Mannréttindalaga

Mannréttindalaga refers to legislation pertaining to human rights. In Iceland, the primary legal framework is the Mannréttindalög (Human Rights Act), which came into effect in 2014. This act incorporates the European Convention on Human Rights into Icelandic domestic law, making its provisions directly applicable in national courts. The law establishes a legal basis for the protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms.

The Mannréttindalög covers a broad spectrum of rights, including the right to life, freedom from torture, prohibition of slavery, right to a fair trial, freedom of expression, freedom of thought, conscience and religion, and the right to privacy. It also includes provisions for equality and non-discrimination, addressing issues related to gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, and disability. The act aims to ensure that individuals can invoke their human rights before Icelandic courts and administrative bodies.

Enforcement of human rights in Iceland involves both judicial and administrative mechanisms. Courts play a crucial role in interpreting and applying human rights provisions in specific cases. Additionally, various administrative bodies and ombudsmen are tasked with overseeing the implementation of human rights principles within their respective domains. The establishment of the Mannréttindadómstóll (Human Rights Court) in the past, although its current status and function have evolved, reflects the ongoing commitment to providing avenues for redress in human rights matters.