Andrými Radical Social Center wins Reykjavík's 2026 Human Rights Award

Ritstjórn
Presentation of Reykjavík City's Human Rights Award and Accessibility Award at Höfði today. Róbert Reynisson
Presentation of Reykjavík City's Human Rights Award and Accessibility Award at Höfði today.

Mayor Heiða Björg Hilmisdóttir presented Reykjavík City's Human Rights Award to Andrými Radical Social Center at a ceremony at Höfði today. At the same event, Jóhanna Birna Bjartmarsdóttir received Reykjavík City's 2026 Accessibility Award.

Exceptional volunteer effort

Andrými earned the award for its exceptional volunteer-driven work providing space and resources to grassroots groups and individuals organizing to advance equality and freedom for marginalized communities. Elí Hörpu- og Önundarbur accepted the award on behalf of Andrými.

Elí thanked the City for the recognition, noting that the award holds deep meaning for both Andrými and the vital work done there. "At Andrými, we focus on combating loneliness and social isolation by nurturing human connection and creating opportunities for participation and community—through open-house events, language classes, self-organized support groups, and a wide variety of programs. Our community brings together countless different groups who might never otherwise have had the chance to meet, and through that, we've gained a deeper understanding of each other's realities," Elí said.

Following the ceremony at Höfði. Pictured in the foreground, from left: city councilor Sabine Leskopf, Elí Hörpu- og Önundarbur, who accepted the award, and Mayor Heiða.
Að lokinni athöfn í Höfða í dag. Í fremstu röð eru Sabine Leskopf, borgarfulltrúi, Elí Hörpu- og Önundarbur, sem veitti verðlaununum viðtöku og Heiða Björg borgarstjóri. Að baki þeim standa fulltrúar frá Andrými auk Önnu Kristinsdóttur mannréttindastjóra.

The award aims to raise awareness about city residents' human rights and Reykjavík City's human rights policy. The award is given annually to individuals, groups, organizations or institutions that have defended human rights in noteworthy ways.

Organizing efforts for greater equality and freedom for marginalized groups

The Human Rights Council confirmed the selection committee's nomination of Andrými during its meeting.

Andrými provides free access to a kitchen, washing machine, library, accommodation, a bicycle and wood workshop, and meeting space. Everyone is welcome to drop in for counseling, education, food assistance, and more. The organization has operated for 10 years, making it a priority to offer marginalized people shelter, community, and a safe space.

The award recipient receives 600,000 króna as part of the prize.

Congratulations, Andrými.

Reykjavík City Accessibility Recognition

Officials also presented Reykjavík City's Accessibility Award at the same event. The award aims to raise awareness about accessibility issues and highlight excellent work being done in this field.

Reykjavík City's 2026 Accessibility Award
Jóhanna Birna Bjartmarsdóttir með aðgengisviðurkenninguna sem hún hlaut við hátíðlega athöfn í Höfða ásamt Sabine Leskopf, borgarfulltrúa og Heiðu Björgu borgarstjóra.

Jóhanna Birna Bjartmarsdóttir won Reykjavík City's 2026 Accessibility Award for her advocacy work raising awareness and improving educational access for neurodivergent children and young people.

Jóhanna runs a program featuring two lectures and discussions on how best to support neurodivergent students. She also delivers lectures directly to students, sharing practical strategies for navigating challenges and encouraging them to draw on their own strengths. Jóhanna grounds her approach in both academic knowledge and personal experience to develop solutions that support students within the education system.

The award encourages Jóhanna to continue her valuable work, as ensuring equal access to education for all young people is critically important.

Congratulations, Jóhanna.