Human rights policy for the town of Akureyri 2023-2027

A democratic society is based on the fact that all persons are equal before the law and enjoy human rights. Human rights lay the foundation for the well-being of individuals, families, business and society as a whole. Human rights are protected in Iceland's constitution, human rights treaties and declarations.

The human rights provisions of the constitution, international treaties and current laws are the basis of the human rights policy of Akureyrarbær[1] and it takes into account the expansion of the concept of equality and is a comprehensive human rights policy that aims to ensure the protection of all residents.[2]

In the law on equal status and equal rights of the sexes no. 150/2020 prohibits, among other things, multiple discrimination based on more than one reason for discrimination which is protected according to the law and the law on equal treatment regardless of race and ethnic origin, no. 85/2018 and the Act on equal treatment in the labor market, no. 86/2018 . It is also a new recommendation that public bodies should strive to distinguish between genders during all statistical processing, unless special reasons, such as privacy interests, militate against it.

The policy is based on the following laws:

• Law on equal status and equal rights of the sexes no. 150/2020
• Act on equal treatment in the labor market no. 86/2018
• Act on equal treatment of individuals regardless of race and ethnic origin no. 85/2018

On the basis of law no. 86/2018, the policy guarantees equal treatment in the labor market regardless of gender, race, ethnic origin, religion, opinion, disability, reduced work capacity, age, sexuality, gender identity, gender characteristics or gender expression. The policy also guarantees based on Act no. 85/2018 equal treatment regardless of race and ethnic origin outside the labor market.

Diversity, equal treatment and protection against discrimination in a broad sense is the title of the human rights policy of Akureyrarbær. The society's task is to clearly prevent discrimination of any kind, not least multiple discrimination, and implement ways to better establish knowledge, understanding and a vision that guarantees and characterizes a good society for everyone.

Akureyrarbær has obligations as an employer according to the laws on which this policy is based, and must therefore make a specific statement in the human rights policy on how to work towards gender equality (Act No. 150/2020) and equal treatment (Act No. 86/2018) of individuals in the labor market. With a clear ban on discrimination outside the labor market (law no. 85/2018), the aim is to promote the active participation of as many persons as possible in Icelandic society, regardless of race and ethnic origin, and to prevent the social isolation of individuals for the same reasons. Special requirements are also made to the municipality regarding school activities and sports and leisure activities, and the human rights policy takes this into account. Children's human rights in Akureyrarbær are guaranteed through goals and actions as a certified child-friendly municipality.

Demands are made on municipalities to work on gender integration[3] in all areas and that an action plan specifies how to correct the difference in status between genders within the municipality. The experience and values ​​of all social groups are important to democracy, so it is natural to promote broad participation in policy-making and decision-making, and that the viewpoints and needs of all groups are given equal consideration.

The main goals of the policy are divided into the four main areas in which the municipal authorities undertake to work for human rights and reflect the multiple roles and responsibilities of the municipality as a governmental authority, an employer, a service provider and a partner and purchaser. An action plan describes the action, the responsible party and the time frame.

1.1 Akureyrarbær as a governmental authority

Akureyrarbær as a governmental authority must ensure equal status and equal rights for all town residents. The municipal authorities look to act if it is shown that a certain discriminatory variable will be significantly affected by a certain decision and evaluates the impact that decisions will have on the lives of different groups. Human rights considerations must be integrated into the management and revenue generation of Akureyrarbær, and it must always be ensured that informed decisions are made when using funds in accordance with the different needs of individuals in a diverse society. Akureyrarbær shall strive to include the town's residents in councils and encourage them to participate democratically in issues that affect them in one way or another and create a platform and channel for this.

1.2 Akureyrarbær as an employer

Akureyrarbær observes equality and equality within workplaces and does not discriminate either directly or indirectly and guarantees equal status and equal rights for everyone when it comes to hiring, salaries, professional development and the coordination of work and family responsibilities. Response processes and measures must be in place to prevent gender-based violence, gender-based or sexual harassment in the workplace, which is discussed in the human resource policy of Akureyrarbær and concerns health, safety and occupational health and safety.

1.3 Akureyrarbær as a service provider

Akureyrarbær emphasizes that all the town's institutions work systematically to shape and build services, cultural activities, education and information dissemination in the interests of equality, human rights and a diverse society so that all people have equal access and can participate on their own terms.

1.4 Akureyrarbær as a partner and purchaser

Akureyrarbær works with public bodies, the university community, the private sector and associations that work to promote initiative, innovation and knowledge acquisition and dissemination in the field of human rights. Akureyrarbær emphasizes that all parties with whom the town does business respect human rights.

