span></p> <p style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; color: black;">All reports of atrocities and human rights violations must be properly investigated, and perpetrators held to account, through national or international justice mechanisms.</span></p> <p style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; color: black;">We are alarmed by the very large number of war crimes reported since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukrainian territory. We are highly concerned about the appalling reports of conflict related sexual violence committed by Russian soldiers in Ukraine. The true scale of this violence is not yet known. Russia’s attacks on civilian centers and civilian infrastructure may also constitute war crimes.</span></p> <p style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; color: black;">Ensuring accountability does not only contribute to justice and reparation for crimes committed. It is also key to prevention through the deterrence of future atrocities.</span></p> <p style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; color: black;">This is why we, the Nordics, welcome important initiatives such as the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine established by the Human Rights Council. And why we continue to fully support the International Criminal Court. The work of the ICC is crucial for justice everywhere.</span></p> <p style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; color: black;">***</span></p> <p style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; color: black;">Madam President,</span></p> <p style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; color: black;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; color: black;"></span></p> <p style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; color: black;">The current situation is very bleak. But the picture is also very clear:</span></p> <p style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; color: black;">Russia must cease its aggression against Ukraine and immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all its troops from Ukraine. Russia must comply with the order on provisional measures, rendered by the International Court of Justice on 16 March to suspend its military operations. We call on Russia to respect the independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine, within its internationally recognized borders.&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; color: black;">Only Russia can end the war.</span></p> <p style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; color: black;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; color: black;">The Nordics will continue to stand with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people and we commend Ukraine’s initiative for a just peace.</span></p> <p style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; color: black;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; color: black;">I thank you, Madam President.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></p> </div> </div> </div>

<p>Nordic statement delivered by H.E. Jörundur Valtýsson Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations </p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I deliver this statement on behalf of Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Iceland. Thank you, Dr. Kanem, for your excellent presentation this morning. </p> <p>Since we last met as an Executive Board, the world has marked another major milestone: we now have a population of 8 billion. In many ways, this is a testament to the global reductions in poverty over the past generation as well as advancements in health services. </p> <p>But it also highlights the significant task ahead of us to ensure sustainable development for all 8 billion, which requires us to invest more in health services and education, including comprehensive sexuality education, and ensuring universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights. </p> <p>SRHR access for all will only be achieved if discriminatory structures, social norms and gender stereotypes are overcome which, in turn, requires us to engage with everyone, particularly with men and boys. </p> <p>UNFPA, and the UN Development System as a whole, play a key role in reaching those furthest behind and require adequate financing to deliver on their mandate. The Nordics will therefore focus their intervention this morning on UNDS reform and on UNFPA’s engagement with the International Financial Institutions.</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>The multiple global crises require us to take the UNDS reform seriously. In this regard, we appreciate the formative evaluation of UNFPA engagement in the UNDS reform. This is an excellent step, which demonstrates the organization’s commitment to the reform agenda and willingness to learn. The evaluation highlights the seminal role played by the UNFPA leadership, particularly by you, Dr. Kanem, in ensuring high-level engagement across the organization. </p> <p>We note the many positive outcomes, including that UNFPA engagement has advanced the repositioning process and that UNFPA has capitalized on the reform for the benefit of its stakeholders and beneficiaries. We also take note of the recommendation that UNFPA develop an explicit strategy for UNDS reform engagement and welcome the corresponding management response that UNFPA will articulate a UNDS reform engagement strategy or action plan, anchored in its Strategic Plan.</p> <p>We would also like to highlight the potential value of the UNDS reform checklist, provided recently by DSG Amina Mohammed, the chair of the UN Sustainable Development Group. This will hopefully serve as a practical and valuable tool for both UNFPA and the board members.</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>Accelerating progress to achieve the SDGs in time requires us to innovate and to strengthen all partnerships. Not least when governments are regretfully facing difficulties in terms of meeting demands for public investments in health services and official development assistance for SRHR experiencing a downward trend. </p> <p>We appreciate the briefing note on UNFPA’s engagement with IFIs and take note of the IFI revenue of $73 million in 2021, and similar level expected in 2022. The non-financial partnerships with IFIs, including on research and data, are also critical. We look forward to the development of a new generation of integrated partnership and resource mobilization plans and encourage UNFPA to look at other funds and programmes that have managed to significantly scale up the revenue mobilized through IFI partners in recent years. </p> <p>Allow us also to thank you personally, Dr. Kanem, for your engagement at the World Economic Forum a few weeks ago where you highlighted that supporting women’s health is not only the right thing to do, but also good for business. </p> <p>Finally, it would not be a Nordic Executive Board statement if we did not highlight the critical importance of sustainable and predictable funding, particularly core funding, for UNFPA to be able to deliver better to the people it serves. </p> <p>Thank you.</p>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1409pc%20eu.pdf">EU Statement on the Further Deterioration of the Human Rights Situation in Russia.</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1409pc%20eu%201.pdf">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s Ongoing Aggression Against Ukraine.</a></span></p>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1409pc%20iceland.pdf">Statement by Ambassador of Iceland, Kristín A. Árnadóttir at the 1409 OSCE Permanent Council, Vienna, 2 February 2023.</a></span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1409pc%20iceland.pdf">Statement by Ambassador of Iceland, Kristín A. Árnadóttir at the 1409 OSCE Permanent Council, Vienna, 2 February 2023.</a></span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1034fsc%20eu%20on%20russia.pdf">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s Ongoing Aggression Against Ukraine.</a></span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1408pc%20o%20the%20Russian.pdf">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s Ongoing Aggression Against Ukraine.</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1408pc%20eu%20on%20russia.pdf">EU Statement on the Political Prisoners in Belarus.</a></span></p> <p><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1408pc%20eu%20response.pdf">EU Statement in Response to the Address by the President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Ms. Margareta Cederfelt.</a></p> <p><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/eu%20reply%20president%20IHRA%201408pc%20en.pdf">Statement by the European Union on the Occasion of International Holocaust Remembrance Day.</a></p>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1033fsc%20eu.pdf">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s Ongoing Aggression Against Ukraine</a>.</span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1033fsc%20eu%20fr.pdf">Déclaration de l’Union européenne sur les armes légères et de petit calibre et les stocks de munitions conventionnelles.</a></span></p>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1407%20joint%20nordic%20baltic%20state.pdf">Joint Nordic-Baltic Statement on the Russian Federation’s Ongoing Aggression Against Ukraine<br /> Delivered by Foreign Minister of Iceland, Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir at the 1407 OSCE Permanent Council, 19 January 2023</a>.</span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span><br /> <a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1407pc%20eu%20reply%20to%20Iceland%20CoE%20Presidency.pdf">EU Statement in Response to the Address by Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland.</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1407pc%20eu%20-%20Copy%20(1).pdf">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine</a>.</span></p>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1407pc%20iceland%20CoE%20Presidency%201407pc.pdf">Address by the Chair of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland, H.E. Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir at the 1407 OSCE Permanent Council, Vienna, 19 January 2023.</a></span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1032fsc%20eu.pdf">EU Opening Statement&nbsp;</a></span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

<span><br /> <a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1406special%20pc%20eu.pdf"></a><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1406%20eu%20reply%20special%20pc%20armenia.pdf"></a><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1406special%20pc%20eu.pdf">EU Statement in response to the address by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, H.E. Mr. Ararat Mirzoyan</a>.</span>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1405special%20pc%20eu.pdf">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s Ongoing Aggression Against Ukraine.&nbsp;</a></span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

<span>Statement on behalf of&nbsp;<br /> Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Denmark<br /> at the United Nations Security Council<br /> <br /> “The promotion and Strengthening of the Rule of Law in the Maintenance of International Peace and Security”&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Delivered by:&nbsp;<br /> Permanent Representative of Denmark,&nbsp;<br /> Ambassador Martin Bille Hermann<br /> <br /> United Nations<br /> New York<br /> 12 January 2023<br /> </span> <div>&nbsp;</div> <p><span>Mr. President,&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden - and my own country - Denmark.</span></p> <p><span>Mr. President,</span></p> <p><span></span>Rule of law is a vital prerequisite for justice, peace and prosperity, and adherence to it has significant and positive impact on the global community. It is a powerful safeguard against the primitive doctrine that might is right. But the rule of law is under pressure. In the Secretary-General’s latest yearly report on “Strengthening and coordinating United Nations rule of law activities” it is clear that the rule of law must be protected on every front. </p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>International law, including the UN Charter, and its prohibition on the acquisition of territory by the use of force, applies to all states, and must be respected by all states. When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine last year, it constituted a blatant violation of international law. Whilst horrified by Russia’s actions, we are pleased to see how a majority of countries, across regions and continents, have stood by the UN Charter and the rule of law, and rejected this violation in words and deeds. The adoption of the General Assembly resolutions with an overwhelming majority, including in October 2022, characterizing Russia’s attempt to annex parts of Ukraine as illegal and in contravention of the UN Charter, exemplify our strong and collective&nbsp; response to Russia’s attack on Ukraine and the international rules-based order. </p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>To safeguard the rule of law it is not enough to condemn the Russian aggression. Both the Russian Federation, and those individuals responsible for committing international crimes must be held accountable for their brutal behavior. The Security Council is entrusted with the primary responsibility to maintain international peace and security. Russia’s use of the veto and prevention of the Council in fulfilling its mandate is unacceptable. We fully support and urge other UN members to join initiatives to limit the use of veto, including the ACT-code of conduct and the French/Mexican initiative on suspension of Veto Powers in Cases of Mass Atrocity. We also welcome the adoption of the UNGA resolution 76/262 on the veto-initiative, which was a step in the right direction to create more transparency and accountability for the use of the veto.&nbsp; </p> <p>We are further encouraged by the multiple accountability efforts, including the ongoing investigations into the situation in Ukraine by the International Criminal Court, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, and the current case at the International Court of Justice. Holding Russia accountable is paramount to prevent future breaches of international law. </p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>The rule of law and accountability, including access to justice and accountability for sexual and gender-based violence, as mentioned by the Secretary General in his latest report on “Strengthening and coordinating United Nations rule of law activities”, can of course not be achieved without substantial work on the part of international courts and institutions of the global community. However, this work relies on our support – both politically and financially. During the recent UN annual budget negotiations, the Nordic countries underscored the need to uphold the rule of law and the protection of human rights through UN institutions. They are without a doubt a prerequisite for the rules-based international order that we are all committed to.</p> <p>Thank you.</p>

<span><br /> <a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1404%20special%20pc.pdf">EU Statement in Response to the Address by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia, H.E. Mr. Bujar Osmani</a><br /> <br /> </span>

<p><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1404%20special%20pc%20-%20Copy%20(2).pdf"><span></span></a><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1404%20special%20pc%20-%20Copy%20(2).pdf">Statement of Ambassador Kristín A. Árnadóttir, Permanent Representative of Iceland at the 1404th Special Permanent Council Meeting, Vienna, 12 January 2023.</a></span></p> <p><span></span></p>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1403specpc%20iceland%20on%20ukraine.pdf">Statement by Ambassador of Iceland, Kristín A. Árnadóttir, at the 1403 Special Meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council, 22 December 2022.</a></span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

<span> </span> <div class="page" title="Page 1"> <div class="layoutArea"> <div class="column"> <p><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel1912%20eu%201403specialPC%20-%20Copy%20(1).pdf">EU Statement on Russian Federation's Ongoing Aggression Against Ukraine.</a></p> <p><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel1914%20eu%20interpretative%20stat%201403specpc.pdf">EU Interpretative Statement under Paragraph&nbsp;<span>IV.1(A)6 of the OSCE</span>&nbsp;Rules of Procedure.</a> </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> </div> </div> </div>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1402pc%20joint%20statement%20on%20HRD.pdf">Joint Statement “On the International Human Rights Day” at the 1402 OSCE Permanent Council 15 December 2022.<br /> </a></span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1402pc%20eu%20on%20ukraine.pdf">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s Ongoing Aggression Against Ukraine.</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1402pc%20eu%20on%20ihrd.pdf">EU Statement on the International Human Rights Day.</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1402pc%20eu%20reply%20three%20committees.pdf">EU Statement in Response to the Presentations by the Chairs of the Three Committees.</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1402pc%20eu%20-%20Copy%20(1).pdf">EU Statement on the Recent Developments in the North of Kosovo*1.</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pc%201402%20eu%20reply%20CiO%20PR%20on%20Combating%20Corruption%20endofyear%20report.pdf">EU Statement in Response to the End of Year Report by Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office on Combatting Corruption, Prof. Anita Ramasastry.</a></span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1031fsc%20eu%20closing.pdf"><span>&nbsp;EU Closing Statement,&nbsp;</span>OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation N°1031, Vienna, 14 December 2022.</a></span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

<p class="paragraph" style="text-align: left;"><span>Statement by Counsellor and Legal Adviser, Anna Pála Sverrisdóttir</span></p> <p>General Assembly&nbsp;77^th&nbsp;session, 09 December 2022</p> <p>Agenda Items 72 (a) and (b): Oceans and the law of the sea</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President.</p> <p>Allow me to start off today with a quote. It is from a recent book called “On Time and Water”,&nbsp;by Icelandic author Andri Snær Magnason:</p> <p>“The earliest written records of humans date back five thousand years, events that happened practically yesterday. Humanity first emerged the day before that, in comparison to the ocean’s fifty-million-year history.”</p> <p>This quote is a&nbsp;humbling reminder to humanity. The history of humanity is a short moment in time, when compared to the history of the Ocean. Life on Earth started in the Ocean, and it continues to support life. Humanity, in contrast, has not supported the Ocean sufficiently in return. This must change. Life on Earth depends on it.</p> <p>We stress, in this context, that the Ocean is not only important to island States, such as Iceland. It is of fundamental importance to all States. The Ocean has provided people with what seemed to be, for a long time, an endless supply of food. It provides routes for international transportation and communication; influences weather and climate and is in many ways the most important part of our planet. A healthy ocean is the key to a healthy planet. Iceland sees the two annual General Assembly draft Resolutions we are discussing here today, (on Sustainable Fisheries and on Oceans and the Law of the Sea) as continued steps in that direction.</p> <p>Mr. President.</p> <p>Yesterday we joined together in celebrating the 40^th anniversary of UNCLOS, the Constitution of the Ocean and one of the UN’s greatest achievements. An achievement which&nbsp;too often is taken for granted. It is a fantastic inspiration, that through constructive multilateral engagement, delegations were able to construct this legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out.</p> <p>The celebration yesterday was a great way to end the “Super Year of the Ocean”. It started with the United Nations Environment Assembly holding its most successful session since its establishment in Rio in 2012. The resolution on a legally binding agreement to end plastic pollution was a great achievement, and we welcome the first session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee which took place only last week. Iceland&nbsp;looks forward to an internationally binding treaty becoming a reality.</p> <p>In the field of fisheries, the adoption of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies by the World Trade Organization was an important step towards the&nbsp;goal to eliminate harmful fisheries subsidies, which contribute to overcapacity, overfishing and IUU fishing. We would like to use this opportunity to encourage States to join us in becoming party to the Agreement. Although negotiations continue, on the outstanding issues on fisheries subsidies, we believe that this is an important milestone, and we are grateful to those States which constructively engaged to get this far.</p> <p>Mr. President.</p> <p>The resumption of in-person meetings this year, meant it finally became possible to&nbsp;hold the long awaited fourth session of the BBNJ Intergovernmental Conference. Although there were still significant restraints to the format due to lingering remnants of the pandemic, the fourth session brought with it a different tone to these negotiations than had previously been seen. Things were finally moving, although slowly.</p> <p>The fifth session of the Intergovernmental Conference, held last August, built on the momentum gathered at the fourth session and proved to be a long-awaited turning point. Delegations arrived here in New York ready to engage constructively to find much needed compromises. As a result, more progress was made during these two weeks than the decade before them. Unfortunately, we ran out of time. But Iceland&nbsp;is certain that if we preserve the progress made and continue on this path of constructive engagement, a new agreement will be the long-awaited result of the resumed fifth session in February and March next year.</p> <p>Mr. President.</p> <p>A highlight of this year was the UN Ocean Conference in Lisbon, under the able leadership of Kenya and Portugal. Iceland was represented there at the highest level, underscoring the importance Iceland attaches to ocean affairs. Iceland, along with Singapore, had the honour of co-chairing the interactive dialogue on the international law aspects, as reflected in UNCLOS, and we thank all those who contributed to fruitful exchange at the dialogue.&nbsp;</p> <p>It is the hope of Iceland that the Ocean Conference, as well as other major events this year, will prove to have been a gamechanger in terms of the attention, finance, and implementation the ocean receives going forward. Sustainable Development Goal 14 unfortunately continues to be significantly under-funded, and yet it is a prerequisite for achieving other goals. </p> <p>The same applies to SDG5, on Gender Equality and Empowerment of all Women and Girls. In Iceland, like elsewhere in the world, gender stereotypes remain a challenge in our interaction with the Ocean. Both the decisions - and the profits, where applicable – are more likely to be made by men. But let me be clear that in order to achieve the SDGs on life under water, as well as on gender equality; we need people of all genders in positions of power.</p> <p>Mr. President.&nbsp;</p> <p>Climate change remains an existential threat. The ocean has mitigated much of our past inaction by proving to be an ever-important carbon sink. It is, however, unclear for how long it can continue to serve that function without our aid. This important function of the ocean has not been without cost. Ocean acidification, caused by carbon emissions and the burning of fossil fuels, continues to threaten marine biodiversity and&nbsp;is happening faster than the average in the cold, Arctic waters around Iceland.</p> <p>Carbon emissions and the burning of fossil fuels are also contributing to sea level rise; an ever-looming threat which requires our attention. It will be a challenge to deal with, in the context of UNCLOS, but together we will find solutions. Small island developing states and vulnerable low-lying coastal communities, should not carry the burden of a situation they have done the least to contribute to. </p> <p>In the context of climate change, Iceland welcomes&nbsp;the addition of language on the importance of the&nbsp;so-called “Blue Food” to the Ocean and law of the sea&nbsp;resolution - and the acknowledgement that a healthy ocean is an important source of nutrition for billions of people. The inclusion of aquatic and blue food in food systems transformation will contribute to lower emissions and a more climate friendly future of foods.</p> <p>Moreover, blue food systems support livelihoods around the world. The FAO estimates that 800 million livelihoods are supported by blue food systems. The importance of this is reflected in Iceland's&nbsp;international development policy. The policy&nbsp;mandates that Icelandic authorities shall contribute towards improving the livelihoods and resilience of impoverished societies that rely on fisheries by building capabilities and knowledge for fishing and fish processing.</p> <p>Mr. President.</p> <p>Icelanders firmly believe that science needs to underpin all aspects of ocean governance and activities. We therefore express our appreciation to the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO for its coordination of ongoing work on the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.</p> <p>Mr. President.</p> <p>2022 will not only be remembered as “the Super Year of the Ocean”, but the year we were able to step out of the constraints of the pandemic and finally meet again face to face with&nbsp;colleagues from around the world.</p> <p>I would like to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues for their constructive engagement during negotiations on these two resolutions, after two years of virtual technical updates, and of course the two coordinators who ably guided our discussions, Ms. Natalie Morris-Sharma from Singapore on the Oceans and the Law of the Sea Resolution and Mr. Andreas Kravik from Norway on the Sustainable Fisheries Resolution. Our thanks go as well to the president of the BBNJ Intergovernmental Conference, Ambassador Rena Lee of Singapore, and her facilitators and staff; the Director of DOALOS, Mr. Vladimir Jares and his capable staff.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><span>Central Emergency Response Fund High-Level Pledging Event</span></p> <p><span>Delivered by H.E. Þórður Ægir Óskarsson</span></p> <p>Deputy Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations</p> <p>December 9^th, 2022</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="padding: 0cm; border: none; text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. Chair, </p> <p>I am very pleased to address the High-level Pledging Event on the Central Emergency Response Fund for 2023. </p> <p>In the sixteen years since its establishment, CERF has shown its value time and time again. And as we continue to see ever-rising humanitarian needs, the importance of time-critical and life-saving humanitarian assistance facilitated by the Fund is more pertinent than ever. </p> <p>There are many aspects of the CERF that appeal to Iceland. It is a dependable funding mechanism that responds rapidly to crises. It enables a fast, coordinated, and effective provision of life-saving assistance to the most vulnerable. And it provides assistance in areas where, for various reasons, funding is limited or not available. </p> <p>For these reasons, and many more, Iceland has in place a multi-year framework agreement with CERF, allowing for predictable annual allocations to the Fund. </p> <p>In line with this framework, I am pleased to confirm Iceland’s allocation to the fund for 2023, in amount of fifty million Icelandic Krona.</p> <p>In addition, given the unprecedented circumstances we are confronted with, I am happy to announce an additional allocation of fifty million Kronas to the Fund for 2022. This will bring our total contribution this year to 130 million Icelandic Kronas. </p> <p>Mr. Chair, </p> <p>Inequality, climate change, the pandemic, and conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, are all to blame for the increasingly complex crises around the world. During these crises, women and girls become more vulnerable to gender-based violence and other forms of exploitation. We therefore applaud CERF for the unprecedented $25 million dollar allocation in 2020 to women-led projects battling gender-based violence, in addition to other GBV allocations this year, and encourage an even stronger focus on gender equality in all allocations. </p> <p>Thank you. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Statement by Ambassador Thórdur Aegir Óskarsson, Deputy Permanent Representative,<br /> on behalf of the WEOG States Parties to UNCLOS, and other Member States</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>General Assembly&nbsp;77^th&nbsp;session, 08 December 2021</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Commemoration of the fortieth anniversary of the adoption and opening for signature of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (resolution 76/72)</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong><em>Check against delivery</em></strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>***</strong></p> <p>Mr. President, Excellencies, Distinguished Guests. </p> <p>I have the honour of speaking on behalf of the Western European and Other States Parties to the Convention, as well as the United States of America and Liechtenstein.</p> <p>Today we celebrate the 40th anniversary of a remarkable achievement, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. This timeless and highly effective convention, commonly referred to as the constitution of the Ocean, is now applied every day, all over the world. </p> <p>It is one of the UN’s greatest achievements.</p> <p>At the time that the Convention was negotiated, the world was rapidly changing. The number of sovereign states was increasing, technological advancements were being made and uses of the Ocean were becoming more complex. This increased the risk of competition, chaos and conflict. Undeterred, diplomats from all over the world managed to negotiate a convention which has greatly contributed to peace, stability and the rule of law ever since.</p> <p>What sets the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea apart, is its scope and the comprehensiveness of the legal regime that it establishes for the use of the world’s oceans and seas; the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out. </p> <p>Further, the Convention was elaborately designed to stand the test of time. Since the opening up for signatures forty years ago and its entry into force twenty-eight years ago, it has indeed stood the test of time. The Convention regime has been further strengthened by two implementing agreements, namely the UN Fish Stocks Agreement and the Agreement relating to the Implementation of Part XI of the Convention. A third implementing agreement is very much on the horizon. Come March 2023, it is the firm belief of the aforementioned States that negotiations will have concluded on an agreement often referred to as the BBNJ Agreement, or the “internationally legally binding instrument on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction”. The BBNJ Agreement has the potential to significantly enhance international ocean governance in response to the many and profound threats facing the marine environment.</p> <p>***</p> <p>Mr. President.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> <p>The legal order under the Convention is supported by the significant contribution of its three organs: The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, the International Seabed Authority, and the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf.</p> <p>The Tribunal in Hamburg, Germany, continues to serve as an important independent judicial body to adjudicate dispute settlement. Part XV of UNCLOS on the settlement of disputes is one of the Convention‘s greatest assets. The International Seabed Authority in Kingston, Jamaica, is approaching a historic moment: provisions of the Convention relevant to it are in the process of being operationalized and it is highly important for member States to get it right. </p> <p>The Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf continues its scientific work to underpin advice and recommendations on the delineation between States‘ continental shelves and the Area. The work has proven to be more extensive than previously thought, and it is the duty of Member States to support this work and ensure it can take place.</p> <p>***</p> <p>Mr. President.</p> <p>This commemoration takes place at a time when the multilateral order is under threat. </p> <p>It takes place in a world which now looks at mounting challenges, not only in the short term in relation to conflicts or to the pandemic; but also in the long term in relation to our environment, climate and the health of our ocean, to name but a few.</p> <p>At this challenging point in time, it is certainly worth taking a moment to celebrate the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea at its fortieth anniversary, for the very reason that it is absolutely one of the most inspiring stories of multilateral success during the 20th Century. </p> <p>We must build on this success and preserve it. We must keep upholding the balance between the rights and obligations enshrined in the Convention; meeting challenges as they come. Without doubt, there are going to be new challenges to meet. A prominent one is the threat of sea level rise. This is a threat of concern to all UN Member States, although SIDS and low-lying coastal communities will suffer disproportionally from it. This is a legally complex challenge, but solutions must be found, in line with the Convention.</p> <p>We must also do better on full implementation of the Convention, for instance on combatting illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. </p> <p>In the wider context of meeting ocean related challenges, the UN Ocean Conference, first held in 2017 in New York and again in Lisbon this summer; has proven to be an important meeting place on the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14 and we hope that this can again be the case in 2025.</p> <p>***</p> <p>Mr. President.</p> <p>Arvid Pardo of Malta, Tommy Koh of Singapore and all the others who negotiated and contributed to the making of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, continue to serve as role models and a source of inspiration. Their success, and the continued effectiveness of the Convention should not be taken for granted. Its integrity needs to be maintained. This is on all of us.</p> <p>In conclusion, with the goal of universal participation in sight, we call on States that have not yet done so to become parties to UNCLOS as soon as possible.</p> <br />

<p><span><br /> <a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1401pc%20%20KZ%20DFM%20Vassilenko.pdf">EU Statement on “Ongoing democratic reforms in Kazakhstan and the results of the Presidential <span>election conducted on November 20, 2022”</span></a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1401pc%20eu%20reply%20hcnm%201401pc.pdf">EU Statement in Response to the Report by the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, Amb. Kairat Abdrakhmanov</a>.</span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1401pc%20eu%20-%20Copy%20(1).pdf">EU Statement in response to the report of the OSCE Representative to the Latvian-Russian Joint Commission on Military Pensioners</a>.</span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1401pc%20joint%20on%20ukraine.pdf">Joint Nordic-Baltic Statement at the OSCE 1401 Permanent Council Meeting, Vienna, 8 December 2022, on Russia’s Ongoing Aggression Against Ukraine.</a></span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span><em>Video Address by H.E. Ms Katrín Jakobsdóttir, Prime Minister of Iceland</em><br /> <a href="https://groundwater-summit.org/"><strong>UN-Water Summit on Groundwater</strong></a><strong> –&nbsp;Paris, 7 December 2022</strong></span></p> <p><span>Director-General Audrey Azoulay, dear colleagues, dear friends,</span></p> <p><span>Water sustains life and human well-being, and adequate access to water is an integral part of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.</span></p> <p><span>Groundwater is especially important for humanity, as it provides a large part of our drinking water and irrigation worldwide.</span></p> <p><span>We can refer to it as our “Golden Goose”, a resource of wealth that may become exhausted if it is misused. Sustainable management of groundwater resources is essential for all global water related agendas.</span></p> <p><span>Today's UN-Water Summit on Groundwater is helping “making the invisible visible”, as highlighted in the 2022 World Water Development Report.</span></p> <p><span>It will also provide a valuable input for the UN Water Conference taking place next year in New York.</span></p> <p><span>In Iceland, we have taken access to plentiful and clean groundwater for granted. Around 95% of our drinking water is groundwater and is usually distributed to users without special treatment or purification.</span></p> <p><span>This was not always the case. Following a deadly typhoid-fever epidemic in Iceland’s capital in 1906, great emphasis was placed on improving Reykjavík’s drinking water and the construction of a new water facility.</span></p> <p><span>S</span>ustainable water management is central in building resilience of societies and ecosystems. Groundwater is also central in the fight against poverty and to food security. To this end, many lower income countries struggle the most.Here, the crucial link between gender equality and water management needs to be considered. Women, especially in lower income countries, are disproportionately affected by water scarcity.</p> <p>We need to ensure women’s active participation in all decision-making regarding water management, and that their voices are heard and taken into consideration when designing and constructing water infrastructure such as wells.</p> <p>Today, the effects of climate change pose a threat to groundwater resources and access to clean water.</p> <p>In Iceland, we can clearly see the effects of the climate crisis. In 2019, I participated in bidding a sad farewell to the now former glacier Ok. The glacier that covered the mountaintop has been replaced by a crater lake.</p> <p>Melting of glaciers all over the world is contributing to rising sea levels, disrupting natural systems, and affecting water resources and water security.</p> <p>Climate change affects groundwater through changes in seasonality and quantity caused by melting glaciers, as well as by disturbing the delicate equilibrium of nature’s own water management.</p> <p>In fact, climate change caused by human activity is having negative effects on water security globally.</p> <p>Groundwater, an intricate part of water consumption, food production and hydroelectric power industries in Iceland, is under pressure.</p> <p>Seasonal droughts and increase in water intense industries are already affecting our groundwater status. We cannot take this resource for granted any more.</p> <p>While glaciers are retreating in Iceland, other extreme weather conditions are experienced around the world, causing droughts and floods.</p> <p>According to the IPCC’s last report, about half of the world’s population is estimated to experience water scarcity each year. Here also, the lower income countries face enormous challenges.</p> <p>Armed conflicts and wars are also causing range of ecological issues, including groundwater contamination and devastating destruction to essential water infrastructure, leaving millions of desperate people without access to water, sanitation, and hygiene.</p> <p>This is the case in Ukraine, where Russia’s illegal war on Ukraine has made a point of targeting civilian water infrastructure, in blatant violation of international conventions – not to mention the total lack of human decency.</p> <p>Dear friends.</p> <p>I welcome this Summit and the important work of UN Water in cooperation with UNESCO, the International Groundwater Resources Assessment Centre and others.</p> <p>We know we must take action – and we must do better.</p> <p>I encourage the young professionals and scientists here today to continue speaking up and to help moving this important agenda forward.</p> <p>I wish you all the best in your important work.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">🇮🇸’s Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/katrinjak?ref_src=twsrc%5etfw">@katrinjak</a> addressed the first UN-Water summit on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/groundwater?src=hash&%3bref_src=twsrc%5etfw">#groundwater</a> this week, hosted by <a href="https://twitter.com/UNESCO?ref_src=twsrc%5etfw">@UNESCO</a>.<br /> <br /> “We need to ensure <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/women?src=hash&%3bref_src=twsrc%5etfw">#women</a>’s active participation in all decision-making regarding <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/water?src=hash&%3bref_src=twsrc%5etfw">#water</a> management”<br /> <br /> 🔗: <a href="https://t.co/MVrPZ0TBsN">https://t.co/MVrPZ0TBsN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IcelandUNESCO?src=hash&%3bref_src=twsrc%5etfw">#IcelandUNESCO</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GWSummit22?src=hash&%3bref_src=twsrc%5etfw">#GWSummit22</a> <a href="https://t.co/Thmb1fjeVW">pic.twitter.com/Thmb1fjeVW</a></p> — L’Islande à Paris 🇮🇸 (@IcelandinParis) <a href="https://twitter.com/IcelandinParis/status/1600894147069894657?ref_src=twsrc%5etfw">December 8, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1030fsc%20eu%20%20rev.pdf"><span>EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine,&nbsp;</span>OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation N°1030, Vienna, 7 December 2022.<br /> </a></span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/MC%20%20joint%20NATO%20statement.pdf">Joint Statement on Belhalf of NATO Allied Particiapating States at the 29th OSCE Ministerial Council, 2 December 2022.&nbsp;</a></p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/MC%20joint%20stat%20GoF%20of%20Georgia.pdf">Joint Statement of the Group of Friends of Georgia at the 29th OSCE Ministerial Council Meeting, 2 December 2022, Łódź.</a><br /> <br /> </span>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/MC%20closing,%20joint%20-%20Copy%20(1).pdf">Joint Statement on Human Right and Fundamental Freedoms at the 29th&nbsp;OSCE Ministerial Council, 2 December 2022.</a></span></p> <p><span><br /> <br /> <br /> </span></p>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/MC%20closing,%20eu.pdf"><span>EU Closing Statement at the&nbsp;</span>29th Meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council Łódź, 1-2 December 2022.</a></span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/mc%20iceland.pdf">Statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir<br /> Twenty-Ninth Meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council Łódź, 1 December 2022</a>.</span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/MC%20closing,%20joint%20-%20Copy%20(1).pdf">Joint Statement on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms at the Closing Session of the 29th OSCE Ministerial Council, 1-2 December 2022.</a><br /> <br /> <br /> </span>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/MC%20closing,%20joint.pdf">Joint Statement on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms at the Closing Session of the 29th OSCE Ministerial Council, 1-2 December 2022.<br /> <br /> </a></span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1400pc%20eu%201.pdf">EU Statement on the outcome of early Kazakhstan Presidential election</a>.</span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1400pc%20eu%202.pdf">EU Statement in response to the AoB raised by Ukraine on Holodomor.</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1400pc%20eu%203.pdf"><span>EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine</span><span>.</span></a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1400pc%20eu%20on%20GiD.pdf">EU statement in reply to the Co-Chairs of the Geneva International Discussions.</a></span></p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1400%20pc%20joint%20statement%20on%20IDEVAW.pdf">Joint Statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. 1400 OSCE Permanent Council Meeting, Vienna, 24 November 2022. Delivered by Ambassador Veselin Šuković</a>.</span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1029fsc%20pcdel%20eu.pdf">EU Statement on International Humanitarian Law in the OSCE region</a></span>

<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>INTRODUCTION OF DRAFT RESOLUTION </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>HUMAN RIGHTS TREATY BODY SYSTEM</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;">77^th Session of the UN General Assembly</p> <p style="text-align: center;">Third Committee Action on 17 November 2022</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;">Delivered by Ambassador Thordur Oskarsson, Chargé d’Affaires a.i.</p> <p style="text-align: center;">Permanent Mission of Iceland to the UN</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. Chair,</p> <p>I have the pleasure to introduce a draft resolution on the Human rights treaty body system contained in document A/C.3/77/L.40, under agenda item 68(a), on behalf of Belgium, Slovenia and the five Nordic countries; Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and my own country, Iceland.&nbsp; </p> <p>This biannual resolution we have before us today is an important text for the process of strengthening and enhancing the effective functioning of the human rights treaty body system. This is the fourth time it is adopted by the Third Committee. </p> <p>Resolution 68/268, adopted in 2014, was an important step to strengthen the treaty body system, a system facing significant challenges. In addition to addressing critical elements of the reporting process it put in place efficiency measures, as well as providing for a new, dedicated capacity building component to support State party reporting.</p> <p>Since 2016, this resolution has sought to build on and support the full implementation of resolution 68/268 every two years with the aim to strengthen the human rights treaty body system as a whole. </p> <p>Mr. Chair. </p> <p>Our approach has been to maintain a consensual resolution that both supports the implementation of resolution 68/268 and reflects the ongoing efforts being made to strengthen the human rights treaty body system. </p> <p>The draft before us today has been updated to address the following: </p> <p>First, it acknowledges that effect the Covid-19 pandemic had on the work of the human rights treaty bodies. Second, it builds on some of the experiences of the past two years and lessons learned during the pandemic, including the considerable potential of digitalization of the work of the treaty bodies and the need for the Treaty Bodies to be better able to engage and interact online. It also encourages the treaty bodies to further their use of digital technologies in their work</p> <p>Mr. Chair,</p> <p>We would like to thank all the delegations for their constructive participation and collaboration, both in the informal consultation and through bilateral discussions. </p> <p>We would also like to thank the seventy Member States which have already co-sponsored the draft resolution and invite others who share our view of the importance of an effective and efficient human rights treaty body system to do so as well. </p> <p>Thank you, Mr. Chair.</p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1399pc%20iceland%20on%20ukraine%20-%20Copy%20(1).pdf">Statement by Permanent Representative Kristín A. Árnadóttir. 1399 Permanent Council Meeting, Vienna, 17 November 2022. Russia’s Ongoing Aggression Against Ukraine.</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1399pc%20eu.pdf">OSCE Permanent Council 1399Vienna, 17 November 2022 EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine</a></span>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1399pc%20opening,%20iceland.pdf">Statement by Minister Counsellor, Ólafur Sigurðsson. Economic and Environmental Dimension Implementation Meeting, 15 November 2022. Opening Session.</a></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

