Human Rights Council ‒ 60th session.
Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Working Group on arbitrary detention.
Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states.
17 September 2025
Mr. President,
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states.
We thank the Working Group for its latest report and acknowledge its critical mandate and determined efforts towards addressing the serious issue of arbitrary detention.
The practice of arbitrary detention is contrary to international human rights law and gravely undermines the right to life, liberty and security. We reiterate our support for the High Commissioner and the Working Group’s call to bring this practice to an end once and for all, and to provide effective remedies and reparations for victims and survivors.
We appreciate the engagement of Governments that cooperate constructively with the mandate of the Working Group. At the same time, we strongly condemn the use of arbitrary detention as a tool against those exercising their rights, as well as reprisals against individuals who engage with the United Nations. Due process must always be guaranteed, and any restriction of liberty must be lawful, necessary, proportionate and justified.
Furthermore, we echo the working group’s call on states to ensure that practical, proportionate and non-discriminatory alternatives to pretrial detention - particularly non-financial ones - are made available, including through legislation.
What can States do in support of your mandate to help end the practice of arbitrary detention?
I thank you.