Human Rights Council – 58th session

Item 8: General Debate

Statement by Iceland

26 March 2025

Mr. President,

In the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, United Nations Member States reaffirmed that all human rights and fundamental freedoms are universal.

We are all born free and equal in dignity and rights, wherever we live and regardless of gender, religion, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity. It is the duty of all states to respect, protect and fulfil this promise to all persons.

Regretfully, we are witnessing a global pushback against human rights and democratic values - and the voices of those who think that human rights should be a privilege of some have sadly grown louder. It is vital that we speak up and fight these.