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The Akranes Human Rights Policy was initiated by the European Union's Programme for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities (2007-2013). The Programme is implemented by the European Commission. The Programme was

established to financially support the implementation of the European Union's objectives in the areas of employment and social affairs, and it would thus contribute to fulfilling the goals The Programme spans seven years and targets all stakeholders that can help shape the development of appropriate and effective legislation and strategic planning in the areas of employment and social affairs in all 27 member states of the European Union, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), the European Economic Area

(EEA), and in potential Member States, as well as countries that are not yet eligible as members.

Further information is available at:

http://ec.europa.eu/progress

The Akranes Human Rights Policy does not necessarily reflect the position or the opinions of the European Commission.

Section 1

1. The Basis of the Akranes Human Rights Policy

All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.

(from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights)

I.I: Human rights are protected by the Constitution of Iceland and by various treaties, agreements and

declarations that Iceland is party to. The Akranes Human Rights Policy is based on the human rights

provisions of the Constitution, on international treaties and it also takes into account policies that have

been previously formulated in the community on issues related to human rights, i.e. education,

welfare, sports, information and employee policies.

Furthermore, the Human Rights Policy is based on the principle of equality, which appears in all major

human rights conventions and stipulates that all human beings shall enjoy human rights irrespective

of ethnicity, nationality, colour, religion, political opinions, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age,

disability, or other incidental attributes or status.

I.2. The Policy is also greatly influenced by the European Union's directives on discrimination. Firstly,

Directive 2000/43/EC from 29 June 2000 on the principle of equal treatment irrespective of racial or

ethnicity (the Race Directive) and, secondly, Directive 2000/78/EC from 27 November 2007 on equal

treatment in employment and occupation (the Employment Directive).

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1.3. The Akranes Human Rights Policy is based on a collaboration model that aims at strengthening the

cooperation between the municipality, the state, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the

local people of Akranes.

1.4. The Akranes Human Rights Policy is guided by Act No. 10/2008 on Equal Status and Equal Rights

of Women and Men. Following the work on the Human Rights Policy the working group will complete

an action plan for Akranes Town on gender equality issues. The plan will ensure that the Town fulfils

the provisions of the Act and of the European Charter on the equality of women and men at local and

regional levels, which the Town became a member of in 2010.

1.5. The Akranes Human Rights Policy is based on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which

was ratified in Iceland in 1992 and incorporated into the legislation in early 2013.

1.6. The Akranes Human Rights Policy is based on the European Convention of Human Rights and the

United Nation's Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

1.7 The Akranes Human Rights Policy is based on Act no. 59/1992 on the Affairs of Disabled People and

the United Nation's Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities, which Iceland signed in 2007.

The following guidelines outline the ultimate objectives of the Akranes Human Rights Policy.

To create an open and just society where residents are active participants in the community. The focus

is on dialogue, cooperation, sustainability 1 and enhanced civic consciousness.2 The Akranes Town

Council is determined to respect the equality principle in all respects and practice good governance at

all levels.

The Akranes Town Council is committed to work towards the improvement of human rights in five key

areas that reflect the diverse roles and responsibilities of municipalities; as an administrative authority,

as an employer, as a provider of services, as a partner, and as a framework for the community.

a) Akranes Town as an administrative authority

The elected representatives and staff of Akranes Town are committed to exercising authority based on

equality and fairness. Also, to take full account of human rights and of the requirements that are

included in the covenants and agreements that the Town is party to. The Town's representatives are

also determined to cooperate with the institutes, organisations and residents of Akranes in decision-

making and planning, as appropriate in each case. That way, human resources, financial resources and

knowledge can be employed more effectively, leading to better services for the benefit of everyone.

b) Akranes Town as an employer

1 The concept of sustainability in the context that it is used here entails respect for the environment, responsible and healthy communication, democratic working methods and justice in the present and the future. In order to ensure human rights in practice it is necessary to work towards sustainability and equality in the community. 2 The concept of civic consciousness is related to this and it entails the ability to perceive, understand and respond to the feelings of others and understand what it means to live in a community with others. Civic consciousness means the attitude and the ability of people to be active participants in a democratic society in accordance with their rights and obligations.