<header> <div> <p><strong>Statement by Nordic-Baltic countries in the UN General Assembly 11th Emergency Special Session (resumed) on the situation in Ukraine, 14 November 2022.</strong></p> <p><strong>Delivered by&nbsp;</strong><strong>Permanent Representative of Latvia H.E. Mr. Andrejs Pildegovičs</strong></p> </div> </header> <section> <div> <div> <div> <div> <p>Mr President,&nbsp;Distinguished delegates,</p> <p>I have the honor to speak on behalf of the eight Nordic-Baltic countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country Latvia.</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>February 24th this year, Russia launched its brutal full-scale invasion of Ukraine, in blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter. By this war of aggression aided by Belarus, Russia has deliberately violated the fundamental right of all states to independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.</p> <p>Moreover, this aggression has caused immense suffering to the people of Ukraine. It has triggered the largest humanitarian catastrophe in Europe since the World War II. More than 17 million people have been displaced. Ukraine has lost more than 40% of its GDP.</p> <p>Today more than 3 million Ukrainians must get by without water, electricity, sanitation and heating. Russia’s armed forces have deliberately attacked critical civilian infrastructure, including energy grids, power interconnectors and water stations.</p> <p>Just like other countries, Nordic-Baltic countries have been delivering considerable financial, humanitarian and military assistance to the people of Ukraine. We strongly believe that all Member States must seek ways how to support Ukraine.</p> <p>This resolution on “Furtherance of Remedy and Reparation for Aggression against Ukraine” is giving us the possibility to further extend our support for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.</p> <p>With this resolution, the General Assembly recognizes the need to establish an international mechanism to compensate Ukraine for the damages caused by Russia’s aggression. This resolution recommends the creation of a Registry of Damages to serve as a record of evidence and claims on damage, loss or injury caused by the aggression of Russia.</p> <p>We believe it is important to collect and preserve evidence of Russia’s brutal aggression against Ukraine, because Russia must be held accountable for its internationally unlawful acts against Ukraine and Ukrainians.</p> <p>Just a few hours ago, the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told journalists that investigators have uncovered more than 400 war crimes in areas of Kherson abandoned by Russian forces as they retreated. There must be no impunity for these crimes or damages caused and perpetrators must be held to account.</p> <p>In order to achieve this goal, evidence must be properly stored otherwise it could be potentially lost or damaged. Thus, we support that all evidence should be collected and stored in accordance with relevant international norms and standards.</p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>The Nordic-Baltic countries reiterate our firm support to Ukraine. We are convinced that the respect for international law, the UN Charter and the international rules-based order are fundamental for our common security and multilateral cooperation.</p> <p>We urge Russia to abide by international law and uphold its international commitments. We call for the Secretary General and the UN to continue efforts to restore the respect for the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.</p> <p>The UN Member States must support&nbsp;all mechanisms to restore justice to the victims of Russia’s aggression.</p> <p>We therefore call all UN Member States to vote in favor of the resolution.</p> <p>Thank you, Mr. President.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1398pc%20iceland%20on%20ukraine.pdf">Statement by Permanent Representative Kristín A. Árnadóttir. 1398 Permanent Council Meeting, Vienna, 10 November 2022. Russia’s Ongoing Aggression Against Ukraine.</a></span>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1398pc%20eu.pdf">EU Statement on the recent developments in Kosovo*1</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1398pc%20eu%20(2).pdf">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1398pc%20eu%20reply%20CoEEA.pdf"><span>EU Statement in response to the report by the Coordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities Ambassador Igli Hasani</span></a><br /> </span></p> <a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1398pc%20en%20eu%20reply%20HoM%20moldova.pdf">EU Statement&nbsp;in Response to the Report by the Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova, Ambassador Kelly Keiderling&nbsp;</a><br />

<p><span><br /> <a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1028fsc%20eu%20on%20coc%20annual%20discussion%20revisited.pdf">EU Statement on “Code of Conduct – Annual Discussion revisited</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1028fsc%20eu%20on%20ukraine%201028fsc.pdf">EU Statement on Russia’s ongoing military aggression against Ukraine</a><br /> </span></p>

<p><em>Action in Third Committee, 4 November 2022</em></p> <p><em>Explanation of vote after the vote on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries</em></p> <p><em>Delivered by H.E. Jörundur Valtýsson, Permanent Representative of Iceland</em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. Chair,</p> <p>I deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries.</p> <p>Let me begin by reaffirming that the Nordic-Baltic countries unequivocally condemn racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and all forms of racial intolerance, including Nazism and neo-Nazism. We are fully committed to the global fight against any form of these ideologies. We want our societies to be open, democratic and diverse. We celebrate our diversity and defend it. These are core values to our countries. </p> <p>It is precisely because of these core values that we are reacting so strongly to the resolution in front of us today. It is a document that, at its core, builds a narrative that is being used as justification for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, under the cynical slogan of “de-Nazification”. We categorically reject this false narrative and the way in which eliminating neo-Nazism is being used as pretext to justify a full-scale invasion and attempted annexation of a sovereign country, in blatant violation of international law, and the very principles of the UN Charter. </p> <p>These misappropriations further undermine the genuine fight against these heinous ideologies.</p> <p>This is why the Nordic and Baltic countries voted in favor of the amendments presented by a number of countries, in order to partially redress the utter lack of this context in the draft as it was presented.</p> <p>Mr. Chair,</p> <p>Even with the amendment passed, we are still deeply concerned, not only with the content of the resolution, but also with the abhorrent context in which the resolution is being presented today. It is not acceptable to us that the penholder has been using this same narrative and the resolution itself as an instrument of justification for illegal and unprovoked aggression against another sovereign Member State. We reject this and this is why all eight Nordic-Baltic countries voted against the resolution as a whole.</p> <p>Mr. Chair,</p> <p>A resolution on such an important topic deserves an inclusive approach, whereas Russia has for years not engaged transparently and failed at taking the concerns of other Member States into account. </p> <p>We call on Russia to give up its role of presenting this resolution. In the future, we must be able to engage in honest conversation about this very relevant topic, and not have it misappropriated as a cover for aggression against another state.</p> <p>It is therefore inevitable that we have reached the conclusion of voting against the resolution as a whole - while we reiterate our full support for combating the racist ideologies it is meant to address.</p> <p>I thank you.</p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel1670%20iceland%20reply%20RFoM%201397pc.pdf">Statement by Temporary Officer, Eva Dröfn Hassell Guðmundsdóttir. 1397th Permanent Council, 3 November 2022. Iceland in response to the report by Ms. Teresa Ribeiro, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media.</a></span>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1397pc%20eu%20(1).pdf">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1397pc%20eu%20-%20Copy%20(1).pdf">EU statement in response to the Report by the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Ms. Teresa Ribeiro, and on the occasion of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists</a></span></p>

<p class="Rubrik1utannumrering" style="text-align: left;"><strong>38^th Meeting of Third Committee, </strong><strong>28 October 2022<br /> Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity,<br /> Mr. Victor Madrigal-Borloz</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;">Statement on behalf of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden<br /> Delivered by H.E. Jörundur Valtýsson, Permanent Representative of Iceland<br /> <br /> </p> <p>Thank you, Mr. Chair,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Iceland. </p> <p>First of all, we would like to reiterate our unwavering support to the Independent Expert’s crucial mandate and its importance within the UN human rights system.</p> <p>The opening words of the <em>Universal Declaration of Human Rights</em> are clear: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”&nbsp; We must ensure that each person is able to enjoy their human rights, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or sex characteristics. This is also a prerequisite for achieving the 2030 Agenda, a key feature of which is the underlying principle and commitment of “leaving no one behind”. </p> <p>Chair,</p> <p>We welcome the Independent Expert’s report calling for greater awareness of how sexual orientation and gender identity dynamics operate in the context of armed conflict, and within peacebuilding and peacekeeping. </p> <p>Over the past two decades our discussion on<strong> </strong>peace and security and armed conflicts has moved a long way, including with the Women, Peace and Security agenda. It is vital that the SOGI lens is brought to the context of armed conflict, and within peacebuilding and peacekeeping, as well as humanitarian assistance. </p> <p>We are deeply concerned about violence and discrimination perpetrated worldwide by State and non-State&nbsp; actors based on actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and call on all States to create a safe, inclusive and enabling environment for the respect, protection and fulfilment of all human rights and equality for all.</p> <p>Mr. Independent Expert, </p> <p>We agree that more effective humanitarian assistance to and protection of LGBTI persons in context of armed conflict is needed. What steps would you advise States to take in order to ensure gender equality and the protection LGBTI-persons, including internally displaced and refugees?&nbsp; </p> <p>I thank you. </p>

<p class="paragraph" style="text-align: left;">Statement by Director General for Legal and Executive Affairs, Anna Jóhannsdóttir </p> <p>on behalf of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden</p> <p>General Assembly&nbsp;77^th&nbsp;session, 28 October 2022, Sixth Committee, </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mme./Mr. Chair,</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of Denmark, Finland, Norway,</p> <p>Sweden - and my own country - Iceland.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>-///-</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>VI – Immunity of State officials from foreign criminal jurisdiction</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mme./Mr. Chair, </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>I will now turn to Chapter VI of the ILC report, concerning Immunity of State officials from foreign criminal jurisdiction.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Let me start by expressing deep appreciation for the efforts of the Commission on this salient topic. I commend the enduring efforts on this legally complex and politically sensitive matter and truly congratulate the Commission on reaching the milestone of adopting on first reading the entire set of draft articles on immunity of State officials from foreign criminal jurisdiction and the attached commentaries. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>I would also like to commend the outstanding contribution of the Special Rapporteur, Ms. Concepción Escobar Hernández, and also the valuable contributions of the previous Special Rapporteur, Mr. Roman A. Kolodkin, which has enabled the Commission to bring to a successful conclusion its first reading of the draft articles. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Having the entire set of draft articles before us, it is the view of the Nordic countries that the Commission has succeeded in striking the balance between the interests of the forum State and the State of the official. In this regard, the procedural provisions of part four of the draft articles are particularly important, considering that they are ensuring adequate safeguards for the State of the official, while also observing the interests of the forum State. Here, we also commend the Commission for the provisionally adopting the draft articles 14 to 18 of part four, which had not been provisionally adopted in the previous sessions. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Nordic countries would like to take this opportunity to reiterate our support for draft article 7 as provisionally adopted previously and recall our commitment to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and the other treaties enumerated in the annex to the present draft articles, underlining the importance of harmonizing the draft articles with said treaties.</p> <p>Regarding draft article 7, I would also like to express the Nordic countries’ support for article 14, paragraph 3, as this paragraph establishes specific safeguards for the State of the official when the forum State is considering prosecution for one of the crimes enumerated in draft article 7. The purpose of paragraph 3 is to balance the interests of the States concerned, reducing the potential for political abuse of draft article 7 without overly inhibiting its application in good faith, and the Nordic countries find that the wording of the paragraph succeeds in fulfilling this purpose. The Nordic countries also agree with the considerations mentioned in the Statement of the Chairperson of the Drafting Committee that procedures specific to draft article 7 are necessary, and that procedures proposed will provide effective safeguards against political abuse of draft article 7. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Now turning to the draft articles 17 on consultations and 18 on settlement of disputes, the Nordic countries agree with the drafting committee that these two provisions provide a final procedural safeguard. We therefore support their inclusion. The Nordic countries also support the wording of these articles, and in particular paragraph 2 of article 18. We align ourselves with the views and justifications related to this paragraph set out in the Statement of the Chairperson of the Drafting Committee on page 32. However, the nature of these two draft articles is different from the other draft articles of part four concerning procedural provisions, and the two articles could merit a separate part five along with other final provisions that are standard in international conventions. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>This brings me to the issue of what should be the final form of the Commission’s work on this topic.&nbsp;&nbsp; The Commission has informed that it has sought to deliver a product that can form the basis for negotiations of a treaty. The Nordic countries agree that the final draft articles could indeed constitute the basis for negotiating a treaty on the subject, although we are cognizant that most of the proposed draft articles reflect customary international law and are as such already binding on states without treaty codification. We look forward to hearing the views of other States on this particular issue. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Nordic countries once again congratulate the Commission for the successful conclusion of its first reading of the draft articles and look forward to the continued work of the ILC on this important topic.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>-///-</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>IX – Sea-level rise in relation to international law</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mme./Mr. Chair, </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>I will now turn to the topic of “Sea-level rise in international law”. We would like to thank the Study Group on sea-level rise in relation to international law for its work so far and for the second issues paper relating to statehood and to the protection of persons affected by sea-level rise, prepared by two of the Co-Chairs of the Study Group, Ms. Patricia Galvão Teles and Mr.&nbsp;Juan José Ruda Santolaria.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Nordic countries remain supportive of the Commission´s work on this timely topic, which comes down to the very existence of States. At the center of this topic are changes in the material world reminiscent of science fiction, but which are indeed cold, harsh facts. Needless to say, the Commission is right in building its work on well-known, scientific facts, such as those established by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The IPCC warned this year that the world is set to reach the 1.5ºC level of warming within the next two decades, and that only the most drastic cuts in carbon emissions from now on would help prevent an environmental disaster.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Small island developing States, that are home to around 65 million people, are particularly vulnerable to the consequences of sea level rise. Furthermore, low-lying coastal zones are currently home to almost 700 million people; a number projected to reach more than one billion by 2050; and these zones will suffer a significant increase in sea-level rise related risks such as erosion, flooding and salinisation. According to the IPCC, increases in tropical cyclone winds and rainfall as well as increases in extreme waves, combined with sea-level rise; will exacerbate extreme sea-level events and coastal hazards.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Nordic countries want to stress that these developments are a matter of concern to all States and certainly not only to those who will suffer the most from the consequences - and which, in many cases, have done the least to cause them.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mme./Mr. Chair, </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The two sub-topics covered in the report this year; questions on statehood on one hand and questions on the protection of persons affected by sea-level rise, on the other hand, are both relevant and should be explored further by the ILC.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Turning to questions of statehood, the Nordic countries agree with the Commission that these are sensitive matters that should be addressed with considerable caution and discussed thoroughly.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>As has been discussed within the Commission, it is possible that only a relatively small number of small states would become submerged or uninhabitable due to sea level rise. But let there be no doubt; all States are equally important, regardless of the size of their territory or population. An existential threat to one State needs to be considered as a threat to the international community as a whole. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The ILC report this year touches upon possible alternatives for the future in relation to statehood. This is a sombering, yet a necessary discussion. As Co-Chair Ruda Santolaria has aptly pointed out; while there is yet no record of situations where the territory of a State has been completely submerged or rendered uninhabitable; such a situation cannot be considered a distant theoretical concern. According to the IPCC, sea levels are sure to keep rising well beyond 2100; although the magnitude and rate will depend on how fast emissions will be reduced. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The situation is in many ways unprecedented from the point of view of international law. State practice is essential to all work of the ILC; however, in its absence for large parts of the world – and with a clear distinction between legal and policy aspects – the Commission can be of help to the international community by reflecting on the basis of international law and generating a dialogue on the possible options and alternatives for States to consider in dealing with the problems associated with sea-level rise.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>In this context, and despite that law of the sea aspects are addressed separately from the two sub-topics currently under discussion, we would like to reiterate our long-standing position on the need to fully preserve the integrity of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mme./Mr. Chair.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Co-chair has noted that once a State is created under international law, it has an unalienable right to take measures to remain a State. The assumption is mainly based on the 1933 Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of States, with its qualifications for what constitutes a state; namely a permanent population; a defined territory; government; and capacity to enter into relations with other states. Furthermore, the assumption is supported by examples from some regional legal instruments. This assumption is fundamental to the issue at hand, and while it can be agreed to in principle, it would be helpful if the ILC could explore and scrutinize it further. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The same applies to the presumption of continuity of statehood, such as in the absence of a territory. In this context, the discussion on the capacity of such a State to uphold its obligations is relevant – such as on human rights, migration and refugee law as well as in relation to its maritime zones.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mme./Mr. Chair, </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>I will now turn to the protection of persons affected by sea-level rise. The Nordic countries have certainly paid attention to the notion of Co-chair Galvão Teles that potentially applicable existing legal frameworks are fragmented and general in nature and that therefore they could be further developed. While it is too early to come to conclusions on whether a specific legal framework will be needed, we think it would be useful if the Commission dwelled further on this issue. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>We are pleased that the Co-Chair intends to follow emerging and existing practice closely and establish and maintain contacts with a range of relevant expert bodies and international organizations.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mme./Mr. Chair.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Among the points the Co-chair has listed for further examination are issues of the utmost importance, such as the protection of persons in vulnerable situations and the prevention of statelessness.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>As regards the applicability of human rights law in general to this topic, it is clear that some international human rights are inalienable. Furthermore, as laid out by the World Conference on Human Rights in Vienna in 1993; it is important to remember that all human rights – civil, political, economic, social and cultural; are universal, interrelated, interdependent and indivisible. This may, for instance, apply to cultural rights of persons in scenarios where a state may become inundated or uninhabitable.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> <p>The question of human rights of persons affected by sea level rise, to the point that their state becomes inundated or uninhabitable, is important and requires thorough consideration from the perspective of international law. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mme./Mr. Chair.</p> <p>Sea-level rise is a human made problem; to which humans can - and must - find solutions. International law is no exception thereto, in instances where there are potential legal gaps. The ILC is well positioned to assist States in clarifying and systematizing international law relating to sea-level rise; as well as in identifying needs for new regulations that States may address in responding to the multitude of problems caused by sea-level rise In this context it remains important to be mindful of making a distinction between the legal and political aspects of addressing climate change. The Nordics are committed to urgent climate action and simultaneously, engaging in a structured legal discussion. We look forward to engaging further with the International Law Commission on this important topic.</p>

<span><br /> <a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1396pc.pdf">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine</a></span>

<p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>UNGA77, Third Committee</p> <p>26 October 2022</p> <p>Delivered by H.E. Mr. Jörundur Valtýsson, Permanent Representative of Iceland</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Thank you, Mr. Chair,</p> <p>Iceland thanks the Special Rapporteur for his latest report.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Women’s rights are human rights. We remain gravely concerned by the ongoing violent crackdown against protesters in Iran following the tragic death of Mahsa Jina Amini.</p> <p>The Iranian authorities must respect the fundamental human rights of their citizens not least those that are under any form of detention. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. Chair,</p> <p>The right to freedom of expression and opinion and peaceful assembly is a fundamental right.&nbsp;</p> <p>We deplore the disproportionate and unlawful use of force against civilians exercising this very right. The persecution, harassment and intimidation of journalists covering the protests in Iran must also stop.</p> <p>Iceland condemns the apparent systemic impunity for perpetrators of human rights violations in Iran. This prevailing systemic impunity is cause for setting up an additional mechanism to ensure accountability for serious human rights violations in Iran.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. Special Rapporteur,&nbsp;</p> <p>What can the international community do to ensure accountability for the ongoing serious human rights violations in Iran?&nbsp;<s> </s></p>

<p class="paragraph" style="text-align: justify;">UNGA77</p> <p paraid="799957206" paraeid="{5a1e52f2-43c7-4c56-8303-6403e3cfd466}{72}"><span data-contrast="auto">Third Committee</span></p> <p paraid="1860343052" paraeid="{5a1e52f2-43c7-4c56-8303-6403e3cfd466}{127}"><span data-contrast="auto">Helen Inga S von Ernst</span></p> <p paraid="1968287339" paraeid="{bf569a29-fc54-42aa-a9a2-1b09a17efb60}{172}">&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Thank you, Chair.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p paraid="1395388716" paraeid="{bf569a29-fc54-42aa-a9a2-1b09a17efb60}{188}">&nbsp;</p> <p paraid="1685574504" paraeid="{bf569a29-fc54-42aa-a9a2-1b09a17efb60}{192}"><span data-contrast="auto">Iceland would like to thank the chair of the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities for her briefing to the Third Committee of the General Assembly.</span></p> <p paraid="564702044" paraeid="{bf569a29-fc54-42aa-a9a2-1b09a17efb60}{208}">&nbsp;</p> <p paraid="2101586478" paraeid="{bf569a29-fc54-42aa-a9a2-1b09a17efb60}{212}"><span data-contrast="auto">As a member of the CRPD, Iceland is honoured to reiterate its steadfast support for the Committee and its work.&nbsp;</span></p> <p paraid="120793759" paraeid="{bf569a29-fc54-42aa-a9a2-1b09a17efb60}{228}">&nbsp;</p> <p paraid="1089240064" paraeid="{bf569a29-fc54-42aa-a9a2-1b09a17efb60}{234}"><span data-contrast="auto">The Icelandic Government is committed to further advance the rights of persons with disabilities and work towards full implementation of the Convention, with <span data-contrast="auto">the central goal being the self-determination and full participation of all persons with disabilities in our society.</span></span></p> <p paraid="1770076856" paraeid="{bf569a29-fc54-42aa-a9a2-1b09a17efb60}{252}">&nbsp;</p> <p paraid="484213682" paraeid="{1da86be4-f417-4ff5-b9d7-4216cd2e27f2}{1}"><span data-contrast="auto">Since the ratification of the CRPD in 2016 various amendments have been made to implement the Convention into Icelandic legislation. An example is the Act on Services for Persons with Disabilities with Long-term Support Needs, implemented in 2018, which aims to give people with disabilities the support they need to lead their lives independently on their own terms, and to fully enjoy their human rights on an equal basis with others in our society.</span></p> <p paraid="1387592898" paraeid="{1da86be4-f417-4ff5-b9d7-4216cd2e27f2}{9}">&nbsp;</p> <p paraid="1053546692" paraeid="{1da86be4-f417-4ff5-b9d7-4216cd2e27f2}{13}"><span data-contrast="auto">To further strengthen the status of the Convention, </span><span data-contrast="auto">the</span><span data-contrast="auto"> decision has been made to incorporate it directly into Icelandic legislation and extensive </span><span data-contrast="auto">work been undertaken to identify the opportunities and challenges in achieving this goal.&nbsp;</span></p> <p paraid="909281660" paraeid="{1da86be4-f417-4ff5-b9d7-4216cd2e27f2}{31}">&nbsp;</p> <p paraid="1188901360" paraeid="{1da86be4-f417-4ff5-b9d7-4216cd2e27f2}{35}"><span data-contrast="auto">Work has also started for the preparation of a new national plan until 2030 on the rights of persons with disabilities with a clear vision and targets for the future, based on the previously mentioned mapping of services.&nbsp;</span></p> <p paraid="2090337213" paraeid="{1da86be4-f417-4ff5-b9d7-4216cd2e27f2}{45}"><span data-contrast="auto">Mr. Chair.&nbsp;</span></p> <p paraid="954974472" paraeid="{1da86be4-f417-4ff5-b9d7-4216cd2e27f2}{51}"><span data-contrast="auto">The members of CRPD have a <span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">crucial role in ensuring that the rights of persons with disabilities are fully taken into consideration when finding human </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">rights-based</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"> solutions to new challenges, such as climate change</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"> and the effects of a global pandemic.&nbsp;</span></span></p> <p paraid="1658368819" paraeid="{d8fd9d35-732e-4536-a818-cc4b7bf63f4e}{252}">&nbsp;</p> <p paraid="188926266" paraeid="{1da86be4-f417-4ff5-b9d7-4216cd2e27f2}{67}"><span data-contrast="auto">We wou<span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">l</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">d</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"> </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">l</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">i</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">k</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">e</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"> </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">t</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">o</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"> </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">as</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">k</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"> </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">Ms. </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">Kayess</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">;</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"> </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">w</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">h</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">e</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">r</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">e</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"> </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">d</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">o</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"> </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">y</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">o</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">u</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"> </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">b</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">e</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">l</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">i</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">e</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">v</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">e</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"> there is the widest protection gap when countering these different challenges? </span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>UNGA 77, Third Committee<br /> 21 October 2022<br /> Delivered by Helen Inga S von Ernst</p> <p>We welcome Mr. Ian Fry in his first appearance to the Third Committee as Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change and thank him for his report.</p> <p>We hope that through this mandate an increased attention will be given to the negative effects of environmental change and climate change on the enjoyment of human rights across the globe. The magnitude of this challenge still needs to be further analyzed and translated into policies and actions that have human rights at the center.</p> <p>It is worth noting in this context that during our term on the Human Rights Council, one of Iceland’s priorities was the impact of environmental change, including climate change, on human rights. Looking ahead, Iceland will continue to make the link between human rights and the environment and climate change a focus in our upcoming chairmanship in the Council of Europe. </p> <p>The biggest challenge we collectively face in the longer term is the climate crisis. The Icelandic Government has a clear goal to make Iceland a leader in combating climate change.</p> <p>Such efforts include measures to support communities with mitigation and adaptation against the effects of climate change, which remains a strategic priority in Iceland’s Development Cooperation, including working towards sustainable use of natural resources with increased use of geothermal energy and other renewable energy sources, recovering land&nbsp;quality, and the protection and sustainable management of the oceans and waters. Iceland is also firmly committed to&nbsp;our responsibility to respect, protect and promote human rights in all climate change-related actions.</p> <p>Special Rapporteur,</p> <p>What measures can States take to incorporate persons worst affected by the climate crisis and in vulnerable situations into the development of climate policy?</p>

<p><span> </span>UNGA 77, Third Committee <br /> 20 October 2022 <br /> Delivered by Helen Inga S von Ernst <br /> <br /> <br /> The promotion and protection of human rights is a core priority for the government of Iceland, both at home and abroad. <br /> <br /> We firmly uphold the principle that human rights are universal and we strive to see this reflected in all areas of Icelandic society. <br /> <br /> International cooperation is a critical component of promoting and implementing human rights for all. <br /> <br /> This is especially vital now where we are seeing the serious consequences of the climate crisis, the vast effects of a global pandemic, and the tragedy of war has returned to Europe with the Russian invasion in Ukraine – a blatant violation of international law and the United Nations Charter. <br /> <br /> Many of the basic rights, we may have thought to be secured and guaranteed, have been challenged. <br /> <br /> We are seeing serious challenges to human rights with increasing religious intolerance, violent nationalism and racism, and homophobia, transphobia and biphobia. We are also witnessing increased hate speech and a pushback on the gains that have been made towards gender equality and women’s reproductive rights.   <br /> <br /> We must reverse and fight these trends and work together to secure the human rights of all people, all around the world. Together we must fight the discontent and suspicion of the values of democracy, freedom, and human rights and defend a system where dissent is an integral part of public discourse. <br /> <br /> Mr. Chair, <br /> <br /> Earlier this year Iceland got the valuable opportunity to discuss our own human rights record with fellow Member States and non-state actors during our third cycle of the Universal Periodic Review in the Human Rights Council. <br /> <br /> We were pleased to receive 230 recommendations from Member States on where we can do better in our continued national development as new challenges to human rights continue to rise. <br /> <br /> In that regard, we emphasise the importance to make steady progress towards institutionalizing the promotion and respect for human rights. <br /> <br /> We are pleased that the Icelandic Government has decided to establish a strong, independent and effective National Human Rights Institution that will be fully compliant with the Paris Principles. <br /> <br /> Work is already underway, and a bill will be presented to Parliament in 2023. <br /> <br /> Mr. Chair, <br /> <br /> We firmly believe that progressive policies aimed at advancing gender equality are the foundation for stable, peaceful and prosperous societies. <br /> <br /> Empirical evidence in the Nordic countries has in fact shown that gender equality is not only just and fair, but also a smart economic policy. <br /> <br /> Although Iceland is proud to have been at the top of the World Economic Forum’s gender gap index since 2009, we will not stop here, but actively continue our drive. This is based on a dedicated Government Action Plan, where gender-equality mainstreaming – including gender-equality budgeting – is an integral part of public policy. <br /> <br /> Iceland has and will also continue to raise its voice for LGBTI individuals all around that world. At home, we continue to make significant progress on advancing LGBTI rights based on a dedicated and newly adopted Government Action Plan on LGBTI rights. <br /> <br /> Mr. Chair, <br /> <br /> In 2018, Iceland took a seat on the Human Rights Council for the first time, and we continue to use the Council as a key platform to promote human rights, including children’s rights, LGBTI and gender equality, rule of law and democracy. We are seeking a seat on the Council for the period 2025 to 2027. <br /> <br /> In November, Iceland will assume its chairmanship in the Council of Europe. During our chairmanship, we are determined to engage meaningfully with all members on the advancement of human rights in and beyond the region. <br /> <br /> In this decade of action and delivery for the SDGs, we must stand together in working towards advancing democratic values and fundamental respect for human rights for everyone. <br /> <br /> Thank you. <br /> <br /> </p>

Third Committee, UNGA77<br /> 20 October 2022<br /> Delivered by Helen Inga S von Ernst <br /> <br /> <br /> We thank the Special Rapporteur for his report. <br /> <br /> Iceland firmly believes that safe drinking water and sanitation is not only a human right but also central to living a life in dignity. Safe access to water also provides foundations for gender equality and sustainable livelihoods. <br /> <br /> The impacts of climate change on the human rights to water and sanitation of rural communities are increasingly evident. <br /> <br /> Unfortunately, women and girls, especially those living in rural areas, are also disproportionately affected by lack of access to quality water and sanitation. This has been an aspect of Iceland’s contribution in our development cooperation where the provision of clean water and sanitation for poor communities in our partners countries have been provided. <br /> <br /> Discriminatory norms and structures, gender stereotypes, and stigma and taboos related to menstruation and child-birth also seriously affect the realization of the right to water and sanitation. <br /> <br /> Women and girls living in rural areas often bear the responsibility and hard work of ensuring safe water and sanitation at home. Effects of climate change and conflicts are increasingly forcing them to walk longer distances to fetch water. With this, the risk of sexual and gender-based violence, discrimination and exploitation and lack of autonomy increases. <br /> <br /> However, it is clear as you mentioned in your report, that despite women’ and girls’ irrefutable live-saving water role, they are still often marginalized in debates and decision-making processes and their effective participation is not guaranteed. This must change. <br /> <br /> Mr. Special Rapporteur, what more can be done to guarantee that women and girls, especially those living in rural areas, are at the decision-making table? <br /> <br />

<p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic countries, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and my own country Finland – and we commend Gabon for arranging this important debate. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>In today’s complex conflict situations, the work of human rights defenders is ever more dange­rous. Threats, violence, harassment and hate speech against women peacebuilders and human rights defenders pose a serious threat to their lives and physical integrity. This can seriously disrupt their efforts for peace and conflict resolution.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Nordic countries echo the messages in the SG’s WPS report and the NGO Working Group’s open letter: It is the international community’s responsibility to ensure an enabling environment for women to exercise their right to participate in all aspects of public, social and political life. This includes concrete measures of protection from threats and violence. We simply must recognize the inextricable link between protection and participation.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>This is a rights issue but also a crucial step towards building inclusive and sustainable peace. Particular attention must be paid to those who experience multiple, intersecting dis­cri­mi­nation, such as women with disabilities. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>***</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Security Council has shown leadership by providing many women human rights defenders and peacebuilders a platform for sharing their views, expertise and experiences.&nbsp; We call on the Council Members to incorporate these perspectives into the Council’s work and conclusions, and to continue to provide women human rights defenders and peacebuilders this visibility&nbsp; and appropriate support before, during and after briefing the Council. We call on Member States to adopt a zero-tolerance policy to address reprisals and to follow up with robust and systematic accountability measures against all perpetrators.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Women and girls are disproportionately impacted by crises and conflicts because of their gender. The SG’s report documents a substantial increase in threats and attacks, including SGBV, targeting women in public life as a strategy to silence, humiliate, and discredit them. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>***</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Yet, women peacebuilders and women’s rights organizations all over the world continue to show remarkable leadership, initiative and resilience. They play pivotal roles in efforts relating to conflict prevention, conflict resolution and sustaining peace – and achieving gender equality.&nbsp; </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Continuous support to women rights organizations is essential. In addition to political support that recognizes women’s agency, this should include sufficient, predictable and sustainable funding to support grassroot-level action and capacity building for women’s networks.&nbsp; </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>By the year 2030, an estimate of over 80 percent of global poverty will be in countries suffering from violence and fragility. Tackling state fragility and placing emphasis on conflict prevention and peace mediation are ever more urgent. The Nordic countries regret that only 5 percent of official development assistance to conflict-affected countries is dedicated to advancing gender equality. We – particularly Member States – have to redouble our efforts when it comes to funding.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>In conclusion, Mr. President,</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Without women, we cannot achieve inclusive and sustainable peace. The Nordic countries commend the 11 current and former Security Council members that have signed the Shared Commitments on WPS. We expect and call on the Security Council to take the lead in ensuring that inclusion of women’s perspectives and gender equality becomes a given in all discussion on peace and security.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>I thank you.</p>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1395PC%20iceland%20reply%20ODIHR%20director.pdf">Statement by H.E. Ambassador Kristín A. Árnadóttir. 1395th Permanent Council, 20 October 2022. Iceland in response to the report by Matteo Mecacci, the </a><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1395PC%20iceland%20reply%20ODIHR%20director.pdf">1395PC iceland reply ODIHR&nbsp;</a></span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

<p> <a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1395PC%20eu%20on%20ukraine.pdf">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine</a></p> <p><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1395PC%20eu%20reply%20ODIHR%20dir%201395pc.pdf">EU statement in response to the report by the Director of ODIHR, Matteo Mecacci</a></p> <p><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1395pc%20en%20czech%20rep%20on%20behalf%20of%20eu%20member%20states%20reply%20SG%20presentation%20UB2023.pdf">STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE MEMBER STATES OF THE EUROPEAN UNION AT THE 1395th MEETING OF THE OSCE PERMANENT COUNCIL</a></p>

<span><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=537344a3-5392-11ed-9bb1-005056bc4727">INTENSIFIED, INDISCRIMINATE AND ASSYMETRICAL MILITARY ATTACKS ON UKRAINE’S CIVIL POPULATION</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel1505%20iceland%20in%20reply%20SRCTHB%201394pc.pdf">Statement by Temporary Officer, Eva Dröfn Hassell Guðmundsdóttir. 1394th Permanent Council, 14 October 2022. Iceland in response to the report by the OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings.</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel1647%20joint%20on%20intl%20girl%20child%20day%201394pc.pdf">JOINT STATEMENT DELIVERED BY AMBASSADOR JOCELYN KINNEAR<br /> (on behalf of Canada, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and the United Kingdom)<br /> ON THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL CHILD 1394th MEETING OF THE PERMANENT COUNCIL 13 October 2022</a>.</span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel1510%20joint%20statement%20on%20capital%20punishment%201394pc%20-%20Copy%20(1).pdf"><span>Joint Statement at the 1393 Permanent Council Meeting on the World Day against the Death Penalty</span></a>.</span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel1496r1%20joint%20statement%201394pc.pdf">J<span>oint statement of 45 OSCE participating states at the 1394 PC meeting held on 13 October 2022. Delivered by Ambassador Gesa Bräutigam, Permanent Representative of Germany to the OSCE under the current issue “Appeal for Peace in Ukraine” (raised by the delegation of the Holy See)</span></a>.</span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel1490%20joint%20statement%20reply%20hom%201394pc.pdf">JOINT STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO THE REPORT BY THE HEAD OF THE OSCE MISSION IN KOSOVO, DELIVERED BY AMBASSADOR MARIO HORVATIĆ<br /> 1394th MEETING OF THE PERMANENT COUNCIL<br /> OCTOBER 13, 2022</a></span>

<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees<br /> 73^st Session of the Executive Committee<br /> Palais des Nations, Geneva<br /> 10. – 14. October 2022</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>General Debate<br /> STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF ICELAND<br /> <em>- Check against delivery - </em></strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>H.E. Mr. Einar Gunnarsson<br /> Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations, Geneva</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Mr. Chair, High Commissioner. </strong></p> <p>Iceland would like to commend UNHCR staff, under the exemplary leadership of the High Commissioner, for their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to protect and assist those forced to flee. We would also like to use this opportunity to express Iceland’s strong support for the High Commissioner extended tenure. </p> <p>Mr. Chair. </p> <p>Yet another forced displacement record has been broken this year with the number of forcibly displaced exceeding one hundred million worldwide. If ongoing conflicts, violence, persecution and adverse effects of climate change remain unresolved and the risks of new ones are not addressed, the twenty-first century will see the pace and scale of displacement by far outstripping durable solutions for persons of concern to UNHCR.</p> <p>The protection crisis in Afghanistan following the Taliban take-over was high on our agenda last year. A crisis that came at a time when the humanitarian system was already under extreme pressure.</p> <p>This year, we had hoped to gather under less strenuous circumstances allowing us collectively to address pre-existing challenges and take off where we left on burden and responsibility-sharing which unfortunately slowed down during the global pandemic.</p> <p>Not only did global human suffering increase - the world also saw the most disruptive international armed conflict since World War II - a war of aggression&nbsp; by Russia against Ukraine - and the forcible displacement of nearly fourteen million Ukrainians in a matter of weeks. </p> <p>Mr. Chair. </p> <p>Last year, Iceland committed to welcoming Afghans in need of international protection following the Taliban take-over. This works continues until this day, including through family reunification. </p> <p>Like other countries in Europe, Iceland also opened its doors to asylum seekers fleeing the war in Ukraine. Since the beginning of this years, Iceland received a record high number of asylum seekers with the majority fleeing the war in Ukraine. New resources were also mobilised for IDPs in Ukraine and Ukrainian refugees seeking protection in neighbouring countries.</p> <p>More specifically on resettlement, Iceland will continue to share the responsibility for providing durable solutions. Our resettlement commitments stand, and we will continue to work in close partnership with UNHCR in honouring them. </p> <p>We recognise that the second Global Refugee Forum is little over a year away. The GRF brings with it important opportunities for countries like Iceland who primarily act as donors to take a closer look at how to better share the responsibilities with larger refugee host countries. We look forward to this undertaking and will do our best. </p> <p>Mr Chair. </p> <p>Iceland values its partnership with UNHCR and we remain committed to strengthening it further. We strongly believe in predictable and flexible annual funding and see it as the most cost-effective, humane and logical way forward in this dire humanitarian landscape characterised by life-threatening funding shortfalls, including for persons of concern to UNHCR. </p> <p>Iceland is committed to help bridge the funding gap this year and is therefore more than doubling this year’s core contribution to UNHCR. We encourage other donors to do the same, before it is too late. </p> <p>In situations of protracted crises, we are committed to the principle of predictable and flexible contributions and will continue to provide multi-year funding for UNHCR´s operations, including in Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan. </p> <p>UNHCR continues to be our main conduit for humanitarian assistance. This year, Iceland has responded to the deterioriating situation in the Sahel and the Horn of Africa, and the most recent floods in Pakistan. </p> <p>Mr Chair. </p> <p>In closing, forced displacement and statelessness impact people differently, depending on age, gender and diversity. An intersectional approach is therefore vital for identifying protection risks and designing an effective response. Iceland commends UNHCR for its exemplary work and commitment to persons in the most vulnerable situations. </p> <p>I thank you. </p>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1394pc%20eu%20on%20General%20elections%20in%20BiH.pdf"><br /> EU Statement on General elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina</a></span></p> <p><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1394pc%20eu%20on%20gid.pdf">EU Statement on the 56th round of the Geneva International Discussions</a></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1394pc%20eu%20on%20int%20girl%20child%20day%201394pc.pdf">EU Statement on the International Day of the Girl Child</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1394pc%20eu%20on%20ukraine.pdf">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1394pc%20eu%20on%20world%20day%20against%20death%20penalty%201394pc.pdf">EU Statement on the European and World Day against the Death Penalty</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1394PC%20eu%20reply%20HoM%20kosovo.pdf">EU Statement in response to the Report by the Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Ambassador Michael Davenport</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1394pc%20eu%20reply%20SRCTHB.pdf">EU Statement in Response to the Report by the OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, Mr. Valiant Richey&nbsp;</a></span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

<p>Statement by H.E. Jörundur Valtýsson, Permanent Representative of Iceland</p> <p> <br /> Mr Chair,<br /> <br /> Let me join colleagues in congratulating you and the members of the Bureau on your election and wish you all the best in leading the work of the First Committee. Iceland aligns itself with the statements delivered earlier by Denmark on behalf of the Nordic countries, and the European Union but let me highlight few key issues from a national perspective.<br /> <br /> Mr Chair,<br /> <br /> We are meeting at critical times. The global security landscape has not been more precarious since the World War II. Growing tensions, distrust, and lack of compliance have increasingly become all too prevalent - leading most states to the realisation that the global community needs to reinvigorate and recommit to the global disarmament and non-proliferation agenda. <br /> <br /> As we meet, we are witnessing that some of the key agreements that have underpinned decades of global disarmament efforts are seriously tested and undermined by non-compliance and rapidly growing security challenges. <br /> <br /> The sad fact is that the ongoing military aggression of a member state with a permanent seat on the Security Council against another member state of the United Nations has all but eliminated any prospects for advancing the arms control agenda. <br /> <br /> It is tragic that the Russian Federation has engaged in a totally unprovoked and unjustifiable military action against Ukraine. This gross violation of international law and the UN Charter, undermining international peace and security, is utterly condemnable. Iceland stands in absolute solidarity with Ukraine in its fight, defending its people, its sovereignty and territorial integrity.<br /> <br /> The nuclear rhetoric and even threats of use of nuclear weapons coming from the Russian authorities is of particular concern. This repugnant rhetoric, combined with serious attempts of the invading Russian armed forces to play fast and loose with the safety of nuclear energy facilities in Ukraine, is deplorable.<br /> <br /> Let me use this opportunity to thank the International Atomic Energy Agency, for its pivotal role in contributing to international peace and security through its safeguard agreements and the untiring work in assuring the safety of the nuclear power plants in Ukraine. The illegal and aggressive behaviour of Russia regarding the Zaporizhzhia power plant is disgraceful. <br /> <br /> Also, the increasingly rogue behaviour of the Democratic People´s Republic of Korea with its illegal nuclear program in violation of UN Security Council resolutions is a serious threat to the non-proliferation regime and global security. The DPRK must return to compliance with its international obligations, in particular the NPT and IAEA Safeguards Arrangements and the CTBT. <br /> <br /> Mr. Chair,<br /> <br /> We must not give up on our common aim of a world free of nuclear weapons. The failure to reach consensus on advancing the implementation of the Nuclear Proliferation Treaty at the 10th Review conference is sadly a further testament to the irresponsible behaviour of the Russian Federation. Some 140 states were willing and ready to move forward with the implementation of the NPT while a single state, the Russian Federation, prevented that will to be realised. <br /> <br /> However, the Nuclear Proliferation Treaty will continue to play its crucial role in nuclear disarmament and in preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons while at the same time safeguarding the benefits of nuclear technology for civilian use. The next review cycle offers the opportunity to learn from the past and re-energize efforts for full implementation of the treaty, not least Article six.<br /> <br /> If the message from the Reykjavik Summit of the nuclear powers in 1986, “nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought” has ever been applicable, it is today.<br /> <br /> Mr. Chair<br /> <br /> This harsh reality reinforces the need to make full use of various supporting agreements and mechanisms that cement existing nuclear disarmament arrangements. <br /> <br /> The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty has for more than 25 years enjoyed strong support by great majority of the UN member states. It is high time that all states, not already members, sign and ratify the treaty, particularly those states belonging to Annex II of the CTBT. <br /> <br /> Furthermore, Iceland reaffirms its strong support for commencing negotiations on a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty, a treaty that would provide another important pillar to existing non-proliferation arrangements. <br /> <br /> With the Chemical Weapons Convention we agreed that the use of chemical weapons should be an echo from a distant past, not a weapon of war or political tool, as we have experienced in recent years in Syria and with the outstanding case of Mr. Navalny. Such a use of chemical weapons is utterly unacceptable by anyone, anytime, anywhere. All such incidents should be thoroughly investigated, and the perpetrators of such heinous crimes held accountable. Iceland strongly supports the role of the OPCW and its ongoing investigative efforts. <br /> <br /> Iceland supports stronger efforts to counter the increased vulnerability of the international community to biological threats, a vulnerability brought to fore with the Covid-19 pandemic. The 9th Review Conference of the Biological Weapons Convention later this year must address this issue in earnest and take concrete steps to reinforce compliance and implementation.<br /> <br /> And although weapons of mass destruction are currently demanding most of our attention, the importance of preserving, universalising, and developing treaties and initiatives in the sphere of conventional weapons is critical for global security and sustainable development - and has direct implications for many of today's conflicts. <br /> <br /> The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons continues to undermine peace, development, and human rights. We call on all UN member states to join the Arms Trade Treaty. The effective implementation of the Treaty and the Programme of Action on small arms is key to reversing this negative trend. Iceland welcomes the significant role these arms control instruments play in protecting civilians and preventing gender-based violence in conflict situations. <br /> <br /> Mr Chair, <br /> <br /> The growing critical role of information technology in our everyday lives, demanding access to open, free, secure, and safe cyberspace, has exposed our vulnerability to irresponsible behaviour, disinformation, invasive surveillance, and attacks by state and non-state actors. We need to reinforce our efforts to create a single process developing a Programme of Action for advancing Responsible State Behaviour in Cyberspace. <br /> <br /> Iceland welcomes the increasing attention given to outer space activities and assets that are of growing importance for our societies and sustainable development overall. It is imperative to ensure that these activities continue to be peaceful and benefit all.<br /> <br /> Finally, Mr. Chair, Iceland reaffirms its strong belief that every effort should be made to ensure that women have an active and equal role in every arms control and disarmament process. We are encouraged by positive steps taken in relation to strengthening gender perspectives and diversity in various arms control fora. Let us reinforce and broaden this positive work to help us better meet the challenges we face.<br /> <br /> I thank you.</p>

Delivered by Ms. Jóna Þórey Pétursdóttir, Youth Delegate of Iceland at UNGA77<br /> <br /> Thank you, Mr. Chair,<br /> <br /> It is an honour for me to take the floor on behalf of Iceland, and, as an Icelandic Youth Delegate, to have the chance to represent Iceland’s young people, youth and children.<br /> <br /> The global state of the human rights of children and youth is of great concern. During times of increased instability, civil conflicts and territorial wars, it is clear that children are at higher risk of trafficking and abuse, and their health and well-being are endangered as they are displaced or forced to flee their homes. <br /> <br /> Also, children and youth are facing more violent natural disasters than ever before caused by the climate crisis, leading to displacement and other serious adverse impacts on children’s lives. <br /> <br /> Armed conflict and the climate crisis pose the highest risk to human rights today, in particular human rights of children, youth and the rights of the future generations. <br /> While the world’s nations fall short in their response, the adverse impacts of armed conflicts and climate change only increase. To consistently promote the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child states must dare to take drastic measures required to sustain our planet.<br /> <br /> Facing a climate emergency, children and youth, who stand to inherit broken eco-systems, have been leading the path in demanding action. Their fight is in the interest of you, me, themselves and future generations. Environmental human rights defenders must be protected, and their strenuous efforts acknowledged, in particular the children and young people paving the way forward, who now face backlash for their efforts trying to better the world. <br /> <br /> Young people are calling on Governments to act on the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, which was recently adopted by the General Assembly. We need to act immediately if we want to ensure a clean, healthy and sustainable environment for children and the future generations to come. We are, simply speaking, running out of time. <br /> <br /> Mr. Chair,<br /> <br /> The COVID-19 pandemic has had negative impact on the education and social interaction of children and youth that we must address. <br /> The Icelandic government decided early on in the pandemic to not impose lockdowns on pre-schools and compulsory schools with the aim to minimize the disruption in children’s education and socialization in these hugely important formative years. <br /> <br /> However, the impact of the pandemic on children and youth’s lives and health is evident. Many lost their loved ones, providers, and caregivers in the pandemic. Increased numbers of reported cases show that children were more exposed to domestic violence during lockdowns. They must be provided with resources to recover from the trauma of the pandemic. <br /> <br /> Mr. Chair,<br /> <br /> Iceland promotes multi-agency and child-friendly approaches to child protective services. A new policy and action plan on a Child-Friendly Iceland was adopted last year. It aims to ensure a comprehensive implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, including through strengthened child participation, child impact assessments, child-friendly budgeting, increased collection of data, and education on children’s rights at all school levels and throughout society. <br /> <br /> Iceland has also undertaken an extensive revision of laws and policies on services for children, including a new Act on the Integration of Services in the Interest of Children’s Prosperity. We also plan to create an integral policy on matters concerning children, based on the Convention on the Rights of the Child and other international obligations. <br /> <br /> We also have a child friendly agency in Iceland with a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to deal with cases of child abuse and providing appropriate support and treatment to children who fall victim to abuse. This model, called Barnahús or <br /> <br /> Children’s house, developed in Iceland for over twenty years has also been established in over twenty countries. <br /> Furthermore, Iceland has revised its children protection system to provide a comprehensive approach via multi-agency cooperation to appropriately respond to notifications and cases of child abuse.<br /> <br /> Mr. Chair,<br /> <br /> Iceland is firmly committed to end all violence against children. Iceland will continue to support UNICEF and UNFPA programmes to accelerate global actions to end child, early and forced marriages and female genital mutilation. It is imperative to empower girls all over the world, support and enable them to prosper, this includes ensuring sexual and reproductive health rights and services for youth, comprehensive sexuality education and to protect the right to bodily autonomy, privacy and self-determination. <br /> <br /> I thank you Mr. Chair.<br />

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel1519%20norway%201393special%20pc.pdf">THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION’S ONGOING AGGRESSION AGAINST UKRAINE; INTENSIFIED, INDISCRIMINATE AND ASSYMETRICAL MILITARY ATTACKS ON UKRAINE’S CIVIL POPULATION. Delivered by Ambassador Anne-Kirsti Karlsen at the Permanent Council, Vienna, 11 October 2022</a></span>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1393pc%20eu%20on%20ukraine.pdf"><br /> EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine: intensified, indiscriminate and asymmetrical military attacks on Ukraine’s civilian population</a></span></p>

<p>Delivered by H.E. Mr. Andrejs Pildegovičs, Permanent Representative of Latvia</p> <p> I have the honour to speak on behalf of the eight Nordic-Baltic countries: <br /> Estonia, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my <br /> own country Latvia.<br /> <br /> Mr. President, <br /> <br /> February 24th this year, Russia launched its brutal full-scale invasion of <br /> Ukraine, in blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter. By <br /> this war of aggression aided by Belarus, Russia has deliberately violated the <br /> fundamental right of all states to independence, sovereignty and territorial <br /> integrity. <br /> <br /> Russia’s military aggression and systematic violations of international <br /> humanitarian law and human rights, and atrocities committed against the <br /> people of Ukraine continue to cause grave human suffering in Ukraine as <br /> well as globally. <br /> <br /> Moreover, Russia has chosen further escalation. We resolutely condemn <br /> today´s barbaric missile attacks on residential areas, power stations, <br /> railways, trade centers and bridges in Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, Lviv, Dnipro and <br /> other Ukrainian cities launched by Russia. There is no military purpose <br /> there. The only goal of Russia’s deliberate attacks is to cause death and <br /> destruction to civilian people.<br /> <br /> With its military force, Russia has organised sham “referenda” as a pretext <br /> for a subsequent illegal attempt to annex four Ukrainian regions, Luhansk, <br /> Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia, following the pattern of the attempted <br /> illegal annexation of Crimea, Ukraine, in 2014. <br /> <br /> We reiterate our unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, <br /> sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized <br /> borders. The unlawful Russian attempts to change the status of the <br /> temporarily occupied Ukrainian regions have no legal validity. <br /> <br /> We will never recognize the so-called “results” and claimed consequences <br /> of these sham “referenda”. Russia’s faulted attempts to validate voting at <br /> gunpoint goes against the core principles of international law, as also <br /> reiterated by the Secretary-General on 29 September 2022. They are null <br /> and void and cannot produce any legal effect whatsoever. <br /> <br /> Mr. President,<br /> <br /> There is no such thing as a “legitimate” “referendum” amidst brutal warfare<br /> and widespread and systematic violations of international humanitarian law, <br /> human rights violations and abuses. <br /> <br /> There is no such thing as a valid annexation of a State’s territory by another <br /> State as a result of threats or direct use of force. In this respect, we recall <br /> that, under international law, all states are obliged to not recognize Russia’s <br /> attempted illegal annexation of Ukrainian territory. <br /> Colleagues,<br /> <br /> Russia’s unlawful war on Ukraine constitutes a direct attack on the rules-based international system and a threat to international peace and security. <br /> <br /> We will not accept this blatant violation of the core principles of the UN <br /> Charter and the suffering of millions in its wake. We will not accept Russia’s <br /> unlawful behaviour that jeopardizes international peace and security.<br /> <br /> We reject Russia’s brutality in the strongest possible terms and the <br /> international community will hold Russia accountable for its actions. There <br /> shall be no impunity. <br /> <br /> On Friday 30th September the Security Council Draft Resolution on the <br /> sham referenda failed to be adopted due to a single member, Russia, casting <br /> its veto. We deeply regret this. We do however acknowledge the Special <br /> Report of the Security Council on the use of the veto, which informs our <br /> discussions today.<br /> <br /> Mr. President,<br /> <br /> Our stance is clear: A world without respect for sovereignty, territorial <br /> integrity and the rules-based international order cannot stand. Therefore<br /> <br /> We must firmly and collectively reject Russia’s sham referenda and illegal <br /> attempt to annex any part of Ukrainian territory;<br /> <br /> We must collectively continue to insist that Russia completely and <br /> unilaterally withdraw its troops from the territory of Ukraine within its <br /> internationally recognized borders. Russia must comply with the 16 March <br /> order of the ICJ, which is binding on the parties, and stop its aggression <br /> against Ukraine; <br /> We must uphold the core principles of international law and the UN <br /> Charter. <br /> <br /> And we must underline that Russia’s unacceptable threats on the use of <br /> nuclear weapons is in clear violation of the UN Charter and threatens <br /> international peace and security. <br /> <br /> Colleagues, <br /> <br /> We will continue to firmly stand with Ukraine and will continue to provide <br /> support to Ukraine for as long as it takes. In line with the UN Charter and <br /> international law, Ukraine has the inherent right to defend itself against <br /> Russia’s aggression, and to restore its sovereignty within its internationally <br /> recognized borders.<br /> <br /> We know what the annexation and occupation are. We have experienced it <br /> during and after the Second World War. Therefore, we must do everything <br /> possible to defend the UN Charter. <br /> <br /> The Nordic and Baltic countries will therefore vote in favor of this<br /> resolution and call on Member States to do the same.<br /> <br /> Thank you, Mr. President</p>

<p><span><em>National Statement of Iceland – Plenary debate (Items 4, 5 &amp; 19) of the 215th session of the Executive Board of UNESCO, October 2022&nbsp;</em><br /> </span><strong>Delivered by the Permanent Delegate of Iceland, Ms Auðbjörg Halldórsdóttir</strong></p> <p>Ms Chairperson of the Executive Board, Ms Director-General,&nbsp;<br /> Mr President of the General Conference,&nbsp;<br /> Excellencies, distinguished colleagues,&nbsp;</p> <p>As I take the floor for the first time, I would like to thank colleagues for the warm welcome that I have received in the past weeks since I took over as Iceland’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO. I look forward to working with you all and being an active member of the UNESCO family.&nbsp;</p> <p>At this board’s session we are following up on numerous important decisions taken by the Executive Board at previous sessions, including those on the <a href="https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000382685">situation in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea</a>&nbsp;in Ukraine and on <a href="https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000382684">UNESCO's actions and emergency assistance programme for Ukraine</a>.&nbsp;</p> <p>The unlawful and brutal full-scale invasion of Russia into Ukraine continues. It has brought death and destruction to countless Ukrainians and has had a devastating impact on the country within all fields of UNESCO’s mandate and has driven up energy prices and created food shortages globally.&nbsp;</p> <p>Dear colleagues,&nbsp;<br /> The rules based international order – the respect for international law, territorial integrity and human rights – is fundamental to our peaceful co-existence. This is especially important for the smaller countries of the world, like Iceland. It is in all of our interest to uphold our common principles and values and the respect for international law. We stand united with Ukraine. We cannot afford to stand silently by.&nbsp;</p> <p>The world continues to face natural disasters linked to the climate crisis. We see the devastating effects around the globe, whether in the recent flooding in Pakistan; droughts in the Horn of Africa and the Sahel; or hurricanes in Japan and North and Central America. UNESCO’s work is needed in fighting climate change by strengthening cooperation in education and science.&nbsp;</p> <p>The right to education is an indispensable human right, also for the exercise of other human rights. In Afghanistan, women and girls have been deprived of the right to seek education, with devastating consequences for them, their families and their country’s future. We, the member states of UNESCO, must stay firmly behind UNESCO's actions in support of Afghans. Iceland has presented amendments, prepared by the Group of Friends on Afghanistan and the Afghan Permanent Delegation, on the draft decision on <a href="https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000382631">item 5.I.G</a>. We welcome the strong co-sponsorship so far and call on all delegations to join as co-sponsors in support of education in the country.&nbsp;</p> <p>Dear colleagues,&nbsp;<br /> In the coming two weeks we need to work to further strengthen the significant role that UNESCO plays within the UN system. I would like to use this opportunity to thank the IOS and all the secretariat’s staff for excellent reports and your hard work in preparation for the board meeting.&nbsp;</p> <p>We have received the first <a href="https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000382589_eng">C/5 implementation report</a>&nbsp;in its current form, which provides us with a good overview of the organization’s work, including its leading role in important projects across sectors.&nbsp;</p> <p>It also highlights how the implementation of UNESCO’s Programme and Budget has been affected by global events, most prominently Russia’s invasion in Ukraine, climate change, and the aftermath of Covid-19.&nbsp;</p> <p>The report gives a good overview of the financial situation and presents main challenges, including the issue of the organization’s financial sustainability and long-term funding needs.&nbsp;</p> <p>We welcome an increase in resource mobilisation while also noting the need to reduce dependency of programmes on earmarked voluntary contributions.&nbsp;</p> <p>We will furthermore discuss the <a href="https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000382474">proposal by the Director-General</a>&nbsp;to the Draft Programme and Budget for 2024-2025. We are aware that the organisation predicts a steep rise in both staff and non-staff cost in the current biennium and that the secretariat is looking at cost-cutting measures. This is a time to prioritize UNESCO’s resources, while allowing the organization to continue working in the direction set out in the C/4 Medium-Term Strategy.&nbsp;</p> <p>Excellencies,&nbsp;<br /> Human rights related to freedom of expression are an important pillar of UNESCO’s work. Societies become more resilient with a well-informed public and critical thinking. We need to continue supporting freedom of expression in all its forms.&nbsp;</p> <p>Iceland is also a strong supporter of the Global Priority Gender Equality. The world becomes a better place when everyone can make the most of their lives, and this needs to apply to people of all genders. We would like to encourage the Director-General and the Secretariat to continue providing a safe working environment were LGBTQI+ people have equal opportunities and do not face discrimination.&nbsp;</p> <p>Dear friends,&nbsp;<br /> Let us use this session of the Executive Board to advance the ideals of UNESCO by working together towards our common goal.&nbsp;</p> <p>I thank you.</p>

<p>M(r/s) Chair, </p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden - and my own country - Iceland.</p> <p>It should come as a no surprise that Nordic countries are strong supporters of the rule of law, both at national and international levels. Democracy and human rights are central elements of the Rule of law, which is a principle of governance in which all persons, institutions and entities, including the State itself, are accountable to the same laws that are equally enforced and independently adjudicated. Rule of law constitutes the ground upon which peace and prosperity can be built and maintained, both within and between States. Importantly, the rule of law involves respect for international law.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>M(r/s) Chair, </p> <p>The Report “Our Common Agenda” of the Secretary-General has much to offer to our work for the rule of law. We agree that the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law remain timeless, universal and an indispensable foundation for a more peaceful, prosperous and just world. The Report further tells us that international law, in particular international human rights law, underpins approximately 90 per cent of the Sustainable Development Goals. This piece of information testifies to the importance of the rule of law for the human progress. The Report also contains a new vision for the rule of law. We fully support this ambition and agree with the assertion that justice is an essential dimension of the social contract. We also welcome the focus in the report on gender equality which sheds a light on how gender discriminating laws are still a problem in many parts of the world, including in conflicts. A topic and challenge very close to the hearts of all Nordic States.</p> <p>We wish to thank the Secretary-General for his annual report on “Strengthening and coordinating United Nations rule of law activities” that underlines the importance of transitional justice and anti-corruption. We cannot overemphasize the importance of these themes.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>M(r/s) Chair, </p> <p>During the global COVID-19 pandemic we have seen civil liberties curtailed to protect public health. Certain limitations in the enjoyment of freedoms may be justified if provided by law and necessary in a democratic society in the interest of <em>inter alia</em> protection of health, but never if the rules are applied arbitrarily. Furthermore, we have seen some unacceptable limitations of rights, safeguarded in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, under the cover of COVID-19 restrictions. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>There is a concerning number of reported cases, where political pressure is put on judges - and the pandemic seems to have added to this pressure. Rule of law requires respect for the impartiality of the judiciary. When laws are promulgated, it is for the independent judiciary to apply them impartially and in accordance with principles of justice without the risk of being subject to undue pressure due to unpopular verdicts. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Rule of law is also the foundation for peace and orderly processes for solving disputes at the international stage. For instance, the prohibition in the UN Charter on the use of force is a fundamental norm of international law that must be observed consistently by all members of the UN, including members of the UN Security Council. Action in violation of the UN Charter, such as Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine, cannot be accepted and must have consequences. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>M(r/s) Chair, </p> <p>The Nordic countries are staunch supporters of the rule of law. In spite of the burden of the pandemic felt by the entire globe, we must stand firm on the core principles of modern democracies. In times of emergency, the rule of law must not be weighed against other societal interests. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Lastly, we are delighted to inform you that Denmark has presented itself as a Nordic candidate for a seat at United Nations Security Council in 2025-2026, and in this specific context, will among many issues work for a world in which respect for rule of law constitutes a cornerstone of international life.</p> <p>Thank you.</p>

<p>Thank you, Mr. / Madam Chair,</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>As this is the first time Iceland takes the floor this session, allow me to begin by congratulating you and other members of the Bureau on your election. We look forward to work under your stewardship and to make this first fully in-person session in three years a successful one.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The protection and promotion of human rights is a cornerstone of Iceland’s foreign policy. Human rights are universal and should be protected regardless of who we are, where we come from, what we believe in or whom we love. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Sadly, women have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Amidst restrictions and community lockdowns, more cases of gender-based violence were documented than ever before. Therefore, it is our joint responsibility, as we begin to recover from the effects of the pandemic, to ensure that the negative social and economic consequences of the past two and half years will not undermine our achievements on gender equality in the long run. Iceland is one of the leaders of the Generation Equality Action Coalition on Gender-Based Violence and will continue to contribute to this important initiative. Gender equality will also be one of Iceland’s main priorities during our upcoming chairmanship in the Council of Europe. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Effects of the pandemic should not act as an excuse but be an encouragement in our pursuit of gender equality. As we recover as societies, we should regain lost ground in the fight for equality, or else we risk falling even further behind on our commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. / Madam Chair,</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Iceland is committed to defending reproductive freedom as part of women’s human rights. We are deeply concerned to see established international norms and standards continuously being challenged, even the ones that have been collectively agreed as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. We are particularly concerned with attempts to overturn the discourse on bodily autonomy, comprehensive sexuality education [CSE] and sexual and reproductive health and rights [SRHR]. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The fulfilment of sexual and reproductive health and rights entails that we ensure access for all women and girls to the full range of sexual and reproductive health services. To do that, they must be aware of, and understand, their ability to realize their reproductive rights – hence the importance of comprehensive sexuality education. They must also be able to have control over and decide freely and responsibly on matters relating to their sexuality. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>This year, this Committee will consider resolutions related to the harmful practices of child, early and forced marriages and female genital mutilations, as well as ending fistula and trafficking in women and girls. We should all be addressing these important topics to keep up with the 2030 Agenda – and we hope the Committee will be ambitious in its endeavor.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. / Madam Chair,</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>It is very difficult to speak on women’s human rights without mentioning the women and girls currently affected by war and conflict, including in Afghanistan, where women are facing one of the worst cases of deterioration of their rights. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The representatives of all UN Member States in this room may disagree on many things, including when it comes to women’s rights, but none deny young women the right to a secondary education like in today’s Afghanistan where young women and girls risk their lives for the right to education. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. / Madam Chair,</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Equality is not only a principled agenda. To believe everyone should enjoy their fundamental freedoms and dignity, is also a practical one. Discrimination comes at a cost to society; both human and economic. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>If we are to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and truly “Leave No One Behind”, we must guarantee non-discrimination and equality of all. That includes men, women and anyone identifying as neither. In all our diversity.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel1456%20eu%20on%20ukraine%201392pc.pdf">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine, including illegal attempts to legalize the occupation of the eastern Ukraine</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1392pc%20eu%20on%20latest%20developments%20armenia%20-%20azerbaijan%20en.pdf">STATEMENT BY THE EUROPEAN UNION AT THE 1392nd MEETING OF THE OSCE PERMANENT COUNCIL</a></span></p> <p><span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>51^st Session of the UN Human Rights Council</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Item 10: Interactive dialogue on the oral update of OHCHR on technical assistance and capacity-building for South Sudan</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic Countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>4 October 2022</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Thank you Mr President.</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries - Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, and my own country Iceland.</p> <p>Human rights violations and abuses and human suffering remain pervasive in South Sudan. Extrajudicial, summary and arbitrary executions, sexual and gender-based violence are sadly only some of the ongoing violations and abuses. These must stop. </p> <p>We urge the Government – that has the primary responsibility to protect its population – to take long-awaited steps to improve the security situation in the country. This must include investigating and holding those responsible of human rights violations and abuses to account.</p> <p>With the recent two-year extension of the Peace Agreement and the Government’s own Roadmap, we call for a renewed push for the implementation of Chapter V on transitional justice. The technical assistance provided by the Office of the High Commissioner is fundamental to ensure this. Building capacity in national courts to investigate and prosecute alleged crimes is imperative. </p> <p>The support of the Office of the High Commissioner can only translate to progress with the full cooperation of the Government. We urge the Government to make use of the support provided, to take active measures to reduce the level of violence and ensure that those responsible are held to account.</p> <p>Thank you.</p> <br />

<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>51^st session of the Human Rights Council</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Item 10: Enhanced interactive dialogue on the report of the High Commissioner on technical cooperation and capacity-building for the promotion and protection of human rights in the Philippines</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Statement by Denmark on behalf of the Nordic Baltic Countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>5 October</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Thank you, <em>Mr. President</em>.</p> <p>The Nordic-Baltic countries welcome the report and thank the <em>Acting High Commissioner</em> and the Resident Coordinator for their updates.</p> <p>Resolution 45/33 importantly requested technical assistance and capacity building through the implementation of a multi-year UN Joint Programme in the Philippines. We are pleased that the Programme is based on this request of the Council with corresponding focus areas. </p> <p>We express concern over the lack of progress made on the accountability agenda. This is a key component of the program and justice is needed, both for the victims of human rights violations and to prevent new ones from occurring. In addition, we would like to highlight the importance of broad civil society participation across all components of the Programme. </p> <p>We believe the Programme, if implemented to the letter, is an important tool in institutionalizing human rights in law enforcement. </p> <p>The Programme has generated some important outputs over the past fourteen months. Now we need to see the outcomes. Anything less than genuine intentions of all stakeholders to use the Programme to improve the human rights situation in the Philippines will constitute a failure. </p> <p>We look forward to the Government and the Resident Coordinator continuing to keep the Council abreast of the implementation of the Programme at future sessions.</p> <p>I thank you. </p> <br />

<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 51^st Session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia<br /> </strong><strong></strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>5 October 2022<br /> Nordic-Baltic Statement</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Thank you Mr. President.</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country Iceland.</p> <p>We welcome the successful completion of the electoral process and peaceful transition of power in Somalia. However, many serious challenges remain, including with regard to human rights.&nbsp; </p> <p>We are deeply concerned with the increasing number of internally displaced persons due to drought and conflict. People on the move, particularly women, girls and children, are especially vulnerable to human rights violations and abuses, not least sexual and gender-based violence. </p> <p>We remain seriously concerned about the increase in violence against women and girls and encourage the Government of Somalia to adopt and implement sexual offenses legislation in line with international standards. It is key that women are supported and perpetrators held to account. In this regard, we reiterate our call on the Government of Somalia to ratify CEDAW. </p> <p>Lastly, we underscore the importance of adopting a constitution in line with Somalia’s human rights obligations and ensure that the human rights of all Somalis are respected, protected and fulfilled. </p> <p><em>Ms. Dyfan; how can we best support you in your mandate? </em></p> <p>I thank you.</p> <br />

<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Human Rights Council – 51^st Session </strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Item 10: Enhanced interactive dialogue on the report of the High Commissioner on technical cooperation and capacity-building for the promotion and protection of human rights in the Philippines</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>5 October</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Statement by Iceland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>Thank you, Mr President. </p> <p>We would like to express our deep appreciation for the invaluable work of the Office of the High Commissioner and the Resident Coordinator together with the Government to achieve a first of its kind framework in the UN Joint Programme.</p> <p>As Iceland had been a vocal critic of the Philippine’s human rights record it is important that the Joint Programme addresses the issues raised in the previous High Commissioner’s report and resolution 45/33 jointly submitted by the Philippines and Iceland. </p> <p>The briefing today underlines that important steps and progress have been made since the Programme came into effect, as well as further steps that we trust will be taken to fully implement the Joint Programme. </p> <p>We emphasize the importance of its <span style="text-decoration: underline;">full</span> implementation and particularly note the recommendations made by the Office of the High Commissioner and the Resident Coordinator in this regard. We encourage the Government to take them onboard. </p> <p>We particularly welcome the recommendation for OHCHR to produce a follow-up report to evaluate the impact of the Programme and look forward to the Government and Resident Coordinator continuing to keep the Council up to date on the Programme’s implementation.</p> <p>I thank you. </p> <br />

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1024fsc%20eu%20on%20explosive%20remnants%20of%20war.pdf">STATEMENT BY THE EUROPEAN UNION AT THE 1024th PLENARY MEETING OF THE OSCE FORUM FOR SECURITY CO-OPERATION, 5 OCTOBER 2022.<br /> </a></span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>51^st Session of the UN Human Rights Council</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Item 10 Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner on the oral update on Ukraine</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Statement by Iceland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>4 October 2022</strong></p> <p>Thank you Mr. President.</p> <p>Iceland reiterates its unwavering commitment to the independence, sovereignty and respect for the territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.</p> <p>We condemn in the strongest possible terms Putin’s illegal sham “referenda” in Ukraine and the illegal annexation of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzia regions of Ukraine. The annexation is a fundamental violation of the Principles of the UN Charter and international law.</p> <p>Relately, we are sickened by Russia´s systematic use of filtration camps which are integral to Russia´s annexation and “Russification”. </p> <p>We continue to witness grave violations and abuses of international humanitarian law and human rights in Ukraine. Russia´s disregard for human lives is harrowing, confirmed by sickening reports of mass graves and atrocities in areas recaptured by Ukrainian armed forces. </p> <p>We welcome the launch of the Fact-Finding Mission regarding the 29 July incident at Olenivka and look forward to the report to the Secretary General. </p> <p>We are deeply alarmed by the severe repercussions of Russia’s unprovoked aggression against Ukraine on global food security, which particularly affects developing countries and persons in vulnerable situations.&nbsp; </p> <p>Iceland stands in full unity with the people of Ukraine and demands the withdrawal of all Russian military personnel and equipment from Ukraine. </p> <p>Thank you.</p> <br />

<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>51^st Session of the UN Human Rights Council</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Item 10 Enhanched ID on report of HC and experts on the Democratic Republic of Congo</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic Countries</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>4 October 2022</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Thank you Mr President.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>I deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries - Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, and my own country Iceland.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Thank you, Acting High Commissioner, [for your report] and to the Team of International Experts for their final report. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The increase in ethnic tensions, attacks against civilians and other human rights violations and abuses in eastern DRC is of serious concern. We note that the state of siege in the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri introduced in 2021, remains. The volatile security situation and the challenges regarding good governance constitute major obstacles to legal proceedings. We also note the dependence on military courts and the limited judicial accessibility outside of urban areas. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Accountability and the rule of law must be ensured. We note the verdict regarding the murders of UN experts Zaida Catalán and Michael Sharp. It is of utmost importance that the upcoming appeals process takes all evidence into consideration. The ongoing investigation to shed full light on these heinous crimes, which is conducted in close cooperation with the UN-mandated follow-up mechanism, remains important and enjoys our full support.&nbsp; </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Acting High Commissioner, we would appreciate if you could elaborate on the consequences of the state of siege and the following extensive use of military courts rather than civilian courts? </p> <p>I thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <br />

<p>Thank you Madam/Mr. Chair, </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>We join our colleagues in congratulating you, Ambassador Stoeva of Bulgaria, on your election as Chair of the Second Committee, and thank Ambassador Frazier and the outgoing Bureau for their excellent work. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Russian aggression and the war in Ukraine, and its global ramifications, the dire impacts of climate change and consequences of COVID19 are reversing the delicate progress made these last few decades. It is evident that we need an effective multilateral system - now more than ever. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Iceland was pleased to co-facilitate this year’s Financing for Development Outcome Document, where member states strived to meet the moment and collectively move the needle on specific issues that affect some of the most vulnerable countries and people. Regrettably, the global economic outlook is darkening even further. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The significance of the Second Committee against the backdrop of the finance, food, energy, and cost-of-living crises is clear. It is also clear that we need to increase our focus and be more strategic in our deliberations this committee season. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Within the multilateral system, Iceland has historically focused on gender equality, renewable energy, oceans and land restoration. All four elements are SDG accelerators and key to achieving Agenda 2030 in time.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Madam/Mr. Chair</p> <p>Human rights and gender equality lay the foundation for sustainable development.</p> <p>However, as presented in the Secretary General’s report on <em>Women in development, </em>we need to correct course to achieve SDG5 in time. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Gender gaps in terms of poverty, food security and labor force participation remain unacceptably high. A concerted effort in terms of policies and investments in quality social services is needed. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Investing in the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls has a direct impact on labor force participation and gender equality more broadly. More attention needs to be directed towards addressing the disproportionate share of unpaid care and domestic work born by women. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Iceland is also a strongly committed co-leader of the Generation Equality Action Coalition on Gender-Based Violence. The work of this action coalition becomes even more important in the context of increased rates of gender-based violence during the pandemic.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Madam/Mr. Chair</p> <p>Iceland was proud to take on a role as a Global Champion for Just and Inclusive Energy Transition and aims to show leadership and has set itself the ambitious target of carbon neutrality and full energy conversion no later than 2040, which would make us the first state to be independent of fossil fuels.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>We have also stepped up our climate finance, including through a focus on the transition to sustainable energy and on a balanced approach to mitigation and adaptation. With energy insecurity increasing, we need to accelerate progress towards universal energy access and a decarbonized, climate-resilient energy system.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>A healthy ocean is critical to the planet and its people, including as a source of food. The solution to the current food crisis is multi-faceted, but oceans play a key part. Iceland is mindful of the fact that close to 3 billion people rely on nutrition from the ocean and inland waters - one way or another.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Iceland assumed a leading role in the Aquatic-Blue Food Coalition, which was formed at the UN Food Systems Summit a year ago. We have witnessed the need to advocate for the role of food from the ocean in food systems transformation to sustainably feed a growing population, and Iceland welcomes the inroads made at the UN Lisbon Conference in June. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>We also applaud improvements made in the implementation of instruments to combat illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing. Eliminating IUU fishing is pro-poor, pro-nutrition, and pro-nature. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Degraded land is the root cause of many pressing societal challenges we are facing today. On the other hand, land restoration offers multiple cross-cutting solutions to these challenges and is key to enhanced food security, water, biodiversity, reduced climate emissions, more social stability and, ultimately, sustainable development. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>It is important to bear in mind that some of the most effective solutions to global issues are low cost, simple and nature-based, like land restoration. Here, Iceland is pleased to co-chair, along with Namibia, the Group of Friends on Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>On a more hopeful note, Madam/Mr. President, I believe we have the solutions to the world’s problems in front of us. What we now need is the political commitment to implement them fully. You can count on Iceland to play its part. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>I thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel1397%20eu%201391%20reinforced%20pc.pdf">Statement delivered by EEAS Managing Director for Russia, Eastern partnership, Central Asia, Regional cooperation and OSCE<br /> Mr. Michael Siebert</a></span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel1540%20iceland%201391reinforced%20pc.pdf">Statement by Thorbjörn Jónsson, Special Envoy for Arms Control, Disarmament and Non-Proliferation, MFA Iceland. 1391st Reinforced Permanent Council, 29 September 2022. The Russian Federation’s Ongoing Aggression Against Ukraine: Illegal attempts to legalize occupation of the eastern Ukraine</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/fscdel0326%20joint%20stat%20on%20women,%20peace%20and%20security%201023fsc.pdf">Joint Statement on Women, Peace and Security. “Full, equal and meaningful participation of women demystified.” Delivered by Ambassador Eglantina Gjermeni, Permanent Representative of Albania to the OSCE, at the Forum for Security Co-operation, 28 September 2022</a><br /> <br /> </span>

<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Human Rights Council - 51st session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Human rights situations that require the Council’s attention</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Item 4: General Debate</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Statement by Iceland</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Thank you, Mr. President. </p> <p>Iceland remains gravely concerned about steps <strong>Russia</strong> has taken to further restrict fundamental freedoms inside Russia since its invasion of Ukraine. We urge Russia to respect freedoms of opinion, expression and peaceful assembly, and welcome steps underway to bring the human rights situation inside Russia to Council’s attention.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> <p>In <strong>Ethiopia,</strong> we are alarmed by reports of extrajudicial killings, sexual and gender based violence and starvation, as a method of warfare. We urge all parties to immediately cease&nbsp; hostilities, and take steps towards reachin<em>g</em> a political solution. Redress for past violations and abuses, some of which may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity, must be ensured.</p> <p>We are deeply alarmed by accounts of systematic human rights violations and abuses against Uyghurs and other minorities in <strong>China </strong>that may amount to crimes against humanity, including mass arbitrary detention, cultural and religious persecution, forced labor and sterilization. Accountability must be ensured.</p> <p>In <strong>Iran</strong>, we condemn the violent enforcement of the discriminatory compulsory veiling law. We urge the authorities to ensure that fundamental human rights of its citizens, including those of women and girls, are respected and that those under any form of detention are not subject to any form of mistreatment. Violence directed against peaceful protesters and human rights defenders must stop.</p> <p>In <strong>Egypt</strong>, we remain concerned about widespread and systematic violations and abuses of human rights, including freedom of opinion and expression and freedom of assembly and association.</p> <p>Mr. President.</p> <p>In <strong>Myanmar</strong>, we deplore the relentless attacks on children and call for an immediate end to all forms of violence, including sexual and gender based violence, mass killings, torture, airstrikes and arson. Ensuring accountability for past and ongoing international crimes is vital.</p> <p>Finally, Iceland raised its concerns about the human rights situation in Belarus and Ukraine stemming from Russia’s aggression elsewhere under item 4.</p> <p>I thank you. </p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel1541%20opening%20sess,%20iceland.pdf">Statement by Ambassador Kristín A. Árnadóttir, Warsaw Human Dimension Conference. 26 September 2022. Opening Session</a>.</span>

<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Human Rights Council - 51st session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Item 4: Interactive Dialogue on the interim oral update of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on the situation of human rights in Belarus</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Statement by Iceland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>23 September 2022</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>We thank the acting High Commissioner for her oral update. </p> <p>The Belarusian authorities continue to seriously infringe on the fundamental rights of their own people. The relentless attack on civil society and independent voices, and the widespread use of disinformation is appalling. Today, over one thousand three hundred political prisoners remain detained in Belarus. Moreover, the repression by the Belarusian regime of persons belonging to minorities, such as the Polish minority, is gravely concerning. </p> <p>Despite this grave situation, Belarusian activists continue to show great courage in their fight for the public’s enjoyment of their fundamental human rights. The recent harsh sentencing of Belarusian journalist Katsiaryna Andreyeva and Belarusian activists Maria (Marfa) Rabkova and Andrey Chapiuk are a stark reminder of the risks they take.</p> <p>Mr President. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>We call on Belarus to adhere to its international commitments and obligations under human rights law. We request an immediate and unconditional release of political prisoners and other arbitrarily detained persons. The rights of persons belonging to minorities likewise need to be respected, including their right to foster their ethnic, cultural, linguistic, and religious identity.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The international community must send a strong message that we stand united for a democratic Belarus. Iceland certainly does so.</p> <p>Thank you. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <br />

<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Human Rights Council - 51st session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Item 4: Interactive dialogue with the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the situation of human rights in Ukraine stemming from the Russian aggression</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Statement by Iceland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>23 September 2022</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>We thank the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine for the oral update. </p> <p>We continue to witness systematic violations and abuses of international humanitarian law and human rights law by Russia in Ukraine. Russia´s complete disregard for human lives is appalling, confirmed by sickening reports of mass graves and atrocities in areas recaptured by the Ukrainian armed forces. </p> <p>Evidence of filtration camps in Russian occupied territory in Ukraine are extremely disturbing and bring back painful memories of Europe´s past. Reports of forced transfers of unaccompanied Ukrainian children to Russia are likewise chilling. These cannot and will not be tolerated.</p> <p>Along with the immediate damage and destruction, where civilians and civilian infrastructure, are the primary victims, Russia’s war will have devastating long-term consequences on the Ukrainian population, not least young people and future generations. Scars caused by war take long to heal.</p> <p>Mr President. </p> <p>Iceland strongly condemns Russia´s plans for "referendums". They are a clear violation of international law and their outcomes can never be respected. </p> <p>We once again call on Russia to respect international humanitarian law and human rights law. </p> <p>Iceland stands in full unity with the people of Ukraine and demands the withdrawal of all Russian military personnel and equipment from Ukraine. </p> <p>Thank you. </p> <br />

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel1327%20eu%20on%20ukraine%201390pc.pdf">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine<br /> </a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel1328%20eu%20reply%203pr%20cio%20on%20tolerance%201390pc%20en.pdf">EU&nbsp;</a><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel1328%20eu%20reply%203pr%20cio%20on%20tolerance%201390pc%20en.pdf">Statement in response to the three Personal Representatives of the Chairperson-in-Office on tolerance and non-discrimination</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel1331%20eu%20on%20moscow%20mechanism%201390pc.pdf">EU Statement on the Moscow Mechanism invoked by 38 OSCE participating States in relation to particularly serious threats to the fulfilment of the provisions of the OSCE Human Dimension by the Russian Federation</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel1333%20eu%20on%20kyrgyzstan-tajikistan%20border%201390pc.pdf">EU Statement on the latest border clashes between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan and the ceasefire</a><br /> <br /> </span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

<span><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=4d98bda5-5383-11ed-9bb1-005056bc4727">Joint Nordic statement on<br /> the Moscow Mechanism report on Russia’s legal and administrative practice in<br /> light of its OSCE Human Dimension commitments</a></span>

<span><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=29062bf1-5382-11ed-9bb1-005056bc4727">ON THE REPORT [UNDER THE MOSCOW MECHANISM]<br /> ON RUSSIA’S LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE PRACTICE<br /> IN LIGHT OF ITS OSCE HUMAN DIMENSION COMMITMENTS</a></span>

<span><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=93be3162-5380-11ed-9bb1-005056bc4727">Statement by Ambassador Kristín A. Árnadóttir, Permanent Representative of Iceland. 1390th Permanent Council, 22 September 2022. The Russian Federation’s Ongoing Aggression Against Ukraine</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel1302%20iceland%20on%20ukraine%201390pc.pdf">Statement by Ambassador Kristín A. Árnadóttir, Permanent Representative of Iceland. 1390th Permanent Council, 22 September 2022. The Russian Federation’s Ongoing Aggression Against Ukraine</a>.</span>

<p><span><br /> <a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel1293%20eu%201389pc%20-%20Copy%20(1).pdf">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel1294%20eu%20on%20sentencing%20political%20prisoners%201389pc.pdf">EU Statement on the sentencing of political prisoners in Belarus</a></span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Human Rights Council - 51st session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Item 3: ID with SR on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries (NB8)</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>14 September 2022</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr President, </p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</p> <p>We thank the Special Rapporteur for his report.</p> <p>We firmly belief that safe drinking water and sanitation is not only a human right; it is also central to living a life in dignity. </p> <p>Lack of access to quality water and sanitation disproportionately affects women and girls; and indigenous women and girls are no exception. Discriminatory norms and structures, gender stereotypes, and stigma and taboos related to menstruation and child birth seriously affect the realization of the right to water and sanitation. The multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination that indigenous women and girls face need to be taken into account. </p> <p>With growing global water scarcity and contamination, indigenous women and girls are increasingly forced to walk longer distances to fetch water. With this, the risk of sexual and gender-based violence, discrimination and exploitation and lack of autonomy increases.</p> <p>Despite indigenous women’ and girls’ irrefutable live-saving water role, they remain under-represented in consultative processes and decision-making about water management. The vast majority of water-related laws and programmes fail to include their knowledge. Essentially, their effective participation is not guaranteed. This must change. </p> <p>Mr. Special Rapporteur, what more can be done to guarantee indigenous women’s and girls’ seat at the table? </p> <br />

<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Human Rights Council<em><br /> 51st session</em></strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong><em>Item 2: Annual report of HC for Human Rights and report of OHCHR and SG</em><br /> General Debate on High Commissioner’s Oral Update</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Statement by Iceland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Thank you, Mr. President. </p> <p>Iceland thanks the Acting High Commissioner for her oral update.</p> <p>We would like to raise concerns of the sharply deteriorating human rights situation in the <strong>Russian Federation</strong> after its war of aggression against Ukraine. The persecution of human rights defenders, silencing of journalists, the ban against independent media and peaceful protests, and the attack against civil society is alarming. </p> <p>Iceland also strongly condemns Russia’s expansion and harsh enforcement of its “foreign agents’ law” which is systematically used to silence dissenting and opposition voices. Formal scrutiny of the human rights situation in Russia is urgently needed.<s><span style="text-decoration: underline;"> </span></s></p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>In <strong>Afghanistan</strong>, we remain greatly alarmed by the sharp deterioration of human rights, in particular women and girls, and ethnic and religious minorities. We reiterate our call on Taliban to respect women’s and girls’ rights and accept diversity and different views. The Taliban must close the gap between their words and their deeds, as they continue to be judged by the latter.</p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>We thank the OHCHR for the assessment report of human rights concerns in <strong>China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region </strong>which is sound, and its credibility cannot be refuted. </p> <p>Iceland is gravely concerned by accounts of systematic, widespread, and targeted human rights violations and abuses against Uyghurs and other minorities that may amount to crimes against humanity. Accountability must be ensured. We urge China to abide by its international human rights obligations and to immediately implement the report’s recommendations. </p>

<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>UN Women Executive Board – Second Regular Session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Opening Segment</em></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint Nordic Statement</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;">Delivered by H.E. Jörundur Valtýsson,</p> <p style="text-align: center;">Permanent Representative of Iceland</p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President, Madam Executive Director, colleagues, </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Congratulations to Ambassador Muhith on his appointment as President of the UN-Women Executive Board. We look forward to working with you on advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>I deliver this statement on behalf of Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and my own country Iceland. We align ourselves with the joint statement on the structured dialogue on financing, to be delivered by Switzerland. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>First and foremost, the Nordics would like to emphasize the importance of adequate, flexible, and predictable funding for UN-Women to fully execute its triple mandate. We share your concerns, Madam Executive Director, on the balance between core and non-core funding. While we applaud last year’s record high revenues, it is indeed alarming that regular resources grew by less than 11% between 2018 and 2021 compared to a 62% growth in other resources. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Multiple crises in 2021 have derailed progress in various areas of sustainable development. During times of heightened and complex crises, regular and flexible other resources are increasingly important as it enables a rapid and agile response. This was exemplified through UN-Women’s recent response to Taliban’s takeover of power in Afghanistan and the war in Ukraine. This includes the scaled-up provision of services for women, by women, in Afghanistan and UN-Women’s support to women’s civil society organizations in Ukraine. We also applaud UN-Women’s collaboration with UN sister entities to ensure gender-responsive humanitarian action. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>We appreciate your emphasis on implementing the UN-Women 2.0 vision, including placing UN-Women at the heart of the UN system and pivoting more to the field. We take note of your comment that substantially increased resources will be made available to strengthen capacity in the field. Does UN-Women have a concrete plan for where these resources will be directed to in terms of UN-Women’s triple mandate in the field, i.e. normative, coordination or operational activities? </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Allow us to again highlight the importance of risk management, audit and oversight for UN-Women and all UN entities. We look forward to discussing this further under the assessment of the independent evaluation and audit services agenda item but would nevertheless like to take this opportunity to call for continuous improvement and strengthening for all parties involved. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Finally, with UNGA High-Level Week upon us, and the Transforming Education Summit, we would be remiss if we did not highlight the importance of gender equality for progress on quality education. Girls’ education is under threat globally due to COVID-19 interruptions. And in Afghanistan specifically, the only country in the world where girls are banned from going to high school. We urge UN-Women to continue advocating for gender transformative approaches in education. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Madam Executive Director, </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>You and your staff continue to have the full support of the Nordic countries. </p> <p>Thank you.</p>

<span><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=6880ae75-539a-11ed-9bb1-005056bc4727">On the situation between Armenia and Azerbaijan</a></span>

<span><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=8781b2f1-537f-11ed-9bb1-005056bc4727">Statement by Ambassador Kristín A. Árnadóttir, Permanent Representative of Iceland. Concluding Meeting of the Economic and Environmental Forum, Prague 9 September 2022.</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/eefdel0070%20iceland.pdf">Statement by Ambassador Kristín A. Árnadóttir, Permanent Representative of Iceland. Concluding Meeting of the Economic and Environmental Forum, Prague 9 September 2022.</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/fscdel0281%20iceland%201020fsc.pdf">Statement by Ambassador Kristín A. Árnadóttir, Permanent Representative of Iceland. 1020 Meeting of the Forum for Security Co-Operation, 7 September 2022.</a></span>

<span><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=d3f0b687-5397-11ed-9bb1-005056bc4727">Joint statement of the Group of Friends of Georgia<br /> Current Issue – Fourteen years since the full-scale military aggression against Georgia by the Russian Federation<br /> The 1387th meeting of the</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel1221%20joint%20statement%201387pc.pdf"> Fourteen years since the full-scale military aggression against Georgia by the Russian Federation. The 1387th meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council Vienna, 02.09.2022</a>.</span>

<p><span><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=50027744-5399-11ed-9bb1-005056bc4727">EU Statement in response to the address by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia, Bujar Osmani</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=849e6f12-5399-11ed-9bb1-005056bc4727">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=9c6434d9-5399-11ed-9bb1-005056bc4727"><span>EU Statement on the Second anniversary of the fraudulent presidential elections in Belarus</span><span></span></a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=b0fd1d31-5399-11ed-9bb1-005056bc4727">EU Statement on the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances</a></span><span></span></p>

<span><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=980471a6-537e-11ed-9bb1-005056bc4727">Statement&nbsp; by Ambassador Kristín A. Árnadóttir, Permanent Representative of Iceland. 1387th Permanent Council Meeting, 1 September 2022. The Presentation of priorities of the Incoming Chairmanship 2023 – North Macedonia.</a></span>

<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint Statement on Six Months of Russia’s Full-Scale Invasion Of Ukraine</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>August 24, 2022</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em>The following is a joint statement by Andorra, Albania, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Marshall Islands, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Palau, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Moldova, Republic of Korea, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye, Ukraine, the Federated States of Micronesia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union.</em></p> <p>Today marks six months since the beginning of Russia’s unprovoked, full-scale, and illegal invasion of Ukraine. We recall the UN General Assembly’s resounding conclusions that the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine is a violation of the UN Charter that impacts not only the people of Ukraine, but millions of people around the world.&nbsp; We deplore the Russian Federation’s failure to implement UN General Assembly resolutions A/ES/11-1 of 2 March 2022 and A/ES/11-2 of 24 March 2022 as well as its failure to comply with the legally binding order by the International Court of Justice of 16 March 2022 in particular its failure to immediately cease&nbsp;its use of force against Ukraine.</p> <p>All States have an obligation under Article 2 of the Charter of the United Nations to refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State and to settle their international disputes by peaceful means.&nbsp; No territorial acquisition resulting from the threat or use of force shall be recognized as lawful.&nbsp; We call upon the Russian Federation to stop its total disregard for its obligations under international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, international humanitarian law and international human rights law.&nbsp;</p> <p>Today, we reaffirm our solidarity with the people of Ukraine, pay tribute to all those who have sacrificed their lives for the independence of Ukraine and express our deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims of the ongoing aggression against Ukraine.</p> <p>We condemn in the strongest terms sustained missile strikes by the Russian Armed Forces on the territory of Ukraine, which have repeatedly hit residential areas and civilian infrastructure, resulting in harms to, displacement and death of thousands of civilians during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.</p> <p>We remain committed to the sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, extending to its territorial waters.&nbsp; Today, once again, we reiterate our demand for the immediate cessation of hostilities by the Russian Federation against Ukraine, of all attacks directed against civilians and civilian infrastructure, and the full, immediate and unconditional withdrawal of the Russian forces and military equipment from the territory of Ukraine.</p>

<p><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=de32eeb5-5398-11ed-9bb1-005056bc4727">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine</a></p>

<p><span><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=55cb026d-5398-11ed-9bb1-005056bc4727">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=7aa1deca-5398-11ed-9bb1-005056bc4727">On the situation between Armenia and Azerbaijan</a></span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

<span> </span> <p class="paragraph"><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><span class="normaltextrun" style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: 'FiraGO SemiBold', sans-serif; color: #003d85;">Statement by H.E. Thordur Aegir Oskarsson</span></p> <p class="paragraph"><span class="eop" style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: 'FiraGO SemiBold', sans-serif; color: #003d85;">Ambassador for Arms Control, Disarmament and Non-Proliferation</span></p> <p class="paragraph"><span class="normaltextrun" style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: 'FiraGO SemiBold', sans-serif; color: #003d85;">Deputy Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations</span><span class="eop" style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: 'FiraGO SemiBold', sans-serif; color: #003d85;"></span></p> <p class="paragraph"><span class="normaltextrun"><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Book', sans-serif; color: #003d85;">General Assembly 76</span></strong></span><span class="normaltextrun"><strong>^{<span style="font-size: 8.5pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Book', sans-serif; color: #003d85;">th</span>}</strong></span><span class="normaltextrun"><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Book', sans-serif; color: #003d85;"> session, 2 August 2022</span></strong></span><span class="eop"><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Book', sans-serif; color: #003d85;"> </span></strong></span></p> <p class="paragraph"><span class="eop"><span style="color: #1f497d;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Book', sans-serif; color: #1f497d;"><strong></strong></span><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Book', sans-serif; color: #003d85;">^{<span><strong></strong> </span>}10<span class="normaltextrun"><strong>^{<span style="font-size: 8.5pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Book', sans-serif; color: #003d85;">th</span>}</strong></span><span class="normaltextrun"><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: 'FiraGO Book', sans-serif; color: #003d85;"> </span></strong></span>NPT Review Conference </span></strong></span><span class="eop"><strong></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mr President,</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sincere congratulations to you, Ambassador Zlauvinen, on taking formally the helm as the President of the 10^th Review Conference for the Non-Proliferation Treaty.&nbsp; I wish you and your team every success in leading this important and challenging conference to a successful conclusion and assure you of Iceland´s strong support.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Iceland has aligned itself with the statement delivered by Denmark on behalf of the Nordic countries.&nbsp;&nbsp; I will now make few remarks in my national capacity.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mr. President,</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Iceland is strongly committed to work towards the objective of eliminating nuclear weapons and the Non-Proliferation Treaty is the cornerstone of our policy on nuclear disarmament.&nbsp; Any weakening of this important treaty is unacceptable and must be prevented.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">The success of the NPT so far has been achieved through hard work.&nbsp; In the challenging security environment, we are now facing, with heightening tensions and increasing threat from nuclear proliferation, even stronger effort is required.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">It is tragic that a member state, the Russian Federation, has undertaken a totally unprovoked and unjustifiable military action against Ukraine, another member state of this Treaty.&nbsp; This gross violation of international law and the UN Charter by the Russian Federation, undermining international peace and security, is utterly condemnable.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Iceland stands in absolute solidarity with Ukraine in its fight defending their people and its territorial integrity<em>.</em></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></em></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mr. President,</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">It is a matter of urgency that we reconfirm our commitment to the NPT and match words with deeds when it comes to living up to Article VI on nuclear disarmament, a special responsibility for the nuclear weapons states.&nbsp; </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">This urgency is seriously amplified by the threats of the Russian Federation to resort to nuclear weapons in its senseless war against Ukraine. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">It is an understatement to say that we are meeting at a critical juncture, now when some of the key agreements that have underpinned decades of global disarmament efforts are seriously tested and undermined by non-compliance and rapidly growing security challenges.&nbsp; This must change.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">The message from the Reykjavik Summit of the nuclear powers in 1986, “nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought” is as valid as ever.&nbsp; Let us truly make an effort to rekindle that spirit.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">The most imminent, and regrettably, growing<em> </em>threat to the non-proliferation regime and global security is the rogue behaviour of the DPRK, which can only be solved by its return to compliance to its international obligations, in particular the NPT and IAEA Safeguards Arrangements. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Iceland supports the efforts on reviving the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with the return of the United States.&nbsp; This important contribution to the rule-based non-proliferation regime is at risk and Iran´s failure to fully cooperate with the IAEA on its safeguards obligations is unacceptable<s>.</s></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Iceland welcomed the extension of the New Start Treaty by the United States and Russia, an important contribution to global security. Now distrust reigns and the future prospects of nuclear disarmament are bleak. But recent statements of the leaders of the United States and Russia offer a glimmer of hope. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Present deterioration in the nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation should, however, not discourage us from strengthening critical supporting instruments; in particular the successful Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, which success would be carved in stone with joining and ratification of all Annex II states.&nbsp; To begin negotiations on a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty would be another factor in underpinning the existing non- proliferation arrangements</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Apart from the disarmament aspect and difficulties regarding the proliferation pillar there are positive stories to take from the implementation of the Treaty.&nbsp; The great achievements in the peaceful application of nuclear technology and the increasing acceptance of the IAEA Comprehensive Safeguards Agreements and the Additional Protocol are stand outs.&nbsp; However dark clouds on peaceful use are gathering in Ukraine where the invading Russian armed forces play fast and loose with the safety of nuclear energy facilities.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mr. President,</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">If there was ever an urgent need to apply more energy, more creative thinking and even more resources to the disarmament and arms control efforts in general, it is now. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Although no substitute for concrete nuclear disarmament, various practical proposals on risk reduction, verification, stronger safeguards and peaceful uses should be important steps to create trust and confidence, and thereby contribute to breaking the stalemate regarding the ultimate goal; <span style="text-decoration: underline;">a world without nuclear weapons</span>.&nbsp; In that regard we attach strong expectations to proposals included in the Stockholm Initiative and the P5 declaration.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mr. President,</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Iceland reaffirms its strong belief that every effort should be made to ensure that women have an active and equal role in disarmament processes in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1325.&nbsp; To this end the NPT Review Conference could and should deliver.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">In face of current adversity, I implore all participants to make this conference constructive and successful. A failure to deliver again would seriously undermine the relevance of the Non-Proliferation Treaty to meet urgent disarmament challenges of the present and the future.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">I thank you</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Joint-Statement%20on%20the%20WDATIP%20til%20dreifingar.pdf">Joint-Statement of Albania, Canada, Georgia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Switzerland, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom on the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 30 July 2022 As delivered by Switzerland at the 1384 Permanent Council Meeting, Vienna, 28 July 2022.</a></span>

<p><span><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=7e028880-5396-11ed-9bb1-005056bc4727">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=9cd5c33c-5396-11ed-9bb1-005056bc4727">EU Statement on the World Day against Trafficking in Persons</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=bec232e4-5396-11ed-9bb1-005056bc4727">EU statement on the forced landing of Ryanair Flight FR4978 in Minsk on 23 May 2021</a><br /> </span></p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1384%20PC,%2028.7.2022%20(agenda%20item%201).pdf">Statement by Ambassador Kristín A. Árnadóttir, Permanent Representative of Iceland, at the 1384th Permanent Council Meeting, Vienna, 28 July 2022.</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel1150%20Joint%20on%20Invocation%20of%20MM%20RUS_with%2038%20pSs%201384pc.pdf">Joint Statement on behalf of 38 OSCE participating States Invoking the Moscow Mechanism in relation to serious human rights violations in the Russian Federation.</a></span>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel1112%20eu%20on%20MH-17.pdf">EU Statement on the 8th anniversary of the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17.</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel1111%20eu%201383pc.pdf">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine.</a></span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Joint%20Nordic%20Statement%20Gender%20Action%20Plan%2021.7.2022.pdf">Joint Statement by Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden as delivered by Ambassador of Finland at OSCE Permanent Council 21.7.2022 on The OSCE 2021 Annual Progress Report on Gender Equality.</a></span>

<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>HLPF General Debate 2022 – Iceland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>Delivered by Youth Representative, Kolbrún Fríða Hrafnkelsdóttir</em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>When we last met in-person, we witnessed progress being made in some critical areas of the Sustainable Development Goals. Progress was slow, but there was reason to perhaps be hopeful. It is harder to be hopeful today. </p> <p>Due to COVID-19, climate change, and conflicts, the 2030 Agenda is under threat. Life expectancy has shortened, more people live in extreme poverty, billions of children have missed out on schooling and 2 billion people live in conflict-affected countries. This is not a time we should be fighting each other. This is a time when we should be working hard together to face humanity's greatest threats, such as climate change and biodiversity loss.</p> <p>Iceland recognizes that <strong>quality education</strong> is a fundamental human right and should be accessible to everyone. This is needed now more than ever, as we face a global education crisis with an estimated 70 per cent of 10-year-olds unable to understand a simple written text. The current education systems are lacking and need to adapt to a changing world and enable each diverse individual to blossom according to their strengths. We look forward to the Transforming Education Summit in September. </p> <p><strong>Gender equality</strong> is a cornerstone of Iceland’s development cooperation for the exact same reasons it is prioritized back home. It is a human right and improving gender equality is key for economic prosperity and positive social changes. </p> <p>Iceland is often considered a global benchmark for gender equality. Regardless, we still require significant improvements to achieve SDG5 in time. To secure women´s full sexual and reproductive health and rights, Iceland passed in 2019 a progressive abortion legislation, ensuring women self-determination over their bodies. Iceland has also adopted a new Act on Gender Autonomy, allowing individuals to determine their gender registration regardless of sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.&nbsp;We see this as an important step towards achieving SDG5, not least in the current global climate where we are seeing a reversal on women’s human rights.</p> <p><strong>Ocean</strong> affairs are crucial to climate action, feeding the world population and economic development. Unfortunately, we still have a long way to go to reach SDG14.&nbsp; In Iceland, we see the effects of the climate in the waters that surround our island. In response, we have ambitious goals on achieving carbon neutrality by no later than 2040. Although, we acknowledge we need to do more and we need to act fast. </p> <p>A healthy ocean is viable to achieve but we are standing in our own way. As highlighted at the recent UN Ocean Conference in Lisbon, strong international cooperation based on international law and organizations, on the foundation of science and sustainability, and with the participation of governments, businesses, civil society and youth, is needed to start a new chapter of ocean action. </p> <p>In closing, an urgent rescue effort is needed to recover and enable steady progress towards the SDGs. This requires radical and innovative thinking. Young people are often the most radical and innovative. My message to the world leaders is therefore: listen to young people, engage us in a meaningful manner and follow-through on your promises with action. We see a lot of promises, a lot of solutions, and a lot of international agreements but where is the action? We look forward to following up on Our Common Agenda, including through the Declaration on Future Generations, Youth Office and the Summit of the Future next year and – much stronger engagement of young people at the UN. Our time has come.</p> <p>Thank you.</p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel1043%20iceland%201382pc.pdf">Statement at OSCE Permanent Council on the Russian Federation's Ongoing Aggression Against Ukraine, 14 July 2022.</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel1057%20joint%20state%201382pc.pdf">Nordic Statement&nbsp;delivered by Ambassador of Norway, Anne-Kirsti Karlsen, at the Permanent Council, Vienna, 14 July 2022.</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel1052%20joint%201382pc.pdf">The Permanent Council meeting 1382 of 14 July 2022. Statement as delivered by Ambassador of Albania on agenda item #2:&nbsp;Moscow Mechanism invoked by 45 OSCE participating States following consultations with Ukraine.</a></span>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel1070%20eu%201382pc.pdf">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine.</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel1071%20eu%20on%20Srebrenica%20genocide%201382pc.pdf">EU on the 27th Anniversary of the Srebrenica Genocide.</a></span></p>

