The OSCE Secretariat bears no responsibility for the content of this document FSC.EMI/48/25 and circulates it without altering its content. The distribution by OSCE 14 April 2025 Conference Services of this document is without prejudice to OSCE decisions, as set out in documents agreed by OSCE participating States. ENGLISH only OSCE Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security
ICELAND
Annual Information Exchange on the Implementation of the Code of Conduct
April 2025 Section I: Inter-state elements
1. Account of measures to prevent and combat terrorism 1.1 To which agreements and arrangements (universal, regional, sub-regional and bilateral) related to preventing and combating terrorism is your State a party?
Universal legal instruments: − Convention on Offences and Certain Other Acts Committed on Board Aircraft (1963) − Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Seizure of Aircraft (1970) − Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Civil Aviation (1971) − Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes against Internationally Protected Persons (1973) − International Convention Against the Taking of Hostages (1979) − Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (1980) − Protocol for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts of Violence at Airports Serving International Civil Aviation, supplementary to the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Civil Aviation (1988) − Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Maritime Navigation (1988) − Protocol for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Fixed Platforms Located on the Continental Shelf (1988) − Convention on the Marking of Plastic Explosives for the Purpose of Detection (1991) − International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings (1997) − International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism (1999) − International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (2005) − Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (2005) − Protocol to the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Maritime Navigation (2005) − Protocol to the Protocol for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Fixed Platforms Located on the Continental Shelf (2005) − The United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime (2000) − Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (2000) − Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (2000)
2 − Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (2001)
The Council of Europe legal instruments: − European Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism (1977) CETS No: 090 − Protocol amending the European Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism (2003) CETS No: 190 − Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism (2005) CETS No: 196 (Signed) − Council of Europe Convention on Laundering, Search, Seizure and Confiscation of the Proceeds from Crime and on the Financing of Terrorism (2005) CETS No: 198 (Signed) − European Convention on Extradition (1957) CETS No: 024 − Additional Protocol to the European Convention on Extradition (1975) CETS No: 086 − Second Additional Protocol to the European Convention on Extradition (1978) CETS No: 098 − European Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters (1959) CETS No: 030 − Additional Protocol to the European Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters (1978) CETS No: 099 − Second Additional Protocol to the European Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters (2001) CETS No: 182 (Signed) − European Convention on the Transfer of Proceedings in Criminal Matters (1972) CETS No: 073 (Signed) − Convention on Laundering, Search, Seizure and Confiscation of the Proceeds from Crime (1990) CETS No: 141 − Convention on Cybercrime (2001) CETS No: 185
1.2 What national legislation has been adopted in your State to implement the abovementioned agreements and arrangements?
− UN Security Council resolutions are implemented by the Law on Implementation of International Sanctions and freezing of assets, No. 68/2023 − Law on Measures against Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing, No. 140/2018 − General Penal Code, No. 19/1940 − Law on the arrest and extradition of persons to and from Iceland for criminal acts on the basis of an arrest warrant, No. 51/2016 − Law on carrying out penal sentences pronounced in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden et. al., No. 69/1963 3 − Law on extradition and other assistance in penal matters, No. 13/1984 − Law on international co-operation in carrying out penal sentences, No. 56/1993 − Law on the implementation of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, No. 43/2001 − Law on criminal liability of legal persons for bribery and terrorist acts, No. 144/1998
1.3 What are the roles and missions of military, paramilitary and security forces and the police in preventing and combating terrorism in your State? Iceland has no military, paramilitary or security forces. Responsibility for preventing and combating terrorism rests with the police. The National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police administers police affairs under the authority of the Minister of Justice, cf. Article 4 of the Police Act No 90/1996, including coordination of the work of the police in internal security affairs with the goal of preventing conduct that may be in breach of the provisions X and XI of the General Penal Code No 19/1940 and preventing acts of terrorism and other organized crime. The National Security Unit (NSU) of the National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police co-ordinates counter-terrorism measures, in collaboration with district commissioners. An annual threat assessment is issued by the NSU on the threat of terrorism. The NSU investigates offences which constitute a threat to public and/or state security, including treason and all terrorist offences. The District Prosecutor’s Office has the power of prosecution for these offences as well as for serious economic offences, including large-scale money laundering and terrorist financing. The NSU is the designated National Security Authority in Iceland. The Icelandic Coast Guard (ICG) is responsible for maritime surveillance and law enforcement in the seas surrounding Iceland. Iceland cooperates closely with international bodies such as Europol and Interpol. Since 2008, Iceland has been a member of PWGT (Police Working Group on Terrorism).
