* The present document is being issued without formal editing.

Information received from Iceland on follow-up to the concluding observations on its ninth periodic report *

[Date received: 27 March 2026]

Follow-up information on the concluding observations (CEDAW/C/ISL/CO/9)

A.Information relating to paragraph 10

1.Regarding the Committee’s recommendation in paragraph 10, the government recognizes the importance of strengthening knowledge on CEDAW among lawyers, judges, government officials, the police and other law enforcement officers. Currently, it is being assessed how to best build capacity on CEDAW and other UN human rights treaties among the relevant institutions. The Government remains committed to advancing this work and will keep the Committee informed of the progress.

B.Information relating to paragraph 12

2.Based on the Parliamentary Resolution on a Gender Equality Action Plan for the years 2026–2029, work will be carried out into next year to increase women’s awareness of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, thereby responding to the Committee’s concluding observation in paragraph 12. Information material on the Convention will be prepared for the public in Icelandic, English, and Easy‑to‑Read language. In preparing this material, consideration will be given to the Convention, the Optional Protocol and the Committee’s general recommendations. The material will be presented in depth at a briefing meeting with women’s organizations that safeguard women’s human rights.

C.Information relating to paragraph 16

3.The establishment of a dedicated Department of Equality within the government in 2019 has proven effective in enhancing coordination of public policies and strategies for gender equality. Although significant progress has been made, ensuring consistent gender mainstreaming across all areas of government, as well as at the local level, remains an ongoing challenge. While the government appreciates the Committee’s guidance, it does not consider that transforming the Department of Equality into a line ministry would be the most effective structural approach. The Department is now situated within the Ministry of Justice. The government fully recognizes the importance of strong national machinery for the advancement of women and remains committed to continuous improvement of this framework considering evolving needs and best practices.

4.The Directorate of Equality is implementing an information campaign on its role and mandate, as well as that of the Equality Complaints Committee. The campaign, titled End Discrimination, is available both in Icelandic and English and aims to raise awareness that discrimination is prohibited by law, both in the workplace and in everyday life.

D.Information relating to paragraph 18

5.We are very pleased to announce that in 2024, Act No. 88/2024 on the Icelandic Human Rights Institution was adopted, with specific focus on compliance with the Paris Principles. The institution commenced its operations on 1 May 2025 and will apply for accreditation to the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions once possible.