Queer rights in the Arctic

Recent years have witnessed setbacks in democratic development and issues concerning various marginal and minority groups in many parts of the world. Extremism and undemocratic governance have led to restrictions on the rights of certain groups, often those who were most vulnerable. During Iceland's presidency of the Nordic Council in 2024, emphasis has been placed on strengthening co-operation between the Nordic countries on issues related to equality and marginal and minority groups, especially in sparsely populated peripheral areas.

The Nordic Council invites to this breakout session in cooperation with The West Nordic Council and The Standing Committee of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region.

Speakers:

Guðmundur Ingi Guðbrandsson, Minister of Social Affairs and the Labour Market / Minister for Nordic Cooperation

Bjarndís Helga Tómasdóttir, Director of Samtökin ‘78 – the National Queer Association of Iceland 

Lotte Fast Carlsen, Vice-Director, Nordic Safe Cities

Panel:

Speakers, Oddný G. Harðardóttir Vice-President of the Nordic Council, Aaja Chemnitz, Chair of the Standing Committee of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region, and Steinunn Thóra Árnadóttir, Vice Chair of the West Nordic Council.

Moderator: Hjalti Ómar Ágústsson, Specialist, Directorate of Equality, Iceland