HRC61 - Iceland statement - Ministerial side event: When civilians become the target: Russia’s war on lives and infrastructure in Ukraine

HRC61 - High Level Segment 
Ministerial Side Event
"When civilians become the target: Russia’s war on lives and infrastructure in Ukraine"
Statement by the Foreign Minister of Iceland
Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir 
24 February 2026 

 Thank you Chair, 

Today, I reflect on the quiet, daily courage of ordinary people who have endured relentless uncertainty, loss, and fear. Through bombardment, displacement, and the grinding weight of winter, without reliable heat or light, they have been asked to summon resilience again and again–when hope must feel impossible – as the world’s attention is stretched thin across a record number of conflicts in recent memory. 

In Iceland, we understand in our bones what the cold can mean. We know how essential energy is to dignity, safety, and survival. When energy infrastructure is damaged, the cold is a hardship that seeps into every aspect of life. 

That the people of Ukraine continue to endure, to rebuild, and to believe in a future beyond war, is a testament to a strength that demands both our solidarity and our unwavering support.

For almost four years, the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine has been documenting violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. 

Its work, mandated by the Human Rights Council,continues to be essential – not only to acknowledge the suffering endured by civilians in Ukraine – but also to lay the groundwork for justice and prevent further abuses.

Attacks against critical infrastructure– includingenergy facilities– have devastating consequences.

I am particularly alarmed by documented cases of unlawful detention and torture. 

The deportation and forcible transfer of Ukrainian children is among the most appalling crimes of Russia’s war. 

Thesecrimes extend beyond their immediate consequences for Ukrainians – they also aim to erase personal and collective identities, undermining the very foundation upon which the Ukrainian nation stands. 

Excellencies, 

Ensuring accountability for Russia’s blatant violations of international law is essentialforthe credibility of the international legal order. 

We must support and defend international accountability mechanisms.

Dear friends, 

If Russia stopped fighting today, this war would end. 

I condemn in the strongest terms Russia’s continuous violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

We call for the immediate release of all unlawfully detained civilians and prisoners and the unrestricted and safe return of all deported and forcibly transferred Ukrainian children. 

Iceland stands in full solidarity with Ukraine.

United, the international community must ensure that justice, dignity and respect for international law prevails.

Slava Ukraini.