The City of Reykjavik’s Human Rights Policy.docVIP

The City of Reykjavik’s Human Rights Policy May 16th, 2006 Section One 1. Foundation of the City of Reykjavik’s Human Rights Policy Human rights are protected by the Icelandic constitution, as well as numerous human rights conventions and declarations Iceland is a party to. These international conventions and the clauses in the constitution pertaining to human rights are used as the foundation for the City of Reykjavik’s human rights policy. This policy is based on the principle of equality and aims to allow all persons to enjoy their human rights regardless of origin, nationality, skin colour, religious and political beliefs, sex, sexual orientation, age, financial situation, heritage, disability, state of health or any other status. The City of Reykjavík has the equality of its citizens and the protection of human rights as its guide and is resolved to be at the forefront on issues of human rights, with special emphasis on the equal status of women and men. Through working towards a uniform human rights policy, emphasis is placed on a coordinated vision for the benefit of city inhabitants, insomuch as many of them belong to more than one of the groups it covers. The City’s vision statement on its comprehensive policy map is that “Reykjavík is an international city where the inhabitants’ needs, wants and quality of life take top priority”. Its human rights policy is based on this vision, along with other municipal strategies. This human rights policy is based on, among other things, the Act on the Equal Status of Women and Men (no. 96/2000). Emphasis on the equal rights of women and men shall be visible in all operations of the City, and gender status is to be examined specifically within all those groups covered by the policy. City authorities commit themselves to working towards the advancement of human rights in four main areas, each of them reflecting the manifold roles and responsibilities of the municipality: as government authority, as employer, as pr