Annex: Draft of 6 July 2016 Draft Act on the Independent National Human Rights Institution of Iceland Article 1 The National Human Rights Institution operates under the auspices of Iceland’s parliament, the Althingi. The Institution’s main role is to promote and protect human rights in Iceland as they are defined in the Constitution of the Republic of Iceland, legislation, international agreements and other international commitments. Article 2 The Institution is independent in its activities from the instructions of other parties, including the Althingi. However, the Presidium of the Althing may, either on its own initiative or at the request of Members of Parliament, require reports on any specific matters falling under the remit of the Institution. Article 3 The Institution performs its role primarily by: a. Advising government authorities on all areas relating to the promotion and protection of human rights. The Institution may provide this advice in the form of reports, opinions and proposals on any matters relating to human rights. The Institution may decide to publish such documents. b. Providing comments on any legislation, legislative bills and administrative practices relating to the protection of human rights; thereby promoting the compliance of legislation and public administration with international human rights agreements to which the Icelandic government is a party and respect for the rights provided for thereunder. c. Reviewing the status of human rights in Iceland, raising government awareness of potential violations of human rights and proposing improvements. d. Partnering with domestic, overseas and international human rights organisations and providing these with information as requested. e. Promoting human rights research and education and generating discussion about human rights in the media. The Institution is not a ruling body on human rights issues, for which reason complaints concerning the decisions of government or private parties cannot be referred to the Institution. However, the Institution may provide individuals seeking its assistance with guidance on how to enforce human rights, including on avenues of complaint to Icelandic government authorities and international organisations. Article 4 The Althingi elects five members to the Board of Directors of the Institution, and an equal number of alternates, for a term of five years. The members of the Board shall have expertise in different fields, including human rights law. The Althingi elects the Chairperson of the 1