United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
76th session of the Executive Committee
Statement by Iceland
6-8 October 2025

Mr. Chairman, High Commissioner, Excellencies, distinguished delegates. Iceland aligns itself with the statement of Denmark on behalf of likeminded states delivered yesterday. It is an honour to address the Executive Committee today on behalf of Iceland.

At the end of last year, the number of forcibly displaced and stateless persons requiring protection was over 123 million. 49 million of those were children.

This continued rise in displacement challenges the system’s capacity to respond and, more importantly, threatens the dignity and safety of millions of people globally.

At the same time, humanitarian workers are facing unprecedented levels of danger. Last year was the deadliest for humanitarians, and 2025 is already on track to surpass all previous death tolls.

At times like these, it is our collective duty, to ensure that international law and international humanitarian law are respected, and all parties to conflict are held accountable. Violations must be addressed, and unimpeded humanitarian access must be ensured. As the foundations of the multilateral system are tested, solidarity is vital.

Iceland recognises the tireless work of UNHCR, its people and partners, in providing protection, assistance, and durable solutions under extraordinarily difficult circumstances. Efficient response not only requires political resolve but also reliable, flexible, and predictable financial support.

In this regard, Iceland continues to provide quality funding to UNHCR, ensuring much needed operational flexibility. Our current multi-year framework agreement is designed to provide unearmarked resources to better enable swift and strategic responses to evolving crises. Such funding strengthens surge capacity, addresses underfunded operations, and sustains responses in protracted situations.

Mr. Chairman,

Displacement is not experienced equally. Women and girls, persons with disabilities, L G B T Q I + persons, ethnic minorities, and the stateless, often face additional risks. We encourage the UNHCR to prioritize protection from sexual and gender-based violence, even as it has to do less with less.

Harmful gender norms and the shrinking of civil spaces for women and girls restrict forcibly displaced women’s meaningful access and participation to leadership, economic, and educational opportunities. An intersectional approach to protection is essential.

Sustainable responses should be at the heart of our efforts. Refugees must be included in education, ensured access to health services, employment, and social protection and banking systems, so they can rebuild their lives and contribute to their communities. Like the High Commissioner said in his opening statement, with better inclusion, refugees can become contributors.

We must also maintain momentum towards ending statelessness, which remains both an achievable and urgent goal. Displacement should not be a permanent condition for anyone, let alone millions of people.

Shared responsibility is the cornerstone of the multilateral system. We call on Member States to strengthen their cooperation with the UNHCR, and to be strong advocates for protection, accountability, gender equality and inclusion. In doing so, we can reaffirm that the rights and dignity of displaced persons are not negotiable, but fundamental.

In closing, Mr. Chairman, allow me to reiterate the commitment of Iceland to support the life-saving mandate of the UNHCR. And we welcome your active engagement in the UN80.

Finally, I would like to, on behalf of Iceland, to thank the High Commissioner for his leadership these past ten years. Your dedication remains unmatched and we deeply appreciate your hard work for those most in need.

Thank you.