1.4 Provide any additional relevant information on national efforts to prevent and combat terrorism, e.g., those pertaining inter alia to: Financing of terrorism; The Act on Measures against Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing No. 140/2018 (entry into force 1 January 2019) aims to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing by imposing on parties engaging in activities which may be used for the purposes of money laundering and terrorist financing the obligation to obtain knowledge of their customers and their business activities, maintain adequate reports, report to the competent authorities any knowledge of such illegal activities and avoid carrying out suspicious transactions. Terrorist Financing is defined as the acquisition of funds, whether directly or indirectly, for that purpose or with the knowledge that they are to be used in whole or in part to commit a crime punishable by Articles 100(a) to 100(c) of the General Penal Code No. 19/1940 (acts of terrorism). The Icelandic Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) is responsible for receiving, analysing, and disseminating Suspicious Activity/Transaction Reports (SAR/STR regime) of all types, i.e., money laundering, terrorist financing and sanctions evasion. The National Security Unit of the National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police (NSU) is the primary domestic authority competent to investigate terrorist financing. FIU Iceland will disclose reports of such activities to the NSU. In case FIU Iceland obtains information on terrorist financing pertaining to a foreign jurisdiction, reports thereof are to be disseminated to the FIU of the jurisdiction in question. To this effect, FIU Iceland
4 can freely exchange information with FIUs within the European Economic Area (EEA). Cooperation with non-EEA FIUs is subject to a prior Memorandum of Understanding. Border controls; Since 25 March 2001, Iceland has been a member of the Schengen Agreement. The Schengen cooperation opened up free movement of individuals within the borders of the Member States by terminating personal control of individuals travelling between the States, but coordinating instead control on the outer borders of the Schengen area. The Icelandic Police is responsible for all border control. The Border Management Division of the National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police is tasked with coordinating border control. The Directorate of Customs is responsible for the control of import, transit and export, as well as the collection of duties, taxes and various state revenue. Travel document security; The control of foreign travel documents is in accordance with Schengen rules. Icelandic passports are issued with biometric identifiers and equipped with high quality security features and are security printed. Passports are equipped with a microchip that stores the same information as the data page in addition to two fingerprints of the holder. Container and supply chain security; According to Act no. 50/2004 on Maritime Security, customs authorities are responsible for cargo security, which includes preventive measures to protect cargo from any kind of terrorism or other illegal activity. In accordance with the law, the Directorate of Customs issued Cargo Security Rules no. 141/2010. Together with the provisions of the ISPS Code and SOLAS chapter XI-2, container security has been established in Icelandic ports under the auspices of the Directorate of Customs. The mandatory ISPS Code and regulation (EC) No 725/2004 of the European Parliament has been fully implemented with regard to Icelandic port facilities. Security of radioactive sources; There are no nuclear power plants in Iceland and no nuclear weapons. With regard to other radioactive sources, the Icelandic Radiation Safety Authority ensures that all international safety requirements are met. Iceland is a party to the Convention on the physical protection of nuclear material (1980) and participates in the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism (GICNT). Use of the Internet and other information networks for terrorist purposes; CERT-IS is the national CERT of Iceland, mandated by law to act as a national point-of- contact for cyber-security related incidents. By law, the constituency of CERT-IS is registered telecommunications providers in Iceland and those operators of critical infrastructure that have contracted for its services. In addition, CERT-IS serves the ministries of the Icelandic government. CERT-IS serves as the national CSIRT for the implementation of the NIS directive and as the national point-of-contact for cyber-security related incidents. Legal co-operation including extradition; The National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police co-ordinates counter-terrorism measures and cooperation with bodies such as Interpol, Europol, PTN and regional police authorities in the Nordic countries. Iceland is an active participant in the European Arrest Warrant, a simplified cross-border judicial surrender procedure for the purpose of prosecution or executing a custodial sentence or detention order. The Ministry of Justice
5 and the Director of Public Prosecution are responsible for providing and requiring bilateral mutual legal assistance with other states on the basis of the EAW and several other international treaties. Safe havens and shelter to terrorists and terrorist organizations; The stipulations of UNSCR 1373 on safe havens and shelter to terrorists are implemented by the Regulation on international security measures regarding terrorism, No. 122/2009.