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The Town Council is guided by the equality principle in the workplace and seeks to let its staff reflect

the diversity of the town's community.

c) Akranes Town as a provider of services

The employees of Akranes Town strive to provide exemplary services. This means that there is good

access to information, services and participation, residents are well informed about their rights and

obligations, and the equality principle underlies all residential services.

d) Akranes Town as a partner

The Town's representatives place great emphasis on consultation and cooperation. Over the past years

a tradition of collaboration has been developing in Akranes, mainly between the municipality, the state

and NGOs. This collaboration has worked well and led to successful projects. Emphasis is placed on

formulating procedures that ensure the continuation of this cooperation.

e) Akranes Town as a framework around a flourishing and creative community

The Town authorities cooperate with the residents to ensure a thriving and creative community.

Emphasis is placed on encouraging residents to participate in local and cultural life and to offer them

access to policy making about important issues that concern the interests of all residents.

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Section two

2. Gender Equality3

Women and men shall enjoy equal rights in every respect.

(Paragraph 2, Article 65 of the Constitution of the Republic of Iceland)

The equality of women and men constitutes a fundamental right of us all and is a pre-requisite of a democratic society.

(The European Charter for Equality of Women and Men in Local Life)

Discrimination based on gender is prohibited. Akranes Town is a signatory party to the European

Charter for the equality of women and men in local life and is therefore committed to promoting equal

opportunities for women and men to influence and participate in their community. Furthermore, the

Town's representatives are resolved to work purposefully against all forms of discrimination and

damaging stereotyping about gender roles.

2.1. a) Akranes Town as an administrative authority

The perspectives and contributions of both men and women shall form the basis of all decision-making,

planning and the allocation of funds within the municipality of Akranes. The equality of men and

women must be a guiding principle in the appointment of committees, working groups, in strategic

planning and always when major decisions are made at administrative levels. It shall be ensured that

men and women have equal access to influence within the administration.

2.1.1. Both men and women shall be consulted in the planning of budgets and when funds are allocated

to projects operated or sponsored by Akranes Town.

2.1.2. Close attention shall be given to how the Town's decisions and strategic planning may impact

the status of men and women.

2.1.3. The representatives of Akranes Town are determined to counter gender-based violence, be it

mental, physical or sexual. All other policy planning shall reflect this objective.

3 Section two focuses on the equal status of men and women and discusses therefore only two sexes, men and women. The

Policy, however, recognises that the sexes are not just two and that there are individuals who identify themselves as

neither male nor female. Special consideration shall be given to individuals who belong to this group.

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2.2. Akranes Town as an employer

The Akranes Town authorities are resolved to organise the town's work environment so that women

and men enjoy equal rights in the workplace and have equal access to employment. An effective policy

for equality and employment underpins equality in practice.

2.2.1. Groups must be equally treated and both sexes equally respected in all job advertisements on

behalf of Akranes Town and its institutions. Job advertisements must be gender neutral. If, however,

the job is within a profession that favours either sex, then Article 18 of the Equality Act shall be

highlighted, which stipulates that job advertisements cannot discriminate against either sex.

2.2.2. In all recruitment for municipal jobs, gender equality perspectives must weigh as heavily as other

considerations. An applicant, who is of a gender that is in minority in the workplace, shall generally

have priority, given that he or she is equally qualified, or more qualified, than the other applicants. It

is prohibited to discriminate between the sexes on the basis of marital status, pregnancy, the

possibility of having children, or on any other issues that gender-based and private circumstances may

possibly affect. The same perspectives must be used in the case of employee dismissals.

2.2.3. Men and women shall enjoy equal treatment in terms of employment and rights. Both sexes

shall be paid equal pay for work of equal value. Individual pay, such as competence and performance

based pay, and other decisions that affect pay and conditions shall be based on objective and reasoned

premises, irrespective of gender. Akranes Town does not request pay confidentiality.

