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Gayther Refugee and Migrant Country Guides

Iceland

Europe and Northern Europe
Help and assistance for Refugees and Migrants
GAYTHER REFUGEE AND MIGRANT COUNTRY GUIDES

00 | FOREWORD

Designed to help you
researching your options
Welcome to the foreword section of the refugee and migrant country guides. This section provides an overview of the guides and the interactive contents section, designed to help you navigate the guide quickly and easily.

Welcome

| TO THE LGBTQIA+ REFUGEE AND MIGRANT GUIDES

Gayther Sections - Refugee Intro
The Gayther Refugee and Migrant guides are designed to support people from the global community; however, they are not exclusively LGBTQIA+ guides, as they contain information, resources, and tips that can help anyone seeking refuge or fleeing challenging situations and circumstances where they live. The guides provide valuable and key information for anyone researching their options, a resource for everyone, allies, friends, and anyone looking to understand the world better, regardless of their sexuality or gender identity.

No one chooses to become a refugee or an economic migrant; it is typically something that happens to them and is often out of their control. Whether through those in power abusing their position with regard to policies and laws that target the vulnerable, or through war and conflict taking place around where they live. Though it is often forgotten, the cause is war, conflict, mismanagement and abuse of power; the victims are those affected, the refugees and migrants forced to leave their homes and all they have known.

Unfortunately, we live in a world where identifying as a refugee or economic migrant often comes with labels, unfair stereotypes and preconceptions. If you are someone that is seeking refuge, desperate for help and looking for safety and the ability to ensure your fundamental human rights, such as the right to shelter, food and access to healthcare, remember this was done to you, that you are not at fault, you are not to blame and though it may seem like the world is against you, many people, organisations and nations are willing and able to provide you with the support and help you need.

The relationship between those seeking refuge or assistance and those providing it is a social contract, a long-term relationship, based on trust and collaboration. In providing sanctuary, those receiving help will likely have to make a conscious commitment, one in which they work to integrate into their new homes and communities, as well as accept and understand that they are now in a country that has different customs and cultures than the ones they might be used to and know. Finally, everyone acknowledges that integration is the journey, one that will likely take time and commitment, not the final destination.

The guides showcase the state of individual countries, the ratings on the Safe Country Index, the Gayther LGBTQIA+ Equality Index, and the LGBTQIA+ Safe Country Index, all key indicators of how each country treats its people, especially LGBTQIA+ people. You will learn more about the political environment, refugee statistics, useful phrases in the local languages, healthcare information, details about the country as a whole, and, most importantly, a valuable tool that provides estimated distances to the nearest safe countries from where they are located. Whatever your situation, the guides are a helpful tool when researching your options.
We hope you get the support and help you need, and that your situation gets resolved quickly. Wishing you a safe journey from all of us at Gayther.

Contents

| IN PAGE LINKS

Gayther Sections - Phrases
USEFUL PHRASES
Discover all the everyday words and phrases in the languages spoken within the country or region. Phrases from greetings, how to communicate during an emergency, basic instructions and terms for directions and seeking guidance

01 | ABOUT

Learn more about the
country
Learn more about the country, from its official name to its flag and demonyms, as well as the nation’s standing on the safe country index.
Iceland Flag
ICELAND
(pronounced - ai-sluhnd | ˈaɪslənd)
OFFICIAL NAME: Republic of Iceland
DEMONYMS: Icelandic, Icelander, European
Iceland is part of the Northern Europe region in the continent of Europe. Iceland is also known as the Land of Ice, from the Old Norse term iss, meaning ice, and the Land of Fire and Ice. It is in the Northern hemisphere and is 103 thousand square kilometres in size. The primary language spoken is Icelandic, the capital city is Reykjavík, and the main currency used is the Iceland Krona.

Metrics

| KEY STATISTICS

GREEN
2024 SAFE COUNTRY ASSESSMENT


LGBTQIA+ Equality - Very High
Very High
LGBTQIA+ EQUALITY STATUS

What does the LGBTQIA+ equality status mean? Click here for more information
GREEN
2024 LGBTQIA+ SAFE COUNTRY ASSESSMENT


Geography

| ABOUT THE LOCATION

Refugee Country Guide - Geography Capital Icon
CAPITAL
Reykjavik
Refugee Country Guide - Geography Regions Icon
REGION
Northern Europe
Refugee Country Guide - Geography Continent Icon
CONTINENT
Europe
Refugee Country Guide - Geography Hemisphere Icon
HEMISPHERE
Northern
Refugee Country Guide - Geography Area Icon
AREA
103000

(square kilometers)

Refugee Country Guide - Geography Ocean Icon
SURROUNDING OCEAN(S)
Atlantic Ocean
Region Image
Discover more on Gayther
COUNTRY AND REGIONS
To help you explore the various countries and regions, we have created links to relevant tools, services, and guides.
Gayther Sections - About

02 | REFUGEE CONVENTIONS & POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT

The political environment and
sovereignty
Discover more about the country’s political environment, sovereignty, and whether the nation has signed up to the Geneva Refugee Convention and protocol.

