Reykjavík City Human Rights Policy

The Human Rights and Democracy Office is responsible for enforcing the City's Human Rights Policy. The Human Rights Policy is based on human rights and the principle of equality.

The principle of equality or non-discrimination is one of the basic notions of human rights. It is found in the main human rights treaties and in Article 65 of the Constitution. The rule stipulates that it is prohibited to discriminate against persons on the grounds of their particular characteristics or for other irrelevant reasons.

The City's Human Rights Policy was first adopted by the City Council on May 16, 2006. The current policy was approved by the City Council on October 18, 2016. The policy emphasizes a comprehensive view to benefit residents, as many belong to more than one of the groups it addresses.

Managers and staff are responsible for ensuring respect for human rights within the City's administration, workplaces, and services.

A major focus of the City of Reykjavík’s Human Rights Policy is the equality of genders. This emphasis should be visible and integrated into all the City's operations and policy-making.

Follow-up

The Human Rights & Democracy Office of Reykjavík City, together with the Human Rights & Violence Prevention Council, monitors the City's Human Rights Policy and ensures no discrimination against residents. If city residents, municipal staff, interest groups, or city visitors feel their rights have been violated according to the Policy, they can submit suggestions or complaints.

Residents, City staff, interest groups, or city visitors can submit suggestions or complaints, and their processing is free of charge for them.

Action Plan on Equality & Human Rights

An action plan is developed from the Human Rights Policy that addresses its different aspects. Various departments and offices of the City are responsible for individual actions, but the Human Rights & Democracy Office is responsible for the action plan as a whole. The action plan for the years 2023 to 2026 can be viewed below.

Reykjavík City Human Rights Policy

Inquiries and suggestions

Questions and suggestions can be addressed to the Director of the Human Rights Office, Anna Kristinsdóttir, in writing or via email to anna.kristinsdottir@reykjavik.is.