2.2.4. Workplaces and the work environment of the Town's institutions shall consider the needs of

both sexes. Gender equality perspectives must be taken into account in the allocation of tasks,

employee transfers and dismissals.

2.2.6. Akranes Town seeks to take advantage of flexible working hours in order to assist employees of

both sexes to coordinate their private life, family responsibilities and work. Employees shall have the

option of flexible working hours, reduced working hours and other rationalising or adjustments to

working arrangements, if at all possible. The possibility of such arrangements shall be available to both

men and women. (cf. Article 1.6 of Akranes Town's Employee Policy).

2.2.7. Sexual harassment and gender-based harassment is prohibited in all workplaces in the

municipality and employers shall take specific measures to prevent sexual and gender-based

harassment. Refer to item 12, Article2 of the Equality Act, regarding the definition of sexual

harassment and Article 1.8 in Part B of Akranes Town's Employee Policy concerning the procedure and

response in such cases.

2.3. Akranes Town as a provider of services

Gender equality perspectives shall be integrated into all services provided by Akranes Town. The

service shall be characterised by good and positive communications and mutual respect between the

sexes.

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2.3.1. Both sexes shall have equal access to the Town's services. When determining the organisation

and structure of the service both men and women shall be taken into account as well as the possible

impact on each sex separately.

2.3.2. The gender equality perspectives shall be kept at the forefront of all educational and recreational

activities provided by Akranes Town. The same goes for all education and training provided by the

municipality.

2.4. Akranes Town as framework around the community

Gender equality perspectives shall be integrated into local life and cultural events organised by the

municipality.

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Section Three

3. Age (...) the elderly enjoy equal rights with other citizens and that their right to self-determination is respected.

(From the Act on the Affairs of the Elderly, No. 125/1999)

In all actions concerning children undertaken by authorities, the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration.

(From the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child)

The contribution of each individual shall be assessed on merit regardless of age. It shall be kept in mind

that ability and competence are not age-dependent and particular emphasis shall be put on monitoring

the situation of the Town's residents in different phases of their lives.

3.1. Akranes Town as an administrative authority

The opinions and needs of residents in the community shall be considered, regardless of their age.

3.1.1. Special consideration shall be given to the needs and views of people of different age groups in

planning and decision-making processes. This is provided for in the Welfare Policy of Akranes Town

and in other policies that provide specifically for services for local people at specified ages.

3.1.2. When making decisions that are expected to have certain effects on people in certain age groups,

the representatives of that age group shall be consulted specifically.

3.1.3. When making provisions concerning children and minors the best interests of the child/youth

shall be a primary consideration.

3.2. Akranes Town as an employer

It is important that employees of Akranes Town have access to career development and lifelong

learning regardless of age (cf. Part B of Akranes Town's Employee Policy).

3.2.1. Every effort shall be made to create a positive and good atmosphere in the Town's workplaces,

free of prejudice or discrimination based on age.

3.2.2. When possible, the employees Akranes Town shall be given the opportunity of a transfer within

the workplace, reduced working hours, and/or to negotiate a flexible retirement when they grow old.

3.2.3. When working with children and youths on behalf of Akranes Town qualified staff shall provide

protection and care for the children and ensure that their safety and welfare is safeguarded.

3.3. Akranes Town as a provider of services

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Akranes Town's services take into account that the residents' needs vary depending on their age.

3.3.1. All residents in Akranes have equal access to municipal services regardless of age unless the

services are specifically tailored for specific age groups, such as work with children and youth work or

the social activities of senior citizens. Planning and decision-making processes concerning services shall

take into account the needs of all age groups and determine whether the service affects men and

women differently.

3.3.2. All services to residents of any age shall always be based on equality perspectives.

3.3.3. All available means shall be used to ensure a positive attitude towards all age groups benefiting

from the town's services, including children, youths and senior citizens.

3.4. Akranes Town as framework around the community

The representatives of Akranes Town contribute to a dynamic and creative community in which its

residents of all ages can be active participants. The projects of the municipality in this area shall take

into account the needs and interests of residents of all ages.