Political

| AND REFUGEE CONVENTIONS

Refugee Country Guide - Government Section (500px)

LGBTQIA+

| REFUGEE STATISTICS

The estimated refugee statistical information is adapted based on the refugee data finder service for the current year and by applying the formula used by the Gayther Population Index

Refugee Country Guide - Refugees (200px) - White
REFUGEES
230
Refugee Country Guide - Asylum Icon (200px) - White
ASYLUM
75
Refugee Country Guide - Total (200px) - White
TOTAL DISPLACED
305
Refugee Country Guide - Internally Displaced Icon (200px) - White
INTERNALLY DISPLACED
0
Refugee Country Guide - Stateless (200px) - White
STATELESS
1
Refugee Country Guide - Rank Icon (200px) - White
RANK
117
Find and explore
Knowing what is available and finding services and support in the country you plan to seek refuge or asylum can be challenging. The Refugee and Migrant Services directory was designed for organisations, charities and groups in countries around the world to showcase what they do and how they can help those seeking support. Explore the directory and find organisations, groups and services tailored to help people like you.

USEFUL PHRASES | CRIME TERMS

Common phrases and terms in the local language(s)
IMPORTANT:
All of the languages and terms featured within the useful phrases tool are literal translations and have not been validated or verified. The tool is provided free of charge, and by using it, you accept that you are doing so at your own risk
Refugee Country Guide - Translations Crime (500px)
CRIME
glæpur (icelandic)
ABUSE
misnotkun (icelandic)
AFRAID
hræddur (icelandic)
ASSISTANCE
aðstoð (icelandic)
ASYLUM
hæli (icelandic)
DEATH
dauða (icelandic)
DETENTION
eftirseta (icelandic)
DISPLACE
þola (icelandic)
KIDNAPPING
rænt (icelandic)
PERSECUTION
ofsóknir (icelandic)
RAPE
nauðgun (icelandic)
SCARED
hræddur (icelandic)
WAR
stríð (icelandic)

03 | NOTIFICATIONS

Key notices and information about the
country
Learn more about the current state of the country, where it stands on the LGBTQIA+ equality index, whether it has signed the Refugee Convention or Protocol, and key links to government and supporting organisational resources.
LAST UPDATED:  June 18, 2024
×  LOW-RISK  | The country has progressive laws for the LGBGTQIA+ community and typically should be safe for refugees and migrants from the community. Though progressive, they may not accept asylum applications based on persecution due to a person's sexuality or gender identity....read more

Latest

| STATUS

  • LGBTQIA+ RELATED | The country typically scores high or very high within the Gayther Equality Index. The score means that the government and society will be more accepting of the community and generally have progressive laws in place relating to the local LGBTQIA+ community, such as decriminalising same-sex relationships, the right to marry...more
  • CURRENT STATE | There are currently no known issues or armed conflicts taking place within this country
  • This country is categorised as being a full democracy, where the government offers all its citizens civil liberties and freedoms...more
  • GENEVA REFUGEE STATUS | This country signed up to both the refugee convention and protocol, which outlines the agreed criteria, status and rights of refugees...more
  • LGBTQIA+ ASYLUM APPLICATIONS | It is unknown whether this country accepts asylum applications (membership of a particular social group) based on being persecuted for identifying with a specific sexuality or gender identity. There is no public information to support their position on applications.
UNHCR Country Information Service
DISCOVER THE LATEST INFORMATION FOR REFUGEES, ASYLUM-SEEKERS AND STATELESS PEOPLE. LEARN ABOUT HOW TO APPLY FOR ASYLUM, RIGHTS AND DUTIES AND MORE



Government

| INFORMATION

Refugee Country Guide - Government Badge
ICELAND
GOVERNMENT
alþingi

A government is comprised of a group of people within a given country with authority to govern a country or state. Governments are typically made up of heads of state (presidents, prime ministers or chief), departments and ministries which represent specific functions and provide services for all those citizens living within the country

Refugee Country Guide - Immigration Badge
ICELAND
MINISTRY OF IMMIGRATION OR THE INTERIOR
útlendingastofnun

The immigration office or ministry is typically a department or organisation within a government that focuses on all things relating to immigration and residency. The department will often manage visa and residency applications, issuing of passports and national ids and all of the relevant rights for living within a given country

A tool to help during a crisis
With over 7,000 languages spoken globally, communicating with officials and those offering assistance can be challenging. The Refugee Communication Tool (RCT) is a valuable resource designed for refugees and those individuals providing assistance, enabling them to communicate with one another. The online tool enables users to select, point, and enter the necessary information in their language and in English, choosing literal translations from a list of over 100 of the most popular and commonly spoken languages globally. Explore the RCT today

04 | HEALTHCARE RELATED

key information relating to
healthcare services
Explore the type of healthcare, whether universal healthcare is available, the healthcare authority and the name of the healthcare service.

