Thank you Mister Vice President,
Also Norway welcomes Minister Jonasson and the Icelandic delegation here today, and commends Iceland’s constructive and positive approach to the UPR process.
Norway is following with interest the reform of the Icelandic Constitution and trust that Iceland’s long-standing democratic system of government and constitutional framework continue to form the basis of the enjoyment of all rights. Norway recommends that Iceland continue to safeguard all human rights provisions in its new Constitution.
Your National Report identifies measures to improve gender equality, an issue which you, Minister Jonasson, strongly underlined in your statement. Iceland is presently promoting legislation to increase female representation in management positions. Another key gender issue is equal pay for men and women. Norway recommends that Iceland pass this legislation and implement it as soon as possible, and continue efforts to achieve equal pay between men and women.
In relation to Iceland’s efforts to combat violence against women, it is of concern, as you yourself pointed out, Minister Jonasson, that only a small portion of rape victims file charges, and few of them lead to indictments or convictions. We would be interested to learn how your new action plan will examine gender-based acts of violence and their prosecution and handling in the judicial system, and recommend that the findings are reflected in the next national UPR report.