By Macy Moore

Iceland is generally known for being well represented in terms of human rights. It is considered a place where human rights are enjoyed for many citizens, and is generally recognized as a positive place for both rights and life in the country. Upon the foundation of Iceland’s government–written into its constitution–human rights are outlined for the citizens and protect them overall. 

In sections VI and VII of Iceland’s constitution, human rights are exemplified and ensured to the citizens of the country. The sections outline thirteen human rights provisions, including the freedom from interference with privacy, right to freedom of opinion, right to public belief, and right to equal treatment.

Icelandic leaders attend UN Rights Council

The UN Declaration of Human Rights is present in Iceland’s function. Iceland is a signatory of the declaration, and encompasses the beliefs thereof within their constitution and government. In addition, they are signatory to a number of other human rights declarations, including the Council of Europe’s European Convention on Human rights amongst others. 

Regardless of Iceland’s seemingly fervent political commitment to human rights, practices within the country and amongst the voices of its citizens seem as though it has not been sticking to its promises quite as well in practice. Iceland is known for gender equality issues, regardless of its equality statements within the constitution. Inequality is seemingly documented between women and men often, specifically in the labor market. 

Icelandic protesters plead for improved child protection

As well as violations of rights based on gender inequality, Iceland has been suffering from issues related to sexual abuse and sexual abuse of children. There are many instances where it has been outlined these cases are not treated justly. The sentence for rape in Iceland is 16 years, but the average time served is closer to 3 years. It is common for these cases to never even make it to court. Although Iceland is often labeled incredibly safe, it is reported that one in four women experience sexual assault or violence in Iceland, which is higher than averages in the EU and in the UK. 

Regardless of a constitution and government seemingly committed to protecting its citizens, Iceland still has a long way to go in terms of fully becoming a safe space for all. Their commitments and beliefs are aligned with those of the EU, but may need work regarding their true adherence to these beliefs within Icelandic living.

Icelandic Law | Icelandic Human Rights Centre

Government of Iceland | Human Rights and Equality

The safest place in the world to be a woman? Try telling that to these Icelandic campaigners | Sexual harassment | The Guardian

By Macy Moore

Iceland is a part of many treaties and organizations. They are a part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the European Economic Area (EEA), the European Council, the United Nations and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), to name a few. While generally removed geographically, Iceland is decently involved in the more mainland affairs of its Scandinavian and European neighbors. With such a small population and being surrounded by water, international relations can be pivotal in the function of the country—specifically internationally and regarding international power or influence.  

Besides international affairs, Iceland is also doing generally well economically. Their economy is growing as one of the quickest according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Constant foreign tourism and impressive domestic demand are booming the country’s economy. It has successfully remained generally egalitarian economically, but inflation is seemingly on the rise.  

Town of Reykjavík, Iceland. This is popular destination for one of the pillars of Icelands economy – tourism.

Although their economic scenario is generally positive, they have experienced economic challenges in the past. Rather recently, in 2020, Iceland suffered from a sharp contraction in the economy. Like many other countries, the affairs related to COVID-19 played a rather impactful role. Regardless, in recent years Iceland has had a spike GDP growth. With an expected GDP growth rate of around 5.6%, the country experienced a high. However, with the expected economic growth rates of both 2023 and 2024, Iceland has been predicted to have increasingly less growth. 2023 is predicted to be 4.4%, and 2024 will drop to around 2.6%.  

Graph comparing Iceland and other countries relative to increased economic growth.

Iceland is not a developing country, ranking highly in many of the standard forms of measurement for development, it is an example of a generally economically and politically developed country, ranking third on the human development index (HDI). In fact, some sources reference the region as a very developed country, and honestly this seems to be decently true. They have developed business, economy, sanitation, health care systems, and social systems. In all data and accounts, the country of Iceland is both developed, and quite well put together.  

A Guide to International Relations of Iceland | Guide to Iceland 

Iceland Economic Snapshot – OECD 

Iceland | Council on Foreign Relations (cfr.org) 

Boom, bust and boom again: Iceland’s economy in charts (ft.com)