Equal Treatment of Individuals Regardless of Race and Ethnic Origin
The Act on Equal Treatment Outside the Labour Market
The Act on Equal Treatment Outside the Labour Market applies to the equal treatment of persons irrespective of ethnic origin, religion, life stance, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, sexual characteristics or gender expression in all fields of society, with the exception of the labour market.
Act No 85 of 25 June 2018 on Equal Treatment irrespective of Race and Ethnic Origin took account of the content of Directive 2000/43/EC on equal treatment regardless of race or ethnic origin. The law was amended with the Act amending the Act on Equal Treatment Irrespective of Race and Ethnic Origin, No. 85/2018 (adding more discrimination factors). With that Act the title of the Act was changed to Act on Equal Treatment Outside the Labour Market.
With a clear prohibition of discrimination, the aim is to promote active participation by as many people as possible in Icelandic society regardless of the discrimination factors previously mentioned and to prevent social isolation of individuals for the same reasons.
Equal treatment outside the labour market includes e. g. social protection, including social security and healthcare, social advantages, and access to and supply of goods and services. Social advantages are benefits of an economic or cultural nature which are granted either by public authorities or private organisations, including access to swimming pools, family theme parks, libraries, and theatres (Sometimes called the public sphere in this context).
- The Directorate of Equality is responsible for the implementation of this Act.
- Your rights - important information for immigrants in Iceland.
The Act on Equal Treatment on the Labour Market
The Act on Equal Treatment in the Labour Market no. 86/2018 explicitly provides for the prohibition of all discrimination in the labour market, whether direct or indirect, on the basis of race or ethnic origin. This is important to promote active participation by most people in the labour market, but participation is considered one of the most important ways to prevent social isolation and poverty. The legislation took account of Directive 2000/78/EC of the European Parliament and the Council on general rules on equal treatment in the labour market and the economy.
With a clear ban on discrimination in the labour market, the aim is to promote active participation as much as possible in the Icelandic labour market and prevent the social isolation of individuals. The goal is also to avoid the views of different racial merit being rooted in Icelandic society.
- The Directorate of Equality is responsible for the implementation of this Act.
- Your rights - important information for immigrants in Iceland.
The Equality Complaints Committee
Individuals, companies, institutions or non-governmental organisations that consider that violations of these Acts have been committed against them or their members may, in their own name or that of their members, as appropriate, submit their case to the Equality Complaints Committee.