[1] During the review of the 2023 policy, the presentation and content of the human rights policy of the City of Reykjavík was considered, and the policy carries it with it.

[2] The responsibilities of municipalities are stated in the Equality Act no. 150/2020 that they should establish an equality plan. The human rights policy of the municipality of Akureyri is the municipality's equality plan.

[3] In this policy, gender mainstreaming includes the integration of the views of all those covered by the policy and is therefore called the integration of human rights perspectives.

Discrimination on the basis of gender is prohibited. Equal participation and influence of women, men, people of other genders and people who do not define their gender in the community is encouraged. Concerted efforts shall be directed against all discrimination and the restrictive impact of gender stereotypes. The contribution of each individual, regardless of gender, shall be assessed on its merit.

2.1 Akureyrarbær as a governmental authority

In structuring committees, boards of directors and councils, the aim should be to have representation of women and men as even as possible and the proportion of each gender at least 40% when there are more than three representatives. The same applies to limited companies and companies of which Akureyrarbær is the main owner. Gender equality must also be a guiding principle when selecting representatives for groups to prepare strategy and major decisions and the importance of diversity should be kept in mind.

2.1.1 In preparations for decision-making and in allocating funds, e.g. in budgeting and operational planning, the needs and opinions of different genders must be considered and the effect of decisions on their respective situation analysed. Akureyrarbær uses the methods and tools of gendered budgeting and planning for this purpose.

2.1.2 Akureyrarbær resolves to combat gender-based violence, whether psychological, physical, or sexual.

2.1.3 Positive images of people regardless of gender must be maintained and at the same time work against prejudices, behavior, language and imagery based on ideas about the superior and inferior status of one social group or on stereotypes. Akureyrarbær shall not discriminate against groups or individuals or diminish them in coverage and image publication.

2.1.4 Joint-stock companies and companies of which Akureyrarbær is the main owner, as well as companies that have sponsorship agreements with Akureyrarbær, must have established an equality plan.

2.1.5 Development leaders of human rights are advocates for human rights integration and have insight and knowledge of human rights.

2.2 Akureyrarbær as an employer

Work procedures, instructions and training will ensure that all people, regardless of gender, enjoy equality in the workplaces of Akureyrarbær.

2.2.2 Equal pay promotes diversity in the labor market and also has a direct impact on the welfare of families. Employees at Akureyrarbær must be paid equal wages and enjoy the same benefits for the same or equally valuable work, regardless of gender.

2.2.3 Workplaces of Akureyrarbær reflect the diversity of the population as best as possible, and work will be done systematically to equalize the status of the sexes and thus contribute to the fact that jobs are not classified into women's or men's jobs, neither in general jobs nor in management jobs.

2.2.4 It will be ensured that employees of Akureyrarbær enjoy the same opportunities for career development regardless of gender.

2.2.5 In the workplaces of Akureyrarbær, employees will be enabled to coordinate work and family responsibilities as much as possible and as projects and circumstances allow.

2.2.6 Gender-based or sexual harassment, gender-based violence or any other kind of violence is not tolerated in workplaces, and procedures and special measures are put in place to prevent this in workplaces.

2.3 Akureyrarbær as a service provider

Non-prejudice and a clear vision of equality characterize the services of Akureyrarbær and are reflected in it. Hate speech and hate crimes will not be tolerated in the society and education directed against it. Human rights considerations must be integrated into all services of Akureyrarbær, and they must reflect positive relations and mutual respect towards all genders.

2.3.1 Women, men, persons of other gender and people who do not define their gender shall have equal access to the services of Akureyrarbær. When deciding on the arrangement of services, needs are taken into account regardless of gender, and their effects on women and men are examined separately. Statistical information must be gender-disaggregated, see article 16 of the Equality Act.

2.3.2 All educational, public health, leisure and cultural work that is the responsibility of Akureyrarbær and the town's institutions should be guided by gender equality. Children and young people should be encouraged to cultivate their talents and personal development without the inhibiting influence of traditional stereotypes. Positive communication and mutual respect between the sexes must be strengthened in all work with children and young people. Managers in education and public health, social and leisure activities must strengthen a positive gender image and work against gender-based and sexual harassment in the environment of children and young people. It must be ensured that the integration of human rights considerations is reflected in all planning and strategic work.

Discrimination based on age is prohibited and the contribution of each individual, regardless of age, shall be assessed on its merit. Akureyrarbær takes into account the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in all its work with children and is a certified child-friendly society. This includes, among other things, guaranteeing children's right to form their own opinions and express them in matters that concern them. Akureyrarbær consults with older people, children and teenagers when decisions are made that concern their interests (council of elders and youth council).