2. Stationing of armed forces on foreign territory
2.1 Provide information on stationing of your States armed forces on the territory of other participating States in accordance with freely negotiated agreements as well as in accordance with international law.
Iceland has no armed forces.
3. Implementation of other international commitments related to the Code of Conduct
3.1 Provide information on how your State ensures that commitments in the field of arms control, disarmament and confidence- and security-building as an element of indivisible security are implemented in good faith.
Iceland is a State Party to most multilateral arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation treaties and agreements, such as; − Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE), suspended − Treaty on Open Skies − All Confidence- and Security-Building Measures agreed upon in the OSCE − Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) − Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) − Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and their Destruction (CWC) − Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction (BWC) − Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons Which May be Deemed to be Excessively Injurious or to Have Indiscriminate Effects (CCW) − Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti- Personnel Mines and on their Destruction − Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) − Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) Iceland implements the above-mentioned treaties and agreements as well as other international instruments and initiatives according to Act No. 67/2023 on Disarmament, Arms Control, and Export Control. Iceland implements all UN Security Council resolutions on non-proliferation, including UNSCR 1540, and sponsors and supports non-proliferation initiatives at the UN, IAEA, CTBTO and other international fora. Iceland is a member of the Nuclear Suppliers 6 Group (NSG), the Australia Group (AG) and the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), and is a fully compliant applicant to the Wassenaar Arrangement (WA).
3.2 Provide information on how your State pursues arms control, disarmament and confidence- and security-building measures with a view to enhancing security and stability in the OSCE area.
Iceland supports efforts on arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation through participation in international co-operation and implementation of international obligations. Iceland is a party to the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE), operation suspended as of 13 April 2024, the Treaty on Open Skies, the Vienna Document 2011 and other confidence- and security-building measures agreed upon in the OSCE/Forum for Security Cooperation.
Section II: Intra-state elements
1. National planning and decision-making process 1.1 What is the national planning and decision-making process in determining/approving military posture and defence expenditures in your State?
The Minister for Foreign Affairs is responsible for defence policy and international cooperation on security and defence. The Parliament adopts the State budget, including defence-related expenditures.
1.2 How does your State ensure that its military capabilities take into account the legitimate security concerns of other States as well as the need to contribute to international security and stability?
N/A as Iceland has no armed forces.
2. Existing structures and processes 2.1 What are the constitutionally established procedures for ensuring democratic political control of military, paramilitary and internal security forces, intelligence services and the police?
Iceland has no military, paramilitary or internal security forces and no intelligence services. The Minister of Justice is the supreme head of the police and is responsible to the democratically elected Parliament. The National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police administers police affairs under the Minister's authority. A Code of Conduct for law enforcement personnel was updated in 2023. It drew inspiration from the European Code of Police Ethics. The Committee for the Supervision of the Police is an independent administrative committee. All cases concerning potential criminal behavior by a police officer are forwarded to the District Prosecutor’s Office for investigation.
2.2 How is the fulfilment of these procedures ensured, and which constitutionally established authorities/institutions are responsible for exercising these procedures?
7 The fulfilment of the above procedures is ensured by the courts and through the democratic political process. There are several procedures for administrative control. First, all decisions by public bodies, or bodies vested with public authority, are subject to review from a higher authority, unless otherwise provided for by law. Second, decisions made by independent authorities may in some cases be reviewed at a ministerial level and in some cases they may be referred to special review boards. Third, decisions by municipalities may in some cases be referred to the relevant ministry. Fourth, the courts are competent to review any executive decision, whether taken by a ministry, an independent authority or a municipality. Fifth, the Parliament can obtain reports on executive acts and conduct follow-up with the relevant minister. And finally, decisions by the executive may be subject to review by the Parliamentary Ombudsman.
2.3 What are the roles and missions of military, paramilitary and security forces, and how does your State control that such forces act solely within the constitutional framework?
