| DENMARK Kingdom of Denmark Kongeriget Danmark Joined United Nations: 24 October 1945 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 01/06/11 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Copenhagen
5,515,575 (July 2010 est.)
Lars Lokke Rasmussen
Prime Minister since 05 April 2009
Prime Minister since 05 April 2009
The monarchy is hereditary
Next scheduled election: None
Next scheduled election: None
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
SELECTION PROCESS
Following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or
the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed prime
minister by the monarch: elections: last held 13 November 2007
Next scheduled election: 2011
the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed prime
minister by the monarch: elections: last held 13 November 2007
Next scheduled election: 2011
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Scandinavian, Inuit, Faroese, German, Turkish, Iranian, Somali
| RELIGIONS |
Evangelical Lutheran 95%, other Christian (includes Protestant and Roman Catholic) 3%, Muslim 2%
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Constitutional monarchy with 5 regions (regioner, singular - region); Legal system is a civil law system; judicial review of legislative
acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations
Executive: The monarch is hereditary; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition
is usually appointed prime minister by the monarch
Legislative: Unicameral People's Assembly or Folketinget (179 seats, including 2 from Greenland and 2 from the Faroe Islands;
members are elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held 13 November 2007 (next to be held in 2011)
Judicial: Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the monarch for life)
acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations
Executive: The monarch is hereditary; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition
is usually appointed prime minister by the monarch
Legislative: Unicameral People's Assembly or Folketinget (179 seats, including 2 from Greenland and 2 from the Faroe Islands;
members are elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held 13 November 2007 (next to be held in 2011)
Judicial: Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the monarch for life)
| LANGUAGES |
Danish, Faroese, Greenlandic (an Inuit dialect), German (small minority)
note: English is the predominant second language
note: English is the predominant second language
| BRIEF HISTORY |
People lived in the area of present-day Denmark more than 100,000 years ago, but probably had to leave because of the ice-cap
that covered the land during the period of the Weichsel glaciation (ca 70,000BC to ca 12,000 BC). Traces of permanent human
habitation in Denmark cover the period since around 12,000 BC. Agriculture made inroads around 3,000 BC. During the Pre-
Roman Iron Age (from the 4th to the 1st century BC), the climate in Denmark and southern Scandinavia became cooler and wetter,
limiting agriculture and setting the stage for native groups to migrate southward into Germania. The Roman provinces, whose
frontiers stopped short of Denmark, nevertheless maintained trade-routes and relations with Danish peoples, as attested by finds of
Roman coins. The earliest known runic inscription dates back to c. 200. Depletion of cultivated land in the last century BC seems to
have contributed to increasing migrations in northern Europe and increasing conflict of Teutonic tribes with Roman settlements in
Gaul. Roman artifacts occur especially commonly in finds from the first century. It seems clear that some part of the Danish warrior-
aristocracy served in the Roman army. Historians refer to the material culture of northern Europe during the mass-migrations of the
5th-7th centuries as the Germanic Iron Age. Among the most well-known remains from the period are the "peat bog corpses",
among those the well-preserved bodies of two people deliberately strangled, Tollund Man and Haraldskær Woman. Widsith and
Beowulf and works by later Scandinavian writers, notably by Saxo Grammaticus (c. 1200) provide some of the earliest descriptions
of Danish culture. Much remains mythical and legendary. Like Homer an earlier culture is described imperfectly from a later
perspective. However, they may contain some historical facts. People who became known as Vikings inhabited much of Denmark
for several hundred years from the 8th to the 11th centuries. They had a more complicated social structure than most previous
societies to inhabit the areas and became famous for raiding and trading throughout the rest of Europe. During the Viking period,
Denmark operated as a great power based on the Jutland Peninsula, the island of Zealand, and the southern part of present-day
Sweden. In the early 11th century, King Canute united Denmark and England for almost 30 years. Various petty kingdoms existed
throughout the area now known as Denmark for many years. Around 980 Harold Bluetooth appears to have established a unified
kingdom of Denmark. Around the same time, he received a visit from a German missionary who, according to legend, survived an
ordeal by fire, which convinced Harold to convert to Christianity. The new religion, which replaced the old Norse mythology, had
many advantages for the king. Christianity brought with it some support from the Holy Roman Empire. It also allowed the king to
dismiss many of his opponents who were adherents to the old mythology. After the death of Canute the Great in 1035, England
broke away from Danish control and Denmark fell into disarray for some time. Vikings from Norway raided Denmark sporadically.