3.1 Akureyrarbær as a governmental authority

Regard must be given to residents' views and needs regardless of age.

3.1.1 In preparing decisions which can affect persons due to their age, consideration is given to the needs and views of persons at different stages in life. In that regard consideration is specifically made for children, youth and seniors.

3.1.2 When preparing decisions which affect certain age groups their representatives are consulted, wherever possible.

3.1.3 When measures are taken that concern children and young people, their interests must always come first.

3.2 Akureyrarbær as an employer

In recruitment there is no age-discrimination.

3.2.1 Learning and professional development is available to employees of Akureyrarbær regardless of age, according to the human resources policy of Akureyrarbær.

3.2.2 Akureyrarbær shall take care to create a good, positive workplace atmosphere, free from prejudices, stereotypes and age-related clichés.

3.2.3 In all educational, leisure and social work organized by the town, qualified employees ensure the safety of children and young people as best as possible.

3.2.4 Akureyrarbær emphasizes recruiting qualified persons for care services it provides.

3.3 Akureyrarbær as a service provider

All residents have equal access to the services of Akureyri, regardless of age, as long as the services are not targeted at specific groups, such as children's and youth services or social services for older people.

3.3.1 When making decisions about the arrangement of services, the needs of all age groups must be taken into account and whether the impact of services on gender can be different.

3.3.2 All services for seniors, children and youth for which Akureyrarbær is responsible shall have gender equality as their guiding principle. Age should not be a sensitive subject and it should be endeavoured to portray the diversity of society in education, information and promotional materials.

3.3.3 Positive and constructive views of all age groups benefitting from the service of Akureyrarbær, including children and seniors, shall be encouraged.

Discrimination on the basis of disability is prohibited. Disabled persons shall therefore be ensured circumstances enabling them to actively participate in the community. The contribution of each individual shall be assessed on its merit. The right of each individual to discuss or not to discuss a disability shall be respected. Care should be taken to avoid stereotyping persons as belonging to a specific group and special care given to examining the situation of disabled persons with respect to gender

4.1 Akureyrarbær as a governmental authority

Everyone is entitled to participate actively in the urban community and to fair and equal treatment regardless of disability, with special care taken to ensure gender equality. The needs and views of disabled residents shall be respected and they shall be consulted in drafting policy and taking decisions on their affairs.

4.2 Akureyrarbær as an employer

Disabled persons shall be given sufficient time to adapt to a new job. Managers will make an effort to give employees who are carers of disabled persons flexibility or time to adapt as necessary and possible.

4.2.1 When disabled persons are recruited they must be ensured suitable adjustment to their new work and enjoy learning and professional development equally with other employees.

4.2.2 Employees shall make every effort to create a working environment free of prejudice.

4.2.3 Akureyrarbær emphasizes that competent people are recruited in the field of care work that is operated by the municipality.

4.3 Akureyrarbær as a service provider

Disabled people must have easy and equal access to the municipality's services. Good access to information and services is an important basis for the independent life of disabled people. People with disabilities must be guaranteed good access to information and they must be guaranteed the possibility of active participation when decisions are made regarding services for them.

4.3.1 Care is taken when organising services to take into account the needs of different groups of disabled people of all genders. Public buildings should be accessible to everyone, regardless of disability, according to the Act on Disabled People Number 59/1992.

4.3.2 All educational, public health, leisure and cultural activities organized by the municipality take into account the needs of disabled people of all genders and provide them with special support so that they can enjoy this on an equal basis with others.

4.3.3 Disability should not be a sensitive subject and educational materials shall always portray the diversity of human life. The variety and diversity of the community shall be reflected in activities for children and youth at all educational levels. Efforts shall be directed at eliminating prejudice towards disabled persons.

Discrimination based on gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics is prohibited. The contribution of each individual, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sexual characteristics, shall be assessed on its merit. It must not be assumed that all persons are heterosexual and cisgender. The situation of LGBTQI+ persons in the community needs to be analysed specifically.

5.1 Akureyrarbær as a governmental authority

Everyone is entitled to participate actively in the urban community and to fair and equal treatment regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sexual characteristics, with special care taken to ensure gender equality in all respects.

5.1.2 Decisions concerning LGBTQI+ persons must be taken with active consultation with their respective NGOs.

5.2 Akureyrarbær as an employer

Care must be taken when recruiting, dismissing and making decisions on the terms of employment of Akureyrarbær that irrelevant reasons are not used as arguments against employees.

5.2.1 The right of persons to discuss or not to discuss their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sexual characteristics shall be respected.

5.2.2 Employees shall create an atmosphere free of prejudice towards LGBTQI+ colleagues, both in work and recreational workplace activities.