Iceland has no military, paramilitary or security forces.
3. Procedures related to different forces personnel 3.1 What kind of procedures for recruitment and call-up of personnel for service in your military, paramilitary and internal security forces does your State have? 3.2 What kind of exemptions or alternatives to military service does your State have? 3.3 What are the legal and administrative procedures to protect the rights of all forces personnel as well as conscripts?
N/A for all questions above, as Iceland has no military, paramilitary or security forces.
4. Implementation of other political norms, principles, decisions and international humanitarian law 4.1 How does your State ensure that International Humanitarian Law and Law of War are made widely available, e.g., through military training programmes and regulations? 4.2 What has been done to ensure that armed forces personnel are aware of being individually accountable under national and international law for their actions? 4.3 How does your State ensure that armed forces are not used to limit the peaceful and lawful exercise of human and civil rights by persons as individuals or as representatives of groups nor to deprive them of national, religious, cultural, linguistic or ethnic identity? 4.4 What has been done to provide for the individual service member’s exercise of his or her civil rights and how does your State ensure that the country’s armed forces are politically neutral? 4.5 How does your State ensure that its defence policy and doctrine are consistent with international law?
N/A for all questions above, as Iceland has no military, paramilitary or security forces.
8 Section III: Public access and contact information
1. Public access 1.1 How is the public informed about the provisions of the Code of Conduct?
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs website includes a link to the OSCE’s politico-military dimension website.
1.2 What additional information related to the Code of Conduct, e.g., replies to the Questionnaire on the Code of Conduct, is made publicly available in your State?
Iceland’s replies to the Questionnaire on the Code of Conduct are available to the public on the OSCE website.
1.3 How does your State ensure public access to information related to your State’s armed forces?
Iceland has no armed forces.
2. Contact information 2.1 Provide information on the national point of contact for the implementation of the Code of Conduct.
Ministry for Foreign Affairs Directorate for Defence Austurhöfn, 101 Reykjavík Iceland Tel: +354 545 9900 E-mail: mfa@mfa.is Website: www.mfa.is
9 UPDATED INDICATIVE LIST OF ISSUES PERTAINING TO WOMEN, PEACE AND SECURITY TO BE PROVIDED IN THE QUESTIONNAIRE ON THE OSCE CODE OF CONDUCT
This document provides an indicative list of issues, which aims at providing useful information on Women, Peace and Security aspects for participating States replying to the Questionnaire on the OSCE Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security.
It is structured around the four pillars of UNSCR 1325 (Prevention, Participation, Protection and Sustaining Peace) and is set out in two parts for each pillar: - PART A Checklist of key commitments and measures taken by participating States; - PART B More detailed information for sharing good practice between participating States.
3.1. PREVENTION
A. Checklist of key commitments taken by participating States
LIST OF INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS AND ARRANGEMENTS Please indicate if your State is party to the following universal and regional legal instruments relevant to protecting women, peace and security. If your State is not a party to a treaty, but considers becoming a party, kindly indicate at which stage is such consideration (e.g., undergoing inter-ministerial co-ordination, approved by government and sent to parliament, approved by parliament and awaiting enactment by president, etc.)
Party by: Law and date ratification of ratification, P(R), accession, accession succession, P(a), acceptance, or succession approval Name of the treaty P(s), acceptance P(A), approval P(AA), or Not party Universal legal instruments
1. Protocol Supplementary to the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime to Prevent, Suppress and Punish P(R) 22.6.2010 Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children (2000)
1 2. United Nations Convention on All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (1979) P(R) 18.6.1985
The Council of Europe legal instruments 3. European Convention Against Trafficking in Human Beings (2005) CETS No: 197 P(R) 23.2.2012
4. European Convention on Preventing and Combatting Violence Against Women and P(R) 1.8.2018 Domestic Violence (2011) CETS No: 210
Other arrangements Yes No
5. National Action Plan on Women, Peace & Security X
6. National legislation to implement the UN CEDAW convention (if a party), with reference to combating discrimination in employment, education, access to X health services and participation in institutions ensuring democratic oversight and public scrutiny of the security sector.
7. Other related information, clarification or details to share:
B. Checklist of key measures taken by participating States Please indicate if your State has the following preventative measures in place. More detailed information of the preventative measures can be included in Part B below.
