Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, Iceland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, delivered a powerful address at the 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, emphasizing the urgent need to safeguard human rights, defend international institutions, and uphold the global order established after World War II.

Defending Human Rights and Condemning Violations

Minister Gunnarsdóttir strongly criticized ongoing threats to human rights and democratic values, highlighting Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine as a stark example of violations against international law. Her speech coincided with global leaders gathering in Kyiv to mark three years since the invasion began.

The Minister also stressed the importance of gender equality, women’s rights, and LGBTQIA+ rights, warning that progress made in recent years is at risk.

“No person should have to live in fear of persecution and violence. This applies to all, including those facing discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. We will continue to stand up for their rights and amplify their voices in this forum, because we are all born free and equal,” she declared.

A Call for Reform in the United Nations

As Iceland begins its first full term as a UN Human Rights Council member, the Foreign Minister underscored the importance of reaffirming the core principles of the UN Charter, particularly in a world facing growing geopolitical tensions and humanitarian crises.

She acknowledged that the United Nations has not always lived up to expectations, pointing to the ongoing Israeli military actions in Gaza and the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023, as a failure of the international system to prevent and resolve urgent crises.

“We stand at a crossroads. The challenges we face demand that we redouble our efforts, recommit to the UN Charter, and push for reform and renewal. The world has changed since 1945, and so must the United Nations,” she asserted.

Nordic-Baltic Cooperation and Diplomatic Engagements

During her visit to Geneva, Minister Gunnarsdóttir will also:

• Deliver a speech on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries (NB8) at an event marking the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
• Represent Nordic-Baltic nations at a 30th-anniversary commemoration of the Beijing World Conference on Women.
• Hold bilateral meetings with top international leaders, including Volker Türk (UN High Commissioner for Human Rights), Mirjana Spoljaric Egger (President of the International Committee of the Red Cross), and Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Director-General of the World Trade Organization).

Iceland’s Role in the UN Human Rights Council

Iceland officially joined the UN Human Rights Council on January 1, 2025, alongside seventeen other nations from various global regions. This marks Iceland’s second tenure on the Council, following its previous service in 2018–2019, when it filled the seat vacated by the United States.

Iceland’s participation in the Council underscores its commitment to global human rights, gender equality, and multilateral cooperation at a time when these principles face significant challenges.

For more details on Iceland’s priorities at the UN Human Rights Council, visit the official website dedicated to its membership.

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