5.3 Akureyrarbær as a service provider

Employees shall not automatically assume that everyone benefiting from the services of Akureyrarbær is heterosexual or cisgender or has parents who are heterosexual or cisgender. Nor shall employees automatically assume that everyone has two parents, as some children have a single parent and others more than two parents. Communications between employees and service users shall be based on mutual respect.

5.3.1 All educational, public health, leisure and cultural activities take into consideration that participants may be LGBTQI+ persons. Different types of families should be discussed in an open and unprejudiced manner. Teachers and personnel in schools, recreational centers as well as other work with children and youth shall make human diversity visible in their work, for example when it comes to the selection of educational and recreational materials used at all school levels.

Discrimination based on religion, atheism or nonreligious convictions, or opinions is prohibited. The contribution of each individual, regardless of religion, atheism or non-religious convictions, or political opinions, shall be assessed on its merit. Care shall be taken not to assume that all persons professing a specific religion, atheism or nonreligious convictions, or political opinions are the same.

6.1 Akureyrarbær as a governmental authority

Akureyrarbær shows respect to people regardless of their religion, atheism or opinions. All people have the right to active participation in society and fair and just treatment regardless of religion, atheism or opinions, and special care must be taken to ensure that there is no gender bias.

6.1.1 In preparing decisions affecting religious organizations or organizations with non-religious convictions these groups shall be consulted.

6.2 Akureyrarbær as an employer

Akureyrarbær treats its employees with respect and non-discrimination. Employees shall comply with the human rights policy of Akureyrarbær in their work and other policies adopted in their work.

6.2.1 Akureyrarbær shall not discriminate between the terms of employment of its employees based on religion, atheism or non-religious convictions, political opinions or other irrelevant reasons.

6.2.2 All employees at Akureyrarbær shall enjoy the same opportunities for professional development and continuing education regardless of their religion, atheism or non-religious convictions, or political opinions.

6.2.3 All employees at Akureyrarbær shall be responsible for creating a working environment free of prejudice.

6.2.4 The right of persons to discuss or not to discuss their religion, atheism or non-religious convictions, or political opinions shall be respected.

6.2.5 Religious observance or expression of political views may not disrupt workplace activities.

6.3 Akureyrarbær as a service provider

Diverse political opinions, religion or non-religious convictions at any given time shall not affect treatment of persons benefiting from the services of Akureyrarbær.

6.3.1 Everyone shall have equal access to the services of Akureyrarbær regardless of religion, atheism or non-religious convictions, or political opinions.

6.3.2 All childcare and leisure activities, education, information and cultural activities operated by Akureyrarbær shall take into consideration diverse customs in connection with religion or non-religious convictions. It is important to avoid the assumption that everyone is of the same religion or is religious. Religion, atheism or nonreligious convictions shall be presented in connection with pupil's studies and human diversity described. No one religion or non-religious conviction shall be favored above others and care shall be taken to show impartiality in children's study materials and instruction.

6.3.3 The services of Akureyrarbær are characterized by constructive communication and mutual respect, regardless of person's religion, atheism or non-religious convictions, or political opinions. Efforts shall be made to eliminate prejudice towards religion, atheism or non-religious convictions, or political opinions.

Discrimination against residents based on their origin, skin colour, nationality, cultural background or any racist classification is prohibited. The contribution of each individual, regardless of origin or nationality, shall be assessed on its merit and all persons shall be entitled to equal attitude and treatment. Care shall be taken not to stereotype all persons falling into this category. Special care shall be taken in analyzing the situation of women, men, LGBTQI+ persons and disabled persons of foreign origin in Akureyrarbær and to respond if any of these groups face difficulties.

7.1 Akureyrarbær as a governmental authority

Everyone is entitled to participate actively in the urban community and to fair and equal treatment regardless of origin, with special care taken to ensure gender equality in all respects. The views of NGOs and experts shall be sought in drafting policy and when taking decisions. Akureyrarbær shall encourage increased participation by persons of foreign origin in the democratic process in general. Akureyrarbær shall also effectively encourage participation by persons of foreign origin in the affairs of Akureyrarbær and in its committees, councils and boards of directors.

7.2 Akureyrarbær as an employer

In order to serve a multicultural society it is important to have people of diverse origin among employees. The knowledge and qualifications of immigrants and persons of foreign origin shall be assessed on its own merit.

7.2.1 In the municipality's advertised jobs, the human rights policy of Akureyrarbær shall be mentioned and that the municipality works against discrimination in the labor market.

7.2.2 Persons of foreign origin shall enjoy equal treatment in all aspects of the recruitment process and in all terms of employment.