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Section 4

4. Disability

... disability is an evolving concept and that disability results from the interaction between persons with

impairments and attitudinal and environmental barriers that hinders their full and effective participation in

society on an equal basis with others

(From the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities)

Discrimination of persons on the basis of disability is prohibited. A focused effort shall be put on

improving access for people with disabilities to services, activities and active participation in the

community. It shall be taken into account that people with disabilities are a diverse group with

different needs and ideas about the service and life in general. The rights of people with disabilities

to be heard or not heard about their disability shall be respected. Particular consideration shall be

given to the assessment of women with disabilities and to men with disabilities in order to provide

services and support that benefits both sexes.

4.1. Akranes Town as an administrative authority

Everyone has the right to active participation in the community on their own terms, regardless of

disability. Consideration shall be given to the views of people with disabilities in decision-making

processes that may affect the lives of local people in general. Interested parties shall, without

exception, be consulted in policy and decision-making that specifically affects people with disabilities.

4.2. Akranes Town as an employer

Qualifying requirements, performance-related rewards and other decisions that affect employee

benefits shall be based on objective and transparent criteria, regardless of disability.

4.2.1. A person with disability shall have priority for employment offered by Akranes Town if his or her

capacity to do the job is greater than, or equal to, that of other applicants for the position, cf. Article

32 of the Disability Act, no. 59/1992. Persons with disabilities shall have the same equality of rights

and standard of living as other citizens, cf. Article 1 of the Disability Act, no. 59/1992.

4.2.2. Employees with disabilities shall be afforded working conditions that suit them and the same

opportunities to lifelong learning and career development as other employees of the municipality.

4.2.3. Akranes Town shall work towards creating a work environment that is free of prejudice towards

disabled individuals and focus on giving its residents an insight into the lives and conditions of people

with disabilities.

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4.3. Akranes Town as a provider of services

Persons with disabilities have the same rights to services as non-disabled persons and the different

needs of both sexes with different disabilities shall be taken into account when the Town's services are

planned. Public buildings shall be accessible to everyone, irrespective of disabilities, as stipulated in

the Disability Act, no. 59/1992. Persons with disabilities shall have access to information about their

rights and obligations.

4.3.1. The access to services and information shall be such that persons with disabilities can make use

of the service and are informed about what services are provided by Akranes Town, both general and

specific.

4.3.2. Youth and recreational activities as well as education and training provided by the municipality

shall take into account the needs of children of both sexes, with or without disabilities. The concept

of having a disability shall be discussed openly and without prejudice and educational resources shall

reflect the diversity of human life wherever possible.

4.4. Akranes Town as framework around the community

The municipal authorities in Akranes seek to establish a framework for a creative and flourishing

community that all residents, regardless of disability, are a part of. They put a special emphasis on

encouraging persons with disabilities to participate in projects aimed at strengthening the local

community and the well-being of the local people.

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Section Five

5. Sexual orientation and gender identity

All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law.

(From the Universal Declaration of Human Rights)

Discrimination of persons on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity is prohibited. The

contribution of each individual shall be assessed on merit regardless of sexual orientation or age. It

cannot be assumed that all persons are heterosexual or that their biological identity matches their

gender identity.

5.1. Akranes Town as an administrative authority

Everyone is entitled to be treated with respect and to fair and equitable treatment, regardless of sexual

orientation and gender identity. Everyone has the right to take active part in the community in

Akranes.

5.1.1. Before making decisions concerning queer4 people specifically their interest groups shall be

consulted.

5.2. Akranes Town as an employer

Subjective arguments against employees shall not be applied when hiring, dismissing or making

decisions about the benefits of the Town's employees.

5.2.1. Employees have an unequivocal right to express themselves, or not to express themselves, about

their sexual orientation or gender identity.

5.2.2. Akranes Town employees must strive to create an atmosphere free of prejudice towards queer

people in the Town's workplace.

