Purpose:
to implement the City of Reykjavik Human Rights Policy; to enhance quality customer service with its emphasis on meeting the needs of a diversity of customers and with the creativity and insight that flow from a concern for and knowledge of this diversity; to open up a dialogue about discrimination, equality, prejudice and stereotypes.
Stimulus/Rationale:
Every municipality as a service provider needs to be competent in terms of equality and human rights if it is to promote human rights and equality and have regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, promote equality of opportunity, and protect human rights in carrying out their functions.
The city employs around 8000 people. The group of employees is very diverse and includes representatives of many minority groups, for example, immigrants, people with disability, or LGBTQ people. To prevent potential misunderstandings and to open a dialogue about discrimination, equality, prejudice and stereotypes, the Human Rights Office of Reykjavík has designed specific training for city employees.
Process:
The training “Can´t I say or do anything anymore?” targets all departments of the City of Reykjavik and describes everyday actions in the workplace, what effects different situations could have on wellbeing at work, how humour is both important but can also be hurtful; it further talks about the importance of words and underlines that they can have different meanings for different people; it describes and analyses microaggressions, stereotypes and prejudice. The training provides real examples of discrimination based on origin, sexual orientation, disability, and health issues.
Impact:
Training is considered very successful according to a survey conducted by the Human Rights Office. The vast majority of the participants were very satisfied or satisfied with the training and considered it relevant to their work.
Key reference documents:
