Iceland takes seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council

On January 1st, Iceland became a Member of the United Nations Human Rights Council and will serve for a three-year term, or until the end of 2027. 

"Iceland has been entrusted with the responsibility of being an elected member of the UN Human Rights Council at a critical time for human rights worldwide. As members, we will do our upmost to contribute constructively to the Council’s fundamental role of advancing human rights and freedoms of all people and addressing human rights violations and abuses, wherever they occur, “ said Thorgerdur Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, Minister for Foreign Affairs. 

"In addition to working towards advancing human rights of all through constructive dialogue and engagement, Iceland will place a special emphasis on the human rights of women and girls, children and youth, LGBTQI+ rights, and human rights and the environment," said Thorgerdur Katrín. 

An overview of Iceland's key priorities can be found here and on this website dedicated to Iceland's membership of the United Nations Human Rights Council. 

Iceland joined the UN Human Rights Council on 1 January 2025 along with seventeen other states from all regions of the world. Iceland previously served on the Council for half a term in 2018-2019, filling the seat vacated by the United States in June 2018.