Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, the Foreign Minister of Iceland, is currently in Geneva, Switzerland, where she is set to deliver her policy speech at the United Nations Human Rights Council. The speech is part of the 61st session of the Council's Human Rights Week which commenced today, with the speech expected to start around 11:20 AM. This event marks a significant opportunity for Iceland to assert its stance on human rights issues on the international stage.

Iceland has been a member of the UN Human Rights Council since early 2025, following its election for a three-year term by the UN General Assembly in October 2024. The Council, established in 2006, succeeded the UN Human Rights Commission, which had been operational since 1946. Its role is crucial as it aims to promote and protect human rights within UN member states, address human rights violations, and recommend improvements in human rights practices to individual countries.

The speech signifies Iceland's commitment to advancing human rights globally and highlights its engagement in international diplomacy. As countries grapple with human rights challenges, the emphasis on such policy discussions in forums like the UN Human Rights Council is vital for fostering accountability and encouraging states to uphold their human rights obligations.