5.3. Akranes Town as framework around the community

Elected representatives and employees of Akranes Town strive in collaboration with the local

community to shape a framework for a creative and flourishing community for all residents, regardless

of their sexual orientation and gender identity. Also, to support the fight for rights of queer people and

the demand that people should be able to prosper on their own terms.

4 Queer is an umbrella term that covers all the groups that define their sexuality and gender identity outside the

heterosexual framework.

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Section 6

6. Religious, philosophical and political views

All shall be equal before the law and enjoy human rights irrespective of sex, religion, opinion, national origin,

race, colour, property, birth or other status.

(Article 65, Constitution of the Republic of Iceland).

Discrimination of persons on the basis of religious, philosophical or political views is prohibited. The

contribution of each individual shall be assessed on merit regardless of religious, philosophical or

political views. It cannot be assumed that all persons who endorse specific religious, philosophical or

political views are the same.

6.1. Akranes Town as an administrative authority

The municipal authorities in Akranes welcome diversity and demonstrate respect and tolerance for

people's faith and beliefs. Everyone is entitled to fair and equitable treatment, regardless of religion

or beliefs, and both sexes shall be afforded this right equally. All residents of Akranes are entitled to

active participation in the community, irrespective of their religious or philosophical views.

6.1.1. When making decisions that concern certain religion or philosophy groups specifically, they

and/or professionals, who have insight and understanding of the situation of each group, shall be

consulted.

6.1.2. Again, every person shall be equal before the law. No exceptions are made to Icelandic laws on

the basis of religion, philosophical and/or political views.

6.2. Akranes Town as an employer

The Town authorities and supervisors treat all their employees with respect and treat everyone

equally, regardless of their religious, philosophical or political views.

6.2.1. When it comes to employee benefits the Town authorities make every effort not to discriminate

between employees on account of subjective criteria such as religious, philosophical or political views.

6.2.2. All employees are entitled to the same opportunities for continuous education and professional

development, regardless of religious, philosophical or political views.

6.2.3. All employees of the municipality are jointly responsible for creating a positive atmosphere, for

example by their words and actions, where diversity is recognised and a clear stance is taken against

any kind of prejudice.

6.2.3. The unequivocal right of employees to express themselves, or not express themselves, about

their religious, philosophical and/or political opinions shall be respected.

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6.2.4. Religious practice or the expression of philosophical or political views shall not interfere with the

routine of the workplace.

6.3. Akranes Town as a provider of services

Religious, philosophical and political opinions shall not, under any circumstances, affect the

municipality's services and attitude towards people under its care or its customers.

6.3.1. Everyone shall have equal access to the services of the municipality, regardless of their religious,

philosophical and political opinions.

6.3.2. Respect for traditions and customs associated with different beliefs and principles shall be

promoted in youth and recreational activities and education and training provided by the municipality.

It is important to bear in mind that not everyone adheres to the same religion or to a religion at all.

Children and/or their parents shall be given a choice of participating in celebrations related to the

religious traditions of the Lutheran state church in school and/or youth activities. The municipality shall

provide impartial and informed education about the religions of the world and the diversity of human

life.

6.3.3. The environment and services of Akranes Town shall be characterised by respect for human

diversity, positive communications and mutual respect, regardless of the religious, philosophical or

political opinions of the providers and the recipients of services. Efforts shall be made to eliminate

prejudices based on religion, philosophical or political views.

6.4. Akranes Town as framework around the community

The representatives of Akranes Town strive in collaboration with the local community to provide a

framework for a creative and flourishing community for all residents, regardless of their sexual

orientation and gender identity.

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Section 7

7. Ethnicity and nationality

The objective of this Act is to promote a society in which everyone can be an active participant regardless of nationality and ethnicity.

(Act no. 116/2012 on Immigration)

It is completely forbidden to discriminate against residents in Akranes on the basis of their ethnicity,

nationality, colour, cultural or religious background, or any classification based on racism. The

contribution of each individual shall be evaluated on merit, not on the basis of incidental attributes

such as ethnicity or nationality and everyone shall be ensured equitable treatment and attitude. Not

all residents of a given nationality or ethnicity are the same. Special care shall be taken to look at the

situation of immigrant women on the one hand and immigrant men on the other, and take action if

either sex is favoured.

