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Human rights

Human rights are certain fundamental rights of every human being irrespective of gender, religion, beliefs, nationality, race, colour, wealth, family or other status.

Human rights

The human rights concept is based on two main values: human dignity and equality. It is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.

Important civil rights such as equality, freedom of expression, right to privacy, ownership and rights to social assistance are protected in the Icelandic constitution and in the International Human Rights Conventions ratified by Iceland.

The public is entitled access to information held by the authorities, on the fulfilment of certain conditions. The authorities are under obligation to respond to requests for data as soon as possible. A refusal can be appealed to the Information Appeals Committee.

Strict rules apply to the treatment of personal information pursuant to law. The Data Protection Authority monitors the implementation of the law.

It is the right of every person under the Constitution, to participate in the activities of political parties and movements and other voluntary organisations and interest groups that deal with issues that are important to them.

Laws and regulations