Overview

| HEALTHCARE INFORMATION

Gayther Healthcare - Universal Healthcare
UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE COVERAGE
Yes
Gayther Healthcare - Healthcare Category
HEALTHCARE CATEGORY
National Health Service (Beveridge)
Gayther Healthcare - Healthcare Authority
HEALTHCARE AUTHORITY
Heilsuvera
Gayther Healthcare - Healthcare Name
HEALTHCARE NAME
heilsuvera
If you are residing within and are travelling to any of the European Union countries (27 countries), Iceland, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, you might be eligible to the EHIC, which provides you with access to emergency care for free or at a reduced rate depending on the country.
Discover more on Gayther
HEALTH
To learn more about health-related resources, we have created links to relevant tools, services and guides.
Gayther Sections - Health

05 | EMERGENCY INFORMATION

All the essential information needed during an
emergency
When the worst happens, it is important to establish quickly the numbers and ways to reach out to get the help you need. The emergency contacts section provides telephone numbers for emergency services, including ambulances, police and fire rescue.

Emergency

| SERVICES

Icelandic
Official Language(s) spoken in Iceland
The emergency service numbers within Iceland to call during an emergency
  • AMBULANCE - when someone is seriously ill or injured, and their life is at risk (emergency medical services and technical rescue)
  • POLICE - when you feel in danger, are in dangerous situations or have witnessed a crime (law enforcement, criminal investigation, and maintenance of public order)
  • FIRE RESCUE - when a fire occurs or where a person needs rescue (fire suppression, technical rescue, and hazardous materials mitigation)


Ambulance
AMBULANCE
sjúkrabíll (icelandic)

dial
112

Call Ambulance Service Now

Police
POLICE
lögreglu (icelandic)

dial
112

Call Police Now

Fire
FIRE
eldur (icelandic)

dial
112

Call Fire Service Now


Support

| GROUPS

When going through something challenging, we often feel alone and unable to view the situation objectively. Negative feelings and thoughts can make a situation seem worse and make us feel like no hope or end is in sight. Whatever the problem, issue, or challenge, someone has likely faced similar life obstacles. Issues they are going through now or ones that they have already overcome.

Support groups and services are typically made up of trained professionals and people who have faced similar problems. They have either overcome challenges or found ways to cope with and manage them. These exceptional groups and services are extraordinary, especially those needing a lifeline. Thousands of local and national groups and services help millions of people worldwide. Many of these people have faced some of the most demanding challenges of their lives.

Discover support groups and resources available within the country or region.
Discover more on Gayther
EMERGENCY RESOURCES
To help you get help quickly, we have created links to relevant tools, services and guides.
Gayther Sections - Emergency

06 | DISTANCE TO SAFE COUNTRIES

The distance to the top five
Safe Countries
A safe country of origin, defined within the Geneva Convention, is free from international or internal armed conflict. One that does not persecute, use the threat of violence or torture its citizens, whether temporarily or permanently. Furthermore, it neither endorses nor implements inhuman, degrading treatments or punishments. Lastly, it operates a democratic system, and the general political environment allows for civil freedoms. Each country implements its own definition of what makes a safe country, and all countries do not use one list

Top

| FIVE COUNTRIES

Take pride in
Leaving your country, all that you know, often your family and people that you care about, to venture out in the world to find a safe place takes real courage. Many face challenges, obstacles and even when they finally find a safe place to settle, they quickly discover a whole new set of problems, from language barriers to new cultural and societal traditions, all of which can be complicated for many refugees. The pride in series showcases the bravery and resilience of the many refugees around the world, people who, through no fault of their own, face difficult decisions every day. Explore the pride in series today.