7.1. Akranes Town as an administrative authority

Everyone has the right to active participation in the community and fair and equitable treatment,

regardless of ethnicity, nationality and cultural background. When making decisions concerning

immigrants specifically, their interest groups and/or professionals who have insight and understanding

of their situation, shall be consulted.

7.2. Akranes Town as an employer

The town authorities in Akranes seek to ensure that the town's workplaces reflect the multi-cultural

community in Akranes and employees of foreign origin are treated with the same equality as other

employees. Recruitment and decisions regarding pay and employment terms shall not rely on

subjective reasons.

7.2.1. People of foreign origin shall be ensured equal rights and equal treatment in all respects in the

recruitment process and with regards to terms of pay, working conditions and rights. They shall be

able to benefit from their skills and get work according to their knowledge, skills, education and

abilities.

7.2.2. The local authorities shall prevent discrimination in terms of employment conditions and

possibilities for career development and lifelong learning. People of foreign origin shall have the same

opportunities as other employees to develop and grow professionally. Those who have a limited

knowledge of Icelandic shall receive information about the job description, the objective of the service

and the culture of the workplace.

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7.3. Akranes Town as a provider of services

People of foreign origin shall be ensured easy access to the Town's services. Children of foreign origin

shall have special consideration when services of the municipality are being planned. Interpretation

services shall be provided in interviews, for example, with consultants and during parent participation

in schools, if needed and in accordance with the municipality's guidelines for interpretation services.

7.3.1. Information about municipal services in Akranes shall be provided in three languages; Icelandic,

Polish and English (or any other languages spoken by the most populous immigrant groups at the time).

Basic information about municipal services shall be provided on the web and those who need more

specific information shall get an interview with an advisor to ensure they have access to the correct

information and resources. Residents, whose mother tongue is not Icelandic, shall be ensured access

to information about consultant services to people of foreign origin.

7.3.2. Publications about services or policies of the municipality shall have summaries in Polish and

English (or, as applicable, the languages spoken by the most populous immigrant groups) in order to

increase the accessibility of residents of foreign origin to new information.

7.3.3. Child care and leisure activities and education and training managed by the municipality shall

take account of the needs of immigrant children. Special support and Icelandic teaching shall be

provided to the children of people of foreign origin so that they can participate in sports and

recreational activities the same as other children. The diversity of human life is embraced and all

children shall be given the opportunity to introduce their mother tongue, religion and the culture of

their country of origin.

7.3.4. Local authorities recognise the importance of teaching the mother tongue to children of foreign

origin and aim to support such teaching.

7.3.5. The Town's employees strive to create an atmosphere free of prejudice towards individuals and

groups on account of their origin, colour, ethnicity or cultural background.

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Section 8

8. Akranes Town as a partner

The Town's representatives collaborate with a great number of individuals and institutions on projects

relating to the welfare and interests of the residents in Akranes. Special emphasis shall be placed on

strengthening the tradition that has emerged, of collaboration between the state, municipalities and

civil society. Those working methods have worked well and contributed to a more effective utilisation

of expertise and human and financial resources.

8.1. The representatives of Akranes Town cooperate with the government, other municipalities,

regional associations, NGOs, business and industrial enterprises, cultural institutions and individuals to

strengthen and encourage initiative, innovation, consultation, cooperation and spontaneous activities

that promote equality and human rights.

8.2. Committees and councils that allocate grants and are responsible for collaboration, are required

to ensure that equality considerations are respected.

8.3. Grants awarded on behalf of Akranes Town to social activities, cultural affairs, sporting and leisure

activities, and other areas, come with the conditions to respect the equality principle and to combat

discrimination. A grant recipient can be required to deliver a report in order to ensure that these

conditions are met.

8.4. Grants awarded on behalf of the Town take into account how non-discrimination and equality

perspectives are integrated into the grantee's project and work descriptions.

