Department of Equality and Human Rights

Director: Steinnun Valdís Óskarsdóttir

The department is responsible for policy-making in the fields of equality and human rights, handles international cooperation and represents the Government towards individuals, stakeholders and NGOs in the field of equality. The Department of Equality and Human Rights also handles general information provision to Alþingi and parliamentary committees. The Equality Complaints Committee is housed in the office. In addition, the framework for LGBTQIA+ rights has become an increasingly important part of the office's work with the new Equality Act. The office works in collaboration with other ministries to ensure coordination and effective implementation, as equality and human rights issues affect the areas of work of all ministries.

Functions and principal tasks

• Human rights and human rights treaties, with the exception of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 
• Equal status and equal rights regardless of gender
• Equality administration
• Equal treatment outside the labour market
• Gender Autonomy
• The Equality Office
• The Equality Complaints Committee
• The Gender Equality Fund
• The Expert Committee on Changes in Gender Registration of Children and Permanent Changes for Atypical Gender Characteristics of Children