International Human Rights Day offers a meaningful moment to reflect on the state of human rights around the world and to explore why protecting these rights is essential for advancing peace and justice. How do we ensure protection and strengthen solidarity in times when human rights are being undermined? How can Iceland be a strong advocate for human rights on the international stage?

In times when human rights and peace are under threat in many places, Iceland’s position is clear, lasting peace cannot exist without respect for human rights. As a small, non-military nation, Iceland has direct interest in ensuring that international law is upheld and that the fundamental rights of all are guaranteed.

For decades, Iceland has worked to promote human rights, peace, and security through international cooperation. This work has placed special emphasis on gender equality and the status of women, the rights of children and youth, the protection of LGBTQ+ individuals, and strengthening democracy, freedom of expression, and media freedom.

The seminar will address these priorities and the value of human rights for development, peace, and security worldwide, as well as how Iceland can exert influence far beyond its size in this important field.

Iceland’s Priorities and Actions in Human Rights

Opening Address: Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, Minister for Foreign Affairs

Panel Discussion: Birna Þórarinsdóttir, Executive Director of UNICEF Iceland, Bylgja Árnadóttir, Head of Human Rights Affairs, Jón Gunnar Ólafsson, Lecturer at the Faculty of Political Science, University of Iceland and Stella Samúelsdóttir, Executive Director of UN Women Iceland

Moderator: Kári Hólmar Ragnarsson, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Law, University of Iceland

Light refreshments will be served from 08:45.

Everyone is welcome, but please register your participation here