Canute's nephew Sweyn Estridson (1020–1074) re-established strong royal authority and built a good relationship with the
Archbishop of Bremen — at that time the Archbishop of all of Scandinavia. In the early 12th century Denmark became the seat of
an independent church province of Scandinavia. Not long after that, Sweden and Norway formed their own archbishoprics, free of
Danish control. The mid 12th century proved a difficult time for the kingdom of Denmark. Civil wars rocked the land and created
much strife. Eventually, Valdemar the Great (1131-82), gained control of the kingdom, stabilizing it and reorganizing the
administration. He and Bishop Absalon rebuilt the country. During Valdemar's reign, a castle was built in the village of Havn, leading
eventually to the foundation of Copenhagen, the modern capital of Denmark. The kings of Denmark had difficulty maintaining their
control of the kingdom in the face of opposition from the nobility and from the Church. There was an extended period of strained
relations between the crown and the Popes of Rome known as the "archiepiscopal conflicts". By the late 13th century, royal power
had waned, and the nobility forced the king to grant a charter, considered Denmark's first constitution. In the aftermath of Sweden's
definitive secession from the Kalmar Union in 1521, civil war and Protestant Reformation followed in Denmark and Norway. When
things settled down, the Privy Council of Denmark had lost some of its influence, and that of Norway no longer existed. The two
kingdoms were joined in personal union, known as Denmark-Norway. Norway kept its separate laws and some institutions, such
as a royal chancellor, and separate coinage and army. Being a hereditary kingdom, Norway's status as separate from Denmark was
important to the royal dynasty in its struggle to win elections as kings of Denmark. The two kingdoms remained tied until 1814. The
Reformation, which originated in Germany from the ideas of Martin Luther, had a strong impact on Denmark; today the national
Church of Denmark remains Lutheran. The Danish Reformation started in 1536. As elsewhere in Europe, the spread of
Protestantism was made possible by the powerful combination of popular enthusiasm for the reform of the church and the
enthusiasm of the government for the opportunity for increased independence from Rome. Denmark grew wealthy during the
sixteenth century, largely because of the increased traffic through the Øresund which Danes could tax because Denmark controlled
both sides of the Sound. The Thirty Years' War went badly for the Protestant states in the early 1620s, and Denmark was called on
to "save the Protestant cause". Embarrassingly for Christian IV, the Danish military intervention in Germany was a fiasco; worse still,
Sweden later intervened with greater success. After his death, Denmark waged another disastrous war against Sweden. An
abnormally cold winter allowed Swedish troops of Charles X Gustav of Sweden to cross the frozen Great Belt and march towards
Copenhagen, forcing Denmark to conclude a hasty peace-settlement to avoid the storming of Copenhagen. As a result of the
disaster in the war against Sweden, King Frederick III (reigned 1648-1670) succeeded in convincing the nobles to give up some of
their powers and their exemption from taxes, leading to the era of absolutism in Denmark. Denmark became the model of
enlightened despotism. Between 1784 and 1815, the abolition of serfdom made the majority of the peasants landowners. Free
trade, and universal education was also introduced. The expenses and losses of the Napoleonic wars shattered Denmark's
previously robust economy. The British fleet attacked Copenhagen in 1801 (Battle of Copenhagen (1801)), which led to Denmark
allying with the French. In 1807 the British fleet bombarded Copenhagen again, which caused considerable civilian hardship. The
Danish liberal and national movements gained momentum in the 1830s, and after the European revolutions of 1848 Denmark
became a constitutional monarchy on June 5, 1849. The Scandinavian Monetary Union, a monetary union formed by Sweden and
Denmark on May 5, 1873, fixed their currencies against gold at par to each other. The outbreak of World War I, in 1914 brought
an end to the monetary union. Denmark remained neutral during World War I, but the conflict affected the country to a considerable