USEFUL PHRASES | PROCESSING

Common phrases and terms in the local language(s)
IMPORTANT:
All of the languages and terms featured within the useful phrases tool are literal translations and have not been validated or verified. The tool is provided free of charge, and by using it, you accept that you are doing so at your own risk
Refugee Country Guide - Translations Process (500px)
PROCESSING
vinnsla (icelandic)
APPLICANT
umsækjandi (icelandic)
APPLICATION FORM
umsóknareyðublað (icelandic)
ASYLUM SEEKER
hælisleitandi (icelandic)
CITIZENSHIP
ríkisborgararétt (icelandic)
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
upprunaland (icelandic)
DATE OF BIRTH
fæðingardagur (icelandic)
DISPLACEMENT
tilfærsla (icelandic)
GENDER
kyn (icelandic)
MIGRANT
farandur (icelandic)
NAME
nafn (icelandic)
NATIONALITY
þjóðerni (icelandic)
PROOF
sönnun (icelandic)
REFUGEE
flóttamaður (icelandic)
RELIGION
trúarbrögð (icelandic)
RETURN
aftur (icelandic)
SEXUALITY
kynhneigð (icelandic)
STATUS
stöðu (icelandic)
TRANSIT
flutningur (icelandic)

07 | LGBTQIA+ RELATED

The laws, treatment and attitudes towards the
LGBTQIA+ community
Explore the laws and societal attitudes the country has regarding the LGBTQIA+ community. Whether from the community, an ally or someone concerned about where they are visiting, the LGBTQIA+-related section highlights many key areas that might affect visitors and those living within the country or region

IMPORTANT: This section has been created to provide general and basic understandings regarding LGBTQIA+ global rights and treatments. It is essential that before travelling, you independently establish information relating specifically to your requirements and circumstances. If you are unsure or concerned about your safety regarding visiting a specific destination, it is advisable to consult with your country’s foreign office, which will provide advice and guidance regarding destinations around the world.

Equality

| STATUS

LGBTQIA+ Equality - Very High
Very High
LGBTQIA+ EQUALITY STATUS

Key

| AREAS

Refugee Country Guide - LGBTQIA+ Population Icon
LGBTQIA+ POPULATION
c.10 thousand
Refugee Country Guide - LGBTQIA+ Dollar Icon
LGBTQIA+ DOLLAR
c.382.8 million
Gayther Sections- Life Sections
LGBTQIA+ ILLEGAL
No
Refugee Country Guide - LGBTQIA+ Anti-Discrimination Icon
ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAWS IN PLACE
Yes
(extensive laws in place)
Discover more about the community
Learn more about how this country treats members of the LGBTQIA+ community. The equality index is based at a national level and covers areas ranging from same-sex marriages to gender recognition
Refugee Country Guide - LGBTQIA+ Same-Sex Unions Icon
SAME-SEX UNIONS RECOGNISED
Yes
Refugee Country Guide - LGBTQIA+ Marriage Icon
SAME-SEX MARRIAGE RECOGNISED
Yes
Refugee Country Guide - LGBTQIA+ Gender Recognition Icon
LEGAL GENDER RECOGNITION
Yes
Refugee Country Guide - LGBTQIA+ Gay Conversion Therapy Icon
GAY CONVERSION THERAPY BANNED
Yes

LGBTQIA+

| TERMS

Learn the literal translations of key LGBTQIA+ terms in the local languages/dialects
Lesbian Flag
Lesbian
lesbía (icelandic)
Gay Flag
Gay
hommi (icelandic)
Bisexual Flag
Bisexual
tvítyngd (icelandic)
Transgender Flag
Transgender
transgender (icelandic)
Intersex Flag
Intersex
intersex (icelandic)
Asexual Flag
Asexual
asexual (icelandic)
Questioning Flag
Questioning
spurning (icelandic)
Community Flag
Community
samfélag (icelandic)
Gender Flag
Gender
kynstengt (icelandic)
Sexuality Flag
Sexuality
kynhneigð tengd (icelandic)
Non-Bingary Flag
Non-Binary
ótvíræður (icelandic)
Queer Flag
Queer
hinsegin (icelandic)
Refugee Country Guide - Language Country (300px)
Learn more about what it means to be an
Identifying as a refugee or seeking asylum is not something people choose; instead, it is something that happens. Unfortunately, conflicts occur at any given time around the world. Whether a civil war or a battle between two or more countries, all severely impact the civilian population. Poverty, social inequality, racism, persecution, and so many more factors mean those affected have no choice but to leave their homes in search of a better future. For those affected, returning home would likely result in having to face vigilante militias, long prison sentences or, in some cases, certain death. For most refugees, the only solution is to relocate to another, safer country, because staying at home or within their country poses a significant risk. For the LGBTQIA+ community, with over a quarter of the world still criminalising same-sex relationships, the risk is very real. Learn more about what it means to be an LGBTQIA+ refugee, a resource-packed guide complete with helpful resources and interactive tools.
Discover more on Gayther
LGBTQIA+
We have created links to relevant tools, services and guides to learn more about all things relating to the LGBTQIA+ community.
Gayther Guides - LGBTQIA+

08 | COUNTRY NAME

The country name in
many languages

Discover the name of this country in other languages. The name is sorted by country name and languages spoken (in alphabetical order) and can be accessed by clicking on the quick links below. If you want to learn more about any given country, please click on the flag or the country name, which will open the required content in a new window



