A/HRC/19/13
32.
Finland noted that lack of adequate resources in the prison system resulted in
detainees having to wait to serve their sentences. It indicated that the European Committee
for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) had observed that some prisons did not conform to the
Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners. Finland noted that Iceland was
planning to build a new reception and custody prison that would improve the conditions.
Finland made recommendations.
33.
Norway stated that it was following with interest the reform of the Icelandic
Constitution. It expressed its trust that the Icelandic democratic system of government and
constitutional framework will continue to form the basis of the enjoyment of all rights. It
took note of the legislation to increase female representation in management positions and
expressed concern that only a small portion of rape victims file charges, and a few of them
lead to indictments or convictions. It expressed interest in learning how the new action plan
would examine gender-based violence and their prosecution and handling in the judicial
system. Norway made recommendations.
34.
Mexico noted the action taken by Iceland to promote gender equality, develop the
right to a healthy environment and to prevent trafficking in persons. It also welcomed the
inclusive process undertaken in the review of the country’s Constitution and expressed the
hope that this exercise would result in a comprehensive normative framework that
incorporated international standards for the protection and promotion of human rights.
Mexico made recommendations.
35.
Brazil congratulated Iceland for ensuring public participation in the review process
of its Constitution. It noted progress made in the area of gender equality. It also
commended recent legislation removing legal impediments to same-sex marriages, and
strengthening the independence of the judiciary and freedom of expression. Nonetheless,
Brazil noted that the impact of the global financial crisis and increased unemployment have
resulted in challenges on the welfare system. In line with the Convention on the Rights of
the Child, it requested Iceland to ensure that child victims of prostitution were treated as
victims not offenders. Brazil made recommendations.
36.
Germany noted concerns relating to prison conditions and regarding the lack of
separation between juvenile and adult prisoners, men and women prisoners and pretrial and
convicted prisoners. It requested information regarding measures taken to abolish these
precarious conditions. Noting reports of lack of room to house prisoners, Germany also
asked what steps had been taken to overcome the scarcity of prison capacity. Finally,
Germany noted concerns regarding the lack of procedures and gaps in legislation
concerning stateless persons and asked if any steps had been taken to ratify the 1961
Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness.
37.
Slovakia thanked the delegation for its report and stressed the commitment of
Iceland to the major international human rights instruments. Slovakia noted the work and
functioning of the Multicultural and Information Centre, the Intercultural Centre and the
Immigrant Council, the establishment of the Ombudsman for Children and the introduction
of the human rights education in the national school curriculum. Slovakia made
recommendations.
38.
Slovenia asked how Iceland intended to improve its data collection on the use and
effectiveness of restraining orders, particularly with regard to domestic and sexual violence
and how it planned to raise awareness of the judiciary and police regarding this issue. It
also asked how the Government planned to strengthen the provision of human rights
education in schools, including through the school curricula and by ensuring the training of
teachers. Additionally, Slovenia inquired how the Government intended to diminish the
high drop-out rate of immigrant children, particularly in secondary education. Slovenia
made recommendations.
7
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