UN General Assembly
1985

On this issue, the policy of ray Government, indeed of all the Nordic countries, is well known to this Assembly. The five Nordic countries have since 1978 followed a joint program of action against the inhuman, cruel and archaic policy of apartheid. Such action programs have also been adopted by other countries and will add to the growing pressure which we hope that sooner rather than later will lead the Government of South Africa to abandon the system of apartheid. When directing our efforts towards South Africa, let us not, however, forget the gross injustices in many other countries of the world, improvements must certainly also take place wherever else injustice now reigns. I want to pledge the support of my Government and the Icelandic people to the work and the efforts constantly being made within the framework of the united Nations to further and enhance human rights everywhere in the world. Human rights, democracy and freedom are closely linked and are the prerequisite for a lasting world peace.