A  
Afghanistan Flag
- (dari) | آیلینډ (pashto)
Albania Flag
islandë (albanian)
Algeria Flag
أيسلندا ['ayslanda] (arabic) | islande (french)
American Samoa Flag
aiselani (samoan)
Andorra Flag
islàndia (catalan)
Angola Flag
islândia (portuguese)
Anguilla Flag
iceland (english)
Antigua and Barbuda Flag
iceland (english)
Argentina Flag
islandia (spanish)
Armenia Flag
իսլանդիա (armenian)
Australia Flag
iceland (english)
Austria Flag
island (german)
Azerbaijan Flag
islandiya (azerbaijani)


B  
Bahamas, The Flag
iceland (english)
Bahrain Flag
أيسلندا ['ayslanda] (arabic)
Bangladesh Flag
আইস্ল্যাণ্ড (bengali)
Barbados Flag
iceland (english)
Belarus Flag
ісландыя (belarusian) | исландия [islandiya] (russian)
Belgium Flag
ijsland (dutch) | islande (french) | island (german)
Belize Flag
iceland (english) | islandia (spanish)
Benin Flag
islande (french)
Bermuda Flag
iceland (english)
Bhutan Flag
- (dzongkha)
Bolivia Flag
islandia (spanish) | - (aymara) | - (quechua)
Bosnia and Herzegovina Flag
island (bosnian) | island (croatian) | исланд [island] (serbian)
Botswana Flag
iceland (english) | - (tswana)
Brazil Flag
islândia (portuguese)
British Virgin Islands Flag
iceland (english)
Brunei Darussalam Flag
iceland (malay) | iceland (english)
Bulgaria Flag
исландия (bulgarian)
Burkina Faso Flag
islande (french)
Burundi Flag
islande (french) | - (kirundi)


C  
Cambodia Flag
អ៊ីស្លង់ (khmer)
Cameroon Flag
iceland (english) | islande (french)
Canada Flag
iceland (english) | islande (french)
Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) Flag
islândia (portuguese)
Caribbean Netherlands Flag
ijsland (dutch) | iceland (english) | - (papiamentu)
Cayman Islands Flag
iceland (english)
Central African Republic Flag
- (sango) | islande (french)
Chad Flag
أيسلندا ['ayslanda] (arabic) | islande (french)
Channel Islands Flag
iceland (english) | islande (french)
Chile Flag
islandia (spanish)
China Flag
冰岛 [bīngdǎo] (mandarin)
Colombia Flag
islandia (spanish)
Comoros Flag
أيسلندا ['ayslanda] (arabic) | - (comorian) | islande (french)
Congo, D.Rep Flag
islande (french)
Congo, Rep Flag
islande (french)
Cook Islands Flag
iceland (english) | tiorangi (māori)
Costa Rica Flag
islandia (spanish)
Croatia Flag
island (croatian)
Cuba Flag
islandia (spanish)
Cyprus Flag
ισλανδία [islandía] (greek) | izlanda (turkish)
Czech Republic (Czechia) Flag
island (czech)


D E F  
Denmark Flag
island (danish)
Djibouti Flag
أيسلندا ['ayslanda] (arabic) | islande (french)
Dominica Flag
iceland (english)
Dominican Republic Flag
islandia (spanish)
East Timor (Timor-Leste) Flag
islândia (portuguese) | - (tetum)
Ecuador Flag
islandia (spanish)
Egypt Flag
أيسلندا ['ayslanda] (arabic)
El Salvador Flag
islandia (spanish)
Equatorial Guinea Flag
islandia (spanish) | islande (french)
Eritrea Flag
أيسلندا ['ayslanda] (arabic) | ኣይስላንድ (tigrinya) | - (tigre) | iceland (english)
Estonia Flag
island (estonian)
Ethiopia Flag
አይስላንድ (amharic)
Fiji Flag
- (fijian) | - (hindustani) | iceland (english)
Finland Flag
islanti (finnish) | island (swedish)
France Flag
islande (french)
French Guiana Flag
islande (french) | islande (french guianese creole)
French Polynesia Flag
islande (french)


G  
Gabon Flag
islande (french)
Gambia, The Flag
iceland (english)
Georgia Flag
- (abkhaz) | ისლანდია (georgian) | - (ossetic)
Germany Flag
island (german)
Ghana Flag
iceland (english)
Gibraltar Flag
iceland (english)
Greece Flag
ισλανδία [islandía] (greek)
Greenland Flag
- (kalaallisut) | island (danish)
Grenada Flag
iceland (english)
Guadeloupe Flag
islandia (spanish)
Guam Flag
iceland (english) | - (chamorro)
Guatemala Flag
islandia (spanish)
Guinea Flag
islande (french)
Guinea-Bissau Flag
islândia (portuguese)
Guyana Flag
iceland (english)