<ul> <li><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Geneva/HRC50%20All%20NB8%20statements.pdf"><span class="pdf">Nordic-Baltic (NB8) statements</span></a></li> <li><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Geneva/HRC%2050%20All%20national%20statements.pdf"><span class="pdf">National statements</span></a></li> <li><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Geneva/HRC50%20All%20signed%20joint%20statements.pdf"><span class="pdf">Joint statements</span></a></li> </ul>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel1022%20eu%20on%20recent%20develops%20in%20Karakalpakstan%201381pc.pdf">EU Statement on the recent developments in the Karakalpakstan Autonomous Region in Uzbekistan.</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel1021%20eu%20reply%20HoM%20Albania%201381pc.pdf">EU Statement in Response to the Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Ambassador Vincenzo Del Monaco.</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel1020%20eu%20on%20hcnm%201381pc.pdf">EU Statement in Response to the Report by the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, Ambassador Kairat Abdrakhmanov.</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel1018%20eu%201381pc.pdf">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine.</a></span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

<span> </span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Concluding remarks by </span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ambassador Jörundur Valtýsson, Permanent Representative of Iceland</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thank you Janaya.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">A big round of applause for the panelists for their informative presentations and discussions. I walk away from this event enlightened and committed to play my part. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Some of what I will say in my concluding remarks has already been stated but is worth repeating. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">We know that between 45 and 56 million women participate in small-scale fisheries operations globally. This constitutes more than 40% of the fisheries workforce. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">And beyond playing a crucial role in blue food production, women are also fundamental in education, food preparation and family life - all important factors for the achievement of the SDGs. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Despite these factors, women are often underrepresented in all levels of fisheries governance and, as we have heard, their contributions are frequently overlooked and underrecognized by local and national government policy makers and community officials. This needs to change. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Due to COVID-19, climate change and conflict, notably in Ukraine, food insecurity is on the rise, and to overcome these challenges, we need all hands on deck.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">This includes women working in small-scale fisheries and aquaculture and, indeed, many of our speakers today emphasized the different ways we can provide support to these women:</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Firstly, we can improve the organization of fishing women and gatherers to ensure that artisanal women fishers have a voice in public arenas to exercise their fundamental rights.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Secondly, we can and should include women who are involved in fisheries and aquaculture operations in decision making, both at local, regional, and national levels, and support their leadership in co-management schemes and/or fishing cooperatives.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thirdly, we should ensure women feel safe, visible, and their priorities are met, and we need to appreciate and respect the knowledge and values of women in small-scale fisheries and aquaculture.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Last but not least, we need to invest in and build the capacity of institutions and relevant stakeholders on gender equity, human rights, and social inclusion.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ladies and gentlemen, and everyone outside these two categories. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">We appreciate the fact that you took time out of your busy schedules to participate in this HLPF side-event on the important topic of women in small-scale fisheries and aquaculture. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">We hope you found the discussions informative and useful for whatever work you engage in. And as we all know, achieving SDG5 and SDG14 are key for achieving the entire Agenda 2030. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thank you. </span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></p>

<a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel1014%20joint%201381pc.pdf"><span>Joint statement marking the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture as delivered by the Permanent Representative of Denmark to the OSCE, Ambassador René Rosager Dinesen, on behalf of 43 participating States at the 1381st meeting of the OSCE’s Permanent Council on 7 July 2022.</span></a>

<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Human Rights Council</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>50th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Interactive Dialogue with the Fact-Finding Mission on Libya</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Delivered by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries (NB8)</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>6 July 2022</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><br /> </strong>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</p> <p>We thank the members of the Fact-Finding Mission for their report and reiterate our full support for their mandate. Their work is critical to ensure accountability and to end impunity for human rights violations and abuses in Libya.</p> <p>The human rights situation in Libya remains deeply concerning. It is unacceptable that reports of torture, extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and sexual and gender-based violence remain largely unaddressed.&nbsp; We are also concerned about the use of arbitrary detention and shrinking civic space.</p> <p>We condemn the resurgence of politically motivated violence. We call on all actors to work towards a peaceful political transition in Libya and to adopt a holistic National Human Rights Plan of Action to ensure full respect for human rights and a sustainable transition to peace and democracy through fair elections.</p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>The work of the Mission is not yet completed. It is essential that it is given the necessary time and resources to complete its mandate. We therefore urge for the extension of the mandate and encourage all parties to fully cooperate with the Mission.</p> <p>I thank you.</p>

<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>50th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>5 July 2022</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Item 10: ID on the oral update of the High Commissioner on Ukraine and interim report of Secretary-General on the situation of human rights in Crimea</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statement by Iceland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p>Thank you, Mr. President.</p> <p>We thank the High Commissioner for the update and welcome the report.</p> <p>It has been more than four months now since Russia launched its brutal war against Ukraine, which has caused widespread destruction and unspeakable suffering of civilians. We urge Russia to immediately cease all attacks and deliberate targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure, which constitute serious violations under international humanitarian law.</p> <p>The human rights situation in Crimea and all other Russia-occupied areas of Ukraine continues to deteriorate. We are appalled by increasing reports of arbitrary detentions, executions, sexual and gender-based violence, torture and other ill-treatment, and enforced displacement. We strongly reiterate that international human rights law and international humanitarian law must be upheld.</p> <p>Russia bears the full responsibility for all destruction and loss of life of civilians it is causing. Those responsible for human rights violations and abuses must be brought to justice. </p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>Iceland’s support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity remains firm. We reiterate our call on Russia to immediately withdraw all its troops from the entire territory of Ukraine without precondition, and to fully comply with its obligations under international law.</p> <p>I thank you.</p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0988%20eu%201380specpc%20-%20Copy%20(1).pdf">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine.</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0982%20iceland%201380specialPC.pdf">Statement by Ambassador Kristín A. Árnadóttir, Permanent Representative of Iceland, at the 1380th Permanent Council Meeting, Vienna, 5 July 2022.</a></span>

<p>President,</p> <p>I speak on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries. </p> <p>Afghanistan is facing dark times. </p> <p>When our countries addressed this Council last August, we - as many others - appealed to the Taliban to “live up to their promises, and uphold their obligations under international law to protect civilians and respect human rights”. </p> <p>Regrettably, the Taliban have shown no willingness to listen to such appeals - neither from the international community <em>nor</em> their own people. </p> <p>Almost one year on, a hard-hit population has no representative government and is suffering a humanitarian, economic and human rights crisis.</p> <p>The deteriorating situation for Afghan women and girls is of particular concern. No country of any religious persuasion of its people or government, denies girls the right to a secondary education – with one exception, Afghanistan. </p> <p>This egregious policy comes in addition to multiple directives and practices significantly impeding women’s rights. This includes freedom of movement, the right to gainful employment and freedom of political, economic, and social participation and decision-making.</p> <p>A country ravaged by 44 years of conflict, facing dire humanitarian and developmental challenges, can ill afford to exclude half of its population from participating in rebuilding society. </p> <p>The international community must continue to support Afghanistan. The Security Council provided UNAMA with a comprehensive mandate to engage. We welcome the visit of Special Rapporteur Bennett to Afghanistan and anticipate his first report to the Council in September. We support the convening of an urgent debate and the establishment of a panel. </p> <p>The UN and the rest of the international community must continue to support the Afghan people and promote the establishment of an inclusive government that represents its people and respects the human rights of all, including those of women and girls.</p> <p>Thank you.</p> <br />

<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Item 6 - Adoption of the Outcome of Iceland’s UPR Report and Addendum</strong></p> <p><strong> 50th Session of the Human Rights Council</strong></p> <p><strong>Delivered by Head of Delegation, H.E. Harald Aspelund, Permanent Representative of Iceland</strong></p> <p><strong>30 June 2022</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>It is my great honour to address the Council on the occasion of the consideration and adoption of the outcome of Iceland’s third Universal Periodic Review.</p> <p>The promotion and protection of human rights is a core priority for the government of Iceland, in both domestic and foreign policies. We firmly uphold the principle that human rights are universal, and we strive to see this reflected in all areas of Icelandic society.</p> <p>The UPR offers an exceptional opportunity to regularly hold ourselves to account, take stock, and learn from others and Iceland greatly appreciates the interest shown in the human rights situation in our country. This review was an opportunity to discuss our own human rights record with fellow Member States and non-state actors. New challenges to human rights continue to rise and we, as all other countries, benefit from new perspectives on where we can do better.</p> <p>Iceland respects the UPR’s core concept of broad stakeholder consultations. A central part of this was the establishment of a Government Steering Committee on Human Rights, which since 2017 has served as a formal platform for human rights consultation and cooperation across all ministries. </p> <p>We closely involved Icelandic civil society in the review process. We held regular open consultations, and throughout the process, stakeholders were invited to submit comments and proposals.</p> <p>Another vital part of the consultation process was the involvement of children and young people, with the <em>Youth Council for the Sustainable Development Goals</em> playing an important role. The input of children and young people was invaluable. </p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>The Government of Iceland welcomes the recommendations received during the third UPR of Iceland on 25 January 2022. Iceland received 230 recommendations. They are highly valuable for our continued national development.</p> <p>The Government’s overall approach when considering the recommendations received was to accept recommendations where the Government could foresee measures before the next review, or where measures had already been or were being implemented.</p> <p>After careful consideration of the recommendations, the Government submitted an addendum to the Report of the UPR Working Group on 4 April this year. A table with all the recommendations and the Government’s responses to them was annexed to the addendum. The responses include explanations with regard to all recommendations that were noted.</p> <p>The Government of Iceland accepted 218 recommendations, partially accepted 2 recommendations and noted 10 recommendations.</p> <p>The recommendations cover a number of different human rights issues. I will provide some comments with regard to the main themes. </p> <p><strong>During our review, the establishment of a National Human Rights Institution was raised by a large group of states. </strong></p> <p>The Government of Iceland has decided to establish a strong, independent and effective National Human Rights Institution that will be fully compliant with the Paris Principles. The establishment of a human rights institution is included in the coalition treaty of the current Government. Work is already underway on the establishment of a new human rights institution a bill will be presented to Parliament in 2023.</p> <p>A number of states recommended <strong>the Ratification of the UN Convention for the Protection of all Persons from Enforced Disappearance.</strong></p> <p>We are pleased to announce that the process is underway. Icelandic law is based on a dualistic system, whereby national legislation is adapted to conform with international conventions ratified by Iceland. Consequently, the ratification process takes time. The Icelandic authorities emphasize their absolute devotion to continue an ambitious approach to the implementation of international human rights obligations.</p> <p>I would now like to make a few comments about the <strong>ratification of Optional Protocols that entail communications procedures </strong>of the respective human rights treaty bodies. After careful consideration, a decision was made to ratify the third Optional Protocol on the Rights of the Child before the end of 2023. To further strengthen the status of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Government of Iceland has decided to incorporate it directly into Icelandic legislation. In parallel with the incorporation of the Convention into Icelandic legislation, a preparation of the Optional Protocol's ratification is planned. </p> <p>Allow me now to highlight a few of the steps the Government of Iceland has taken to <strong>combat gender-based and sexual violence, and trafficking in human beings. </strong></p> <p>The Government is firmly committed to fighting gender-based and sexual violence. Significant efforts have been made to ensure faster and higher quality investigations and prosecutions in gender-based and sexual violence cases. This includes enhanced financing and additional training for police and prosecutors.</p> <p>Combating human trafficking is a top priority for Iceland. In 2019, the Government’s policies were outlined in a National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking and Other Forms of Exploitation which since has been the foundation of a strengthened approach to the prevention, protection, and prosecution of human trafficking, as well as enhanced partnership and consultations across the administration and with the police.</p> <p>We also received several recommendations concerning <strong>equality, non-discrimination and measures to combat discrimination, and accepted all of them.</strong> </p> <p>There should be no doubt that the Government of Iceland attaches great importance to combatting discrimination. Significant steps were taken in 2018, when the Icelandic Parliament adopted two anti-discrimination laws: the Act on Equal Treatment in the Labour Market and the Act on Equal Treatment irrespective of Race and Ethnic Origin.</p> <p>Legislative protection against discrimination has been strengthened, with the broadening of the Act on Equal Treatment outside the Labour Market with a bill passed by the Parliament earlier this month/in June this year. The Act now covers equal treatment in all areas of society, irrespective of race, ethnicity, religion, life stance, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics.</p> <p>I would also like to mention that earlier this month, the Parliament unanimously passed the first Action Plan on the rights of LGBTQI+ individuals in Iceland with the aim of improving their rights in all areas of society. </p> <p><strong>The matter of hate crimes and hate speech was also raised.</strong> The criminal code has been amended and now includes a provision on hate crime. The provision on hate speech has also been broadened to include protection for more groups. </p> <p><strong>During our review, a number of states gave recommendations to address the rights of migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees.</strong></p> <p>The government has adopted a new and coordinated approach to refugee reception and integration, aimed at ensuring quicker and better inclusion of refugees into the community. This has gone hand in hand with a detailed Action Plan to further facilitate integration of all immigrants and to monitor societal perception of Iceland’s immigrant population.</p> <p>The Government intends to formulate a comprehensive immigration policy in the coming years, aimed at ensuring that persons who settle in Iceland have the opportunity to integrate and actively participate in Icelandic society and in the labour market.</p> <p>We noted the recommendations on ratifying the Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. The revision of the labour law is planned and needs to be conducted and the ratification of the Convention will be taken into consideration after that process. </p> <p>Lastly, the fight against <strong>climate change</strong> is a core priority for the Government and we therefore welcomed and accepted the recommendations received on human rights and the environment. </p> <p>I thank you.</p> <h2>Concluding remarks</h2> <p>Let me first of all thank you and all those who have participated today. I also wish to thank the Secretariat for their invaluable guidance, and our Troika – Argentina, Finland and Senegal – for their excellent work.</p> <p>We have implemented a number of strategic initiatives since our last Review to promote human rights in Iceland, and the Government remains fully committed to continuing to implement the UPR recommendations. We will continue to involve civil society organisations in Iceland, and other stakeholders, in the follow up process. A strong and engaging dialogue with stakeholders is crucial to ensure that all key areas of concern are addressed. I can also confirm that we will, like last time, submit a voluntary mid-term report in 2024.</p> <p>Iceland remains firmly committed to promoting and protecting human rights and we will strive to find adequate solutions and responses as new human rights challenges arise. Iceland views the Human Rights Council as the key platform for the promotion of human rights and a cornerstone of the multilateral system. We will continue to work actively with the Council to ensure that mechanisms for protecting and advancing human rights globally are strengthened.</p> <p>I thank you.</p>

<p><strong>UN Human Rights Council<br /> 50^th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Interactive dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry <br /> on the Syrian Arab Republic </strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Intervention by Iceland, on behalf of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries. </p> <p>After more than a decade of a brutal armed conflict in the Syrian Arab Republic, civilians continue to bear the brunt of gross violations and abuses of international human rights law and international humanitarian law committed against them. </p> <p>We are gravely concerned about continuous reports of such violations and abuses, not least targeted attacks and killings, torture and sexual and gender-based violence, arbitrary detentions and enforced disappearances throughout Syria. </p> <p>In a continuing pattern documented by the Commission for years, the Syrian regime and its allies have continued to indiscriminately target civilians. Once again, we demand all parties to the conflict to stop the systematic and widespread human rights violations and abuses, and comply with international humanitarian law.</p> <p>We are also concerned about the rising risk of hunger in Syria, particularly in view of increasing global food insecurity as a result of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. In this context, the extension of Security Council Resolution 2585 allowing continued cross-border humanitarian assistance in the northwestern part of the country is vital.</p> <p>We express our unwavering support for the Commission of Inquiry and its mandate. The people of Syria deserve accountability for the crimes continuously committed against them. </p> <p>The war has now lasted for more than 11 years. What can States do to ensure that the war and the suffering of the people of Syria are not forgotten, and to support accountability?</p> <p>Thank you. </p>

<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>50th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>28 June 2022</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>ITEM 4 - <span>Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Statement by Iceland</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Iceland thanks the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus for her report, an important update on an ever-worsening human rights situation that we must not lose sight of. </p> <p>Belarus’ involvement in the war against Ukraine exacerbates the situation in Belarus and creates additional concerns. Civil society remains under attack and the widespread use of disinformation is alarming and must stop.</p> <p>We are deeply concerned about widespread and systematic violations and abuses that have been executed as an official policy, as well as recent constitutional and other legislative changes that restrict fundamental freedoms even further, including the recently adopted law on the death penalty. </p> <p>Iceland strongly supports the mandate of the Special Rapporteur. The Rapporteur’s work is vital to gain insight into the human rights violations and abuses taking place every day in Belarus with the collection of information showing persecution of political opponents of the regime, arbitrary arrests, and harassment of human rights defenders. </p> <p>Iceland condemns the systematic human rights violations and abuses of the Belarusian regime<strong> </strong>and calls for the immediate release of all political prisoners. We call on Belarus to adhere to its international commitments and obligations under human rights law. </p> <p>We stand firmly with the Belarusian people in their fight for a free and democratic society.</p> <p>Thank you. </p>

<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Human Rights Council<br /> </strong><strong>50th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Panel on adverse effects of climate change on human rights of people in vulnerable situations</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries (NB8)</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>28 June 2022</strong><br /> <br /> </p> <p style="text-align: left;">Mr. Chair,</p> <p style="text-align: left;">I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country Iceland.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">We thank the distinguished panelists for their contributions. It is important to ensure a strong global message on the human rights impacts of climate change, disproportionately affecting persons in vulnerable situations.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">The Human Rights Council has rightly underlined the interlinkages between human rights and climate change. It is our joint duty to tackle the adverse effects of climate change on the realization of human rights and to enhance a just and equal transition.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">We must pay special attention to the protection and promotion of the rights of those who are more acutely impacted by climate change, including women and girls, children, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, persons in vulnerable situations and environmental defenders.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">We thank the panel for highlighting that the integration of human rights into climate action will increase its effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability. It is vital to empower women and persons in vulnerable situations and ensure their full, effective, equal and meaningful participation in decision-making at all levels.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"> Esteemed panelists,</p> <p style="text-align: left;">How can we best promote the integration of a gender perspective in climate action?</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Thank you.&nbsp; </p>

<p style="text-align: center;"><strong> UN Security Council Arria-formula meeting </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>on&nbsp;</strong><strong>the relationship between the ICC and the Security Council in the lead up to the 20th Anniversary of the Entry into Force of the Rome Statute</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Delivered by Mr. Jonas G. Allansson, Deputy Permanent Representative of Iceland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p>Madame Chair, </p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of Finland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden - and my own country - Iceland.</p> <p>Madame Chair, </p> <p>We mark the 20^th anniversary of the entry into force of the Rome Statute and thereby the establishment of the International Criminal Court. We once again reiterate our strong support for the Court and its important contribution to the fight against impunity for the most serious crimes of concern to the international community - war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and the crime of aggression. </p> <p>We hope that a dialogue-based approach and a well-managed and results-oriented Court will encourage more States to join the Rome Statute and make it truly universal.</p> <p>The Court’s continued relevance is evident as unfortunately, the most heinous crimes are continuously committed across the world. Accountability for all perpetrators must be ensured. Victims and survivors deserve justice and support.</p> <p>Russia’s illegal military aggression against Ukraine has shown the need for unified support and a collective international response to atrocities. We were pleased that so many States parties decided to join the referral of the situation in Ukraine to the ICC. We have witnessed indiscriminate military attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, including on schools and hospitals. We have seen widespread killings of civilians and other protected persons as well as sexual and gender-based violence, and numerous other violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law. Such acts may amount to war crimes, and perpetrators must be held to account. We will continue working towards this shared goal of ending impunity and support and engage in initiatives in this regard, including within the Group of Friends of Accountability following the Aggression against Ukraine.</p> <p>The relevance of the Court is in no way contained to the situation in Ukraine. The Court’s large number of ongoing investigations all require our immediate attention. Lack of accountability anywhere sends the wrong signal everywhere - it undermines our international legal order, and fuels further atrocities. The Nordic countries are committed to ensuring sufficient resources for the Court. While the regular budget must remain the primary source of funding for its mandated activities, we continue to explore options of additional support to the work of the Court.</p> <p>Madame Chair,</p> <p>We welcome the focus of today’s meeting on the relationship between the ICC and the Security Council. It is no secret that the relationship is a complex one. </p> <p>The Security Council is entrusted with the power and the duty to preserve international peace and security. Without justice, peace remains fragile and the risk of relapse to full scale warfare high. Without justice, victims and survivors are left to suffer, without a voice or reparation. </p> <p>We fully support increasing the cooperation between the Security Council and the ICC in relation to existing referrals from the Council. The ICC Prosecutor has stated he will prioritize referrals by the Security Council. The Security Council should render equal support and recognition to the ICC. The Security Council can play an important role in supporting the execution of arrest warrants issued by the ICC and freezing assets of persons under charges. Enhanced cooperation would provide a better basis for future referrals, as many atrocities still escape the jurisdiction of the ICC. United Nations should also share the financial burden of situations referred by the Council, as foreseen in Article 115 of the Rome Statute. </p> <p>Madame Chair,</p> <p>Let me conclude by renewing our commitment to the fight against impunity. Victims and survivors everywhere depend on us. </p> <p>I thank you. </p>

<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Human Rights Council</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>50th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Statement delivered by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries (NB8)</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>24 June 2022</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</p> <p>We thank the Special Rapporteur for her report.</p> <p>We strongly condemn killing, harassment and intimidation of journalists and media workers. The disproportionate, multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination and gender-based violence directed at women journalists is extremely worrying. All journalists and media workers must be able to work without fear of reprisals, online as well as offline.</p> <p>Freedom of opinion and expression is fundamental for resilient and democratic societies and protection of all human rights. Free, independent, strong and pluralistic media helps people make informed decisions and hold governments and public institutions accountable, both in peacetime and in conflict or war situations.</p> <p>Protecting journalists and media workers requires further attention and constant commitment. We need strengthened cooperation and dialogue between stakeholders across sectors, regions and fora. States have the primary responsibility to protect freedom of expression and ensure the safety of journalists, including ending impunity for crimes against journalists. As media today is dependent on digital platforms, businesses also have a crucial role to play.</p> <p>Honourable Special Rapporteur, what steps can governments take to strengthen cooperation and dialogue between stakeholders?</p>

<p style="text-align: center;">UNRWA Pledging Conference, 23 June 2022</p> <p style="text-align: center;">Address by Katrín Einarsdóttir, Head of Humanitarian Affairs</p> <p style="text-align: center;">Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Iceland</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Secretary General, Commissioner General, Excellencies, </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Let me start by thanking the hosts for convening this important event in support of UNRWA and Palestine refugees. I would also like to extend Iceland’s appreciation to Commissioner-General Lazzarini for his leadership and for the measures undertaken by him and his staff to address the serious financial situation UNRWA is faced with. </p> <p>UNRWA’s support to Palestine refugees is critical, including in the areas of health, education, and social services. Furthermore, the economic importance of UNRWA for its 30 thousand front-line staff is also central and extends beyond their immediate families to the wider community. </p> <p>The fact that UNRWA’s chronic financial shortfall keeps growing, is therefore of serious concern. Not only does it have a negative effect on the well-being and livelihoods of the Palestinian population but can also have a destabilising effect in the areas of its operations. In the absence of a lasting political solution, UNRWA’s role remains of vital importance.</p> <p>Chair, </p> <p>Iceland is a longstanding supporter of UNRWA´s mandate as demonstrated by our focus on predictable, multi-year and unearmarked funding. </p> <p>Iceland first entered into a multi-year framework agreement with UNRWA in 2018 and today I´m pleased to announce that we have extended that multi-year agreement to 2023. We have also decided to increase Iceland’s core contribution for 2022 of 10 million ISK bringing Iceland’s total contributions for 2022 to 70 million ISK. </p> <p>Finally, I want to take this opportunity and commend the agency and its staff for their commitment and dedication. For them to continue their important work, it is important that more donors provide UNRWA with predictable contributions through multi-year commitments. Thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0931%20eu%20on%20ukraine%201379pc.pdf">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine.</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0930%20eu%20reply%20PO%20Nur-Sultan%201379pc.pdf">EU Statement on the Report by the Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan.</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0929%20eu%20reply%20PCU%201379pc.pdf">EU Statement in response to the report by the OSCE Project Coordinator in Ukraine, Ambassador Henrik Villadsen.</a></span></p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0914%20iceland%201379pc.pdf">Statement by Ambassador Kristín A. Árnadóttir, Permanent Representative of Iceland, at the 1379th Permanent Council Meeting, Vienna, 23 June 2022.</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0910%20iceland%201379pc.pdf">Statement by Ambassador Kristín A. Árnadóttir, Permanent Representative of Iceland, at the 1379th Permanent Council Meeting, Vienna, 23 June 2022.</a></span>

<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>UN Women Executive Board – Annual Session 2022</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Agenda Item 2: Annual Report of the Executive Director</em></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint Nordic Statement</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;">Delivered by H.E. Jörundur Valtýsson,</p> <p style="text-align: center;">Permanent Representative of Iceland</p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p>Madam President, dear colleagues.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>I deliver this statement on behalf of Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and my own country Iceland. We also align ourselves with the statement to be delivered by Ireland on behalf of group of states.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Let me begin by thanking the Executive Director and her team for the Annual Report, which includes a comprehensive - and final - update on the implementation of the 2018-2021 Strategic Plan, as well as lessons learned and a forward-looking summary of the new Strategic Plan. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>We wish to commend you, Madam Executive Director, and your predecessor, on your work in strengthening the strategic focus of UN Women during the past four years and we encourage you to keep up with the good work. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Madam Executive Director, </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>While UN Women saw progress in certain areas during the implementation of the previous Strategic Plan, a reversal on key indicators, such as extreme poverty and women’s labor force participation, threaten the achievement of SDG5. During COVID-19, social protection has emerged as a key tool to respond to crises. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>However, as highlighted in your annual report, less than half of the world’s population had access to at least one social protection benefit in 2020 and less than a quarter of covid-related social protection and labor market measures were gender-sensitive. What measures has UN Women taken to ensure that social protection programmes are gender-responsive? </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Public services, including transformative social protection systems, require adequate funding. A difficult task given the further tightening of fiscal space. We urge UN Women to continue expanding new partnerships, including with IFIs, and to complement efforts to increase national level financing with new and innovative financing approaches such as gender bonds. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>When the Executive Board last met, we were concerned about the trajectory of gender equality due to COVID-19, climate change and conflicts. The situation has not improved since, with serious disruptions to the food, energy and financial markets. Findings of the Secretary General’s Global Crisis Response Group indicate that vulnerable populations in developing countries are particularly exposed to these price fluctuations. This undoubtedly means that women and girls in low-income countries will be disproportionately impacted. The Nordics firmly believe that gender equality should be at the forefront of all policy decisions. In that regard, could we ask what your contributions have been to the Global Crisis Response Group? </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>In the Strategic Plan, digital technologies and innovations are mainstreamed as tools across thematic areas. Could you provide us some concrete examples on how you plan to implement this, also keeping in mind that it will serve as a CSW priority theme next year? In addition, could you clarify how you ensure synergies between the Strategic Plan and the Generation Equality Campaign?</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Madam Executive Director, </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>We welcome that UN Women expenditures in field offices has increased proportionately over the past five years and that almost one third of total programme expenditures were through joint programmes. We congratulate UN Women for ensuring that more than two thirds of the 29 Cooperation Frameworks developed last year featured gender equality results at outcome levels. What steps is UN Women taking to strengthen its coordination mandate and how can member states support your coordination work?</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>We also note that UN Women has developed country, regional and headquarters typologies to better ensure appropriate presence. Could you give us a brief update on the implementation of these typologies and a concrete example of change at country-level?</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Nordic countries would like to congratulate UN Women on receiving its tenth consecutive unqualified audit opinion on its financial statements and reaching a score of 87 from the International Aid Transparency Initiative. We applaud these results and urge UN Women to continue on this path. Now, more than ever, the Executive Board needs to adequately execute its governance obligations and oversight function and we rely on UN Women to continue to report to the board in a transparent and comprehensive manner. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>In closing, allow me to reiterate the Nordics’ full support for UN Women’s 2022-2025 Strategic Plan, with its human rights-based, transformative, intersectional and Leaving No One Behind approach, and underscoring UN Women’s unique triple mandate. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Thank you.</p>

<p>Madam President,</p> <p>I would like to start by congratulating the newly elected members from yesterday to the CLCS, and no less importantly, to thank all candidates for making themselves available. With one seat left to vote on, it must be said that we appreciate the high number of highly qualified candidates this year. We wish the Commission success in the important task ahead, and Iceland will continue to do its utmost, as a State Party, to facilitate its work.</p> <p>My delegation thanks the Secretary General for the informative report that this agenda item refers to. </p> <p>This year we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the remarkable achievement that is UNCLOS. It is truly amazing to think that 40 years ago, through constructive negotiations, delegations were able to construct a legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out. This timeless and highly functional constitution of the ocean is now applied every day, all over the world, and is considered one of the UN’s greatest achievements. Such a success, and its continued effectiveness should not be taken for granted.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Madame President.</p> <p>Iceland is looking very much forward to the UN Ocean conference in Lisbon later this month, under the able leadership of Portugal and Kenya. We will be represented there at the highest level, which underscores the importance Iceland attaches to ocean affairs and the Lisbon conference. We certainly also plan on active participation throughout.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Iceland, along with Singapore, will have the honour of co-chairing the interactive dialogue on the international law aspects, as reflected in UNCLOS. We count on other State Parties to the Convention to contribute to discussions at the dialogue and elsewhere, making use of every possible opportunity to uphold and defend the Convention. This is also important to remember, now that ocean affairs are being discussed in various different circles.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It is the hope of Iceland that the Ocean Conference in Lisbon, as well as other major events this year, will be a gamechanger in terms of the attention, finance and implementation the ocean deserves. SDG 14 unfortunately continues to be significantly under-funded and is therefore aptly placed on the agenda of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development this summer. On the agenda as well, will be SDG5 on gender equality and women´s empowerment. Iceland welcomes this, as the full, meaningful and effective participation of women in ocean affairs is vital for success on both the sustainable management of the ocean, as well as for gender equality.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Madame President.</p> <p>This year has been referred to as the “Super Year of the Ocean”. We were already off to a good start, when the United Nations Environment Assembly held its most successful session since its establishment in Rio 2012. The resolution on a legally binding agreement to end plastic pollution was a great achievement and we look forward to an internationally binding treaty becoming a reality.</p> <p>Further on the environmental aspects, climate change remains in place as an existential threat. It is affecting the marine environment and the ocean as a carbon sink. Another side of the coin called climate change is ocean acidification, which is also caused by carbon emissions and the burning of fossil fuels. Ocean acidification is happening faster than the average in the cold, Arctic waters around Iceland.</p> <p>Carbon emissions and the burning of fossil fuels are also contributing to sea level rise; a threat we can not ignore and which is not going away. It will be a challenge to deal with, in the context of UNCLOS, but Iceland is confident that together we will find solutions. Small island developing states and others in particularly vulnerable positions, should not carry the burden of a situation they have done the least to contribute to. Iceland is grateful to the International Law Commission for the important work it is doing on sea level rise.</p> <p>In the context of climate change, the ocean does not only present us with challenges; it also offers solutions. Food from the ocean, often referred to as “blue food”, is both nutritious and low in carbon intensity. UNCLOS and its Fish Stocks Agreement, provide us with the legal framework on the sustainable use of ocean resources. Iceland is looking forward to further discussions on Blue Food at the Ocean conference in Lisbon – and encourages other States to join the Blue and Aquatic Food Coalition.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Madame President, </p> <p>as we have heard this week, rapid developments are taking place in the context of the International Seabed Authority. The world is now looking at the relevant provisions of UNCLOS being operationalized. It is of the utmost importance to get it right and that effective environmental standards be applied.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Madam President.</p> <p>Iceland is an island state with an Exclusive Economic Zone more than seven-fold the size of our land. As such, Iceland cannot overemphasize the importance of UNCLOS and its implementing agreements. Since its inception, UNCLOS has remained a key pillar of our country’s foreign and economic policy.</p> <p>On that note that Iceland would like to thank all States which participated in the fourth intergovernmental conference on a new implementing agreement under UNCLOS on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. The constructive spirit and solution-oriented attitude we witnessed in March, helped move our negotiations forward.</p> <p>It is Iceland’s hope and ambition that together we will be able to use the momentum gathered when we meet again in August to negotiate a well-structured, highly-functioning agreement, ensuring the near-universal participation which is needed for the agreement’s effectiveness; for the benefit of all.</p> <p>It is vital to remember that UNCLOS and its existing implementing agreements are the foundation on which we must build the new BBNJ legal framework. Lastly, and importantly, Madame President; it is the hope of Iceland that when our negotiations will be concluded, we will be as proud of our new implementing agreement as we are of the agreements that came before.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>I thank you.</p>

<p><strong>50^th Session of the Human Rights Council</strong></p> <p><strong>Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (NB8</strong><strong>)</strong></p> <p><strong>16 June 2022</strong></p> <p>Thank you, Mr. President.</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</p> <p>We thank the Independent Expert for his report and reiterate our unwavering support to the renewal of this crucial mandate. We welcome the focus of the new report on the realization of the right to health in relation to the SDGs. Bringing a SOGI lens to the health-related commitments of the SDGs is of paramount importance to “leaving no one behind”. </p> <p>The right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, including sexual and reproductive health and rights and the right to bodily autonomy, must be enjoyed without discrimination of any kind, including on the basis of SOGI and sex characteristics.</p> <p>We would also like to underscore the importance of providing comprehensive sexuality education to reduce health risks for LGBTQI and gender-diverse youth, including with regard to sexual and reproductive health and rights.</p> <p>We strongly condemn all attacks on human rights defenders and civil society organisations, including those working to combat discrimination and violence based on SOGI and call on all States to create a safe, inclusive and enabling environment for the promotion of human rights and equality for all.</p> <p>Mr. Independent Expert,</p> <p>What advice do you have for States to address the serious gaps in the evidence-base regarding health-related discrimination and violence based on SOGI? </p> <p>Thank you.</p>

<p><strong>50th Session of the Human Rights Council</strong></p> <p><strong>Item 2 – </strong><strong>Interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner oral update on the situation in Mariupol (Ukraine, res S-34/1)</strong></p> <p><strong>Statement by Iceland</strong></p> <p><strong>16 June 2022</strong></p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>Iceland thanks the High Commissioner for her briefing on the devastating situation in Mariupol. What we have heard today has unfortunately become a common thread in Russia’s brutal aggression against Ukraine.&nbsp; </p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>The reports of the atrocities committed by the Russian military in Ukraine are shocking. Blatant disregard for human lives is a signature of Russia’s warfare for the past months. </p> <p>The Russian military continues to flagrantly violate the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law, by way of executions, sexual and gender-based violence, arbitrary detentions, enforced displacements and shelling of hospitals and schools. This is something we have unfortunately seen in multiple cities across Ukraine, including Mariupol and Bucha.</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>We must continue to collectively fight against impunity for violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. </p> <p>Those responsible for committing those atrocities against civilians must be brought to justice. </p> <p>Iceland fully supports the Commission of Inquiry and other initiatives to this end, including the investigation of the ICC. Iceland also commends the Prosecutor General of Ukraine and other States in their joint efforts along with the ICC to facilitate investigations and prosecutions in the concerned states as well as those that could be taken forward before the ICC.</p> <p>I thank you. </p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0902%20iceland%201378pc.pdf">Statement by Ambassador Kristín A. Árnadóttir, Permanent Representative of Iceland, at the 1378th Permanent Council Meeting, Vienna, 16 June 2022.</a></span>