Type of Measure Yes No
1. Mechanism to assess risk of abuse of small arms to commit or facilitate serious acts of gender-based violence and violence against X women and children
2. Inclusion of women’s organizations and women in religious, ethnic minority or community groups in measures X - to counter and prevent terrorism and violent extremism - to raise awareness of the potential risks of exploitation and radicalization
N/A
2 3. Inclusion of gender perspective and special needs of women and girls in a national counterterrorism strategy X
N/A 4. Inclusion of specific matters related to the protection of women’s and girls’ rights in the basic education of armed forces. X
N/A 5. Availability of specialized in-service training for armed forces personnel on the protection of women’s and girls’ rights. X
N/A 6. Inclusion of specific matters related to the protection of women’s and girls’ rights in the pre-deployment training for international X peacekeeping missions.
7. Plans to address and gather information from local women’s populations in areas at risk of conflicts. X N/A 8. Mechanisms to monitor and evaluate the implementation of gender X mainstreaming into operations
9. Feedback mechanisms: - from operations to chiefs of defence or military planners X - between forces leading multi-national missions and forces providing personnel to such missions
N/A 10. Membership of a regional network or leadership network such as the WPS Chiefs of Defence Network X
N/A 11. Other related information, clarification or details to share:
C. More detailed information for sharing good practice between participating States
1 National Action Plan on Women, Peace & Security 1.1 In case you have a National Action Plan on WPS, how is your NAP developed, implemented and its impact assessed, including involvement of women’s organizations and other civil society organizations and co-ordination across government.
Iceland remains committed to the implementation of UNSCR 1325 on Women, Peace and Security and subsequent resolutions. The Fourth National Action Plan (NAP) for the period 2025-2030 was published in April 2025. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs (MFA) led its development in collaboration with other ministries, 3 agencies, women’s and civil society organizations and research institutions. Active involvement of women’s and civil society organizations is a fundamental element. The new NAP has three main pillars: 1) Advocacy for women’s participation in peace and security efforts, as well as education, training and capacity-building around gender equality. 2) Focus on the prevention and protection of women and girls and accountability measures in countering gender- based violence and sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment in conflict settings and domestically. 3) Implementation of gender-responsive measures in the work of all partners on the NAP such as ministries and security agencies in Iceland. The MFA is responsible for the implementation of the NAP and co-ordination across government. The Minister for Foreign Affairs will report annually to the government and parliament on the implementation of the NAP. Accountability will be ensured through independent evaluation.
1.2 In case you have a National Action Plan on WPS, who takes the lead and owns the budget? What contribution is made by your defence ministry and security forces?
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs is responsible and provides a budget as appropriate for implementing most actions, coming from the budget of the Directorate for Defence and Directorate for International Development Cooperation. The MFA collaborates with eight partners who are responsible for budgeting their own actions.
1.3 In case you have a National Action Plan on WPS, how does the NAP support enhancement of institutional capacity in defence and security?
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs supports institutional capacity in defence and security through resource allocation for gender initiatives and gender responsive practices and programs in collaboration with multilateral and civil society organizations. Having no armed forces of its own, Iceland’s NAP contributes to the enhancement of institutional capacity through promoting women’s participation and capacity-building in the security and defence sector domestically and in international activities and missions on a civilian basis.
1.4 In case you have a National Action Plan on WPS, how do you publicize progress on implementation of your NAP?
Information on the implementation of the NAP is included in the Foreign Minister’s annual report to Parliament on foreign affairs. Results of independent evaluations normally done in the third year of each NAP are published in Icelandic and English on the MFA website (e.g. the evaluation of Iceland’s third NAP, which was conducted by the Institute of International Affairs in 2022).
2 Measures to prevent sexual and gender-based harm
2.1 Horizon scanning, intelligence and risk?
- How do you include systematic gender analysis of areas at risk of conflict, including gender disaggregated socio-economic indicators, power over resources 4 and decision-making, increases in sexual and gender-based violence, on-line and other threats of violence against women in public life, journalists and those providing humanitarian assistance.
N/A
- How do you incorporate a gender perspective into actions preventing and combatting the tensions, which lead to conflict, such as increases in sexual and gender-based violence, terrorism, violent extremism and human trafficking?
