The PermanentMissionof tceland
to the United Nations
Statementby Ambassador Hjflmar W. Hannesson Permanent Representativeof lceland to the United Nations

at the 60thGENERAL ASSEMBLY -72"d plenary Meeting ADOPTION OF THE RESOLUTION CREATING THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

New York, 15 March2006

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T h e P e rm a n e nt Mi ssi on of l cel and to the uni ted N ati ons 800 Third Ave. 36tnft. - Tet 212-593-2700. - Fax 212-593-6269

Mr. President.

Iceland has the following comments on the resolution on the establishment of the Human Rights Council, adoptedearlier today. The establishment of the Human Rights council marks the fulfilment of one of the major tasks which the General Assembly was mandated to carryrout by Heads of Stateat the Summit in 2005. Recognising that the establishmentof the council here today is a result of long and difficult negotiations,it is inevitable that compromiseshave had to bL made. Indeed, I feel obliged to register disappointment that the final outcome does not match the ambitions in the clear and principled approachproposed by the SecretaryGeneral in his original report. Iceland supported the resolution becausethe alternative of falling back on the Commission is unacceptableand not in the interests of human rights. Despite our reservations,Iceland has also been encouragedby the views of human righti NGos lile amnesfy International. The status of the Council as a subsidiary body of the General Assembly is a step fbrward and we look forward to the review of the status within the next five years, with a view to elevating it to a principal organ of the LlN. we also recognise that its more frequent meetings will better equip it to addressurgent human rights issues. The resolution also preserveskey skengths of the commission, including its unique system of independent experts known as Special Procedures,as well as the important arrangements and practices for NGO participation in its work. From the outset it has been the firm belief of Iceland that the composition of the council and the quality of its membership will have an impact on the functioning of the Council and the credibilify of its work. we still are of this view. Indeed, Iceland will not vote for any candidate country that is under sanctions imposed by the Security Council, for human rights related reasons or any country that is .onrid.red io be committing gross and systematic violations of Human riehts. Mr. President,

I would like to thank you and your two Co-chairs, Ambassador Kumalo from South Africa and Ambassador Arias from Panama, for your tireless efforts and determination in bringing our long processto a successful conclusion.I also wish to thank the Secretary-General for his endeavours this exercise. in

Thank you.