30th anniversary for the Ombudsman for Children in Iceland

The Ombudsman also monitors the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which was incorporated into Icelandic law in 2013.

–  As we mark 30 years of advocating for children’s rights in Iceland, we reflect on the progress made and the work still ahead. Every child deserves to be heard, protected, and empowered to shape their own future. Our commitment remains steadfast: to ensure that every voice counts, and that children’s rights are upheld. We all want Iceland to be a country where children can thrive, says Salvör Nordal, Ombudsman for Children in Iceland.

Education and school environment key areas

Key areas of focus have included ensuring access to education for all children, tackling bullying and school refusal, monitoring waiting lists and addressing social exclusion. In recent years, there has been an emphasis on children’s right to participation, in accordance with Article 12 of the UNCRC. To that end, the Ombudsman in 2019 initiated a biennial Children’s Forum, as well as children’s elections in connection with presidential and parliamentary elections. The next Children’s Forum will take place in November this year.

–  The establishment of the Children’s Forum in 2019 marks a significant step toward ensuring that children’s voices are heard in decision-making. Children are experts in their own lives, and their perspectives must be valued when shaping policies that affect them, says Salvör Nordal.

The Ombudsman also operates a young advisory group for children aged between 12 and 17. The group plays a vital part in the work of the Ombudsman, and the role of the young advisory group was codified in 2018 with amendments to the Act on the Ombudsman.

Children are experts in their own lives, and their perspectives must be valued when shaping policies that affect them.

Mapping status of child-friendly justice

This year, the Office of the Ombudsman for Children in Iceland will focus on the topic of “child-friendly justice”. The term refers to justice systems that ensure the respect and effective implementation of all children’s rights at the highest attainable level, considering the child’s level of maturity, understanding, and the specific circumstances of the case. That means justice that is accessible, age-appropriate, timely, diligent, and adapted to meet the needs and rights of the child. To better understand children’s experiences with these systems, the Office of the Ombudsman have consulted children who have encountered the law, as offenders, victims, or witnesses, in non-judicial, judicial, and administrative proceedings. A report mapping the status of child-friendly justice in Iceland will be published later this year.

Webinar on children‘s right to be heard  

The Nordic Welfare Centre will arrange a webinar on 5 June where another report from the perspectives of the Nordic children’s ombudsmen will presented. The theme is strengthening youth participation during times of crisis. Read more and sign up for the webinar Better Crisis Preparedness by Involving Children and Young People in the Nordic region!

Top photo shows the Ombudsman for children, Salvör Nordal along with former Ombudsmen, Þórhildur Líndal and Margrét María Sigurðardóttir at a celebratory event in Harpa Concert Hall on the 9th of January this year.