Gender equality remains a key priority for the Government of Iceland. This is reflected in various policies, action plans and resolutions which have been adopted and implemented, such as the following: • A parliamentary resolution put forward every four years with an action plan on gender equality based on proposals by the respective ministries. • Several resolutions have been adopted by Parliament on preventing and eliminating gender-based violence, including a resolution on addressing GBV adopted in 2023 and one on education and prevention measures on GBV for children and young adults adapted in 2021. • Iceland’s first NAP on the Istanbul Convention is expected to be issued in 2025. • An action plan on preventive measures against human trafficking from 2019 is being implemented. • In June 2024, Iceland was among the first countries to endorse the Common Approach to Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Sexual Abuse and Sexual Harassment (CAPSEAH), and adheres to the OECD DAC Recommendation on Ending Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment. • Iceland inserts PSEAH clauses in all development cooperation contribution agreements requiring partners to have adequate processes and response and reporting mechanisms in place.
- What is the role of your military, police and other security personnel in such activities?
N/A
2.2 Planning.
- How do you incorporate a gender perspective into operational planning?
Iceland has no armed forces. However, with Iceland’s fourth NAP, key security institutions such as at the office of the National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police will incorporate a gender perspective into their operational planning. Iceland's national defence plan includes an annex on gender integration. Incorporating a gender perspective into planning processes enhances our operational awareness and sensitivity, which ensures a more comprehensive approach to security challenges. The NAP also calls for men to participate actively in advocating for gender equality in security and defence.
- How do you plan to address and gather information from local women’s populations in areas at risk of conflict?
N/A
5 2.3 Awareness and understanding of WPS at all levels and types of security personnel.
- What training do you give on incorporating a gender perspective and protecting the rights of women and girls to security personnel at basic education, officer training and specialized in-service training?
Raising awareness and understanding of WPS is an integral part of Iceland’s fourth NAP. In the past, the focus has mainly been on informal on-the-job training for key actors, diplomats and seconded personnel, especially those engaged in the areas of crisis management, security and defence, humanitarian affairs and gender equality at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and permanent missions abroad including to the UN, NATO and OSCE. As part of the fourth NAP, the Prime Minister’s Office in collaboration with the MFA will develop an online training course on gender equality and WPS intended for diplomats and key actors and officials from NAP partner organizations. The National Commissioner of the Police in cooperation with academia have developed specialized courses and diploma programs on gender-responsive policing, including programs for police officers to improve the handling of cases involving gender-based violence, domestic violence, disability, LGBTI+, hate crime and human trafficking.
- How do you train security personnel to protect women and girls, men and boys from sexual and gender-based violence?3
Gender perspectives have been integrated in the operational planning of the police. The National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police is collaborating with UN Women on implementing the Handbook on Gender-responsive Police Services developed by UN Women and UNODC. Security institutions participating in the fourth NAP aim to integrate gender perspectives into their planning and training.
2.4 Vetting of security personnel, especially pre-deployment
- What measures do you take to vet and prevent the recruitment, retention, promotion and deployment of security personnel with a record of sexual or gender-based violence or other violations of human rights?
The National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police conducts evaluations as an integrated part of the recruitment and promotion process.
- What other preventative measures do you have, for example to prevent sexual abuse or sexual exploitation on deployments and other forms of engagement of security forces abroad?
Iceland has no military or security forces abroad. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs implements policies and procedures against gender-based violence and sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment in international cooperation, including through training for all field staff. This work will continue as part of Iceland’s Fourth National Action Plan.
3 Leadership, accountability and assurance
3.1 Integrating WPS into the command climate 6 - How do you integrate a gender perspective and WPS into your policy and operational framework, including military manuals, national security policy frameworks, codes of conduct, protocols, standard operating procedures and command directives?
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs and partners will, as part of the fourth NAP, integrate better awareness of all aspects of WPS both domestically and in the international context relating to conflict and conflict prevention.
3.2 Accountability and Performance assessment
- What measures, systems or procedures do you have on individual and collective accountability for acting in accordance with such policies or directives?
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police have in place a policy and response plan on bullying, sexual harassment, gender- based harassment and violence.
