Statement by H.E. Mr. Ragnar Þór Ingólfsson,
Minister of Social Affairs and Housing of Iceland,
Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP), 19th Session
General Debate
9 June 2026

Mr. Chair,

Distinguished delegates,

It is an honour to address this Conference of States Parties on behalf of Iceland.

The implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities remains a key priority for the Icelandic Government.

We are strongly committed to ensuring that persons with disabilities enjoy equal rights, full participation, and meaningful inclusion in all aspects of our society.

In March of 2024, the Icelandic Parliament adopted Iceland’s first comprehensive National Action Plan on Disability Affairs.

The Action Plan contains 60 measures designed to provide a clear vision for the future, to strengthen the mapping and evaluation of services, and to support the continued advancement of the rights of persons with disabilities.

Since our last meeting, the Icelandic Government has commenced The Icelandic Human Rights Institution as an independent institution working directly under Parliament.

In the autumn of 2025, a new disability pension scheme entered into force, with the aim of supporting greater activity, participation, and inclusion of persons with disabilities.

Perhaps most importantly, on November 12th last year, the Icelandic Parliament incorporated the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities into domestic law. This marked a major milestone in strengthening the legal protection of disability rights in Iceland.

I am also pleased to announce that the Government of Iceland has completed the domestic ratification process for the Optional Protocol.

These achievements reflect our ongoing commitment to advancing equality, participation, and human rights for persons with disabilities. We look forward to continuing our cooperation with States Parties, organizations of persons with disabilities, and the United Nations to ensure the full implementation of the Convention.

Thank you.