THÓRDÍS KOLBRÚN REYKFJÖRD GYLFADÓTTIR, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland, stated:  “We cannot build a future fit for our grandchildren with systems built for our grandparents.”  However, the Russian Federation’s invasion of Ukraine marks a flagrant breach of the UN Charter and Moscow’s repeated threats of using nuclear weapons are reckless and dangerous.  “It is Mr. Putin who has concocted a false narrative around his invasion of Ukraine’s territory,” she stated.  It is in the Kremlin’s power to end it at any time by withdrawing its forces from internationally recognized Ukrainian territory.

Affirming that “Israel’s right to exist is beyond debate” and calling for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, she also said that no country is above the law.  The Palestinian people’s right to self-determination is also beyond debate.  In the current conflict, there have been reports of civilian infrastructure and hospitals being used for purposes that can deprive them of their protection under international humanitarian law, and this is unacceptable — as are the unacceptable losses of civilian lives.  She called on all parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire and avoid any action that could lead to further escalation.

As one of only 19 women speaking from the podium during the opening session, she commented:  “I thought we had come further than this.”  Yet, in certain countries, little girls and women are not allowed to go to school or laugh in public and women are not allowed to take part in conversations outside of their homes.  She thus voiced support for the cross-regional action announced this week in New York to hold the Taliban to account for their grave violations of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).  She also affirmed that, if elected to the Human Rights Council, Iceland will include LGBTI+ rights among its list of priorities.  Regarding climate change, the United Nations has a proven record, primarily with the Convention for the Law of the Sea.  However, the Law is being undermined, including in the South China Sea.  All Member States must honour their commitments and act in accordance with that treaty, she stressed.