<p><strong>50th session of the Human Rights Council</strong></p> <p><strong>Item 2: Interactive dialogue on the interim oral update by the High Commissioner on the situation of human rights in Nicaragua </strong><strong>(Council resolution 46/2)</strong></p> <p><strong>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries (NB8)</strong></p> <p><strong>16 June 2022</strong></p> <p>Mr President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries. We thank the High Commissioner for the latest update.</p> <p>We remain deeply concerned about ongoing human rights violations in Nicaragua, including arbitrary detentions, violations of the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, and consistent attacks against human rights defenders, journalists and other media workers, political opposition, and civil society leaders.</p> <p>The space for civil society in Nicaragua is shrinking dramatically. We strongly condemn the authorities’ recent cancellation of 177 additional non-governmental organisations’ legal status and urge the Nicaraguan authorities to immediately revoke these decisions and to guarantee, in all circumstances, the right to freedom of association.</p> <p>We urge Nicaragua to ensure the full enjoyment of human rights, including civil and political rights. Impunity for human rights violations must end. We call on Nicaragua to cooperate fully with international and regional human rights mechanisms, including the OHCHR.</p> <p>Madame High Commissioner,</p> <p>What concrete steps can be taken to encourage Nicaragua to restore the legal personality of the organisations that have been arbitrarily shut down? </p> <p>Thank you. </p>

<p><strong>50th session of the Human Rights Council</strong></p> <p><strong>Item 2: Enhanced interactive dialogue on the report of the High Commissioner on the situation of human rights since, and human rights violations and abuses committed during, the period of the military takeover in the Sudan </strong></p> <p><strong>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries (NB8)</strong></p> <p><strong>15 June 2022</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>Iceland has the honour of delivering this statement on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic Countries. We thank the High Commissioner for the update.</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>The situation for human rights in Sudan has deteriorated since the last time we met in this format. </p> <p>We are appalled by the violence from the security forces towards peaceful protesters. More than 100 have been killed and thousands arbitrarily detained. We have seen widespread sexual and gender-based violence. Tensions are increasing nationally, including 200 people killed in inter-communal violence in Darfur. </p> <p>A Sudanese-led inclusive dialogue is necessary to achieve a broad-based support for the path forward. We appreciate the commitment of UNITAMS, AU and IGAD to support the process. The de facto authorities must stop the violence and create a conducive environment for dialogue. The lifting of the state of emergency and release of prisoners are positive steps, more needs to be done. </p> <p>We appreciate the work of the independent human rights expert in Sudan and call upon the Sudanese authorities to fully cooperate with his mandate. </p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>How can we and the Office best support the protection and advancement of human rights in Sudan?</p> <p>Thank you. </p>

<p><strong>High level commemorative event on the occasion of the 50th session of the Human Rights Council: achievements and lessons learned</strong></p> <p><strong>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries (NB8)</strong></p> <p><strong>15 June 2022</strong></p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries:&nbsp; Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Norway, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden and my own country Iceland.</p> <p>As we commemorate the 50th session, we reflect on the Council’s successes, challenges and opportunities.</p> <p>Overall, the HRC is a success. It has shown its relevance and ability to respond to crises through rapidly established Commissions of Inquiry.</p> <p>The adoption of the resolution on prevention (45/31) was a milestone. The HRC is perfectly placed to prevent serious human rights situations from deteriorating further.</p> <p>The HRC architecture is working. The special procedures publish bold and timely reports. UPR provides valuable recommendations to improve human rights nationally.</p> <p>However, ensuring adequate and predictable funding is key. We must make sure that mandates established by the HRC get the necessary funding and expertise.</p> <p>Our discussions are often subject to deep polarization. We need to build bridges and seek compromise. We need to work on civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights at the same pace, always putting the individual at the centre. Civil society and human rights defenders play a crucial role, as well as national human rights institutions.</p> <p>We have a strong normative framework, but the implementation gap is too large. We can all do more at home to implement the human rights that we call for in this room.&nbsp;</p> <p>Finally, we would like to thank the High Commissioner for her tireless efforts for human rights during her mandate.</p> <p>Thank you.</p>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0897%20eu%201378pc.pdf">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine.</a></span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nordic intervention by H.E. Minister Ville Skinnari, Finland</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>Thank you to Albania for organizing this timely meeting. I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Nordic countries – Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden – and Finland.</p> <p>Despite the significant progress in advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda, there continues to be a huge gap between what is achieved on paper and on the ground. </p> <p>In Ukraine, we see mass displacement, indiscriminate killings of civilians, attacks on civilian infrastructure and shocking reports of sexual and gender-based violence and trafficking. Ongoing conflicts in Afghanistan, Sudan, Myanmar, and Mali, to name only a few, threaten the fragile gains of the women, peace and security agenda and the lives and work of women peacebuilders.</p> <p>We need to drastically accelerate our efforts to bridge the widening gap. The role of national governments and regional and sub-regional organizations will be crucial in this regard.</p> <p>***</p> <p>We warmly welcome the participation of regional and sub-regional organizations in this open debate and call for a continued, regular exchange of views and better coordination between our actions.</p> <p>In the context of military coups and takeovers, regional and sub-regional organizations are often instrumental in developing context-specific and tailor-made approaches. </p> <p>They are often the first to react in crisis response, to engage with concerned parties to ensure protection of civilians. They are uniquely placed to build trust and promote dialogue among concerned parties, as well as to offer support in mediation and reconciliation; and they can be influential in advocating for women’s full, equal and meaningful – and safe – participation in all aspects of peace and security. </p> <p>The work of regional WPS special envoys should be adequately supported and WPS experts need to be systematically and firmly involved on all levels and stages of planning and leadership of UN missions.</p> <p>***</p> <p>We all need to further step up our interaction with civil society and support for local women’s organizations and women peacebuilders. Their contextual, local expertise is crucial for our success. The WPS Focal Points Network provides an important platform for interaction and sharing of best practices. </p> <p>Investing in better, coordinated data collection, gender analysis and systematic monitoring of results across all peace efforts, is key to making any radical shift on women’s meaningful participation possible. Initiatives, such as, the Compact on Women, Peace and Security and Humanitarian Action and Commitment 2025, led by Finland and Spain, are important in this respect.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Thank you.</p>

<p><strong>Item 2 – Interactive dialogue on the annual report of the High Commissioner</strong></p> <p><strong>14 June 2022</strong></p> <p><strong>Statement by Iceland</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>Mr. President.</p> <p>We thank the High Commissioner for her report.</p> <p>We remain gravely concerned over the situation of human rights in the <strong>Russian Federation</strong>, including erosion of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, systematic crackdown on civil society, political opposition and media, and use of disinformation contributing to Russia’s war against Ukraine. Human rights and fundamental freedoms must be respected, and perpetrators held to account.</p> <p>In <strong>Belarus</strong>, we are deeply concerned of widespread and systematic violations that have been executed as an official policy, including the recently adopted law on death penalty, and attacks on civil society and widespread use of disinformation. We reiterate our call on Belarus to stop enabling the Russian aggression in Ukraine and to abide by its international obligations. </p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>We continue to be gravely concerned about the human rights situation in the <strong>Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region</strong>. We urge China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang for independent observers and call for the High Commissioner to release her long-awaited report.</p> <p>Finally, we condemn the severe regression in the recognition, protection and realization of the rights of women and girls in <strong>Afghanistan</strong>. We call on the Taliban, and all other parties, to live up to their promises, and to their obligations under international law. </p> <p>I thank you.</p>

<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>UNGA</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Briefing from UNSE on Myanmar Noeleen Heyzer on the Situation of human rights of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Joint intervention by the Nordic countries, 13 June 2022</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p>Madame Special Envoy,</p> <p>I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries - Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and my own country Denmark.</p> <p>The Nordic countries are firm supporters of the UN Special Envoy’s mandate and tireless efforts to find durable, peaceful and inclusive dialogue-driven solutions to the escalating crisis in Myanmar. While we focus on other highly concerning conflicts, the world must not forget what is going on in Myanmar. </p> <p>We are witnessing a multifaceted conflict and cannot underestimate the scale of the multiple humanitarian tragedies that are unfolding. Therefore, we thank the Secretary General for convening this informal meeting. </p> <p>We continue to condemn the military coup in the strongest possible terms and encourage all parties to engage in inclusive and constructive political dialogue. </p> <p>The Nordic countries condemn the use of lethal force and violence against peaceful demonstrators, as well as members of civil society, women, youth, children and others. </p> <p>We are deeply concerned by reports of the use of sexual and gender-based violence. </p> <p>We call on all parties to refrain from violence in any form. Perpetrators must be held accountable. </p> <p>We are deeply concerned by the Myanmar military's reported plans to resume executions. The death penalty is a blatant violation to the right to life, liberty and security of persons, as per Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.</p> <p>We are also deeply concerned about the severe humanitarian needs, and the large areas, which remain inaccessible to humanitarian actors. We continue to call on the military to ensure full, safe, and unimpeded humanitarian access to all people in need.</p> <p>We also call on the Myanmar military to fully respect and protect all people of Myanmar and their human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the Rohingya Muslims and other ethnic and persons belonging to religious minorities. The imposed state of emergency must end, civilian rule must be restored and all those arbitrarily detained must be released. </p> <p>The Nordic countries continue to support ASEAN in their efforts to find regional solutions to the crisis in Myanmar. We stress the importance of effectively implementing ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus without further delay. We also support the UN’s work in Myanmar and encourage the UN and ASEAN to continue and intensify coordination. Alongside ASEAN, we call on greater alignment of UN Special Envoy and other UN agencies to “deliver as one” in Myanmar. </p> <p>The Nordic countries stand in solidarity with the people of Myanmar and join their aspirations for a democratic, stable and peaceful Myanmar.</p> <p>Thank you.</p>

<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Human Rights Council<br /> </strong><strong>50th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>I</strong><strong>nteractive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Eritrea</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries (NB8)<br /> </strong><strong>13 June 2022</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</p> <p>We thank the Special Rapporteur for his report.</p> <p>We remain deeply concerned over persistent human rights violations in Eritrea, in particular the practice of indefinite national service, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances and widespread sexual and gender-based violence.</p> <p>We condemn the continuing involvement of Eritrea in the war in Ethiopia, including reports of the deployment of child soldiers and forced conscription of Eritrean refugees. We urge the Government to immediately and unconditionally withdraw Eritrean forces from Ethiopia and to investigate all alleged breaches of international law by Eritrean actors in Ethiopia.</p> <p>We also condemn severe restrictions on the rights to freedoms of expression and religion or belief, and the continued closure of civic space in Eritrea. We call on the Eritrean Government to release all those arbitrarily detained, to end the practices of prolonged, incommunicado and arbitrary detention, and to develop independent rule-of-law institutions to protect human rights.</p> <p>Finally, as a member of the Human Rights Council, Eritrea should uphold the highest standards in the promotion and protection of human rights and fully cooperate with the Council’s mechanisms, including by granting the Special Rapporteur full and unhindered access to the country.</p> <p>I thank you.</p>

<p><span><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=3822e1ac-f601-11ec-9bab-005056bc4727">EU Statement on&nbsp;Agenda item 3: Strengthening of the Agency’s technical cooperation activities – Technical Cooperation Report for 2021.</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=541b4b1b-f601-11ec-9bab-005056bc4727">EU Statement on Agenda item 6: Nuclear Security: Nuclear Security Review 2022.</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=69fbfb48-f601-11ec-9bab-005056bc4727">EU Statement on Agenda item 7: Verification and monitoring in the Islamic Republic of Iran in light of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231 (2015).</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=8688a745-f601-11ec-9bab-005056bc4727">EU Statement on Agenda item 8(b): Safeguards Implementation Report for 2021.</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=9abd1d19-f601-11ec-9bab-005056bc4727">EU Statement on Agenda item 8(c): Application of safeguards in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=bb9e2659-f601-11ec-9bab-005056bc4727">EU Statement on&nbsp;Agenda item 8(d): Implementation of the NPT safeguards agreement in the Syrian Arab Republic.</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=e218762d-f601-11ec-9bab-005056bc4727">EU Statement on Agenda item 8(e): NPT Safeguards Agreement with the Islamic Republic of Iran.</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=01189c72-f602-11ec-9bab-005056bc4727"><span>EU Statement on&nbsp;Agenda item 9: The safety, security and safeguards implications of the situation in Ukraine.</span><span></span></a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=1c98ebcc-f602-11ec-9bab-005056bc4727">EU Statement on Agenda item 10: Transfer of the nuclear materials in the context of AUKUS and its safeguards in all aspects under the NPT.</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=29bbec19-f602-11ec-9bab-005056bc4727">EU Statement on&nbsp;Agenda item 11: Designation of members to serve on the Board in 2022-23.</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=43c1f94f-f602-11ec-9bab-005056bc4727">EU Statement on&nbsp;Agenda item 13: Restoration of the sovereign equality of all IAEA Members.</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=63ae5c42-f602-11ec-9bab-005056bc4727">EU Statement on&nbsp;Agenda item 15: Any other Business (AUKUS).</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=82b45469-f602-11ec-9bab-005056bc4727">EU Statement on Agenda item 15: Any other Business (Israeli Nuclear Capabilities).</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=902199aa-f602-11ec-9bab-005056bc4727">EU Statement on&nbsp;Agenda item 15: Any other Business (Application of Safeguards in the Middle East).</a></span></p>

<p><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0846%20iceland%201377pc.pdf">Statement by Ms. Eva Dröfn Hassell Gudmundsdóttir, Temporary Officer at the Permanent Mission of Iceland, at the 1377th Permanent Council Meeting, Vienna, 9 June 2022.</a></p>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0864%20eu%201377pc.pdf">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine.</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0863%20eu%20reply%20CoE%20SG%201377pc.pdf">EU in response to the Address by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Ms. Marija Pejčinović Burić.</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0862%20eu%201377pc.pdf">EU on the Constitutional Referendum in Kazakhstan.</a></span></p>

<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Executive Board of UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS</em></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>Annual Session 2022</em></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>Agenda item 6: </em><em>GENDER EQUALITY AT UNDP</em><em> </em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>Delivered on Wednesday 8 June 2022 </em></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>by H.E. Mr. Jörundur Valtýsson</em></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>Permanent Representative of Iceland</em></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p>I am delivering this Statement on behalf of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Israel, The Republic of Moldova, The Kingdom of the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye, United Kingdom, the United States, and my own country Iceland.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Madam/Mr President,</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>We have been through some distressing years due to the pandemic. Although circumstances are tough, it is crucial that we continue to strive for gender equality. <p>&nbsp;</p> </li> <li>We would like to congratulate UNDP on its new gender equality strategy. We appreciate the level of ambition and the need to address structural barriers and root causes, while at the same time delivering on shorter-term changes. <p>&nbsp;</p> </li> <li>While it is positive that UNDP has developed this strategy on previous experiences, we believe the strategy would benefit from reflecting upon why UNDP has not achieved all of its goals in this area. <p>&nbsp;</p> </li> </ul> <ul> <li>So, could you share some thoughts on why this has been, and what lessons this holds for the achievement of this strategy’s goals? <p>&nbsp;</p> </li> </ul> <ul> <li>The priorities set for signature solution 6 – gender equality – contain targeted initiatives and give direction to the implementation across the other signature solutions. <p>&nbsp;</p> </li> <li>We view it as useful that the Country offices will be encouraged to develop engagement strategies for each programme portfolio in the new Gender Equality Strategy, while keeping it lean and agile. <p>&nbsp;</p> </li> </ul> <ul> <li>Do you plan any guidance on how this integration of gender equality will be implemented? <p>&nbsp;</p> </li> </ul> <ul> <li>UNDP has a central convening role in the UN system, including the integrator role – also important for the work on gender equality. We welcome this and the emphasis on partnership with UN Women in this regard. <p>&nbsp;</p> </li> </ul> <ul> <li>In this respect, can you perhaps share more about your plans to work with UN Women to support the integration of gender expertise across the UN system, in particular at the country level? <p>&nbsp;</p> </li> </ul> <ul> <li>And to leave no one behind, the strategy focuses on addressing multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination. How are you going to put this focus in practice? <p>&nbsp;</p> </li> </ul> <ul> <li>We also want to reiterate the importance of adequate investments and resources to match the ambition of the Gender Strategy. In this regard, we strongly support the goal of allocating at least 15% of UNDP regular budget to the gender equality strategy. <p>&nbsp;</p> </li> </ul> <ul> <li>Can you, perhaps, share more about your plans in this regard?</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>We welcome that the new strategy is focusing on how to change the internal culture in UNDP and strengthen its leadership for gender equality, to transform how UNDP thinks about and acts on gender equality. </li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Can we ask UNDP what concrete measures will be taken to truly prioritize gender equality and the empowerment of women in all their diversity during the next four-year period? </li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>UNDP is one the co-leads of the Generation Equality Action Coalition on Feminist Action for Climate Justice. We would appreciate to know more about the interlinkages between the action coalition and the gender strategy, especially the Signature solution 4 - Environment. <p>&nbsp;</p> </li> <li>I began with a call to strive for gender equality. Let me conclude by saying that there will be no progress for one, without progress for all – and reiterating our full support to UNDP.</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Madam/Mr President, </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Allow me also to deliver very brief remarks in my national capacity. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Earlier this year, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Iceland was awarded a gold certification from the UNDP Gender Equality Seal Programme - becoming the first donor country to receive such a recognition. <p>&nbsp;</p> </li> <li>This rigorous certification process was challenging for us but also a valuable learning experience as it required us to look at what we are doing right and, more importantly, where we can improve. <p>&nbsp;</p> </li> <li>We are now equipped with tools and ideas on how to further strengthen our work and we have a roadmap in place, with the aim of reducing inequalities both in the workplace and in our development co-operation projects. <p>&nbsp;</p> </li> <li>The certification is, therefore, not a destination but an on-going journey – a worthwhile one and we would encourage other member states to consider the UNDP Gender Equality Seal Programme. </li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Thank you. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Thank you Mr. President</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries – Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and my own country, Denmark</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Since it is the first time we convene to discuss the recent use of a veto in the Security Council following the adoption of resolution 76/262, allow me to attach a few remarks to the significance of this debate. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Security Council is entrusted by the UN Charter with the responsibility to maintain peace and security on behalf of us, the Member States represented here in this assembly. The use of veto to prevent the Council from discharging its duties is a matter of great concern. The debate provides an occasion for the permanent members of the Council who have decided to use their veto-power to explain the reasoning for doing so – not only to the Council – but also to all UN Members states. This contributes to making the Council more transparent and accountable.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The debate also offers other UN Member States the chance to share our views on the matter at hand. We encourage all UN members to make use of this opportunity. Allow me to share the viewpoints of the Nordic countries: </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>From 2006 and up until 2017 the UN Security had an exemplary track record of adopting resolutions unanimously against activities of the DPRK that posed a threat to regional and international peace and security. In doing so, the UN Security Council lived up to its obligations, [namely to address threats to international peace and security].</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Council’s unity remains of great importance for maintaining international law and responding to such threats. The latest UN security council resolution 2397 (2017) addressing the ballistic missile test and nuclear weapons programme of the People´s Democratic Republic of Korea states a clear commitment to: “<em>take action to restrict further the export to the DPRK of petroleum” </em>if the DPRK “<em>conducts a further nuclear test or a launch of a&nbsp; ballistic missile system capable of reaching intercontinental ranges or contributing to the development of a ballistic missile system capable of such ranges</em>”. [cit. Para 28] </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>This resolution explicitly expressed the Security Council’s determination to impose specific restrictions towards the DPRK in case of further nuclear or ballistic missile activities. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Since the beginning of this year, DPRK has conducted an unprecedented number of ballistic missile tests, in clear violation of numerous UN Security Council resolutions. This weekend alone saw 8 (eight) missile launches. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Nordic countries consider these actions a clear breach of Security Council resolutions – including 2397(2017) – that undermine regional stability, threaten international peace and security and could further heighten tensions. As the Director General of the IAEA stated earlier this week, there are indications of renewed activities of renewed activities in several nuclear sites in the DPRK.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Blatantly ignoring the Security Council’s resolutions must have consequences. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>With the primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security as enshrined in the UN Charter, the Council has a responsibility to step up and act in a situation like the one before us. The power of the veto should not limit the Council in fulfilling its mandate. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>We therefore strongly regret the use of the veto on this issue.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Security Council has clearly affirmed that the sanctions imposed are not intended to have adverse <em>humanitarian consequences</em> for the civilian population of the DPRK. The draft resolution proposed to broaden the humanitarian exemption mechanism. This would have been a timely update given the critical humanitarian needs in the DPRK, especially after recent reports of COVID-19 spreading throughout the country.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>We call on the DPRK to end its self-imposed blockade and allow the UN, its resident coordinator, and other international organizations to re-enter and resume their humanitarian work to meet the needs of the most vulnerable<em>.</em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>We will continue to uphold the integrity and credibility of the UN Security Council’s decisions and resolutions. We also urge the DPRK to re-engage in meaningful dialogue with all relevant parties to build a basis for sustainable peace and security and to take steps aimed at pursuing complete, verifiable, irreversible denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>And we take this opportunity to urge the two permanent members of the Security Council who vetoed the resolution to reconsider their position in this important matter. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>15^th Meeting of State Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Statement by Iceland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Thor G. Thorarinsson</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Senior Advisor, Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour.</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President.</p> <p>Last November the Government of Iceland decided to incorporate the CRPD into national law. Extensive work has been undertaken, in broad consultation with numerous stakeholders, to map and analyze the current law on services for persons with disabilites and their current implementation to identify the opportunities and challenges that the Government is facing in achieving this goal. </p> <p>This also served to achieve a common understanding of the status of the services, and to create trust among all of those working on the preparation of the legislation.</p> <p>We expect this to be crucial step to bring Iceland fully in line with the Convention.</p> <p>Mr. President, </p> <p>Work has also started for the preparation of a new national plan on the rights of persons with disabilities with a clear vision and targets for the future, based on the previously mentioned mapping of services. The new plan, that will run until 2030, will integrate efforts to achieve the sustainable development goals and be firmly grounded in the Convention. Progress will be assessed once a year with all stakeholders. </p> <p>Finally, Mr. President, the government is committed to increasing opportunities for persons with disabilities to education which we believe is one of the most meaningful ways to support equality in our societies. This commitment also extends to increasing opportunities for work, including through flexible arrangements and part time jobs. </p> <p>I thank you Mr. President.</p> <br />

<div> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden - and my own country - Denmark.</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>It is appalling to hear reports of atrocity crimes continuously being committed around the world.</p> <p>Genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other gross violations of international law can never be excused.</p> <p>Russia’s unprovoked military aggression against Ukraine has once again reminded us of the importance of an international response to atrocities. We have witnessed indiscriminate killings of civilians as well as sexual and gender-based violence and attacks on civilian infrastructure, including on&nbsp;schools and hospitals.&nbsp;Conflict-related sexual violence and rape are&nbsp;a blatant violation of human rights and may constitute war crimes. It is not an inevitable by-product of war, but a crime that can be prevented and must be punished.</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>We strongly urge Russia to comply with the legally binding order of the International Court of Justice of 16th&nbsp;March and immediately suspend their military operations in Ukraine.</p> <p>We fully support the investigation by the ICC prosecutor into the situation in Ukraine as well as national investigations. All perpetrators must be held accountable.</p> <p>Important work is also carried out on the ground by several actors, including the OHCHR and civil society to collect and preserve evidence.</p> <p>We also welcome accountability initiatives such as the establishment of the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine and the activation of the OSCE Moscow Mechanism.</p> <p>The Group of Friends of Accountability following the Aggression against Ukraine will continue to support these efforts.</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>Atrocities are not contained to the war in Ukraine. It is equally important to continue the fight for accountability in Sudan, Syria, Myanmar, Ethiopia and elsewhere. Victims of atrocities deserve justice everywhere.</p> <p>Criminal responsibility for the most serious international crimes must be achieved through the domestic and international prosecution of the individuals responsible. We are unwavering in our support for the International Criminal Court.</p> <p>We are also committed to the elaboration of a Convention on crimes against humanity, which would give States the necessary additional tools to prevent and punish such crimes at national level.</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>The Security Council is entrusted with the primary responsibility to maintain international peace and security. In fulfilling its mandate, it must respond decisively to atrocity crimes wherever they occur.</p> <p>The use of veto in the Council is unacceptable in the context of atrocity crimes.</p> <p>We welcome the resolution on the veto-initiative adopted by the General Assembly in April, which is a step in the right direction.</p> <p>We fully support and urge other UN members to join initiatives to limit the use of veto in this context, including the ACT-code of conduct and the French/Mexican initiative.</p> <p>The Security Council also has the power to advance accountability by referring situations to the ICC. We urge the Council also to look into further ways it can support the work of the ICC, in particular in relation to the situations it has referred to the Court.</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>Our ultimate goal must be to prevent atrocity crimes from happening in the first place. Rigorous compliance with international law, in particular international humanitarian law and human rights law, is the only way to achieve this.</p> <p>As enshrined in&nbsp;the responsibility to protect,&nbsp;the primary responsibility lies with the State to protect its populations from atrocity crimes. When atrocities do occur, accountability must be ensured to help prevent these crimes from happening again and deliver justice to victims. I assure you that the Nordic countries are steadfast supporters in the global fight against impunity.</p> <p>I thank you.</p> </div>

<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Chairs of the Human Rights Treaty Bodies</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;">Remarks by H.E. Mr. Jörundur Valtýsson, Permanent Representative of Iceland</p> <p style="text-align: center;">New York, 2 June 2022</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Thank you Mr Chair, and welcome to the chairs.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The strengthening of the treaty body system is an issue which Iceland attaches great importance to and has been actively engaged on for the past decade. We therefore welcome this timely exchange today and other discussions taking place this week – after two long years of COVID. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Iceland was one of the co-facilitators in 2012-2014 of the process that led to resolution 68/268, which eight years later is still a landmark document for the process. The resolution is not perfect, but it was the first time the General Assembly came together and addressed the treaty bodies in such a comprehensive way.&nbsp;Eight years later, many of us would have hoped to see the process advance further. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>We, therefore, much welcomed the report from 2020 co-facilitated by the Permanent Representatives of Morocco and Switzerland. Many of the issues raised regarding the treaty bodies were already addressed in resolution 68/268 but implementation was slow on some issues and inconsistent on others. We particularly welcomed its emphasis on the following four key elements:</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>A proposed schedule and estimated costing for predictable review cycles.</li> <li>Accelerated alignment of working methods.</li> <li>Enhanced visibility and accessibility.</li> <li>Acceleration of the digital shift, including online and hybrid meetings. <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The COVID-19 pandemic has not only upset the follow-up to the report, but exacerbated some of the challenges identified there. The now-daunting backlog of state parties’ reviews has left the committees with no other choice but to review and start implementation on more efficient working methods, including simplified reporting.</p> <p>If the current backlog is to be overcome, progress must be made on both:</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> </li> <li>more predictable review cycles, and; </li> <li>the alignment of working methods.</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>There are many challenges with “hybrid” formats of meetings, but in some instances the digital shift enforced by the pandemic years has been for good and even in some areas it has advanced accessibility. Thus, we must draw on the lessons learned from the successes and mistakes made in the last two years as we move forward.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>All of this will require resources, including for longer sessions in Geneva for the coming sessions, if we expect the treaty body committees to catch-up on lost time from the previous two years. Member States must come together to enable this way forward.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>It will also inevitably increase the workload on the elected committee members. They are now also expected to do more remote work in between the physical sessions in Geneva. Current and incoming members will have to adapt to these expectations.</p> <p>Mr Chair,</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Since 2016, Iceland has successfully led, with cross-regional sponsorship, a biannual resolution adopted by the Third Committee and the GA by consensus. Two years ago, a technical roll-over was necessary due to the pandemic restrictions on our work here in New York. This resolution should come before the Committee during the upcoming 77^th Session and we stand ready to do our part once again. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Hopefully, our discussion today can be a part of a rejuvenated process here in New York, as well as in Geneva.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0811%20joint%20statement%201376pc.pdf">Joint Statement Delivered by France on the Invocation of the Moscow Mechanism to Address the Human Rights and Humanitarian Impacts of Russia’s Invasion and Acts of War Against Ukraine, During the 1376th Meeting of the Permanent Council, June 2, 2022.</a></span>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0823%20eu%20reply%20HoM%20Ashgabat%201376pc.pdf">EU Statement in response to the report of the Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, Ambassador John MacGregor.</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0822%20eu%20reply%20HoM%20Montenegro%201376pc.pdf">EU in Response to the Head of the OSCE Mission in Montenegro, Ambassador Dominique Waag.</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0820%20eu%20reply%20sg%201376pc.pdf">EU in response to the Secretary-General’s Report on the Implications of Afghanistan for the OSCE Region.</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0819%20eu%20on%20ukraine%201376pc.pdf">EU on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine.</a></span></p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0787%20iceland%201375pc.pdf">Statement by Ambassador Kristín A. Árnadóttir, Permanent Representative of Iceland, at the 1375th Permanent Council Meeting, Vienna, 26 May 2022.</a></span>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0780%20eu%201375pc.pdf">EU Statement on the 22 May Trilateral Meeting of the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, with President Aliyev of Azerbaijan and Prime Minister Pashinyan of Armenia.</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0779%20eu%201375pc.pdf">EU Statement on the latest developments in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region in Tajikistan.</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0778%20eu%20reply%20PCU%201375pc.pdf">EU in response to the report by the OSCE Project Coordinator in Ukraine, Ambassador Henrik Villadsen.</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0776%20eu%20on%20ukraine%201375pc.pdf">EU on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine.</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0777%20eu%20reply%20POiB_Acad%201375pc.pdf">EU Statement in response to the Report of the Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek and of the Director of the OSCE Academy in Bishkek.</a></span></p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/eefdel0034%20closing,%20iceland.pdf">Statement by Minister Counsellor Ólafur Sigurdsson, Special Envoy for the Sustainable Development Goals, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Iceland, at the Closing Session of the 2nd Preparatory Meeting, of the 30th OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum, held in Lodz, 23-24th May 2022.</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0728%20joint%20stat.%20on%20IDAHOT%201374pc.pdf">Joint statement on occasion of the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT). Delivered by Ambassador Anne- Kirsti Karlsen at the Permanent Council Vienna, 19 May 2022.</a></span>

<div> <p style="text-align: center;">Joint Nordic Statement delivered by Ms. Jenny Ohlsson, State Secretary for International Development Cooperation, on behalf of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden at the Security Council Debate on Conflict and Food Security, 19 May 2022, New York</p> </div> <p>Mr President,&nbsp;</p> <p>I will try to use my time wisely. We do not have a single minute to waste in halting the triple food, energy and finance crisis.</p> <p>My remarks are made on behalf of the five Nordic countries.</p> <p>Almost to the day four years ago, Sweden and three other elected Council members tabled resolution 2417 on conflict and hunger, which condemns the use of starvation as a method of warfare. The world was alarmed by the threat of famine and the 74 million people facing crisis food insecurity of worse.&nbsp;</p> <p>Since then, the number has almost quadrupled, to a staggering 275 million. A majority of them live in areas of conflict. As always, women and children are bearing the brunt of the burden.</p> <p>If that is not an argument enough for seriously stepping up our efforts, I am not sure what would be.</p> <p>With the Russian aggression against Ukraine, supported by Belarus, the situation has deteriorated further. I would like to thank the Secretary General, and other briefers for making this very clear – but also for the work done by you, and your colleagues, to alleviate the situation, often in extremely challenging situations.&nbsp;</p> <p>The actions needed are both immediate and systemic.</p> <p>Skyrocketing humanitarian needs – on almost every continent – must be met by increased humanitarian funding. The humanitarian response plans for countries such as Somalia, Burkina Faso, Myanmar and the DRC are only funded to between 5 and 15 per cent. This list of underfunded crises is regrettably longer. And this is not statistics, it’s a question of life or death. These underfunded, protracted crises form fertile grounds for shocks to escalate into full blown crisis.</p> <p>Life-saving assistance must reach people in need. Safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access must be ensured and respect for humanitarian principles guaranteed.</p> <p>Equally urgent are measures to increase the supply of food. Russia must immediately allow the export of grain stuck in silos in Ukraine – enough to feed millions. Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified military aggression against Ukraine must stop. This is necessary also for Ukrainian agricultural production and export to restart. In all parts of the world, agricultural production systems should be developed to become sustainable and resilient to escalating climate change.</p> <p>Similarly, there is an urgent need to end violent conflicts everywhere.</p> <p>Building and sustaining peace improves conditions for small-hold farmers to access land, for communities to grow crops and diversify livelihoods, and for investments in sustainable and inclusive food systems - enabling agriculture to thrive, instead of being destroyed. It contributes to ensuring access to basic services and universal access to social protection.</p> <p>Adequately financed peacebuilding can enhance food security and ensure longer-term development. We fully support the Secretary General in his work on a New Agenda for Peace and stand ready to contribute to its implementation.</p> <p>Finally, the Nordic countries welcome recommendations made in the Global Crisis Response Group report. We stand ready to engage, including with the Danish Prime Minister as one of the ‘champions’ of the Group. And we are all co-sponsoring the draft General Assembly resolution State of Global Food Insecurity. &nbsp;</p> <p>We agree that this triple crisis is one which can only be addressed collectively and multilaterally. The International financial institutions and the humanitarian actors, local peacebuilders and regional organisations, private sector and the scientific community. The UN as a whole, and all of us member states. We all have a role to play, and a responsibility to shoulder.</p> <p>I would therefore like to end by thanking you, Mr President, for bringing us together today to commit to doing more, together. We really need to. And we have no time to spare.</p> <p>Thank you.</p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0711%20iceland%201374pc%20-%20Copy%20(1).pdf">Statement by Ambassador Kristín A. Árnadóttir, Permanent Representative of Iceland, at the 1374th Permanent Council Meeting, Vienna, 19 May 2022.</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0711%20iceland%201374pc.pdf">Statement by Ambassador Kristín A. Árnadóttir, Permanent Representative of Iceland, at the 1374th Permanent Council Meeting, Vienna, 19 May 2022.</a></span>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0743%20eu%201374pc.pdf">EU Statement on Developments in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region in Tajikistan.</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0738%20eu%20reply%20RFoM%201374pc.pdf">EU Statement in response to the Representative on Freedom of the Media, Ms Teresa Ribeiro.</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0737%20eu%20on%20ukraine%201374pc.pdf">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine.</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0728%20joint%20stat.%20on%20IDAHOT%201374pc%20-%20Copy%20(1).pdf">Joint statement delivered by Norway on occasion of the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.</a></span></p>

