Ávarp á friðarráðstefnunni Imagine Forum: Safeguarding Human Rights and Global Peace in Times of Challenge

Ávarp á Imagine Forum í Veröld - húsi Vigdísar

10. október 2025

 

Excellencies, distinguished guests, dear friends,

I am honoured to address this Forum on protecting rights and defending peace.

Allow me to begin by expressing my deep appreciation to all the excellent speakers and panelists here today. Your dedication to human rights and peace gives hope in times when both are under severe strain.

I also wish to congratulate the Institute for International Affairs for their superb organisation, and to thank Höfði Peace Centre and the Icelandic United Nations Association for the excellent cooperation in the lead-up to today’s event.

At the heart of our discussions lies a simple yet profound truth: the protection and promotion of human rights is the foundation for peace. Without respect for human dignity, there can be no lasting stability. Without justice, there can be no reconciliation.

Yet today, we see that foundation being shaken. Around the world, conflicts rage, and the very principles that underpin the international human rights system are being tested.

In Gaza, the humanitarian situation is catastrophic. We have witnessed crimes against humanity and war crimes in broad daylight. It is my sincere hope that the ceasefire agreement succeeds in restoring full humanitarian access and the release of all hostages. We urgently need peace for all the innocent people.

While this ceasefire is an important step, we must not lose sight of the goal of a just, sustainable peace based on the two-state solution.

I am grateful to Varsen [Aghabekian], the foreign minister of Palestine, for joining us today to give insight into her people’s struggles, their resilience and the unwavering hope for a realisation of their right to self-determination.

In Ukraine, Russia’s war of aggression continues to inflict devastating human suffering. The deliberate targeting of civilians, and the destruction of schools, hospitals, and critical infrastructure, are flagrant violations of international law.

Meanwhile, in Russia, fundamental freedoms are being dismantled, with human rights defenders, lawyers, journalists, minorities, and opposition politicians facing harassment and persecution. In such a climate one cannot be but hopeful in the face of the courage and determination of people like Vladimir Kara-Murza.

In Iran, we see new measures to suppress the legitimate demand of the people of Iran, in particular women and girls, for their human rights to be respected. Iceland has been in a leading role in the Human Rights Council in calling for accountability for the crimes committed by the regime during the protests in the fall of 2022.

The Women, Life, Freedom movement inspires us all and I thank Nazanin Boniadi for her continued fight for the rights of Iranian women and girls.

In Afghanistan, the Taliban have expanded and institutionalized gender oppression, effectively excluding women and girls from public life. As a member of the Human Rights Council, Iceland has repeatedly called for a comprehensive investigative mechanism for Afghanistan. On Monday, the Council established such a mechanism, taking a vital step towards accountability. We must stand firm with the Afghan people and not let the grave human rights situation become normalized.

 

Dear Friends,

These are not only political crises – they are human tragedies. And they remind us that our shared security depends on our shared humanity.

Human rights are not an abstract ideal. They are the building blocks of peace – the principles that ensure every person can live free from fear and free to speak, believe, and belong.

For Iceland, human rights are the cornerstone of our foreign policy. They guide our development efforts and our engagement in the multilateral system.

At a time when human rights are under pressure and democracy faces growing threats, our commitment must not waver. We must stand firm together – states, civil society, and international organisations alike – to defend the universality and indivisibility of human rights.

Iceland is proud to serve on the Human Rights Council through 2027. During our term, we will place particular emphasis on gender equality, LGBTQI+ rights, the rights of children and youth, and on strengthening the connection between human rights and the environment.

I am deeply concerned by the growing backlash against gender equality and against the rights of LGBTQI+ persons. This backlash is not isolated – it is part of a wider erosion of democracy and human dignity. And it is one we must confront, not with anger, but with unwavering conviction, compassion, and solidarity.

 

Friends,

The world does not lack the means to achieve peace — it often lacks the will. Our task is to rekindle that will, to insist that peace and human rights are not competing goals but mutually reinforcing obligations.

Let us build on the wonderful balance between realism and hope -

Let us defend human rights not only with words, but with action.

Because in the end, safeguarding rights is safeguarding peace – for our nations, for our fellow citizens, and for all future generations.

Thank you.