Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2002, published 91st ILC session (2003)

Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111) - Iceland (Ratification: 1963)

The Committee notes with interest the adoption of Act No. 96/2000 on the equal status and equal rights of men and women, which extends the existing prohibition of sex-based discrimination and promotes gender equality in all spheres of society. It further notes the establishment of a new administrative and implementing structure, including the Equal Status Bureau responsible for the administration and monitoring of the implementation of the Act; the Equal Status Council responsible for making systematic efforts to equalize the status of women and men in the labour market; the Complaints Committee on Equal Status; and the equal status committees appointed by the local authorities. It also notes the provisions in the law on gender mainstreaming, equal pay for work of equal value, harmonization of occupational and family obligations, sexual harassment, shifting burden of proof from plaintiffs in cases of alleged discrimination, advertisements and education on equality issues. The Committee also notes the adoption of Act No. 95/2000 on maternity/paternity leave and parental leave and Act No. 27/2000 on the prohibition of redundancies due to family responsibilities. The Committee welcomes these legislative and administrative initiatives and requests the Government to provide information in future on their implementation and their impact in improving access to jobs, decision-making posts and conditions of work for both men and women in all regions of the country on the basis of equality.

The Committee is raising other points in a request directly addressed to the Government.