7.2.3 Akureyrarbær shall prevent discrimination with regard to the working conditions, professional development and continuing education of persons of foreign origin. Persons of foreign origin shall enjoy equal opportunities for career advancement and professional development.

7.2.4 In the workplaces of Akureyrarbær efforts shall be directed to counter prejudice based on origin, skin colour, nationality or cultural background.

7.2.5 It must be guaranteed that personnel have the knowledge to perform their work in a multicultural and diverse society.

7.3 Akureyrarbær as a service provider

Immigrants and persons of foreign origin shall be ensured access to the services of the municipality. Special consideration shall be given to the needs of immigrants when its services are being organized. Interpretation services are provided in interviews with consultants and in parent-teacher meetings. Residents of foreign origin shall be given an opportunity to communicate their comments about the services of Akureyrarbær.

7.3.1 All educational, recreational and cultural activities under the municipality shall show consideration for the needs of children of foreign origin and provide them with special support and instruction in Icelandic in order to enjoy the same opportunities as other children. Care shall also be taken to ensure Icelandic children receive instruction on other cultures to encourage mutual integration. It is also important to ensure participation by parents of foreign origin in the school and recreational activities of their children and their access to information. Variety and diversity in the community is reflected in daily activities with children and youth and it is important that they have opportunities to maintain their mother tongue and present their cultural heritage.

7.3.2 The institutions of Akureyrarbær shall prepare accessible and easy-to-understand information on their services in the languages of those groups which are most numerous in the community, cf. information policy of Akureyrarbær, and published on the municipality´s website.

7.3.3 Employees shall create an environment which is free of prejudice towards individuals based on their origin, skin colour, nationality or cultural background. Employees shall strive to have friendly relations although different language abilities can present obstacles.

Persons may not be discriminated against due to their build, appearance or body type. The contribution of each individual, regardless of height, weight or appearance, shall be assessed on its merit.

8.1 Akureyrarbær as a governmental authority

Everyone is entitled to actively participate in the urban community and to fair and just treatment, regardless of height, weight or appearance.

8.2 Akureyrarbær as an employer

The fact that people differ in body size and appearance should be respected.

8.3 Akureyrarbær as a service provider

All residents shall have equal access to the municipality's services regardless of body build or type.

The human rights policy of Akureyrarbær is a central policy that all departments and institutions of the town follow.

Managers and other employees are responsible for ensuring human rights and that they are respected in the administrative system of Akureyrarbær, in the workplaces of the municipality and in services. Employees, elected representatives and committee members must follow the policy and work towards its progress.

Managers are responsible for:

• work in accordance with the policy
• presenting the policy
• integrating human rights considerations into work and budgeting
• integrating human rights considerations into policy making
• ensuring that employees receive training on human rights
• work systematically against prejudices and stereotypes within service organizations and towards users of the service
• acquire insight and knowledge about human rights issues
• support employees in human rights work

Development leaders of human rights are responsible for:

• integrating human rights considerations into work and budgeting
• integrating human rights considerations into policy making
• acquire insight and knowledge about human rights issues
• support employees in human rights work

The town council is responsible for:

• playing the role of an equality committee
• discussing the situation of various groups within the municipality and be an advisor to the municipal council in matters related to human rights
• monitoring and initiating actions to ensure equal status and equal rights for all
• supervising the making of a human rights policy
• compiling a report every two years according to a request from the directorate of Equality on the status and development of equality issues within the municipality
• the projects of human rights policy to be discussed in departments work plans
• ensuring that work plans of committees and councils include specific goals towards human rights
• annually requesting a report about the implementation of human rights issues at Akureyrarbær

Elected representatives are responsible for:

• ensuring the financial resources needed to respect human rights

The Human Resources Department is responsible for:

• providing the municipality's institutions and employees with education and advice related to human rights, including the integration of human rights work with the municipality's activities
• providing follow-up on the human rights policy and ensuring its implementation in cooperation with the town council and town authorities

School managers are responsible for:

• teaching methods to take into account the diversity in society
• that education about human rights is part of school activities and implemented in school curriculum
• ensuring that in study and vocational education students are introduced to jobs that are considered traditional women's and men's jobs
• ensuring that educational materials do not discriminate between genders, work against prejudice and have the equal rights of all children as a guiding principle
• working against gender-based and sexual harassment and gender-based violence.

Managers of sports, leisure and youth activities are responsible for:

• organizing social and leisure activities with human rights and equal treatment of individuals as a guiding principle
• ensuring that NGOs that benefit from facilities, grants or other qualities provided by Akureyrarbær, such as for sports, respect human rights and equal treatment in all aspects.