3.3 Assurance
- How do you provide specialist advice to operational commanders on WPS?
N/A
- What systems or measures do you use to co-ordinate specialist advice on WPS throughout your security forces and to provide democratic oversight?
N/A
4 Sharing of good practice
4.1 How do you share good practice and learn from others?
7 3.2. PARTICIPATION
A. Checklist of key measures taken by participating States
Please indicate if your State has the following measures in place to increase women’s participation in security forces and decision making, including at all stages of any peace-making process. More detailed information of such measures can be included in Part B below.
Yes No Type of Measure 1. Collection and monitoring of sex disaggregated statistics on applicants to armed forces X
N/A 2. Policies to attract female candidates (targeted campaigns, review of accession tests etc.) X
3. Policies to promote equal opportunities for women and men across the security sector X 4. Collection and monitoring of sex disaggregated statistics of armed forces personnel: X - By rank - By promotion - By retention
N/A 5. Collection and monitoring of sex disaggregated statistics of complaints by armed forces personnel of: X - Discrimination - sexual harassment - gender based harassment - sexual violence - gender-based violence
N/A 6. Collection and monitoring of sex disaggregated statistics of complaints by civilian personnel in the security sector of: X - discrimination - sexual harassment - gender based harassment - sexual violence - gender-based violence
7. Anonymous staff surveys/climate assessment surveys or similar (monitoring incidences of behaviour contrary to military standards of X conduct)
N/A
8 8. Collection and monitoring of sex-disaggregated statistics of: - personnel deployed on operations and peace-keeping X missions - and by rank
N/A 9. Collection and monitoring of sex-disaggregated statistics of decision X makers in the security sector
10. Other related information, clarification or details to share:
9 B. More detailed information for sharing good practice on participative measures between participating States
1. Measures to increase the number of women in general and in decision- making positions in the armed forces and the ministry of defence (and other security forces- optional).
The MFA’s Directorate for Defence has emphasized women’s participation, within the Directorate as well as in missions abroad working on security and defence. The Directorate has highlighted the importance of women’s participation in security and defence through participation in public events as well as on social media. Iceland has no armed forces. As part of the fourth NAP, security agencies such as the National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police aim to increase the number of women at all levels of decision-making within their organizations.
1.1 What are the numbers and percentages of women and men applying for and recruited to your military forces?
N/A
1.2 What are the numbers and percentages of women and men in your military forces, disaggregated by rank?
N/A - Iceland has no military forces. The National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police encourages individuals with diverse backgrounds to apply for police training. An equal number of women and men were admitted to police training in 2024. In February 2022, men made up 66% and women 34% of all police personnel. Of police officers, 75% were men and 25% women. The most equal percentage was among detectives, whereof 63% were men and 37% women. Only one woman has been appointed as chief superintendent, in 2018. In 2023, women accounted for 40% of police commissioners and men for 60%.
1.3 If you regularly analyze retention and promotion statistics disaggregated by gender and rank, what are the trends and what action, if any, are you taking as a result?
N/A
1.4 What are the numbers and percentages of complaints raised by women and men about discrimination, harassment, sexual or gender-based violence?
A study published in 2024 indicates that of police staff, about 15% have been sexually harassed in their work or in connection with their work. Women in the police are more likely to have been sexually harassed than men. Of the women who have been sexually harassed at work, 60% identified male colleagues as the perpetrator, while it is most common for men in the police to be sexually harassed in their work by a female outsider (74%).
1.5 How do you monitor outcomes?
At the National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police, a special council monitors outcomes. 10 1.6 How is a gender-perspective integrated into a ‘climate assessment’ or similar anonymous staff survey, if used?
Various assessments are conducted across the public sector in Iceland, including an annual survey among ministries and government agencies where staff views on working conditions and well-being at work are monitored.
2 Measures to increase the numbers of women and specialist WPS advisers in peacekeeping forces.
2.1 What are the numbers and percentages of women and men in peacekeeping forces, disaggregated by rank?
Iceland participates in multilateral cooperation on peace and security on a civilian basis. In 2024, Iceland deployed 14 civilian experts on security-related assignments abroad, of which 8 were women and 6 were men.
2.2 What are the numbers and percentages of international missions to which you appointed Gender Advisers, Gender Focal Points or Women Protection Advisers?
