Statement by H.E. Nikulas Hannigan,
Chargé d’Affaires, Deputy Permanent Representative,
Permanent Mission of Iceland to the United Nations
on behalf of the Nordic countries
General Assembly 80th session, 26th Plenary Meeting
General debate on the Report of the Human Rights Council with
the President of the Council, H.E. Mr. Jürg Lauber
31 October 2025

Mr. President,   

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden and my own country Iceland.

We thank the President of the Human Rights Council for his presentation of the report from the Council, giving us the opportunity to discuss and reflect upon its programme of work.

Iceland is the current Nordic member of the Human Rights Council, elected for the term 2025-2027. At the Council, the Nordic countries actively engage with the Council’s mandate of advancing the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms of all and we give high priority to addressing human rights violations and abuses.

The Council continues to advocate for robust human rights protection and accountability. It provides an important platform for human rights dialogue between states from all regions on human rights, diversity and difference – discussions that affect everyone, everywhere.

Mr. President, 

As we mark the 80th anniversary of the United Nations we are witnessing an erosion of the global commitment to human rights and democracy. 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.

It is our collective duty to ensure that international human rights law is respected. Human rights are neither a luxury nor a foreign import. They are – to quote the Declaration, “the common standard of achievement for all people and all nations”. 

The Nordic countries reaffirm our strong commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and to the work of the Human Rights Council. We must uphold the norms and principles of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, including freedom of expression and assembly.

Mr. President, 

Looking back on the work of the Human Rights Council this year, important resolutions have been passed, including on the situation of human rights in Belarus, Russia, Iran, Sudan, the DRC and in Ukraine in the context of Russia’s war of aggression. The resolution establishing an independent investigative mechanism into human rights abuses in Afghanistan was also adopted last session. The Council has further engaged on the horrific humanitarian and human rights situation in Palestine and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The Council also continues to strongly uphold the importance of gender equality and the rights of LGBTI+ persons through its special procedures, resolutions, and other internal initiatives. In particular we welcome the renewal of the mandate of the Independent Expert on SOGI for another year.

Mr. President,

The Nordic countries will continue supporting, substantively and financially, the work of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in assisting countries in strengthening their human rights implementation at home. We also recognize the importance of meaningful engagement with civil society and human rights defenders, bringing independent voices, expertise and accountability to the Council’s work. 

We believe in both dialogue on human rights and calling out human rights violations and abuses. The Nordic countries remain committed to constructive dialogue within the Council, emphasizing collaboration irrespective of background or circumstance, advocating for a more efficient and effective programme of work.  

By promoting human rights and social progress, the Human Rights Council continues to engage in vital work, protecting human rights worldwide, and creating better living standards for all.

Mr. President,

The UN was built, 80 years ago, on three pillars. These pillars are interrelated and interdependent.

The promotion of human rights is not simply a moral imperative. It is an international obligation, shared commitment as well as a strategic necessity essential to both peace and security and sustainable development. We need all three pillars to uphold our international system. To steer the UN through another eighty years.

Let us work together, despite our many differences, in defending human rights and the future of our international system. Here in the General Assembly, at the Human Rights Council in Geneva, and beyond.

I thank you.