HRC62 - Iceland EoV - A/HRC/62/L.12/Rev.1: Freedom of Opinion and Expression

Human Rights Council – 62nd Session
Explanation of vote during adoption of draft resolution L.12/Rev. 1
Freedom of Opinion and Expression
Statement by Iceland
6 July 2026

Thank you, Mr. President,

Iceland welcomes draft resolution L.12/Rev. 1 and thanks the core group for their constructive engagement during the informal negotiations.

Freedom of opinion and expression is facing new and rapidly evolving challenges. We are witnessing a rise in online violence, AI-enabled abuse and gendered disinformation that disproportionately targets women in public life, including journalists and human rights defenders. This form of gender-based violence undermines equal and effective exercise of freedom of opinion and expression. As such, references to technology-facilitated gender-based violence in the text are therefore timely and important.

Further, references to repressive activities abroad are another important element of the resolution. Intimidation, harassment, surveillance and reprisals continue to be documented by UN human rights mechanisms. Addressing these contemporary challenges is essential in a resolution dedicated to protecting the freedom of opinion and expression.

Iceland also welcomes the focus on protecting journalists, human rights defenders and all those exercising their right to freedom of opinion and expression.

Finally, the draft resolution is firmly grounded in the existing mandate of the OHCHR and strengthens efforts to promote accountability for violations against those exercising their rights, a key element of protecting freedom of opinion and expression.

Iceland is pleased to join consensus on draft resolution L.12 and encourages other members to do the same.

I thank you.