Iceland Constitutional Referendum of 2011

Summary

In 2011, Iceland’s Constitutional Council submitted a draft to the Althing (Icelandic Parliament) that proposed an amended national constitution recognizing the rights of nature. Notably, the human rights chapter was renamed “Human Rights and Nature” and established responsible resource management with respect for the rights of nature and future generations.

Jurisprudential Framing
Article 33. Iceland’s nature and environment: “Iceland’s nature is the foundation of life in the country. Everyone is under obligation to respect it and protect it. Everyone shall by law be ensured the right to a healthy environment, fresh water, clean air and unspoiled nature. This means maintenance of life and land and protection of sites of natural interest, unpopulated wilderness, vegetation and soil. Previous damage shall be repaired to the extent possible. The use of natural resources shall be managed so as to minimise their depletion in the long term with respect for the rights of nature and future generations.”

Background and Timeline
On June 16, 2010, the Althing passed the Constitutional Assembly Act, initiating a constitutional reform process led by a Constitutional Council. The Council was informed by a National Forum of 950 randomly selected citizens that identified eight priority values for a new Constitution: integrity, democracy, human rights, environmental protection and sustainable use of resources, peace and international collaboration, distribution of power and transparency, justice and equality, and the country and its people. The public had unrestricted access to the work of the Constitutional Council throughout the process, and was able to directly make comments and suggestions directly to the Council. The Council’s draft was delivered to the Althing on July 29, 2011.

On October 20, 2012, a non-binding national referendum was held in which voters approved all six questions relating to the draft constitution. Under Icelandic law, the outcomes of such referendums have advisory value. Thus, the aim of this referendum is to find out the nation’s views on the Constitutional Council’s proposals, not to pass a new draft Constitution. However, the Althing failed to ratify the proposal in 2013. As of 2025, the reforms had not been implemented despite continued public support.