extent. Denmark declared its neutrality at the beginning of World War II and signed a non-aggression agreement with Nazi
Germany. Nevertheless Germany invaded Denmark in (Operation Weserübung) on April 9, 1940 and occupied it until May 5,
1945. In 1948 Denmark granted home rule to the Faroe Islands. 1953 saw further political reform in Denmark, abolishing the
Landsting (the elected upper house), colonial status for Greenland and allowing the female right of succession to the throne with the
signing of a new constitution. After the war, with the perceived threat posed by the USSR and the lessons of World War II still
fresh in Danish minds, the country abandoned its policy of neutrality. Denmark became a charter-member of the United Nations in
1945 and one of the original members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation in 1949 (though Denmark had originally tried to
form an alliance only with Norway and Sweden). A Nordic Council was later set up to coordinate Nordic policy. Later, in a
referendum in 1972, Danes voted yes to joining the European Community, the predecessor of the European Union, and became a
member 1 January 1973. Since then, Denmark has been a hesitant member of the European community, opting out of many
proposals, including the Euro which was rejected in a referendum in 2000.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Denmark
that covered the land during the period of the Weichsel glaciation (ca 70,000BC to ca 12,000 BC). Traces of permanent human
habitation in Denmark cover the period since around 12,000 BC. Agriculture made inroads around 3,000 BC. During the Pre-
Roman Iron Age (from the 4th to the 1st century BC), the climate in Denmark and southern Scandinavia became cooler and wetter,
limiting agriculture and setting the stage for native groups to migrate southward into Germania. The Roman provinces, whose
frontiers stopped short of Denmark, nevertheless maintained trade-routes and relations with Danish peoples, as attested by finds of
Roman coins. The earliest known runic inscription dates back to c. 200. Depletion of cultivated land in the last century BC seems to
have contributed to increasing migrations in northern Europe and increasing conflict of Teutonic tribes with Roman settlements in
Gaul. Roman artifacts occur especially commonly in finds from the first century. It seems clear that some part of the Danish warrior-
aristocracy served in the Roman army. Historians refer to the material culture of northern Europe during the mass-migrations of the
5th-7th centuries as the Germanic Iron Age. Among the most well-known remains from the period are the "peat bog corpses",
among those the well-preserved bodies of two people deliberately strangled, Tollund Man and Haraldskær Woman. Widsith and
Beowulf and works by later Scandinavian writers, notably by Saxo Grammaticus (c. 1200) provide some of the earliest descriptions
of Danish culture. Much remains mythical and legendary. Like Homer an earlier culture is described imperfectly from a later
perspective. However, they may contain some historical facts. People who became known as Vikings inhabited much of Denmark
for several hundred years from the 8th to the 11th centuries. They had a more complicated social structure than most previous
societies to inhabit the areas and became famous for raiding and trading throughout the rest of Europe. During the Viking period,
Denmark operated as a great power based on the Jutland Peninsula, the island of Zealand, and the southern part of present-day
Sweden. In the early 11th century, King Canute united Denmark and England for almost 30 years. Various petty kingdoms existed
throughout the area now known as Denmark for many years. Around 980 Harold Bluetooth appears to have established a unified
kingdom of Denmark. Around the same time, he received a visit from a German missionary who, according to legend, survived an
ordeal by fire, which convinced Harold to convert to Christianity. The new religion, which replaced the old Norse mythology, had
many advantages for the king. Christianity brought with it some support from the Holy Roman Empire. It also allowed the king to
dismiss many of his opponents who were adherents to the old mythology. After the death of Canute the Great in 1035, England
broke away from Danish control and Denmark fell into disarray for some time. Vikings from Norway raided Denmark sporadically.
