Around 560 people of foreign origin live in the municipality, and they are of approx 40 different nationalities. Nejra’s article on the establishment of a multicultural council in the Municipality of Hornafjörður, which was published in Leiðarhöfði just under a year ago, stated that a clear policy and good management of new residents are necessary.
Since the establishment of the Multicultural Council in 2021, which consists of 5 representatives of foreign newcomers and the project manager of multi-culture, the representatives have met every other month, and the issues addressed in the meeting are as diverse as they are many.
Human rights policy
The importance of comprehensive policy-making such as human rights policy instead of a specific multicultural policy has been discussed. We consider this to be a sensible approach, as such policy aims to ensure that all human beings enjoy human rights, regardless of origin, ethnicity, color, religion, political opinion, sex, sexual orientation, age, economic status, descent, disability, health, or another status. We are ready to support the work ahead in shaping it.
Increased providing of information
During this election period, much has been achieved in providing information to new residents, and they are much more accessible than before. Among the things that have been done are a tab on the front page of the municipality’s website called “multicultural” where you can find all the primary information for newcomers in electronic forms. Information such as an information booklet about sports and social activities, leisure grants and use of the Nora system, interpreting and translation services, etc. In addition, the “google translate” option is now available, which is an easy way to translate the municipality’s website into 34 languages.
Facebook has also been used to improve the information provided with the establishment of the site “Living in Hornafjörður”, managed by the project manager and representatives of the multicultural council. In the run-up for the election, great emphasis has been placed on new residents being well informed about their voting rights and encouraged to exercise them in the upcoming elections. We encourage the people of Hornafjörður to become members of the site and let others know who can use it.
The Multicultural Council established to be
We believe that establishing a multicultural council is the right decision. Significant work has been done there under the excellent management of Hildur Ýr, project manager for multi-culture, and many good ideas and urgent projects are still being developed. We want to continue to see the active participation of residents of different origins from urban and rural areas in projects, committees, and councils on behalf of the municipality. In addition, we believe there is good reason to increase further the conversation between representatives of the multicultural council and elected representatives and establish an annual meeting of the council with the town council.
Íris Heiður Jóhannsdóttir, 5th place on the list of Framsókn and their supporters.
Nejra Mesetovic, 13th place on the list of Framsókn and supporters.
