The Human Rights and Democracy Office works in accordance with decisions made by the Human Rights, Innovation and Democracy Council of Reykjavík. The council creates policies, decisions and proposals on human rights and democracy for the Reykjavík City Council, which it adheres to. The Human Rights, Innovation and Democracy Council also oversees the Human Rights and Democracy Office. 

The Human Rights and Democracy Office provides information and instructions on the Human Rights Policy of Reykjavik, requests can be sent to mannrettindi@reykjavik.is. The director of the Human Rights and Democracy Office is Anna Kristinsdóttir. 

 

Objectives

The Human Rights and Democracy Office works to: 
  • create, in cooperation with the Human Rights, Innovation and Democracy Council, a plan of implementation for human rights and democracy issues,
  • follow up the Human Rights Council's decisions,
  • support consultation within the City in matters which concern the Human Rights Policy,
  • work in conjunction with organisations and other municipalities in matters which the policy covers,
  • consult with appointed human rights representatives across different city sectors,
  • support consultation in the field of human rights within the City,
  • take the initiative for projects,
  • safeguard city residents from discriminated based on origin, skin colour, religion, age, political views, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sex characteristics, economic status, descent, disability, state of health, or any other status.

 

The Human Rights and Democracy Office also works in accordance to the following councils and committees: 

The Accessibilty Consultative Committee for People with Disabilities. It's main role is to provide City Council, as well as other councils and committees, with proposals and advice on issues and the interests of disabled people in regards to accessibility, shaping policies and city servies and other issues that touch on the interests of people with disabilities. 

Intercultural Council. The Intercultural Council aims to engage intercultural communities and bridge Icelanders to them, advocate in the interest of intercultural communities and encourage the development of a harmonious intercultural society. It acts as an advisory board to the Human Rights, Democracy and Innovation Council and other departments and councils in the city that deal with immigration issues.

Residents' Councils. They work towards increasing democractic participation and provide the City with an important platform for dialogue and consultation.

Committee Against Violence. It's main role is to create a platform for collaboration and to inform and advise entities within the city on working against violence and creating safer communities. The committee is cross-sectorial and brings together city officials, the chief of police, civil society, the education and health care sectors.

The Elders Council. It provides City Council as well as other councils and committees with proposals and advice on issues and the interests of senior citizens (aged 67 and over). 

 

Contact

To reach the Human Rights and Democracy Office please email mannrettindi@reykjavik.is or telephone 411-4156.