<p><span>34th Special Session of the Human Rights Council on the deteriorating human rights situation in Ukraine stemming from the Russian aggression.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>National statement by Iceland as well as a statement by Estonia on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries and a s</span>tatement by the Marshall Islands on behalf of the “Group of Friends of Accountability following the Aggression against Ukraine”, that Iceland is a member of.</p> <ul> <li><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Geneva/HRC%2034th%20Special%20Session.pdf"><span class="pdf">Statements</span></a></li> </ul>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1373%20Iceland.pdf">Statement by Ambassador Kristín A. Árnadóttir, Permanent Representative of Iceland, at the 1373rd Permanent Council Meeting, Vienna, 12 May 2022.</a></span>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0695%20eu%20on%20belarus%201373pc.pdf">EU on political repression and the death penalty in Belarus.</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0694%20eu%20reply%20CoEEA%201373pc.pdf">EU in response to the report by the Coordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities Ambassador Igli Hasani.</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0693%20eu%20reply%20HoM%20Serbia%201373pc.pdf">EU in Response to the Head of the OSCE Mission to Serbia, Ambassador Jan Braathu.</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0692%20eu%20on%20ukraine%201373pc.pdf">EU on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine.</a></span></p>

<p>Chairs, Briefers, ladies and gentlemen,</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>I have the honour to speak on behalf of the five Nordic countries: Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and my own country Denmark.</p> &nbsp; <p>We commend Malta, in partnership with Nauru and Germany, for hosting today’s important meeting. As the briefers have outlined, sea level rise poses a clear risk to peace and security worldwide. According to the IPCC’s special report on the Ocean and Cryosphere, 680 million people live in low-lying coastal areas – a number that could rise to 950 million by 2030. The impacts of sea level rise on the livelihoods and security of these populations are real and immediate – and must be high on the agenda for multilateral action on the nexus between climate and security.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Threats emanating from climate change take many shapes and forms. For many low-lying and small island developing states, they take a very concrete and imminent shape: As an existential threat of being flooded due to sea level rise. And in places such as the coastal states of Western Africa rising sea levels increasingly cause villages to be flooded and agricultural land to be damaged. This intensifies the existing pressure on scarce resources, which multiplies the risk of conflict and displacement; with clear and direct implications for international peace and security</p> &nbsp; <p>Let me share three reflections on this issue:</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Firstly, climate change, incl. sea level rise, must be addressed as a complex security issue that requires a nexus-approach; taking into account climate, humanitarian, development and peacebuilding issues.&nbsp;We fully support the Security Council’s strengthened focus on the interactions between climate and security. Further, we encourage a regular report by the Secretary General on climate-related security risks, including as caused by sea level rise.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Second, we must accelerate action on climate adaptation now to avoid and minimize the impacts of sea level rise on peoples and economies. While fragile regions and vulnerable communities bear the brunt of the negative effects of climate change,&nbsp;finding solutions is a collective responsibility. It requires cooperation, and a renewed commitment to multilateralism and solidarity. We must strengthen cooperation between all relevant partners, including civil society, weather services and regional and sub-regional actors to make better use of, for example,&nbsp;climate-sensitive analysis and early warning systems. The findings of these must then be made accessible and understandable to those affected on the ground.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Finally, sea level rise will be particularly challenging for small island states and countries with a significant part of their population and infrastructure placed in low-lying coastal areas. There may be a need to look at the global support architecture to address the increased risks in these countries. Our current set-up may not be fully fit-for purpose. We must&nbsp;increase climate financing for adaptation in these vulnerable regions. The Nordic countries are at the forefront of international efforts to scale up climate finance for adaptation. This underpins our commitment to addressing the adverse consequences of climate change and overcoming the obstacles it poses to sustainable development and peace.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>As we continue to respond to the crises unfolding across the world, we must ensure that we build back better and greener for a sustainable, climate resilient and peaceful future in full support of the SDGs and the Paris Agreement.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Thank you.</p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0640%20iceland%201372pc.pdf">Statement by Ambassador Kristín A. Árnadóttir, Permanent Representative of Iceland, at the 1372nd Permanent Council Meeting, Vienna, 5 May 2022.</a></span>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0670%20joint%20reply%20HoM%20kosovo%201372pc.pdf">Joint Statement delivered by Canada in response to the report by the head of the OSCE mission in Kosovo.<br /> </a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0659%20eu%20on%20world%20press%20day%201372pc.pdf">EU Statement on the World Press Freedom Day.</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0658%20eu%20reply%20HoM%20kosovo%201372pc.pdf">EU Statement in Response to the Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Ambassador Michael Davenport.</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0657%20eu%20on%20ukraine%201372pc.pdf">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine.</a></span></p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0613%20iceland%201371%20pc.pdf">Statement by Ms. Eva Dröfn Hassell Gudmundsdóttir, Temporary Officer at&nbsp;the Permanent Mission of Iceland, at the 1371st Permanent Council Meeting, Vienna, 28 April 2022.</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0619%20iceland%201371%20pc.pdf">Statement by Ambassador Kristín A. Árnadóttir, Permanent Representative&nbsp;of Iceland, at the 1371st Permanent Council Meeting, Vienna, 28 April 2022.</a></span>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0629%20eu%201371%20pc.pdf">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine.</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0628%20eu%20reply%20HoM%20moldova%201371pc%20en.pdf">Eu Statement in response to the report by the Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova, Claus Neukirch</a></span></p>

<div> <p paraid="908157790" paraeid="{d8420369-f40a-4aa1-8441-ac4fce9352cc}{172}"><span data-contrast="none"><strong>Statement by the Group of Friends of Accountability following the Aggression against Ukraine</strong></span></p> </div> <div> <p paraid="971893992" paraeid="{d8420369-f40a-4aa1-8441-ac4fce9352cc}{178}"><strong><span data-contrast="none">UN Security Council Arria-formula meeting: Ensuring Accountability for Atrocities committed in Ukraine</span></strong></p> </div> <div> <p paraid="1151688673" paraeid="{d8420369-f40a-4aa1-8441-ac4fce9352cc}{190}">&nbsp;</p> </div> <div> <p paraid="391915152" paraeid="{d8420369-f40a-4aa1-8441-ac4fce9352cc}{194}"><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">I am pleased to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of Friends of Accountability following the </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">a</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">ggression against Ukraine</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">,</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1"> consisting of 48 Member States and the European Union</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">.&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p paraid="1220624086" paraeid="{d8420369-f40a-4aa1-8441-ac4fce9352cc}{216}"><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">W</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">e have </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">since the 24</span></span><span data-contrast="none">th</span><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1"> of February </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">witnessed images and reports of indiscriminate killings of civilians, including women, children and elderly, </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">as well as attacks </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">on civilian infrastructure.&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p paraid="949252904" paraeid="{d8420369-f40a-4aa1-8441-ac4fce9352cc}{236}"><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">We are horrified by </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">the </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">r</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">eports from Bucha</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">, the </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">s</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">trike on the Kramator</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">s</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">k railway station</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">,</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1"> </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">and </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">the widespread reports of crimes of sexual and </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">gender based</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1"> violence.&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p paraid="221146002" paraeid="{58789f27-5690-46cc-9697-e6d7f843cd5c}{17}"><span data-contrast="none">As underlined by the UN Secretary General, s</span><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">uch</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1"> attacks are gross violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, for which the perpetrators must be held accountable.&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p paraid="1222733765" paraeid="{58789f27-5690-46cc-9697-e6d7f843cd5c}{25}"><span data-contrast="auto">The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court is already investigating the situation. The UN Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine will investigate violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. And the three experts appointed under the OSCE Moscow Mechanism have recently delivered their report, citing </span><span data-contrast="none">a clear pattern of violations of international humanitarian law and </span><span data-contrast="auto">the most basic human rights</span><span data-contrast="none"> by Russian forces.</span></p> </div> <div> <p paraid="987497723" paraeid="{58789f27-5690-46cc-9697-e6d7f843cd5c}{81}"><span data-contrast="auto">These efforts are complemented by national investigations, and the important work carried out on the ground by OHCHR and civil society actors to collect and preserve evidence.</span></p> </div> <div> <p paraid="485730564" paraeid="{58789f27-5690-46cc-9697-e6d7f843cd5c}{101}"><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">The Group of Friends will support the</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">se efforts</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1"> to bring war</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1"> </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">criminals to justice. </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">We acknowledge this journey can sometimes be long and costly. </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">It</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1"> can</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1"> take years. </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">And</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1"> w</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">e will be there to sustain the proces</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">s</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">.</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1"> </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">No matter how many years.</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p paraid="557385834" paraeid="{58789f27-5690-46cc-9697-e6d7f843cd5c}{143}"><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">While we pursue the legal path of accountability, </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">t</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">he UN Security Council and General Assembly can and should express </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">their </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">concerns and condemnations of the unprovoked acts of aggression, the </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">attacks on</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1"> innocent civilians and civilian infrastructure, </span></span><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">reports of human rights violations and breaches o</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">f</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1"> humanitarian law.&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p paraid="604282133" paraeid="{58789f27-5690-46cc-9697-e6d7f843cd5c}{167}"><span data-contrast="none">Our quest for justice, our fight against impunity for violations of international law</span><span data-contrast="none">,</span><span data-contrast="none"> should not</span><span data-contrast="none">, must not,</span><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1"> </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">and </span></span><span data-contrast="none">cannot </span><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">be </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">pursued without collectively </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">taking a stand against a powerful aggressor.  </span></span></p> </div> <div> <p paraid="1611327628" paraeid="{58789f27-5690-46cc-9697-e6d7f843cd5c}{191}"><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">It is </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">therefore </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">not premature to react politically</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1"> </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">- in real time - against Russia </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">given credible reports that </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">its military forces are </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">committing atrocities against</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1"> civilians</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Brødtekst1">.</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p paraid="2098732409" paraeid="{58789f27-5690-46cc-9697-e6d7f843cd5c}{231}"><span data-contrast="none">Today we underline the importance of ensuring accountability for</span><span data-contrast="none"> these</span><span data-contrast="none"> crimes.&nbsp;</span></p> <p paraid="2098732409" paraeid="{58789f27-5690-46cc-9697-e6d7f843cd5c}{231}"><span data-contrast="none">Without accountability, crimes will continue, and impunity will persist, undermining legitimacy and the prospects for future peace and reconciliation.&nbsp;</span></p> <p paraid="2098732409" paraeid="{58789f27-5690-46cc-9697-e6d7f843cd5c}{231}"><span data-contrast="none">Thank you.&nbsp;</span></p> </div>

<div> <p><strong>Delivered by Ambassador Anna Karin Eneström on behalf of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden at the vote of the General Assembly on the Veto Initiative, <br /> New York, April 26 2022</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> </div> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic Countries, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Denmark and my own country, Sweden.</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>We would like to thank Liechtenstein for this important initiative. The Nordic Countries wholeheartedly support the resolution.</p> <p>The fulfilment of the principal task of the United Nations, the maintenance of &nbsp;international peace and security, depends on the Security Council that delivers in accordance with its mandate. The Charter of the United Nations entrusts the Security Council with the primary responsibility to maintain international peace and security. The use of the veto to prevent the Council from discharging its Charter-based duties is a matter of great concern. During the last five years, for instance, the veto has been cast to block the action of the Council no less than 17 times.</p> <p>As the most recent instance of the use of veto by Russia further highlights, there is an urgent need for veto restraint and for more transparency and accountability when the veto power is used.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Nordic countries have been consistent supporters of initiatives that seek to make sure that the Council is not prevented by the use of the veto from taking action with the aim of preventing or bringing an end to situations involving the commission of mass atrocities.</p> <p>This «Veto Initiative» will supplement these efforts. If adopted, this mandate will be a significant step towards accountability and transparency in the use of the veto power. That is why we have supported the initiative since its inception two years ago.</p> <p>The Security Council is entrusted with the responsibility to maintain peace and security on behalf of us, the Member States represented here in this assembly. Thus, it is natural that when permanent members of the Council use their veto to block Council action, they are invited to the General Assembly to explain their positions, and that all Member States have &nbsp;the opportunity to discuss the matter. &nbsp;</p> <p>The resolution adopted today in no way encroaches on the veto power, but seeks to increase transparency and accountability in its use. We hope that the new mandate will contribute to the effectiveness of the Security Council and to its ability to discharge its duties.&nbsp;</p> <p>Thank you.</p>

<p><span><strong>Financing for Development,<br /> </strong></span><strong>Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland <br /> H.E. Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>Excellencies, ladies, and gentlemen,</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The ramifications of COVID-19, climate change, conflicts, and, most recently, Russia´s senseless war in Ukraine, are moving us in the wrong direction during what was meant to be the Decade of Action to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>We must significantly step up our efforts to deliver on the important commitments we made seven years ago, to ensure that the impacts of these crises are not felt for generations to come.&nbsp; </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>As far as the pandemic is concerned, it seems that the most sensible strategy now is to allow societies to return to normal if possible. A high rate of vaccination, in particular among those most vulnerable, is essential and enabling vaccination for vulnerable groups across the globe should be a priority. Iceland has played its part with significant contributions to ACT-A, including its COVAX pillar and UNICEF. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>It is also essential to lessen the impacts of higher food and energy costs, which have only increased because of Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. It is a horrifying fact that the heaviest burden will yet again fall on the shoulders of populations that are least prepared to bear them. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Although I don't know, I suspect that when the dust of the pandemic has settled, and we become willing to look critically at our response—it will be hard not to critizise some of the responses among the rich nations of the west. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>If nothing else - I hope that we will not fool ourselves about the effects that severe economic disruption in the West, and the loss of schooling for children will have on the populations that have the least opportunity to respond to external shocks. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>In parallel, we must ensure an equitable recovery from the pandemic. Promoting the key drivers of green and inclusive economic growth, enhancing developing countries´ access to finance and meeting aid commitments are all critically important. Iceland will continue to increase its ODA this year. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. Chairman, </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>In these times of multiple crises, we must all do our part and work together for an inclusive, equitable and sustainable global recovery.&nbsp; </p> <p>Iceland stands ready to meet the moment and deliver on our commitments.&nbsp; </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Thank you. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><span><strong>21st Session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues,</strong></span></p> <p><span><strong> Item 5(f): Thematic dialogues International Decade of Indigenous Languages 2022–2032</strong></span></p> &nbsp; <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Chair,</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>We align with the statement delivered earlier by Finland on behalf of the Nordic Countries - and please allow me some brief remarks in national capacity. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Language has always been of great significance to Icelandic society and currently, over 120 languages are spoken in the country. In recent years, institutions and academics have paid great attention to heritage language teaching and promoting bilingualism and plurilingualism. Ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all, in line with the SDGs, are high on the agenda of our educational institutions.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>As a sign of the importance we attach to the International Decade of Indigenous Languages 2022-2032; it has just been launched within Iceland with an international event on the 22^nd of April. The leading promoter of the Decade in Iceland is the Vigdís International Centre for Multilingualism and Intercultural Understanding; named after the first female democratically elected Head of State, who now serves as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for languages. During the IDIL there will be a focus on promoting in Iceland and the West Nordic region equality and diversity in thematic fields such as indigenous peoples and languages, linguistic rights as human rights, language revitalization and preservation. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Our aim is to contribute Icelandic knowledge and expertise on language documentation and preservation in the digital age; digital tools for language learning and revitalization; overcoming challenges small linguistic communities face; and the importance of translations and cultural production for language development, among others. With this, we hope to contribute to the general aim of The International Decade – to draw attention to the importance of linguistic diversity and the critical loss of indigenous languages. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Only through valuing and supporting the diversity and equality of cultures, languages and peoples, can we build diverse, informed, democratic, and sustainable societies.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>*Written Statement submitted on 25 April 2022</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0600%20iceland%201370%20special%20pc%20(1).pdf">Statement by Ambassador Kristín A. Árnadóttir, Permanent Representative of Iceland, at the 1370 the Permanent Council Meeting, Vienna, 22 April 2022.</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0605%20eu%201370%20special%20pc.pdf">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine.</a></span>

<p><span><strong>Statement by H.E. Ambassador Anna Karin Eneström on behalf of the Nordic Countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden) at the Security Council meeting on the humanitarian situation in Ukraine (19 April 2022).</strong></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Madam President,</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and my own country, Sweden.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Let me start by thanking the briefers for their clear and concise remarks. I also want to pay tribute to the staff of your respective organizations and all other humanitarian workers on the ground in Ukraine and in neighbouring countries. We are immensely grateful for their efforts, which sadly are essential for the safety and dignity of so many Ukrainians. UNHCR and IOM are doing impressive work to assist refugees and IDPs and we encourage you to continue to scale up your work.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>As we have heard from you, and as evidenced by so many testimonies from those who have fled, the efforts of humanitarian actors are dwarfed by the unspeakable horrors caused by the unprovoked, unjustified and illegal Russian aggression against Ukraine. The decision to launch this war places a heavy responsibility on those who made it.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Madam President,</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>We welcome the efforts of humanitarian actors to assist and protect as many people in need as possible, as well as the hospitality and generosity of those countries who are hosting refugees from Ukraine, where Ukraine’s immediate neighbours – Poland, Moldova, Romania, Hungary and Slovakia – deserve particular recognition. The Nordic countries are proud to be part of a donor community that has mustered an impressive response to the initial humanitarian appeal of 1.1 billion dollars.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Going forward, let me highlight a few elements that we see as particularly important to further improve the efficiency of humanitarian work:</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>First, safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access must be ensured. Not least to the areas hardest hit by the conflict and particularly places which risk being encircled. Access to places like Mariupol and Kharkiv is still granted on a case-by-case basis and requires complicated negotiations, while the humanitarian needs are on a scale that requires sustained access. The main cause for the lack of access are attacks by the Russian Federation on areas where civilians are located, which compromises the safety and security of humanitarian actors on the ground. We call on both parties to the conflict to abide by their obligations to allow and facilitate access to the east and to other hard-to-reach areas, recalling again the particular responsibility that rests on the shoulders of the invading forces. We welcome in this regard the efforts by the Emergency Relief Coordinator, to negotiate a humanitarian ceasefire, during his recent visit to Moscow and Ukraine and we support the call of the Secretary-General for a humanitarian pause.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Second, in line with the humanitarian principles, protection and assistance must take into account the needs of everyone living in a situation of vulnerability. We see how women who have chosen to stay are at heightened risk of sexual and gender-based violence. We also see how the elderly and people with disabilities are unable to leave. These aspects must be fully integrated in the humanitarian response.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Third, international humanitarian law must be respected. Civilians must never be a target. And civilian infrastructure must be protected. Sexual violence can never tolerated. This brings me back to the issue of responsibility. No amount of denial and disinformation will prevent accountability for serious international crimes including war crimes.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Madam President,</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>We are now almost eight weeks into Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine. During that time, we have witnessed horrific atrocities that have ended, ruined and disrupted the lives of millions. But we have also seen the international community coming together in solidarity with Ukraine. And, most importantly, we have been deeply impressed by the incredible resilience of the Ukrainian people.&nbsp; </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>In conclusion, we recall the two resolutions from the Emergency Special Session of the General Assembly, as well as the order by the International Court of Justice issued on 16 March this year. All of them include a clear call on Russia to stop this war. But let us be candid: no UN resolutions or court orders are necessary in this regard. It is obvious to everyone what the right course of action is. This aggression should never have been launched in the first place and it must end now. It is never too late to make the right choice.</p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0602%20iceland%201369%20special%20pc.pdf">Statement by Ms. María Mjöll Jónsdóttir, Director General of the Directorate of International Affairs and Development Co-operation at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Iceland, at the 1369th Permanent Council&nbsp;Meeting, Vienna, 13 April 2022.</a></span>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0584%20eu%201369%20special%20pc.pdf">EU Statement on “Moscow Mechanism invoked by 45 OSCE participating States following consultation with Ukraine”.</a></span>

<p>Mr. President,</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>I am delivering this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries – Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and my own country, Sweden.</p> <p>Repeated attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, a growing number of reports of sexual and gender-based violence, enforced disappearances and reported massacres.</p> <p>The list of unfolding horrors in Ukraine, many of which may amount to war crimes, goes on and it is reminding us of some of the worst atrocities in history. We condemn Russia’s unprovoked, unjustified and unlawful aggression in the strongest possible terms and demand Russia to immediately stop its aggression and withdraw all forces. We also strongly condemn the active involvement of Belarus in this aggression against Ukraine. We call for accountability and stand with the Ukrainian people and all actors inside and outside of Ukraine who are standing up against this injustice and promoting peace.</p> <p>We commend and thank Albania, the US and the UK for making today’s crucial meeting possible.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>What is happening today in Ukraine is having immediate impact on the lives of millions and is going to have a long-term, structural impact on Ukraine, the region and globally. Who is represented and what is discussed in peace, political and humanitarian decisions and responses will play a key role in determining whether the invasion’s vast gender implications are taken into account.</p> <p>Today’s meeting provides an important reminder to the international community that Women, Peace and Security and gender equality are integral to all analyses, responses and decisions in relation to Russia’s aggression. Women’s full, equal and meaningful participation in peace and political processes is a matter of rights, but also a prerequisite for sustainable and legitimate processes. In addition, the inclusion of gender and intersectional perspectives is a must for identifying and addressing the needs of different groups.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Let me stress four points:</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>• One, we must defend civic space. Civil society actors are leading key efforts on the frontline – responding to protection needs, monitoring the situation and providing peacebuilding and humanitarian support. Their voices are essential and must feed into policy and decision-making. Yet, their work comes at a great risk. We – Member States and the UN – have a responsibility to support an enabling environment, offer spaces to be heard by policymakers, prevent and address reprisals and provide adequate, rapid and flexible funding, in particular to organizations focusing on women’s full enjoyment of human rights.</p> <p>• Two, accountability must start now. Not later. It starts with gender-responsive monitoring and investigations of the alarming testimonies of SGBV, including allegations of rape, and the indiscriminate attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, including schools and hospitals, which may amount to war crimes. It starts with ensuring immediate survivor-centred support, access to rights and services, including sexual and reproductive health and rights. The Nordic countries are taking action in support of investigative measures, for example, through financial support and seconded personnel to the ICC.</p> <p>• Three, we need to focus on the link between participation and protection. Promoting women’s full, equal and meaningful participation in peace and political processes requires support to safe and enabling environments. In addition, if we are to create effective protection mechanisms, this cannot be developed without the inputs from affected communities, not least diverse women and LGBTQI+ human rights defenders and peacebuilders. The diverse knowledge and experience of women politicians, civil society leaders, activists, peacebuilders and human rights defenders already active in policymaking at all levels within Ukraine's society, and not least working with conflict-related issues since 2014, is a considerable resource.</p> <p>• Finally, we must be able to address both immediate and long-term issues simultaneously. The international community must have the readiness to address both the humanitarian and refugee crises while providing support to long-term peacebuilding efforts. Gender and women, peace and security-related issues must be integrated throughout. The millions of children that are internally displaced or forced to flee Ukraine are particularly vulnerable and facing a crisis that could last for generations. Their homes, schools and medical facilities have been destroyed. Immediate and long-term support – and the bridge in between – will be particularly essential for their protection, psychosocial and educational needs.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>*Written statement submitted to the Security Council.</p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0559%20eu%201368special%20pc.pdf">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine: the attack in Kramatorsk of 8 April 2022.</a></span>

<p>Mr. President,</p> <p>I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic Countries, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Denmark.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President,<br /> The General Assembly has just voted to suspend the Russian Federation’s rights of membership in the Human Rights Council. The Nordic countries voted in favour.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The suspension of the rights of a member state in the UN Human Rights Council is not an easy decision. The Nordic countries strongly support the Human Rights Council as an inclusive forum for dialogue on important human rights issues.</p> <p >But a membership of the Council encompasses responsibilities. Members of the Council shall uphold the highest standards in the promotion and protection of human rights.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The General Assembly has a responsibility to safeguard the integrity and credibility of the Council. This includes considering the suspension of the rights of membership of the Council of a member that commits gross and systematic violations of human rights.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Russian Federation’s unprovoked unjustified and unlawful attack on Ukraine is a gross violation of international law and the UN Charter and it has had a catastrophic impact on Ukraine, in particular on its civilians.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Already on 4 March 2022, the Human Rights Council expressed grave concern regarding reports of “gross and systematic violations and abuses of human rights” and “violations of international humanitarian law” by the Russian Federation during its aggression against Ukraine.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>We are appalled by the shocking reports of human rights violations in the Russian controlled areas including sexual and gender based violence against women and girls, extrajudicial killings arbitrary arrests, abductions, enforced disappearances, as well as deportations. We condemn in the strongest terms the reported massacres, torture and sexual violence, including rape, used against civilians in Bucha, the liberated areas around Kyiv and other regions.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Investigations into these crimes are ongoing. We welcome the establishment by the Human Rights Council of a Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine to investigate all alleged violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law And we also welcome that the ICC has opened an investigation into the situation in Ukraine. Due process in the pursuit of<br /> accountability will be ensured.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>In the meantime, t he UN Human Rights Council should not, and will no t, be tainted by a full fledged membership of a state accused of some of the most horrific war crimes seen in Europe since the end of World War II.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>We created the United Nations and its institutions to ensure international cooperation around peace, security, social and economic development and human rights. The institutions of the United Nations must be respected as such. We should not allow them to be used deliberately to disseminate propaganda and disinformation.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>We thank member states today for standing up for the international rule based order, the integrity of the Human Rights Council and the rules and principles of the UN Charter.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>I thank you.</p>

<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>UN Human Rights Council 49^th session</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Introduction of L.7 – Situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>1. April 2022</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Statement by Iceland</strong> <strong>on behalf of a core group</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>I would like to introduce the resolution L.7, Situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran on behalf of a core group, consisting of the Republic of Moldova, North Macedonia, the United Kingdom, and my own country Iceland.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The resolution is a short procedural text, aiming at extending the mandate of the Special Rapporteur for a further period of one year, with a view to improving the human rights situation in Iran, in light of the persisting human rights concerns.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The core group held negotiations in an open and transparent manner and </p> <p>no changes were made to the text adopted last year apart from technical updates. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>We thank the Special Rapporteur for his work and welcome his report. We also note positively the improved and increased engagement of the Government of Iran with the Office of the High Commissioner, and we call on the Government to facilitate the request from the Special Rapporteur for visits to the country. Cooperation with the Special Rapporteur, and other mandate holders, offers an important opportunity for the Government of Iran to engage with the Council on the concerns that persist about the human rights situation.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Finally, it is our sincere hope that the resolution will be adopted by consensus today.</p> <p>I thank you, Mr. President.</p>

<p><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Geneva/Joint%20Statements%20HRC49.pdf"><span class="pdf">9 Joint Statements supported by Iceland in HRC49</span></a></p>

<p><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Geneva/HRC49-Statements.pdf"><span class="pdf">Nordic-Baltic Statements and National Statements in HRC49</span></a></p>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0513%20iceland%201367pc.pdf">Statement by Ambassador Kristín A. Árnadóttir, Permanent Representative of Iceland, at the 1367 the Permanent Council Meeting, Vienna, 7 April 2022.</a></span></p>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0534r1%20eu%20reply%20HoM%20Skopje%201367pc.pdf">EU Statement in Response to the Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje, Ambassador Clemens Koja.</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0535%20eu%201367pc.pdf">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine.</a></span></p>

<p>Mme President,</p> <p>I am speaking on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries – Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, and my own country, Estonia. We place a high importance on the possibility to participate in the Council discussions on this issue.</p> <p>We thank the Secretary-General and Under-Secretaries-General DiCarlo and Griffiths for their presentations, and welcome the participation of President Zelensky in the briefing today.</p> <p>Forty-one days ago, on the evening of 23 February in New York, as the Council had gathered in this Chamber to discuss and urge the Russian Federation to refrain from threats and further aggression against Ukraine, including its sovereignty and territorial integrity, the Russian Federation launched an unprovoked, unjustified and unlawful attack on Ukraine.</p> <p>It was, and remains, a war of choice. This choice was made by Russia in full knowledge of its violation of international law and the UN Charter as well as its catastrophic impact on Ukraine, particular of its civilians. It was also made in full awareness of &nbsp;the broader, global impact of the war – including on the most vulnerable countries and people. The Russian aggression – a war of choice – is now undermining the food security and development of countless nations around the world by driving up the cost of energy, fertilizers and staple foods, with the most vulnerable hit hardest.</p> <p>The Russian Federation, together with its accomplice, Belarus, has continued its aggression in blatant disregard of the calls by the UN General Assembly, the Secretary-General as well as the legally binding order by the International Court of Justice.</p> <p>This war is both cruel and unnecessary. It is systematically waged against civilians and civilian objects, turning living and thriving cities into ruins. The death toll of civilians, including children, recorded by the UN raises daily. But we know that the real figures of civilians killed and wounded are significantly higher. In forty-one days over 10 million people have been forced to flee their homes, over 4 million have left the country. Large numbers of those remaining, in particular in cities under Russian siege, are deprived of water, food, shelter, and medication. In addition, the Russian attacks have recklessly jeopardized the safety of nuclear power plants.</p> <p>This is accompanied by reports of human rights violations in the Russian-controlled areas – about sexual and gender based violence against women and girls, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, abductions, enforced disappearances, as well as deportations – bringing echoes of the century past. The aggression has led to attacks against journalists who have a critical role in providing information during a conflict, including the death of Mantas Kvedaravičius, a documentary filmmaker from Lithuania, who was killed on 2 April in Mariupol, where he was documenting Russia’s atrocities.</p> <p>We cannot look aside from the haunting images of the atrocities committed by the Russian forces emerging from Bucha, the liberated areas around Kyiv and other regions, which show the brutal face of this war of aggression Russia is waging against Ukraine and its people. We condemn in the strongest terms the reported massacres, torture and sexual violence, including rape, used against civilians. In the areas they held, the Russian forces destroyed homes, hospitals, and other civilian infrastructure, and reportedly left areas mined. The responsibility for these actions, which show how far Russia is willing to go in pursuing its unlawful objectives, lies with the Russian authorities, who were in effective control of these areas during their commission.</p> <p>Mme President,</p> <p>We call for Russia’s full respect for its obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law.</p> <p>We demand that Russia immediately and unconditionally withdraw all of its troops from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders and implement with immediate effect the provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice.</p> <p>We urge Russia to immediately cease its attacks and deliberate targeting of civilians and civilian objects, as well as their &nbsp;use of explosive weapons with wide area effects in residential areas &nbsp;in clear violation of international humanitarian law, and fully implement UN General Assembly resolutions A/RES/ES-11/1 and A/RES/ES-11/2.</p> <p>We urge Russia to grant immediately full, safe and unhindered access for humanitarian actors and assistance as well as protection and safe passage to allow civilians to safely and voluntarily leave conflict-affected areas to a destination of their choice. This includes the civilians in an extremely dire humanitarian situation in Mariupol.</p> <p>We call for accountability for all violations of international law, including the atrocities committed by the Russian forces in Bucha and other areas. This includes holding accountable the perpetrators of these violations as well as the responsible government officials and military leaders. We welcome the establishment of the Commission of Inquiry by the UN Human Rights Council as well as the work under the OSCE Moscow Mechanism. In addition, all Nordic and Baltic countries have joined the referral of the situation in Ukraine to the International Criminal Court. We fully support the efforts of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court in conducting the investigation concerning allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity. We encourage UN member states to join the newly established Group of Friends of Accountability following the Aggression against Ukraine.</p> <p>We underline the importance of continued UN monitoring, documenting and reporting on violations against civilians, including women and children, through its established mechanisms. We underline and recognize the important role women can play in responding to these atrocities to ensure efficient action and to build resilience.</p> <p>Mme President,</p> <p>The Nordic and Baltic countries have continued to assist those affected by conflicts around the world – and together with the international community, the UN system and civil society we will continue provide support to the courageous people of Ukraine.</p> <p>We stand for the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Ukraine. We stand for humanity in the face of cruelty. We stand for accountability. We stand with the people – women, men and children – of Ukraine. This is our choice.</p> <p>Thank you.</p>

<a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/1366%20PC,%205.4.2022.pdf">Statement by H.E. Ambassador Kristín A. Árnadóttir at the 1366 Special Meeting of the Permanent Council, 5 April 2022.</a>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0498%20eu%201366specialPC.pdf">EU Statement on the Russian atrocities committed in Bucha and other Ukrainian towns.</a></span>

<p><span><em>National Statement of Iceland – Plenary debate (Items 4 &amp; 5) of the&nbsp;214th session of the Executive Board of UNESCO, 4 April 2022</em><br /> <strong>Delivered by the Permanent Delegate of Iceland, Ambassador Unnur Orradóttir-Ramette</strong></span></p> <p><span>Madame la Présidente, Madame la Directrice Générale,<br /> Monsieur le Président de la Conférence Générale,<br /> Excellences, distingué collègues,</span></p> <p><span>L’Islande a été élue au Conseil Exécutif lors de la dernière session de la Conférence Générale. Au nom de mon gouvernement je vous remercie de votre soutien et de la confiance que vous nous avez accordée.<em> [Iceland was elected to the Executive Board at the last General Conference. On behalf of my Government I would like to thank you for the valuable support and trust.]</em></span></p> <p><span>The world is facing several global challenges, including climate change and environmental issues, that call for concerted actions and strengthened international cooperation on multiple fronts. The pandemic and current global turmoil continue to have a strong impact on UNESCO's work and have demonstrated the organisation’s relevance. Therefore, it is important that this Executive Board's session will do its utmost to protect, strengthen and deliver on UNESCO's mandate and reputation.</span></p> <p><span>We would like to reiterate our joint <a href="https://www.government.is/diplomatic-missions/embassy-article/2022/03/15/UNESCO-Nordic-Statement-at-Seventh-Special-Session-of-the-Executive-Board/">Nordic Statement</a>&nbsp;at the 7th Special Session and stress that Iceland is deeply concerned about the devastating effects of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on human rights, access to education, protection of cultural heritage, science, the independent media, and free flow of ideas and information. We call on UNESCO to continue to support the Ukrainian authorities and people to ensure the access and right to education of all those affected by the war.</span></p> <p><span>We also see alarming developments in Afghanistan. A <a href="https://www.government.is/diplomatic-missions/embassy-article/2022/02/10/UNESCO-Joint-Statement-of-Support-for-the-Respect-of-Afghan-Womens-and-Girls-Human-Rights/">Joint Statement</a>&nbsp;of support for the Respect of Afghan Women's and Girls Human Rights was co-signed by 45 members of the Group of Friends for Gender Equality on 10 February. Attention to the ongoing violations of women’s and girls’ human rights must remain high on the organisation’s agenda.</span></p> <p><span>The Group of Friends of Afghanistan convened a meeting 10 days ago to discuss the situation in all areas of UNESCO’s competence in the country. Following those efforts 14 Executive Board members, including Iceland, have now tabled an <a href="https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000381110.locale=en">amendment to document 214 EX/4.I</a>, co-sponsored by a cross regional group of Member States, which asks UNESCO and the Director-General to continue following and reporting on the situation in its fields of competence. The amendments were published on Friday, and we expect to see your Delegation’s support on this important issue.</span></p> <p><span>Dear colleagues,<br /> We were pleased to see the strong links to the Sustainable Development Goals in the new medium-term strategy and programme and budget, as it is crucial to fully support the 2030 Agenda in this Decade of Actions. The effectiveness of UNESCO remains a focus for us. Iceland welcomes work that can increase transparency and accountability – We agree with the need for the continued implementation of the UNESCORE Programme and support the organisation’s work on the core system redesign.</span></p> <p><span>It is important for UNESCO to continue efforts regarding the implementation of the UN Development System reform and to align itself with efforts of the UN system. Iceland would welcome more detailed and concrete information on the implementation of the various reforms.</span></p> <p><span>The human rights-based approach is paramount to the organisation’s work in all its Programmes and areas of competence, and we encourage UNESCO to continue strengthening this approach. Iceland places high importance on gender equality and gender diversity and we would like to appeal for an increase in tangible focus on LGBTI people and their rights, as well as a more ambitious and inclusive approach to gender mainstreaming.</span></p> <p><span>Ladies and gentlemen,<br /> Iceland stresses the importance of increasing access and quality of education in developing countries. Iceland’s multidisciplinary Category 2 Centre, GRÓ, was founded two years ago and builds on the long-standing work of four training programmes in the fields of geothermal energy, fisheries, land restoration and gender equality. The Centre has operated under the auspices of UNESCO since 2020 and focuses on capacity development.</span></p> <p><span>We also continue our support for UNESCO’s important work for Freedom of Expression, as free and pluralistic media are important to all societies. We are witnessing crackdown on freedom of expression – We must push back on this development. At the same time artistic and scientific freedom must be protected.</span></p> <p><span>The cultural sector and the creative industries are an important part of the global economy and Iceland is eager to contribute to the strengthening of multilateral cooperation on the sustainable development of the global cultural sector. We particularly look forward to meaningful exchanges on the topic at the MONDIACULT conference in Mexico in September.</span></p> <p><span>Dear friends,<br /> Our thoughts are with Ukraine and its people. Now action is needed to end this war. I would like to remind you of an Icelandic poem cited by the <a href="https://www.government.is/diplomatic-missions/embassy-article/2021/11/12/UNESCO-Address-by-the-President-of-Iceland-at-the-75th-anniversary-event/">President of Iceland at UNESCO’s 75th anniversary</a>&nbsp;event:</span></p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For when there is wrong that you can put right<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;and when there is struggle but you stand aside<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;the troubles of this world are also your fault. <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><em>[Author: Tómas Guðmundsson]</em></p> <p><span>Pour les sessions à venir notre Délégation est impatiente de collaborer efficacement avec tous nos membres du Conseil Exécutif. <em>[My delegation looks forward to working with colleagues on effective action at this session of the Executive Board.]</em></span></p> <p><span>Je vous remercie.<em> [I thank you.]</em><br /> </span></p> <div>&nbsp;</div>

