HRC62 - Iceland EoV - A/HRC/62/L.43: Amendment pertaining to language on bodily autonomy

Human Rights Council – 62nd Session
Explanation of vote during adoption of resolution L.24/Rev. 1
Child, early and forced marriage
Amendment pertaining to language on bodily autonomy A/HRC/62/L.43
Statement by Iceland
6 July 2026

President,

Child, early and forced marriage prevents women and girls from fully enjoying their human rights and is both a cause and consequence of gender inequality. For millions of women and girls around the world, this continues to be a lived reality.

Bodily autonomy is the notion that all individuals are able make decisions about their own body, life, and future. The recognition of women’s sexual and reproductive rights, including their ability to make decisions in relation to their bodies, is a prerequisite for ensuring their full enjoyment of rights. Harmful practices such as child, early and forced marriage deny women and girls this autonomy and constitute serious violations of their human rights.

It is therefore essential that this Council continues to recognize bodily autonomy as a core component of protecting the rights, dignity, and equality of women and girls. Given the specific context of draft resolution L.24/rev1, Iceland cannot support amendment L.43, which seeks to weaken previously agreed language on this issue.

The Human Rights Council has repeatedly recognized bodily autonomy as an integral part of the human rights of women and girls, including in resolutions on Preventable Maternal Mortality and Morbidity, the Discrimination Against Women and Girls, and on the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls.

Weakening language on bodily autonomy would undermine the Council’s efforts to fully address the human rights violations associated with child, early and forced marriage.

Iceland will therefore vote against amendment L.43 and urges other council members to do the same.

Thank you.