Iceland currently seconds a WPS Adviser to NATO HQ.
3 Democratic oversight of Security Forces and WPS
3.1 How do your security forces publicize, report on and account for their actions on policies and plans related to WPS?
N/A
3.2 What is the representation of women in decision-making positions in institutions ensuring democratic oversight and public scrutiny?
Political participation of women in Iceland is high, both at central government and local government level. Currently, women hold 29 of 63 seats in Parliament (46%). The coalition government consists of three political parties that are all led by women. The Committee for the Supervision of the Police is currently headed by a woman.
3.2 PROTECTION
A. Checklist of measures taken by participating States
Please indicate if your State has the following protective measures in place. More detailed information of the protective measures can be included in Part B below.
11 Type of Measure Yes No
1. Specialist Advisers on WPS: - Gender Advisers X - Gender Focal Points - Women Protection Advisers
2. Policies to protect women and others in conflict and post-conflict areas from sexual abuse and exploitation by your state’s security personnel X
3. Policies, which set out the duties of commanders and other superiors to prevent abuse or exploitation by their subordinates. X
N/A 4. Collection and monitoring of reported cases of exploitation and abuse allegedly perpetrated by military, paramilitary and security forces: X - referred - investigated - acted upon
N/A 5. Measures to increase your state’s capacity to investigate alleged violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms in areas of X conflict or post-conflict including sexual and gender-based violence
N/A 6. National legislation conferring powers to prosecute alleged extra- X terrestrial violations of human rights
N/A 7. Other related information, clarification or details to share:
B. More detailed information for sharing good practice on protective measures between participating States
1 Measures to embed protection of women and girls in operations and international missions
N/A for all questions below
12 1.1 How do you define conflict-related violence in your policies, manuals, standard operating procedures and training material?
- Does it include sexual and gender-based violence, forced sterilisations and abductions, also of men and boys, and forced pregnancy and forced abortions?
- Does it include victims of terrorism or other armed groups?
1.2 Number and percentage of participating State’s international missions that address specific issues affecting women and girls in their terms of reference and the mission reports.
1.3 How are military, para-military and security forces trained to respond to sexual violence and gender-based harm?
2 Investigating alleged violations
N/A for all questions below
2.1 How do you identify, record, investigate and prosecute any alleged violations, cases of exploitation and abuse perpetrated by military, para-military and security forces? What experience do you have of such investigations and prosecutions?
2.2 What are the number and percentage of reported cases of exploitation and abuse allegedly perpetrated by military, para-military and security forces that are referred, investigated and acted upon?
2.3 How do you ensure access to justice for victims of conflict related violence including cases of exploitation and abuse by military, para-military and security forces?
3 Other measures to protect women and girls
3.1 What lessons could you share in relation to protective measures?
3.3 SUSTAINING PEACE
A. Checklist of key measures taken by participating States
Please indicate if your State has the following measures in place to sustain peace, especially regarding relief and recovery and post-conflict situations. More detailed information about such measures can be included in Part B below.
Type of Measure Yes No
13 1. Measures to ensure the involvement of women from the outset in seeking a peaceful settlement of potential or actual conflicts. X
2. Measures to support those who have experienced sexual or gender- based violence during or post-conflict to support their recovery from X trauma
3. Measures to support the role of women as agents of change and transformation in areas emerging from conflict X
4. Measures to support capacity building in the security and other sectors of fragile states or post-conflict situations to protect human rights and X fundamental freedoms, especially relating to women and girls
5. Other related information, clarification or details to share:
B. More detailed information for sharing good practice between participating States
N/A for all questions below
1.1 How do security personnel support and seek to embed the involvement of women in peacekeeping and throughout the peace building and post -conflict process?
1.2 What training are your security personnel given as regards survivor focus?
1.3 What roles do your security personnel or other personnel play in support of demobilisation, access to humanitarian assistance or to facilitate re-integration post-conflict?
1.4 What lessons could you share in relation to recovery and relief issues in the WPS agenda?
3.4 Final reflections
1. What do you consider biggest obstacles as well as what are the priorities for your country on WPS in the context of the Code of Conduct?
2. Would you like to share any additional information, clarification or details?
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