Human Rights Council – 59th Session
Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
Joint statement delivered by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States.
20 June 2025
Mr. President,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic states.
We reiterate our unwavering support for the mandate of the Independent Expert and its renewal. Since its establishment, the mandate has contributed to advancing substantive equality in a meaningful and constructive manner.
Evidence shows that persons of diverse SOGIESC continue to face discrimination and violence across different spheres of life. These factors are amplified in situations of displacement, with persons of diverse SOGIESC disproportionately affected by its drivers, including conflict, violence, persecution, repression, disaster and climate-related crises.
As such, persons of diverse SOGIESC, who are forcibly displaced, whether inside or outside their country of origin, face heightened risk of physical and sexual abuse, extortion, arbitrary detention and other forms of persecution. In addition, multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination often marginalize them and prevent access to support and services, with devastating and long-lasting consequences.
We must ensure that all persons, including those displaced inside or outside their country of origin, are able to fully enjoy their human rights, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or sex characteristics.
Independent Expert, how can we effectively address harmful drivers of displacement and their subsequent harms for persons of diverse SOGIESC?
I thank you.