Directorate of Equality

Your rights

Did you know that discrimination is illegal – both in everyday life and in the workplace? The purpose of the anti-discrimination law is to combat discrimination and ensure that everyone can participate fully in society.

The law prohibits discrimination based on:

Have you experienced discrimination?

Discrimination can appear in many ways, for example when applying for a job or when accessing services. It can sometimes be difficult to determine whether discrimination has occurred, but the counsellors at the Equality Centre are ready to help.

Contact an Advisor

The general deadline for submitting a complaint to the Equality Complaints Committee is six months.

That’s why it is important to report a case as soon as a suspicion of discrimination arises.

Individuals, companies, institutions and NGOs can refer cases to the Equality Complaints Committee if they believe the Equality Act has been violated, either on their own behalf or on behalf of their members.

The process is straightforward, and in most cases there is no need for outside assistance. Advisors at the Directorate of Equality are always available to review cases and provide support if requested.

The Committee reviews each case and issues a written ruling on whether a violation has occurred. Its rulings are binding, but the parties involved may still take the matter to court if they wish.

More about the Equality Complaints Committee

Rulings of the Committee (only in Icelandic)

Frequently asked questions

Educational material

Our words

"Orðin okkar" is a public awareness initiative that encourages people to reflect on the impact words can have. Words can hurt, divide, and tear people down — but they can also nourish, comfort, and bring people together.

Harmless

The Harmless campaign raises awareness about microaggressions and subtle forms of harassment that many marginalized people experience every day.

There is hope

The aim of the project was to strengthen efforts to combat domestic violence through education, cooperation, and increased awareness.

The Istanbul Convention

The Istanbul Convention is an international and legally binding treaty of the Council of Europe on preventing and responding to violence against women and domestic violence.

Directorate of Equality

Your rights

Have you experienced discrim­ination?

Complaints to the Equality Complaints Committee

Frequently asked questions

Does the Directorate of Equality only assist in cases related to gender discrimination?

Does the Directorate of Equality rule on cases related to equal treatment?

Can someone be denied a job because of a disability or foreign origin?

If both a man and a woman apply for a job, must the employer hire the woman?

Can I be denied service because of my nationality or sexual orientation?

Can I file a complaint if I was denied service?

Do violations of equality laws expire?