Iceland's advocacy organization for children and youth.
No one solves a problem no one understands.
Hagsmunasamtök Æskunnar (HÆ) is a new public-benefit nonprofit working to improve services, policy, and outcomes for children and young people in Iceland — by building a single clear picture of a field that is currently fragmented across ministries, institutions, and service providers.
Dozens of systems. One child. No full picture.
A child's welfare falls under the health system, the education system, child protection, social services, and the justice system — each with its own data and its own responsibility. When no one has the overview, children fall between systems, and the debate is built on isolated incidents rather than facts. That is what we set out to fix.
The field cuts across dozens of institutions and service providers that are rarely examined together.
The information exists — but it is dispersed, inconsistent, and hard to reach for anyone seeking an overview.
Without a reliable database, the foundation for both professional advocacy and sound policymaking is missing.
From scattered data to real change.
The work rests on a simple chain: solid data, objective analysis, and focused follow-up. Everything we publish has a traceable, public source.
We collect the data
We monitor public data from every relevant body and bring it together in one place — with clear provenance and traceability.
We analyze the situation
We put the data in context, compare it against international benchmarks, and surface systemic failures objectively.
We push for change
We use that analysis in direct advocacy, collaboration with practitioners, and public debate — so action is grounded in reality.
Where does the data come from?
Children's welfare touches nearly every part of society. To build a genuine full picture, we systematically gather data and insight from everyone involved in the field.
Public administration and oversight
The legislature, ministries, ombuds offices, and oversight bodies such as the Quality and Oversight Authority for Welfare (Gæða- og eftirlitsstofnun velferðarmála).
Health, mental-health, and welfare services
Child protection authorities, public-health and mental-health services, substance-abuse treatment, and municipal service units.
The education system
Preschools, compulsory schools, and upper-secondary schools, municipal school services, and the Directorate of Education and School Services (Miðstöð menntunar og skólaþjónustu).
The justice system
Policing, the courts, and prison authorities.
Sports, youth, and recreation
The sports and youth movement, after-school programs, and clubs that work directly with children and young people.
Research and statistics
Official economic and statistical agencies, the academic community, and scholarly research.
Nonprofits and civil society
Other public-benefit organizations and grassroots groups working on children's issues — our allies in practice.
International comparison
Databases and reports from international health and human-rights bodies, along with Nordic partners.
Front-line professional experience
Those who work inside the system give deeper insight into how it plays out in practice.
The voice of children, parents, and families
The experience of those who go through the system themselves matters most — it should carry real weight.
No claim without a source.
All of our data-gathering and publishing rests on complete transparency. Every fact comes with precise references, dates, and — where applicable — direct links to official source data. That way the debate always rests on solid ground, and we hold ourselves to the same scrutiny we ask of others.
More on the organization and its transparency →We lift the whole sector that works for children.
Other public-benefit organizations in this field are not competitors fighting us for the same oxygen — they are our most important allies. What we build, we share, so the voice of children comes through more clearly as a whole.
Technology and data
We offer other organizations technical support, analysis, and direct access to our data bank.
Fundraising support
We share experience, tools, and connections that support other organizations' fundraising and grant applications.
Data-gathering advice
We share our expertise in gathering data, reviewing public records, and navigating public administration.
Joint advocacy
We take part in collaborative projects and campaigns where our data can strengthen others' causes.
Matching volunteers
If we don't have a role for a keen volunteer, we help them find a place with another organization.
Knowledge and connections
We open doors, share knowledge, and connect professionals and organizations working toward the same goals.
Where HÆ fits in the wider picture.
We work within the frameworks of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Nordic tradition of evidence-based child welfare policy — and look to peer organizations across Europe for what works.
Foundations and EU funding
We are open to conversations with foundations, EU-level programs (including those supporting youth and children's rights), and international peer organizations interested in comparative work with Iceland.
Research and collaboration
If your organization works on children's policy, youth services, or data infrastructure in the Nordics or Europe more widely — and you're interested in Iceland as a comparison case — we'd like to talk.
Press and media
English-language queries and interview requests are welcome. Press materials, logos, and boilerplate are available on request.
Let's drive change together.
Building HÆ and its impact rests on strong collaboration. There are many ways to support the work — whatever suits you or your company.
Donations
One-time gifts or monthly support secure the organization's independence and momentum.
Support the work →Volunteering
Give your time and energy on specific tasks or as part of a support network.
Register your interest →Professional advice
Expertise is decisive. We are looking for professionals to support our analysis and advocacy.
Apply to the council →Corporate partnership
Show social responsibility in action — through financial support or professional services for the cause.
Explore partnership →News and statements.
The latest publications, reports, and analyses from HÆ in one place. Fréttavaktin, our curated news monitor, is maintained in Icelandic — join the mailing list and we'll notify you the moment new material is published.
Browse Fréttavaktin (Icelandic) →Open for conversation.
The main site is in Icelandic — but English queries are answered in English, usually within two working days.