H I J  
Haiti Flag
islande (french) | islann (haitian creole)
Honduras Flag
islandia (spanish)
Hong Kong Flag
冰島 [bīngdǎo] (cantonese) | iceland (english)
Hungary Flag
izland (hungarian)
Iceland Flag
ísland (icelandic)
India Flag
आइसलैंड (hindi) | iceland (english)
Indonesia Flag
islandia (indonesian)
Iran, Islamic Republic of Flag
ایسلند (persian)
Iraq Flag
أيسلندا ['ayslanda] (arabic)
Ireland Flag
an íoslainn (irish (gaelic)) | iceland (english)
Isle of Man Flag
iceland (english)
Israel Flag
אִיסלַנד (hebrew)
Italy Flag
islanda (italian)
Ivory Coast (Cote d'Ivoire) Flag
islande (french)
Jamaica Flag
iceland (english)
Japan Flag
アイスランド (japanese)
Jordan Flag
أيسلندا ['ayslanda] (arabic)


K L  
Kazakhstan Flag
исландия (kazakh)
Kenya Flag
iceland (swahili) | iceland (english)
Kiribati Flag
- (gilbertese) | iceland (english)
Korea, North (D.Rep) Flag
아이슬란드 [aiseullandeu] (korean)
Korea, South (Rep) Flag
아이슬란드 [aiseullandeu] (korean)
Kosovo, Republic of Flag
islandë (albanian) | исланд [island] (serbian)
Kuwait Flag
أيسلندا ['ayslanda] (arabic)
Kyrgyzstan Flag
исландия (kirghiz)
Laos Flag
ປະເທດໄອແລນ (lao)
Latvia Flag
islande (latvian)
Lebanon Flag
أيسلندا ['ayslanda] (arabic)
Lesotho Flag
iceland (sesotho) | iceland (english)
Liberia Flag
iceland (english)
Libya Flag
أيسلندا ['ayslanda] (arabic)
Liechtenstein Flag
island (german)
Lithuania Flag
islandija (lithuanian)
Luxembourg Flag
island (luxembourgish) | islande (french) | island (german)


M  
Macau Flag
冰島 [bīngdǎo] (cantonese) | islândia (portuguese)
Madagascar Flag
islandy (malagasy) | islande (french)
Malawi Flag
iceland (chichewa) | iceland (english)
Malaysia Flag
iceland (malay)
Maldives Flag
- (dhivehi)
Mali Flag
islande (french)
Malta Flag
islanda (maltese) | iceland (english)
Marshall Islands Flag
- (marshallese) | iceland (english)
Martinique Flag
islande (french)
Mauritania Flag
أيسلندا ['ayslanda] (arabic)
Mauritius Flag
islande (french) | iceland (english)
Mayotte Flag
islande (french)
Mexico Flag
islandia (spanish)
Micronesia, F.S Flag
iceland (english) | - (chuukese) | - (kosraean) | - (pohnpeian) | - (yapese)
Moldova Flag
islanda (moldovan)
Monaco Flag
islande (french)
Mongolia Flag
исланд (mongolian)
Montenegro Flag
исланд [island] (montenegrin)
Morocco Flag
أيسلندا ['ayslanda] (arabic)
Mozambique Flag
islândia (portuguese)
Myanmar Flag
အိုက်စလန် (burmese)


N  
Namibia Flag
iceland (english)
Nauru Flag
- (nauruan) | iceland (english)
Nepal Flag
आइसल्याण्ड (nepali)
Netherlands Flag
ijsland (dutch)
Netherlands Antilles Flag
iceland (english)
New Caledonia Flag
islande (french)
New Zealand Flag
iceland (english) | tiorangi (māori)
Nicaragua Flag
islandia (spanish)
Niger Flag
islande (french)
Nigeria Flag
iceland (english)
Niue Flag
- (niuean) | iceland (english)
North Macedonia Flag
исланд (macedonian)
Northern Mariana Islands Flag
iceland (english) | - (chamorro) | - (carolinian)
Norway Flag
island (norwegian)


O P Q  
Oman Flag
أيسلندا ['ayslanda] (arabic)
Pakistan Flag
آیس لینڈ (urdu)
Palau Flag
- (palauan) | iceland (english)
Palestine, State of Flag
أيسلندا ['ayslanda] (arabic)
Panama Flag
islandia (spanish)
Papua New Guinea Flag
iceland (english)
Paraguay Flag
islandia (spanish) | આઇસલેન્ડ (guaraní)
Peru Flag
islandia (spanish) | - (quechua)
Philippines Flag
iceland (filipino)
Pitcairn Islands Flag
- (pitkern) | iceland (english)
Poland Flag
islandia (polish)
Portugal Flag
islândia (portuguese)
Puerto Rico Flag
islandia (spanish) | iceland (english)
Qatar Flag
أيسلندا ['ayslanda] (arabic)