Canute's nephew Sweyn Estridson (1020–1074) re-established strong royal authority and built a good relationship with the
Archbishop of Bremen — at that time the Archbishop of all of Scandinavia. In the early 12th century Denmark became the seat of
an independent church province of Scandinavia. Not long after that, Sweden and Norway formed their own archbishoprics, free of
Danish control. The mid 12th century proved a difficult time for the kingdom of Denmark. Civil wars rocked the land and created
much strife. Eventually, Valdemar the Great (1131-82), gained control of the kingdom, stabilizing it and reorganizing the
administration. He and Bishop Absalon rebuilt the country. During Valdemar's reign, a castle was built in the village of Havn, leading
eventually to the foundation of Copenhagen, the modern capital of Denmark. The kings of Denmark had difficulty maintaining their
control of the kingdom in the face of opposition from the nobility and from the Church. There was an extended period of strained
relations between the crown and the Popes of Rome known as the "archiepiscopal conflicts". By the late 13th century, royal power
had waned, and the nobility forced the king to grant a charter, considered Denmark's first constitution. In the aftermath of Sweden's
definitive secession from the Kalmar Union in 1521, civil war and Protestant Reformation followed in Denmark and Norway. When
things settled down, the Privy Council of Denmark had lost some of its influence, and that of Norway no longer existed. The two
kingdoms were joined in personal union, known as Denmark-Norway. Norway kept its separate laws and some institutions, such
as a royal chancellor, and separate coinage and army. Being a hereditary kingdom, Norway's status as separate from Denmark was
important to the royal dynasty in its struggle to win elections as kings of Denmark. The two kingdoms remained tied until 1814. The
Reformation, which originated in Germany from the ideas of Martin Luther, had a strong impact on Denmark; today the national
Church of Denmark remains Lutheran. The Danish Reformation started in 1536. As elsewhere in Europe, the spread of
Protestantism was made possible by the powerful combination of popular enthusiasm for the reform of the church and the
enthusiasm of the government for the opportunity for increased independence from Rome. Denmark grew wealthy during the
sixteenth century, largely because of the increased traffic through the Øresund which Danes could tax because Denmark controlled
both sides of the Sound. The Thirty Years' War went badly for the Protestant states in the early 1620s, and Denmark was called on
to "save the Protestant cause". Embarrassingly for Christian IV, the Danish military intervention in Germany was a fiasco; worse still,
Sweden later intervened with greater success. After his death, Denmark waged another disastrous war against Sweden. An
abnormally cold winter allowed Swedish troops of Charles X Gustav of Sweden to cross the frozen Great Belt and march towards
Copenhagen, forcing Denmark to conclude a hasty peace-settlement to avoid the storming of Copenhagen. As a result of the
disaster in the war against Sweden, King Frederick III (reigned 1648-1670) succeeded in convincing the nobles to give up some of
their powers and their exemption from taxes, leading to the era of absolutism in Denmark. Denmark became the model of
enlightened despotism. Between 1784 and 1815, the abolition of serfdom made the majority of the peasants landowners. Free
trade, and universal education was also introduced. The expenses and losses of the Napoleonic wars shattered Denmark's
previously robust economy. The British fleet attacked Copenhagen in 1801 (Battle of Copenhagen (1801)), which led to Denmark
allying with the French. In 1807 the British fleet bombarded Copenhagen again, which caused considerable civilian hardship. The
Danish liberal and national movements gained momentum in the 1830s, and after the European revolutions of 1848 Denmark
became a constitutional monarchy on June 5, 1849. The Scandinavian Monetary Union, a monetary union formed by Sweden and
Denmark on May 5, 1873, fixed their currencies against gold at par to each other. The outbreak of World War I, in 1914 brought
an end to the monetary union. Denmark remained neutral during World War I, but the conflict affected the country to a considerable
extent. Denmark declared its neutrality at the beginning of World War II and signed a non-aggression agreement with Nazi
Germany. Nevertheless Germany invaded Denmark in (Operation Weserübung) on April 9, 1940 and occupied it until May 5,
1945. In 1948 Denmark granted home rule to the Faroe Islands. 1953 saw further political reform in Denmark, abolishing the
