Iceland Warns of Global Human Rights Setback at UN Council

2026-02-24 - 10:45

Iceland’s Foreign Minister has told the United Nations Human Rights Council that respect for international law and fundamental rights is declining worldwide. As reported by RÚV, Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir delivered Iceland’s keynote address during the Council’s annual Ministerial Week in Geneva, Switzerland. What's the Story? Address by Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir at UN Human Rights Council Ministerial Week in Geneva Warning of “a major setback” in human rights and declining respect for international law Iceland in first full three-year term on the Council since January 2025 Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir. Photo: Johannes Jansson. Wikimedia Commons. Public Domain. Minister addresses Geneva In her speech, Þorgerður said the past year had posed serious challenges to the international system amid ongoing conflicts. “We are experiencing a major setback when it comes to human rights,” she told the assembly. She stated that Iceland’s contribution to the Council reflects its priorities since joining, with particular focus on equality, minority rights and children. “There is an emphasis on equality, the rights of minorities, children, and then also on ensuring that climate change is not excluded from this discussion,” she says. The minister reiterated Iceland’s opposition to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and said the humanitarian situation in Gaza remained severe despite a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. Iceland was elected to the Council in 2024 and began its first full three-year term at the start of 2025. During its initial year, Iceland supported scrutiny of Iran’s authorities over violence against protesters and backed a special session on human rights abuses there. It has also supported resolutions addressing the treatment of women in Afghanistan. “We Icelanders are using our voice and we are also using the increased weight of the Nordic countries and the NB8 countries, that is, the Nordic countries and the Baltic countries,” she says.