R S  
Reunion Flag
islande (french)
Romania Flag
islanda (romanian)
Russia Flag
исландия [islandiya] (russian)
Rwanda Flag
isilande (kinyarwanda) | iceland (english) | islande (french)
Saint Barthelemy (Barts) Flag
islande (french)
Saint Helena Flag
iceland (english)
Saint Kitts and Nevis Flag
iceland (english)
Saint Lucia Flag
iceland (english)
Saint Martin (Dutch) Flag
ijsland (dutch) | iceland (english)
Saint Martin (French) Flag
islande (french)
Saint Pierre and Miquelon Flag
islande (french)
Samoa Flag
aiselani (samoan) | iceland (english)
San Marino Flag
islanda (italian)
Sao Tome and Principe Flag
islândia (portuguese)
Saudi Arabia Flag
أيسلندا ['ayslanda] (arabic)
Senegal Flag
islande (french)
Serbia Flag
исланд [island] (serbian)
Seychelles Flag
- (seychellois creole) | iceland (english) | islande (french)
Sierra Leone Flag
iceland (english)
Singapore Flag
冰岛 [bīngdǎo] (mandarin) | iceland (english) | iceland (malay) | ஐஸ்லாந்து (tamil)
Slovakia Flag
island (slovak)
Slovenia Flag
islandija (slovene)
Solomon Islands Flag
iceland (english)
Somalia Flag
iceland (somali) | أيسلندا ['ayslanda] (arabic)
South Africa Flag
ysland (afrikaans) | iceland (english) | - (southern ndebele) | iceland (sesotho) | iceland (zulu) | - (northern sotho) | - (tswana) | - (swazi) | - (venda) | - (tsonga)
South Sudan Flag
أيسلندا ['ayslanda] (arabic)
Spain Flag
islandia (spanish) | islàndia (catalan) | islandia (galician)
Sri Lanka Flag
අයිස්ලන්තය (sinhalese) | ஐஸ்லாந்து (tamil) | iceland (english)
Sudan Flag
أيسلندا ['ayslanda] (arabic)
Suriname Flag
ijsland (dutch)
Swaziland (Eswatini) Flag
- (swazi) | iceland (english)
Sweden Flag
island (swedish)
Switzerland Flag
island (german) | islande (french) | islanda (italian) | islanda (romansh)
Syria Flag
أيسلندا ['ayslanda] (arabic) | islande (french) | iceland (english)


T  
Taiwan Flag
冰岛 [bīngdǎo] (mandarin)
Tajikistan Flag
исландия (tajik)
Tanzania Flag
iceland (swahili) | iceland (english)
Thailand Flag
ประเทศไอซ์แลนด์ (thai)
Togo Flag
islande (french)
Tokelau Flag
- (tokelauan)
Tonga Flag
- (tongan) | iceland (english)
Trinidad and Tobago Flag
iceland (english)
Tunisia Flag
أيسلندا ['ayslanda] (arabic) | islande (french)
Turkey (Turkiye) Flag
izlanda (turkish)
Turkmenistan Flag
islandiýa (turkmen)
Turks and Caicos Islands Flag
iceland (english)
Tuvalu Flag
- (tuvaluan) | iceland (english)


U V W X Y Z  
Uganda Flag
iceland (english)
Ukraine Flag
ісландія [islandiya] (ukrainian)
United Arab Emirates (UAE) Flag
أيسلندا ['ayslanda] (arabic)
United Kingdom (UK) Flag
iceland (english)
Uruguay Flag
islandia (spanish)
US Virgin Islands Flag
iceland (english)
Uzbekistan Flag
islandiya (uzbek)
Vanuatu Flag
iceland (english) | islande (french)
Vatican City (Holy See) Flag
iceland (latin) | islanda (italian)
Venezuela Flag
islandia (spanish)
Vietnam Flag
iceland (vietnamese)
Wallis and Futuna Flag
islande (french) | - (wallisian) | - (futunan)
Yemen Flag
أيسلندا ['ayslanda] (arabic)
Zambia Flag
iceland (english)
Zimbabwe Flag
iceland (english) | aisirendi (shona) | - (northern ndebele)

09| LGBTQIA+ REFUGEE TOOLS

All those people fleeing
bombs, bullets and tyrants
Typically, becoming a refugee is not a choice; instead, it happens. Events or circumstances result in people leaving their homes, regions or countries fleeing for their lives. Wars, violence or persecution are the cause in most cases. When people are forced to flee, they often travel to safer countries to seek asylum.