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Section 9

9. Information gathering and sharing

The local authorities seek to gain insight into the situation of the groups referred to in the Policy in

order to improve their services, strengthen democracy, create a sturdy framework for the town's

diversity, and ensure human rights in practice.

9.1. Attitude surveys shall be made on a regular basis, or the attitude of residents towards the Town's

services investigated by other means, in order to determine whether residents are discriminated

against through attitude and services.

9.2. The representatives of Akranes Town shall assess the situation and attitudes of municipality

employees according to their gender.

9.3. When collecting and analysing data on behalf of Akranes Town the data shall be gender

disaggregated, cf. Article 21 of the Equality Act and, when possible, the analysis should take account

of the groups that the Policy covers.

9.4. Knowledge obtained in the name of Akranes Town, as well as information about the services and

the role of the Town, shall be shared systematically and in accordance with regulations and the

information policy of the municipality. This information is then used to improve services, combat

prejudices and discrimination, strengthen equality in the Town's workplaces, promote learning and

respect for diversity.

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Section 10 Responsibility and procedures

The authorities and employees of Akranes Town are responsible for ensuring respect for diversity

and for ensuring that human rights are respected within the Town's administration, in its workplaces

and services, provided that this is made possible for them through financial resources and training in

the area of human rights.

10.1. The authorities have a responsibility to:

a) Work in accordance with the provisions of the Human Rights Policy.

b) Develop a human rights policy for the Town's departments and committees, alongside with

the work programme and the financial budget each year.

c) Designate a special contact for human rights issues in institutions with more than 15

employees and define their roles. Institutions with fewer employees can share such a

contact.

d) Promote the policy in their work environment.

10.2. Elected representatives must work in accordance with the Akranes Human Rights Policy / of

Akranes Town. Equal rights laws must be adhered to when appointing persons to committees and

councils

10.3. 10.1. School authorities have a special responsibility to ensure that:

a) Education on equality and diversity is a part of school activities.

b) The learning material does not discriminate between the sexes, counteracts prejudice and is

guided by human rights for all.

c) Teaching methods take into account the diversity of the community in Akranes.

d) In learning and vocational training the focus is on breaking up stereotypes and introducing to

pupils jobs that have until now been seen as conventional female or male jobs.

10.4. Administrators of leisure activities and youth work have a special responsibility to:

a) Organise leisure activities and youth work based on equality and respect for diversity.

b) Ensure that NGOs, that are supported by Akranes Town or use its facilities, show respect for

diversity and equality in every way.

10.5. The administrators of the Town's services have a special responsibility to ensure that:

a) Equality and diversity are respected in all services.

b) Systematic efforts are made to fight prejudice within service institutions and towards

recipients of the services.

10. 6. A human rights committee shall be established within the administration of Akranes Town.

10.7. The Akranes Human Rights Committee must:

a) Ensure that the Human Rights Policy is adhered to in every department.

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b) Develop a specific action plan on issues covered by the Policy in cooperation with the Town

Council, committees and departments of Akranes Town and with interest groups, alongside

with the annual work plan and budget.

c) Request a report every year on the implementation of the Human Rights Policy from all

departments of the municipality.

d) Introduce the Policy and promote learning, information sharing and live dialogue on

diversity, human rights and equality.

10.7. Akranes Town shall have a human rights representative.

10.8. The human rights representative of Akranes Town must:

a) Work with the human rights committee on the human rights action plan.

b) Implement the decisions and policies of the human rights committee.

c) Consult with the spokespersons of the groups the Policy covers.

d) Consult with institutions in Akranes and other municipalities, NGOs and others about

issues covered by the Policy.

e) Work with specified contacts in the Town's institutions.

f) Promote awareness and consultation on issues related to human rights, equality and

diversity within the Town's institutions.

g) Initiate projects that deal with human rights, equality and diversity.

h) Monitor the implementation of human rights projects and ensure that the residents are

not discriminated against on account of ethnicity, colour, religion, age, political opinions,

sexual orientation, disability or other incidental factors.

10.9. The above shall be implemented during the Town Council's term of office, 2014-2018.