<p style="text-align: center;"><span>Delivered by H.E. Ms. Miia Rainne, Chargé d'Affairs, Deputy Permanent Representative of Finland to the United Nations, on 1 April 2022.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The conflict in Syria has been one of the bloodiest in recent history. Starting out as a peaceful popular uprising, the escalating violence, caused by the regime’s brutal crackdown, has over the past 11 years led to the disappearance or death of hundreds of thousands of Syrians. Thousands more have been subject to torture, rape, or other forms of cruel and degrading treatment. Millions have fled their homes. Towns and cities have been left in ruins.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>All parties have committed countless atrocities during the protracted conflict. It is well documented, not least by the IIIM, that the Syrian regime bears the main responsibility for most of the flagrant violations of international law, including international human rights law and international humanitarian law.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>There can be no impunity. All perpetrators must be brought to justice. This is necessary not only to ensure justice for victims, but also to prevent and deter future violations. Ensuring accountability is also an integral part of our obligation to respect and ensure compliance with international law. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>I wish to thank the Head of IIIM, Madame Marchi-Uhel, for presenting the latest report today. The report shows that despite the many ongoing challenges to its work, the Mechanism has been very successful in continuing to implement its vital mandate.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The number of States cooperating and requesting assistance from the mechanism continues to increase. We welcome the extensive cooperation of the mechanism with other parts of the UN System, the OPCW, as well as civil society. It is harnessing new technologies to fight impunity. We also welcome that the Mechanism has opened two new case files focusing on unlawful attacks, including conventional and chemical attacks. It has made significant headway in its analytical work on detention-related crimes, as well as cross-cutting thematic work on gender, children and missing persons.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Nordic countries highly appreciate all the work undertaken by the Mechanism. We also commend the ongoing efforts in the courts of a number of countries to prosecute, on the basis of universal jurisdiction, crimes committed in Syria. We however need to do more. In this regard, we also reiterate our call to the Security Council to refer the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr. President,</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Member States’ collaboration with the IIIM is key in achieving accountability. We call on all States to cooperate with the Mechanism in information sharing and to provide it with the necessary operational support.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The important work of the IIIM necessitates sustainable and predictable resources. The Nordic countries remain convinced that this can only be guaranteed through funding from the UN Programme budget. Assessed contributions may be supplemented, but never subsidized, by voluntary funding. We call on all Member States to ensure that the Mechanism has the necessary funding to carry out its mandate.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>To conclude, Mr. President, the Nordic countries remain fully committed to the IIIM and its mandate.</p>

<a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/NV(2022)031%20-%202022%20aCPPNM%20Joint%20Statement.pdf">Joint Statement at the&nbsp;<span>Conference of the Parties to the Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material&nbsp; (A/CPPNM) 28 March - 1 April 2022.</span></a>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0467r1%20eu%20in%20response%20hom%20bih%201365pc.pdf">EU Statement in response to the Report of the Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ambassador Kavalec.</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0471%20eu%20in%20response%20PCiUz%201365pc.pdf">EU on the Report by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, Ambassador Pierre von Arx.</a></span></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0469%20eu%20on%20ukraine%201365pc.pdf">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine.</a></span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Human Rights Council<br /> 49th session<br /> Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner‘s Oral Update on Ukraine<br /> Statement delivered by Lithuania on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries (NB8)</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">(90 sec. 217)</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mr. President,</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">On behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries, I thank the High Commissioner for her oral update and the </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">UN Human Rights monitoring mission in Ukraine for its work.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">We stand united with Ukraine facing large scale unprovoked, unlawful and unjustified aggression by Russia, </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">enabled by Belarus. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">We admire the courage of the Ukrainian people defending their country and legally binding norms of the international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">We urge Russia to immediately cease the attacks </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">and deliberate targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure, </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">especially</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">using explosive weapons, such as cluster munitions</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">, in residential areas, </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">which are grave violations of international humanitarian law. We demand Russia to immediately and unconditionally withdraw all its troops from the entire territory of Ukraine. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Russia is responsible </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">for the bloodshed of innocent people, including women and children, and for millions lives destroyed.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> All human rights violations and suspected war crimes must be investigated and accountability ensured. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Accountability matters. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Justice cannot be escaped. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">The international community must do everything to hold Russia and its accomplice Belarus to account. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Nordic-Baltic countries commend the establishment of the Commission of Inquiry and call for its immediate operationalization. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><em><span>Madam High Commissioner, what more could be done to strengthen our efforts in seeking justice for victims and accountability of perpetrators? </span></em></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Interactive dialogue with the High Commissioner <br /> on the oral report on Ukraine</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">30 March</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Statement by Iceland</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mr. President.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Iceland thanks the High Commissioner for her Oral Report and the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine for its work. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Iceland reiterates its support to Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, within its internationally recognized borders. Our position remains clear: we do not recognize the illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia and strongly condemn Russia’s illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">We are witnessing an escalating pattern of violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law, including Russia’s indiscriminate attacks on civilian lives and infrastructure. We urge Russia to uphold its obligations for safe and unhindered humanitarian access in Ukraine.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mr. President, </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">We are deeply alarmed at the security risks faced by journalists and human rights defenders in areas occupied by Russia, as well as increased repression of media freedom and right to freedom of expression in Russia relating to the war in Ukraine. The right to freedom of opinion and expression must be respected. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Prisoners of war must be treated humanely and protected against acts of violence or intimidation, including public curiosity.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Iceland stands in full unity with the people of Ukraine and demands the withdrawal of all Russian military personnel and equipment from Ukraine.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">I thank you.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/fscdel0159%20eu%20on%20ukraine%201006fsc.pdf">EU Statement on Russia’s ongoing military aggression against Ukraine.</a></span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

<span></span> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">UN Human Rights Council&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /> 49th session</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Interactive dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry <br /> on the Syrian Arab Republic </span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Intervention by Iceland, on behalf of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: right;"><em><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">[Check against delivery]</span></em></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">I speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0f1419; background: white; font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Eleven years have passed since a peaceful uprising in Syria descended into a brutal war </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">that has since caused enormous human suffering, grave and widespread human rights violations and abuses, and violations of international humanitarian law. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">As the Commission’s findings reveals, the human rights situation continues to deteriorate, inflicting new levels of hardship and suffering, including </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">arbitrary arrests and detentions, enforced disappearances, targeted attacks and killings, torture and sexual and gender-based violence. </span></p> <p style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;">Accountability is key. We call on all parties to fulfil their obligations under human rights law and international humanitarian law. </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;">Impunity must end, </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;">independent monitors given unimpeded access to places of detention, and </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;">the respect for human rights for all in Syria must be restored. </span></p> <p style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; background: white; font-size: 14pt;">The Syrian regime must engage in the UN-facilitated political process </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;">in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254 with the aim of creating stability and peace in Syria. Safe and unhindered access for i</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;">nternational humanitarian and human rights organisations must be ensured. </span></p> <p style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">We reiterate our strong support for the crucial work of the UN Special Envoy for Syria, the Commission of Inquiry and the triple IM. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Commissioners: </span></em><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">What can be done to accelerate the work to achieve accountability and justice? What more can be done for those missing and/or arbitrarily detained? </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></em></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thank you.</span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Human Rights Council</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">49th session</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Interactive Dialogue on the Oral Update by <br /> the Special Rapporteur on Islamic Republic of Iran</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries (NB8)</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">17 March 2022</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mr. President,</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">We would like to thank the Special Rapporteur for his update.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">We remain deeply concerned about the persistent human rights violations and abuses in Iran, and the absence of a system of accountability. Iran must undertake fundamental reforms to establish appropriate legal and political structures of governance, and ensure independence of the judiciary. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">The continuous use of death penalty, including the execution of child offenders remains an issue of deep concern. We urge Iran to abolish the death penalty for all offences and impose an immediate moratorium on executions. Moreover, the rights to freedom of opinion and expression, online and offline, peaceful assembly and association must be protected.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">We regret the fact that discriminatory laws and practices against women and girls persist in Iran, including child marriage. We share the Special Rapporteur’s grave concerns about the new family law and its consequences on sexual and reproductive health and rights. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Finally, we urge Iran to fully cooperate with the Special Rapporteur, including by granting full and unhindered access to the country.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">I thank you.</span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Interactive Dialogue on OHCHR report</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">on the situation of human rights in Belarus</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">17 March 2022</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">H.E. Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir, Minister for Foreign Affairs</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mr. President,</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">We are deeply concerned by the findings of the OHCHR examination, in particular that violations have been widespread and systematic, and executed as an official policy.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Lukashenko regime is on a destructive path, at home and abroad. We reiterate in the strongest possible terms our condemnation of Russia’s illegal and unprovoked aggression against Ukraine and Belarus’ involvement in it. We stand in full solidarity with Ukraine and its people. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; background: white; font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mr. President,</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; background: white; font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">We call on Belarus to adhere to its international commitments and obligations under human rights law. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; background: white; font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">The relentless attack on civil society and independent voices, and the widespread use of disinformation in Belarus must stop. We urge an immediate and unconditional release of political prisoners and other arbitrarily detained persons, whose numbers rise constantly.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">We continue to stand with the Belarusian people in their fight for a free and democratic society. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Nordic-Baltic countries fully support a renewal of the OHCHR examination mandate, to ensure a further assessment of evidence from the perspective of applicable international criminal law.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Madame High Commissioner, how can civil society best continue to contribute to accountability efforts?</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">I thank you.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></p>

<span></span> <div> <p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">UNITED NATIONS <br /> HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL<br /> <br /> </span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>INTERACTIVE DIALOGUE</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>WITH HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS, MICHELLE BACHELET, ON HER REPORT ON THE SITUATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN AFGHANISTAN</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>&nbsp;</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>7 March 2022</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Statement delivered by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic–Baltic countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mr. President,</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">We welcome the High Commissioner’s report and this opportunity to highlight key concerns regarding the human rights situation in Afghanistan in the wake of the fall of the democratically elected Government. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Our countries have been actively engaged in efforts for the stabilisation and development of Afghanistan. We are deeply concerned by the findings of the report and the deterioration in the human rights situation, particularly by reports of arbitrary killings, violence and intimidation against peaceful protestors, journalists and other media workers, human rights defenders, persons associated with the previous government and persons belonging to ethnic, religious and sexual minorities. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Equally, we are gravely worried about the erosion of the enjoyment of the rights of women and girls, in particular their access to education, and the exclusion of women from political, social and economic spheres of Afghan society. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">We express our strong support for the new mandate of a special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thank you.</span></p> </div>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">UN Human Rights Council</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">49th&nbsp;Session</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Interactive Dialogue&nbsp;with the High Commissioner on the situation <br /> of human rights in the Tigray region of Ethiopia, 7 March 2022</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Intervention by Iceland on behalf of NB8</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13pt; font-family: Garamond; color: black;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13pt; font-family: Garamond; color: black;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: 13pt; font-family: Garamond; color: #232323;">[check against delivery]</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13pt; font-family: Garamond; color: #232323;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13pt; font-family: Garamond; color: #232323;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13pt; font-family: Garamond; color: #232323;">I speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13pt; font-family: Garamond; color: #232323;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13pt; font-family: Garamond; color: #232323;">We thank the High Commissioner for her update. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13pt; font-family: Garamond; color: #232323;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13pt; font-family: Garamond; color: #232323;">We welcome recent positive steps taken by the Government of Ethiopia. However, we call on all parties to abide by international humanitarian law and allow full, safe and unfettered humanitarian access to all people in need, including in Tigray.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13pt; font-family: Garamond; color: #232323;">We remain deeply concerned about human rights violations and abuses in the Northern parts of Ethiopia. This must stop and accountability must be ensured for all crimes committed. We urge all parties to the conflict to cease hostilities, seek a negotiated settlement and respect the human rights, security and safety of civilians and humanitarian workers. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13pt; font-family: Garamond; color: #232323;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13pt; font-family: Garamond; color: black;">Finally, we urge the Government of Ethiopia to strengthen its engagement with the Council’s mechanisms by granting the international commission of human rights experts full, safe and unhindered access to the country. The commission complements ongoing national efforts and is key to help hold all perpetrators to account for their actions, including non-Ethiopian actors. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13pt; font-family: Garamond; color: #232323;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="background: white; font-size: 13pt; font-family: Garamond, serif; color: black;">Madam High Commissioner,</span></p> <p><span style="background: white; font-size: 13pt; font-family: Garamond, serif; color: black;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="background: white; font-size: 13pt; font-family: Garamond, serif; color: black;">Taking into account the investigation and findings by the Joint Investigation Team, how can it best be ensured that the work of the international commission of human rights experts on Ethiopia will complement those findings?</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13pt; font-family: Garamond; color: #232323;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13pt; font-family: Garamond; color: black;">Thank you. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13pt; font-family: Garamond, serif;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13pt; font-family: Garamond, serif;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13pt; font-family: Garamond, serif;">&nbsp;</span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Human Rights Council</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>49th session</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">I</span></strong><strong><span>nteractive Dialogue on the Oral Update by the Special Rapporteur on Eritrea</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries (NB8)</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>4 March 2022</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: yellow; font-family: Garamond, serif;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>Mr President,</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>We would like to thank the Special Rapporteur for his update.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>We remain highly concerned about persistent human rights violations and abuses in Eritrea, including arbitrary detention, imprisonment of refugees and asylum seekers, indefinite national service, and restrictions on the rights to freedoms of expression and religion or belief.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>We are deeply concerned about the reported human rights violations and abuses committed by Eritrean Defence Forces on Ethiopian territory and call for their immediate and unconditional departure from Ethiopia. We urge the Government of Eritrea to undertake investigations meeting international standards and to hold those responsible to account. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>The inhumane prison conditions exacerbated by COVID-19 and reports of increased pervasive controls by the Eritrean authorities on its population are of great concern. We call on the Government to fully comply with its international obligations and to ensure respect for all human rights.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>Finally, we reiterate our call to the Government to strengthen its engagement with the Council’s mechanisms, including by granting the Special Rapporteur full and unhindered access to the country.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>How can the international community support efforts to improve the human rights situation in the country?</span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Item 4 – General Debate&nbsp; </span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">21-22 March 2022</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Statement by Iceland</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thank you, Mr. President.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">We reiterate in the strongest possible terms our condemnation of <strong>Russia</strong>’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. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">In <strong>Venezuela</strong>, we remain deeply concerned about restrictions of fundamental freedoms and the erosion of the rule of law.<strong> </strong>We urge the government to end its policy of repression and to restore judicial independence. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">In <strong>Myanmar</strong>, 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. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mr. President,</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">We urge all parties to the conflict in<strong> Ethiopia</strong> 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.&nbsp; </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Lastly, in<strong> Afghanistan</strong>, 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. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">I thank you.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mr. Chair, I am speaking on behalf of the Nordic countries (Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, Norway and my own country, Finland). The EU member states among us align with the EU statement.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>At the outset, let me underline that the Nordic countries express their full solidarity with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. The Nordic countries condemn in the strongest possible terms Russia's military aggression against Ukraine. It violates flagrantly international law and the UN Charter, and undermines international security, stability and the core principles of the international rules-based order. The Nordic countries demand that Russia ceases its military actions immediately and stops its disinformation campaign and cyber-attacks against Ukraine.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Russian Government’s repeated violations of international law including the continuous use of cyberattacks clearly illustrates Russia’s disregard for the subject matter we are discussing today. In fact, it shows that Russia has no intentions to engage in good faith in negotiations in our efforts to ensure peace and stability in cyberspace.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The United Nations is the core of multilateral cooperation and has a leading role in promoting dialogue on the use of ICTs by States. Strong multilateral institutions and a rules-based international order are of utmost importance to the Nordic countries. Therefore, we have been committed to constructive participation in this process as well as in the Ad Hoc Committee -process on cybercrime. Whilst we will continue to engage constructively to uphold the strength of multilateralism, the prospects for achieving meaningful progress without an agreement on the modalities for multistakeholder participation are, however, in our view questionable.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Nordic countries have shown willingness to compromise in order to reach consensus on multiple occasions and we therefore deeply regret the unwillingness demonstrated by a few member states to find common ground. Inclusion and mutual understanding is the bedrock of the United Nations, and the views and experiences from a wide array of stakeholders – including the private sector, academia, and civil society- are invaluable assets to our work.</p> <p>We had previously agreed to allowing the formal discussions to proceed in the first substantive session under the shared understanding that a progress on the issue of modalities will be made before the current session. However, since we do not have such an agreement, it is clear that we cannot continue to proceed on the same basis from last December.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>It is therefore our position that we should not proceed our formal discussions before we reach an agreement on the modalities. At this stage, we can agreed to allowing informal discussions to take place in accordance with the established UN practice, but in order of the formal substantive discussions to continue, there needs to be an agreement on the modalities.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Proceeding without an agreement would not only undermine the meaningfulness of this round of the OEWG, but could also undercut the credibility of the consensus-based outcome achieved so far in the OEWG-process.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>I thank you Mr. Chair</p>

<span></span> <p class="Default" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Standing Committee of the Executive Committee of</span></strong></p> <p class="Default" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt;">the High Commissioner's Programme (83rd meeting)</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">8-10 March 2022</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Statement by Iceland</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">H.E. Harald Aspelund, Permanent Representative of Iceland</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thank you, Madame Chair.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Iceland is gravely concerned about the plight of the Ukrainian people and condemns Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified attack on Ukraine in the strongest possible terms.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Civilians are suffering, lives and livelihoods lost and we are looking at consequences that will not only be horrific for Ukraine, but also tragic for the world as whole. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">The outflow of refugees from Ukraine is nearing 2 million, with the majority being women and children. Neighboring countries have kept their borders open and shown tremendous hospitality, albeit under immense pressure. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">And let us not forget about those who remain internally displaced or bunkered down with nowhere to go due to the intensity of aerial and ground attacks on civilian infrastructure – homes, schools, and health facilities. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">This is a flagrant breach of international humanitarian law and must stop. Adherence to international human rights law and international humanitarian law is not optional. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Unhindered humanitarian access, including freedom of movement, must be guaranteed. Civilians, humanitarian and medical workers can never be a target. Every precaution must be taken to ensure and guarantee their safety, including their safe passage.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mr. Chair, </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">The refugee crisis Europe is facing is the largest since the Second World War. It is absolutely essential that we all demonstrate solidarity with Ukraine, and its neighboring countries, and welcome Ukrainians to our lands. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Iceland is committed to do so and is already receiving asylum seekers from Ukraine. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">These actions are in addition to our resettlement programme and efforts following the Taliban take-over in Afghanistan last year.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">On the funding side, we remain committed to providing unearmarked multi-year contributions, but in addition we have also allocated three hundred million Icelandic krona to humanitarian actors working in and around Ukraine, including to UNHCR. Emphasis has been on flexibility of funding to allow our humanitarian partners to programme and reprogramme as necessary. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mr. Chair,</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">The humanitarian crisis in Ukraine comes on top of an extremely dire global humanitarian outlook. Already, humanitarian needs were at record high and so was the number of people displaced from their homes – be it in Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan, Ethiopia or elsewhere.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">It is in times like these that enhanced solidarity, unity, and human compassion is what is most needed – let us work together towards that end.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">I thank you. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Item 2 – General Debate&nbsp; </span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Response to Oral Update by the High Commissioner for Human Rights</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>8 March 2022</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>Statement by Iceland</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thank you, </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Iceland thanks the High Commissioner for her Oral Update.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mr. President,</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">We are concerned over intensification of restrictions on freedom of expression, media freedom, and right to peaceful assembly.</span></p> <p style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black;">Iceland strongly condemns <strong>Russia</strong>’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine, as well as violations of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, including attacks on journalists and media workers. Measures to restrict peaceful protests is of great concern. The right to freedom of peaceful assembly must be respected. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">In <strong>Egypt</strong>, human rights defenders, journalists, and activists face repression, including by application of terrorism legislation against peaceful critics. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">In <strong>Sudan</strong>, the use of excessive force and unlawful dispersal of protests countering opposition against the military coup is of great concern. We call for accountability and immediate end to impunity. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mr. President,</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Women and girls still face disadvantages due to discriminatory laws and practices in <strong>Saudi Arabia</strong>, we acknowledge women’s increasing participation in society and workforce but remain concerned about severe restrictions imposed on women human rights defenders, including travel bans. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Finally, we are concerned regarding grave human rights violations and abuses committed against the Uyghur and other minority groups in <strong>China</strong>.<strong> </strong>Human rights must be ensured for all persons belonging to religious and ethnic minorities, also in Xinjiang.<strong> </strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">I thank you.</span></p>

<span></span> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Human Rights Council – 49^th session, 3. March 2022</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Urgent Debate on the Situation of Human Rights in Ukraine </span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">stemming from the Russian Aggression</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland, </span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">H.E. Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir </span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">As we meet here today, a brutal war is being fought in Ukraine.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Russia has chosen a path of war and destruction: to invade Ukraine and create a serious threat to European and global&nbsp;security. It has enlisted Belarussian authorities, a regime that has shown utter disregard for the human rights of its own people, as its enabler.&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">This war is waged to turn back the clock, to stop the advance of tolerance, understanding, peace - to take back the human rights that we have worked so hard for, and this Council is tasked with promoting and protecting.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">The human suffering will be severe – in fact, it already is. Civilians are being killed and injured. Hundreds of thousands of refugees have arrived in neighbouring countries. With humanitarian needs mounting, humanitarian access must be secured, and international humanitarian law respected.&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Russia bears full responsibility for this military aggression and all the destruction and loss of life it will cause. We stand in full unity with Ukraine and call on Russia to stop this senseless war and to immediately&nbsp;withdraw all its forces from Ukraine without precondition.</span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

<p>Dear Excellencies,</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>I am honoured to be making this intervention on behalf of the Nordic countries including Finland, Iceland, Norway Sweden and my own country, Denmark. Let me at the outset thank the Permanent Mission of Mexico to the United Nations for convening this important and timely meeting. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Addressing the need for mental health services and psychosocial support in armed conflict and emergencies is critical. As Russia’s military aggression which grossly violates international law and the UN Charter, and undermines international security and stability continues, a humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding in Ukraine. We just marked 11 years of armed conflict in Syria. Yemen is torn to pieces. The humanitarian situation in South Sudan and Afghanistan is critical. These are just some examples of where civilian harm and humanitarian emergencies cause devastating physical and metal traumas for the population.&nbsp; </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>As always, the most marginalized are impacted the most. Not least children, whose physical and mental safety and wellbeing is under immense risks. Thousands of children are traveling alone and we must ensure that MHPSS and SGBV services are swiftly scaled up in order to ensure that children are offered the support and protection they need. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Recent numbers point to the fact that around 20 percent of people affected by humanitarian crises are in need of psychosocial care. Yet, only 2 percent have access to the services and care they require.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The numbers speak for themselves and only underline that, we need to keep the momentum and continue to push for joint efforts to address the dire and persisting mental health and psychosocial needs of people faced by armed conflict and humanitarian crisis.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;">* * *</p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p>Psychological distress, caused by humanitarian crisis, assaults or armed conflict can have long-term impacts and severe consequences. Psychological distress manifests itself in many ways in protracted and post-conflict settings. Living with anxiety, trauma, acute stress disorder and clinical depression makes it difficult to take care of yourself and your family without the right access to support. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>We know that significant barriers remain in ensuring access to MHPSS services. Just to mention a few: there are lack of coordinated MHPSS systems. There is widespread stigma and discrimination of people and caregivers with mental health disorders in communities and in health systems. There is a critical lack of financial and human resources in the MHPSS sector including lack of technical expertise. Finally, silos remain between MHPSS service provision, SGBV services and primary health services and lack strong referral systems. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>In order to tackle these challenges, we would like to highlight three key priorities to take forward our collective efforts to further integrate mental health and psychosocial support into preparedness, response and recovery to meet the needs of all people affected by crises:</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>First of all, we need to integrate and prioritize mental health and psychosocial support in humanitarian needs assessments across sectors, and in Humanitarian Response Plans (HRPs) and Refugee Response Plans (RRPs). It is important that MHPSS considerations are mainstreamed and that everyone in need are reached with services both when it comes to protection, health and nutrition, education, WASH and shelter. The Inter Agency Standing Committee MHPSS guidelines is a useful tool to ensure integration across sectors and interventions. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>And we must ensure that the MHPSS services are available, indiscriminate and safe to access for everyone who needs them. This includes for survivors of sexual and gender based violence, and that providers of MHPSS services have the capacity to manage SGBV cases.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Second, we must acknowledge that ‘one size does not fit all’ and that engagement with affected people, communities and local organizations, including local women-led organizations is critical. This will ensure that MHPSS services are efficient and targeted specific needs on the ground. And it will also increase community awareness about mental health issues and decrease the risk of stigma. We all have a collective task to continue to push for more localization and local leadership in our humanitarian responses.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Third, strengthening capacity of medical officers, health workers in the health facilities to integrate mental health and psychosocial services into the existing primary health care system is important as is improving the access to these services and ensuring strong referral mechanism to SGBV services. In this regards, we must ensure that providers of MHPSS services have the capacity to manage cases of sexual and gender based violence.</p> <p style="text-align: center;">* * *</p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p>It is critical that all humanitarian actors step up on this. In this regard, we are happy to have the IFRC Reference Center for Psychosocial support in Copenhagen with broad Nordic support promoting and enabling the psychosocial support to beneficiaries, humanitarian staff and volunteers among other important things. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Nordic countries also welcome the fact that MHPSS is the topic for UNHCRs Executive Committee Conclusions this year and we hope that the inputs to the pertinent questions raised in your concept note will provide clear and forward-looking recommendations that will be integrated into this work. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;">* * *</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Once again we thank the Mexican Mission to the UN to set up this meeting and for giving us the opportunity provide inputs on how to pursue the MHPSS agenda. </p> <p>Thank you! </p>

<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span>From Pledges to Action: advancing gender equality in national climate plans</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Opening remarks by Jörundur Valtýsson, Permanent Representative of Iceland</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>March 24 2022 </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p>Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>I warmly welcome you to this event on the importance of making national climate plans, our climate commitments, gender-responsive.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Today, we will be hearing about how the nexus between gender equality and climate action can accelerate SDG progress and how, by making national climate plans, the NDCs, gender responsive, we can deliver stronger climate action.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Iceland joined UNDP´s Climate Promise because we firmly believe that the NDCs are a critical pathway to address climate change and we wanted to lend our support to the objective of helping countries translate their NDC ambition into action.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The initiative´s focus on gender-responsive climate action was also critical for us – an impressive 96% of the Climate Promise countries include gender considerations. This is absolutely in line with the key priority we attach to gender equality in our foreign policy.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Regrettably, while important progress has been made globally in making climate action more gender responsive – including under the Climate Promise - we still have a long way to go. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>According to IRENA, for example, women comprise only 32% of the renewable energy workforce globally, while we all know the key role that sector has in tackling climate change. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>IRENA has also highlighted how women entrepreneurs in the energy field face significantly more difficulties in securing funding – something which is also a challenge in Iceland, even if we measure as the most gender equal society in the world. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>And, when it comes to Official Development Assistance, a staggering low of 0,04% of climate-related ODA is dedicated to gender equality as the “principal” objective, according to the OECD-DAC. So, clearly, there is work to be done.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Iceland is firmly committed to significantly increasing its contribution to international climate finance and, in so doing, we are determined to keep a strong gender focus. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Last year, for instance, we took on a role as a Global Champion for Just and Inclusive Energy Transition, and we are one of the founding partners of the Gender and Energy Compact, whose objective is to promote a just, inclusive and gender responsive energy transition.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Overall, we need to recognize that successfully addressing climate challenges and implementing climate actions is about people just as much as it is about infrastructure and financial investments. For that to happen we need to bridge the gender divide, we need more women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and we need to be inclusive all the way.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>In this context, I would like to highlight the important work being done by the Generation Equality Forum under the leadership of UN Women – a broad based coalition focused on accelerating progress on gender equality, including in the area of climate. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>In conclusion – the issues for discussion today are incredibly important for effective and ambitious climate action. I thank UNDP for bringing us here together and wish you a fruitful discussion.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0431%20eu%20reply%20odihr%20dir%201364pc.pdf">EU Statement&nbsp;<span>in response to the report of the ODIHR Director, Matteo Mecacci.</span></a></p> <p><span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/pcdel0430%20eu%20on%20ukraine%201364pc%20-%20Copy%20(1).pdf">EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine.</a></span></p>

<p> Statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries at the General Assembly “General Assembly Emergency Special Session on Ukraine” on 23 March 2022.</p> <p> Mr. President,<br /> <br /> I have the honour to speak on behalf of the eight Nordic-Baltic countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Norway, Sweden and my own country Lithuania. [Align with the EU-statement].<br /> <br /> On 2nd March, 141 countries voted for the resolution entitled “Aggression against Ukraine.”<br /> <br /> We deplored in the strongest terms the aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine in violation of Article 2 (4) of the Charter and demanded that the Russian Federation immediately cease its use of force against Ukraine and to refrain from any further unlawful threat or use of force against any Member State.<br /> <br /> We also demanded that the Russian Federation immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.<br /> <br /> Instead, Russia has continued the war against Ukraine, causing extensive human suffering and many civilian casualties, including those of children. The devastating humanitarian consequences and rapidly deteriorating situation are obvious. When millions of people globally stand on the brink of famine, we are deeply worried about the impact of the invasion and the risk of increased food insecurity.<br /> <br /> This is an unprovoked act of aggression and Russia – together with its accomplice, Belarus - are responsible for the tremendous suffering inflicted upon the Ukrainian people. Russia’s unprovoked aggression against Ukraine grossly violates international law and the principles of the UN Charter and undermines European and global peace and security.<br /> <br /> All parties in armed conflict must comply with international law, including international humanitarian law, and ensure protection of civilians. In this respect, Russia’s disregard for international humanitarian law (IHL) and attacks against civilian populations and civilian infrastructure are appalling. Civilians must not be targeted. Russian forces’ attacks on health care and schools are serious violations of IHL and must cease immediately.<br /> <br /> Since the General Assembly passed its resolution, the list of alleged war crimes and reported atrocities have mounted.<br /> <br /> Russia has bombed civilian infrastructure and objects, including hospitals, medical facilities, schools, residential buildings and churches. Russia has continued shelling peaceful, densely populated cities. Several, like Volnovakha and Mariupol, have been almost completely destroyed.<br /> <br /> According to reliable sources, Russia is not only using cluster munitions, but also thermobaric and phosphorous bombs in populated areas.<br /> <br /> These are not standalone cases, but an illustration of the systematic manner in which Russia is waging its war on Ukraine. These inhuman and immoral actions embody Russia’s disregard for international law, including international humanitarian law, and the principles upon which the UN is based.<br /> <br /> More than 10 million people – nearly one quarter of the population of Ukraine - have been forced to flee their homes. 3.6 million people left Ukraine, mostly women and children. We commend those neighboring countries that have kept their borders open to those seeking protection outside Ukraine, without discrimination.<br /> <br /> Current obstructions of humanitarian access and rapidly changing frontlines hinder the delivery of desperately needed humanitarian assistance. Russia also has an obligation to allow rapid, safe and unhindered access for humanitarian actors to reach all those in need of lifesaving assistance including food, water, healthcare, protection, and shelter, wherever they are. Safe, voluntary, passage for civilians and humanitarian actors must be guaranteed and respected, including through the opening of humanitarian corridors.<br /> <br /> Last week, the International Court of Justice explicitly ordered Russia to stop its so-called “military operation”. An investigation has also been opened by the ICC prosecutor.<br /> <br /> There will be no impunity for violations of international law, including war crimes and crimes against humanity. All perpetrators must be brought to justice. This is necessary to ensure justice for victims, but also to prevent and deter future violations. Ensuring accountability is an integral part of our obligation to respect and ensure compliance with international humanitarian law. <br /> <br /> Mr. President,<br /> <br /> We encourage all UN member states to vote for the resolution L.2 on the humanitarian consequences of the aggression against Ukraine. In doing so, we send a clear message to Russia.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We demand respect for international law, including international humanitarian law.<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We demand that every effort is taken to protect civilians at all times wherever they may be.<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We demand safe, timely and unhindered access for humanitarian assistance, and to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian personnel.<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We demand safe humanitarian passage for those who decide to leave voluntarily and protection for those who decide to stay. Agreements for safe humanitarian passage must be respected fully.<br /> <br /> But first and foremost, we demand that Russia ends this war now. Russia, with Belarus as an accomplice,&nbsp; bears the sole responsibility for the war and the humanitarian crisis.<br /> <br /> I wish to conclude by expressing our admiration and deep solidarity with the people of Ukraine who are fighting, not only for their country, but for universal, democratic values. Your courage is truly an inspiration for us all. We stand with you.<br /> <br /> Thank you.</p>

<span><a href="/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/fscdel0144%20eu%20on%20ukraine%201005fsc.pdf">EU Statement on Russia’s ongoing military aggression against Ukraine.</a></span>