81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly
Report of the Human Rights Council – Item 65
Statement delivered by H.E. Ms. Anna Jóhannsdóttir, Permanent Representative of Iceland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries:
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden
30 October 2026, New York
Mr. President,
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the NB8 countries; Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden, two of which, Iceland and Estonia are members of the Human Rights Council.
I thank the President of the Human Rights Council for his presentation of the Council’s report, which gives us an opportunity to discuss and reflect upon its work.
Mr. President,
The Nordic-Baltic countries attach great importance to the mandate of the Human Rights Council. We are firmly committed to promoting and protecting human rights for all people, everywhere, and at all times.
The Human Rights Council remains the principal intergovernmental body within the United Nations system responsiblefor this crucial agenda. It is a vital platform for dialogue on the importance of advancing human rights and fundamental freedoms – engaging states from all regions as well as civil society.
This year, we celebrated the twentieth anniversary of the Human Rights Council. Over the past twenty years, the Council has clarified, developed, and strengthened human rights standards, accelerated the implementation of obligations and promoted accountability. The Council’s impact relies heavily on the work of its human rights mechanisms; the Universal Periodic Review and the Special Procedures. By monitoring compliance, sounding early warnings on emerging crises, and offering concrete recommendations, these mechanisms serve as the operational backbone of the Council’s mandate, translating global standards into real-world accountability. At a time when multilateralism faces unprecedented pressure, the Council’s mandate remains more relevant than ever.
Mr. President,
The Human Rights Council adopted important resolutions over the past year, addressing serious human rights situations around the world, including those relating to Ukraine, the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Sudan, Iran and Afghanistan. In too many places we continue to witness a blatant disregard for human rights and fundamental freedoms which all states have a responsibility to respect, protect and fulfil.
Furthermore, the Nordic-Baltic countries attach great importance to the Council’s work to address systemic and widespread human rights violations, including gender-based discrimination and violence. The Council also plays an important role in addressing new and emerging human rights challenges, for example within the field of digital technologies.
Mr. President,
We must continue to advocate for adequate, sustainable and predictable funding for the United Nations human rights pillar. We welcome calls to increase the Council’s efficiency in order to better fulfil its mandate, but this requires collective efforts from all member states. Further strengthening complementarities and an effective division of labour, between the Human Rights Council and the Third Committee remains essential, while also ensuring that the mandate, independence and work of the Council is respected.
Mr. President,
Our work in the Council must ultimately be measured by its impact on the lives of people on the ground. Improving their protection, dignity and enjoyment of human rights must remain our shared objective.
The Nordic-Baltic countries will continue to stand up for those whose human rights are under threat or being violated. We encourage all UN Member States to fulfil their human rights obligations to progress towards our common goal of advancing the dignity and equality of everyone.
I thank you.
