Human Rights Council – 60th session
Item 4 - Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation
Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states.
22 September 2025
Mr President,
I have the honour to speak for the Nordic-Baltic States. We thank the Special Rapporteur and express our strong support for the continuation of the mandate.
We are gravely concerned by the worsening human rights situation in the Russian Federation and the further expansive use of repressive tools.
Fundamental freedoms are being dismantled, with human rights defenders, lawyers, journalists, minorities, labour migrants and democratic political opposition facing intimidation, harassment and persecution. The growing repression of persons due to their sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics is also concerning, (including criminalization of symbols and gatherings.), as is the increased use of torture (and other inhuman, cruel and degrading treatment or punishment).
We condemn in the strongest terms Russia’s relentless attacks against Ukraine, deliberately terrorizing the Ukrainian people. Massive air strikes and the targeting of civilian infrastructure, including energy systems, constitute grave violations of international law.
We strongly condemn the forcible transfer of tens of thousands of Ukrainian children by Russia. They must be immediately returned. Reports of widespread executions, torture and ill-treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war and detained civilians are disturbing. We urge Russia to stop this practice immediately.
We call on the Russian Federation to cease its war of aggression against Ukraine, to end its internal as well as transnational repression, and to uphold its international human rights obligations.
I thank you.