English translation
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Interculturalism and inclusion
In the City of Reykjavík's Human Rights Policy, you can find sections on national origin and nationality.
Projects of the Office of Human Rights & Democracy related to the issues of immigrants, people seeking international protection, and refugees can be found in the Action Plan for Human Rights and Democracy from 2019 to 2022.
Reykjavík is an intercultural society
Modern society in Reykjavík is constantly evolving and becoming more diverse, including in terms of origin, nationality, religious beliefs, and worldview. People move more between countries due to increased globalization, and over 20% of Reykjavík residents are of foreign origin.
An intercultural society calls for changed emphases in most aspects of the community. The fundamental elements for intercultural societies are: respect for diversity, equality, and meaningful intercultural interactions.
Intercultural Council
The Intercultural Council advises Reykjavík City Council, Committees, and Councils on the issues and interests of residents who are immigrants. The Council promotes information sharing and collaboration between the City of Reykjavík and immigrant interest groups, shapes policies, and makes recommendations to City Council regarding its areas of responsibility. The Council seeks to connect intercultural communities in Reykjavík and promote ideas about interculturalism and inclusion.
Inclusion
In an intercultural society, diversity is seen as a natural part and emphasis is placed on inclusion. Inclusion involves recognizing and respecting diversity and always taking it into account. Inclusion aims to empower all people for participation and enable a diverse group of people to be involved in decision-making.
Diversity in human life
One of the guiding principles of the City of Reykjavík is that the Reykjavík community can utilize diversity in human life and culture, where knowledge, open-mindedness, equality, and mutual respect characterize the interactions of people from different origins. All City institutions need to adapt to an intercultural society and implement the City of Reykjavík's policy on intercultural society in their action plans. They should consider immigrants both as users and providers of services, taking into account the needs of immigrants without treating them as a homogeneous group. In all City activities, efforts should be made to take advantage of diversity.
More content
- Policy on Immigrants and Refugees Information on the City of Reykjavík's policy on immigrant and refugee issues
- New in Reykjavik Are you new in Reykjavík? Here is useful information. Are you new in Reykjavík? Here is useful information
- Reykjavík City's Intercultural Declaration Read the City of Reykjavík's intercultural declaration
- Nordic Safe Cities The City of Reykjavík is a member of Nordic Safe Cities
- The ICORN City of Refuge Project The City of Reykjavík is a member of ICORN
- Our children and ourselves A booklet for parents/guardians and relatives of children who have moved to Iceland
- Reykjavík City's consultation platform for religious and secular communities The City of Reykjavík and religious and secular associations in the capital area have a consultation platform
- Statistics on interculturalism Here you can view statistics on interculturalism
- Intercultural cities Reykjavík participates in the Intercultural Cities Programme
- Interpretation services Do you need information on interpreter services?
- Associations Are you going to establish an association?
Contact
Office of Human Rights & Democracy
Reykjavík City Hall
Tjarnargata 11
101 Reykjavík
Project Manager: Joanna Marcinkowska
- joanna.marcinkowska@reykjavik.is