HRC62 - Iceland GC - A/HRC/62/L.15: Independence of judges and lawyers

Human Rights Council – 62nd Session
General Comment on draft resolution L.15
Independence and impartiality of the judiciary, jurors and assessors, and the independence of lawyers: mandate of Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers  
Statement by Iceland
7 July 2026

Thank you, President.

Iceland thanks the core group for its focused work on draft resolution L.15 combining the substance of the thematic resolution and the renewal of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers.

We welcome the successful rationalisation of the Council’s work through the merger of these two closely related resolutions into a single coherent text. With this approach, the efficiency of the Council is strengthened while simultaneously preserving the main objective of the thematic resolution and important mandate renewal.

An independent, impartial and effective judiciary, with an independent and objective legal profession and prosecution services, make up one of the fundamental pillars of the rule of law and as a result, the protection of human rights.

Iceland therefore reaffirms its support for draft resolution L.15 and is pleased to join consensus on the text.

I thank you.