Statement by Thor G. Thorarinsson at the 12th session of the Conference of State Parties to the CRPD

Mr./Madam President.

Last year in our statement we outlined the many legislative measures we have undertaken, both in the lead up to our ratification of the Convention, and new laws passed to meet the commitments we have undertaken in the Convention, in particular that relate to equality and discrimination and access to the labour market.

Most recently, the Icelandic parliament passed new laws relating to the social services offered by municipalities, as well as services for those with special needs requiring long-term support.

Mr./Madam President, we have redoubled our efforts to ensure the inclusion of persons with disabilities but in our changing world we have realized that the we need to change the game. We need to continue to innovative, change our existing assumptions and services so as to truly achieve the aspiration and goals of the Convention and Agenda 2030. 

In Iceland, we have been doing just that. For example, now all decision-making must directly involve users; while cases relating to children with special needs and their families are also be handled in accordance with the UN convention on children’s rights.

Further innovations include giving organizations representing persons with disabilities a voice when it comes to formulating policy, as well as asking these organizations and individual service users for their advice and involvement.

In addition it is my pleasure to inform the conference that in Icelandic legislation there is now a stipulated right for all persons with disabilities to live independently with necessary support of their own choosing. That means they can decide themselves, how, by whom, and when the services are implemented. That regards also those who are unable to express themselves.

Finally, Mr./Madam President,

Just this last May the Icelandic parliament agreed to incorporate the Convention into national law and the adjustment of Icelandic legislation to the convention should be completed in December 2020. With this, we continue on our path towards full implementation on the CRPD.