Human Rights Council – 61^st Session
EoV on draft resolution L.2
The negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights Statement by Iceland
27 March 2026

Mr. President,       

Iceland thanks Uganda and other members of the core group for presenting draft resolution L.2.

Unfortunately, the draft resolution fails to make a clear distinction between different types of sanctions and continues to sustain the misconception that all sanctions, without distinction, negatively impact the enjoyment of human rights. The text further disregards the targeted nature of sanctions and the rationale behind them.

Sanctions are among the peaceful tools at the disposal of the UN Security Council, to defend human rights and maintain international peace and security, as provided for in the UN Charter. Yet the Security Council is at times prevented from acting in the face of serious violations of international law.

The dire consequences of such inaction, when acts of aggression and grave human rights violations continue unchecked, must remain central to the discussion. Inaction is not a neutral choice. The international community shares a responsibility to respond.

Carefully targeted and precise sanctions, adopted in accordance with international law and accompanied by clear criteria, transparency, due process, and humanitarian exemptions, are designed to respond to serious violations. Such measures focus on those responsible for wrongful conduct, not on civilian populations. Humanitarian assistance, including food, medicine, and other essential supplies, must never be impeded.

When applied responsibly, targeted sanctions can serve as a peaceful means to prevent further conflict, promote accountability, and support respect for international law and human rights. 

For these reasons, Iceland will vote against draft resolution L.2.

I thank you.