Refugees

| OVERVIEW

Many countries worldwide have improved the rights and protections of community members; however, with over 60 countries still criminalising same-sex relationships, many are still in danger. Furthermore, over ten countries still hand down a death sentence as a maximum penalty if prosecuted, meaning LGBTQIA+ people today face persecution and substantial personal risks to their lives.

For the millions of LGBTQIA+ individuals living in hostile countries, accepting their sexuality or gender identity can see them become a target and create considerable risks to their personal safety and lives. Leaving their homes, family, and all they have ever known, travelling to a new, safer country for many is the only option. Making a decision based on religious or sexual beliefs is a significant step for many. They are constantly aware that deciding to seek asylum based on these grounds could mean they will likely never return home.
Discover all of the refugee and migrant resources on Gayther
Understand more about refugees and migrants, definitions and meanings
Learn more about what it means to be an LGBTQIA+ refugee or migrant

Refugee

| MEANING

The term refugee describes a person or group of individuals forced to leave their home due to war, violence or persecution. Refugees will have crossed one or more international borders to find safety in another country, and returning home would likely endanger their lives. Members of the United Nations, also known as the UN, defined the terms and treatments related to refugees. However, the word has had a specific meaning over the past thirty years. It has been used to describe anyone looking to start a life in a new country that is safe or has a more robust economy.

A significant development occurred in 2012 when the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees amended the guidelines to allow those seeking asylum to do so on the grounds of persecution due to a person’s gender or sexual orientation. However, the challenge for many seeking asylum on those grounds is proving it to officials or assessors.
A tool displays the local name of a country in local languages with links to Gayther resources
A tool for any refugee or those in a position to assist in communicating and explaining their situation
Access the directory and discover all of the charities, organisations and groups
Discover more on Gayther
LGBTQIA+ REFUGEES
To learn more about all things relating to LGBTQIA+ refugees, we have created links to relevant tools, services, and guides.
Gayther Resources - Refugees

Search

| SPECIALIST DIRECTORIES

The big directory comprises fourteen groups and over one thousand categories, from travel accommodation to home maintenance

There are thousands of events taking place, it is not always easy to know what is going on and when, Gayther can help

The Care Providers and Services directory lists businesses and services that are inclusive and welcoming to all

There are millions of non-profit organisations, advice services, and support groups worldwide, all designed to help you

The term refugee describes a person or group of individuals forced to leave their home due to war, violence or persecution

10 | DISCOVER MORE

When we explore, we learn; the more we know, the greater our
understanding of the world
Gayther is a positive platform for everyone. One that empowers people to understand more about the LGBTQIA+ community by dispelling misinformation, to showcase all aspects of the exceptional and diverse global community and all that it contributes to the world
Learn more about Gayther; it’s history, values and mission
Discover Gayther Care, a site dedicated to community support and care
Discover all about the LGBTQIA+ community from the many resources available
Planning a trip? Gayther provides extensive country guides for every country across the globe
Find the information you need quickly with the wide range of guides available on Gayther
Be inspired and have some fun, with a wide range of articles, personality tests, quizzes and crosswords on offer
Never miss a story, offer or event again. By subscribing to Gayther, you will receive the latest news, articles, upcoming events, and so much more straight to your mailbox
Discover more about sexuality, from the various identities to inspiring content and information
Discover more about the unique and diverse gender identities within the LGBTQIA+ community
Discover more about the special groups and the people and organisations supporting and helping the LGBTQIA+ community
Not sure what you are looking for? There are many ways to find what you need quickly; the search section provides links to the many search services
Impress your friends with key facts and keep updated on the latest developments and trends within the community
Discover Gayther Trinary, three unique services focused on the different aspects and requirements of the LGBTQIA+ community
Discover more on Gayther
MORE
To learn more about all things relating to Gayther, we have created links to relevant tools, services and guides
Gayther Guides - Discover
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: The information displayed on this page is for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute advice. It is essential that before travelling that you independently establish information relating specifically to your requirements and circumstances. Though we endeavour to keep all information across the site updated, we do not guarantee the accuracy and completeness of any information displayed. The languages and terms featured on this page are literal translations and have not been validated or verified. The service is provided free of charge, and by using it, you accept that you are doing so at your own risk. This page may contain external links to third party websites; Gayther provides these links for your convenience and does not endorse, warrant or recommend any particular products or services. By clicking on any external links, you will leave Gayther and be taken to the third-party website, which you do so at your own risk and by accessing the site, you will be required to comply with the external third party’s terms and conditions of use and privacy policies. If you believe any of the information contained within this page is incorrect, please report this guide using the option found on this page or by clicking here