Landsting (the elected upper house), colonial status for Greenland and allowing the female right of succession to the throne with the
signing of a new constitution. After the war, with the perceived threat posed by the USSR and the lessons of World War II still
fresh in Danish minds, the country abandoned its policy of neutrality. Denmark became a charter-member of the United Nations in
1945 and one of the original members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation in 1949 (though Denmark had originally tried to
form an alliance only with Norway and Sweden). A Nordic Council was later set up to coordinate Nordic policy. Later, in a
referendum in 1972, Danes voted yes to joining the European Community, the predecessor of the European Union, and became a
member 1 January 1973. Since then, Denmark has been a hesitant member of the European community, opting out of many
proposals, including the Euro which was rejected in a referendum in 2000.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Denmark
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
This thoroughly modern market economy features a high-tech agricultural sector, state-of-the-art industry with world-leading firms
in pharmaceuticals, maritime shipping and renewable energy, and a high dependence on foreign trade. The Danish economy is also
characterized by extensive government welfare measures, an equitable distribution of income, and comfortable living standards.
Denmark is a net exporter of food and energy and enjoys a comfortable balance of payments surplus. After a long
consumption-driven upswing, Denmark's economy began slowing in early 2007 with the end of a housing boom. The global financial
crisis has exacerbated this cyclical slowdown through increased borrowing costs and lower export demand, consumer confidence,
and investment. The global financial crises cut Danish GDP by 0.9% in 2008 and 4.3% in 2009. Historically low levels of
unemployment have risen sharply with the recession. Denmark is likely to make a slow and modest recovery, though unemployment
is likely to rise through 2010. An impending decline in the ratio of workers to retirees will be a major long-term issue. Denmark
maintained a healthy budget surplus for many years up to 2008, but the budget balance swung into deficit during 2009. Nonetheless,
Denmark's fiscal position remains among the strongest in the EU. Despite previously meeting the criteria to join the European
Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), so far Denmark has decided not to join, although the Danish krone remains pegged to the
euro.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Denmark)
in pharmaceuticals, maritime shipping and renewable energy, and a high dependence on foreign trade. The Danish economy is also
characterized by extensive government welfare measures, an equitable distribution of income, and comfortable living standards.
Denmark is a net exporter of food and energy and enjoys a comfortable balance of payments surplus. After a long
consumption-driven upswing, Denmark's economy began slowing in early 2007 with the end of a housing boom. The global financial
crisis has exacerbated this cyclical slowdown through increased borrowing costs and lower export demand, consumer confidence,
and investment. The global financial crises cut Danish GDP by 0.9% in 2008 and 4.3% in 2009. Historically low levels of
unemployment have risen sharply with the recession. Denmark is likely to make a slow and modest recovery, though unemployment
is likely to rise through 2010. An impending decline in the ratio of workers to retirees will be a major long-term issue. Denmark
maintained a healthy budget surplus for many years up to 2008, but the budget balance swung into deficit during 2009. Nonetheless,
Denmark's fiscal position remains among the strongest in the EU. Despite previously meeting the criteria to join the European
Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), so far Denmark has decided not to join, although the Danish krone remains pegged to the
euro.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Denmark)
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
Today the Sovereign has an essentially ceremonial role restricted in exercise of power by convention and public opinion. However
the monarch does continue to exercise three essential rights: the right to be consulted, the right to advise and the right to warn. As a
consequence of these ideals, the Prime Minister and Cabinet attends the regular meeting of the Council of State.
However, the real powers of position of the monarch in the Danish constitution should not be downplayed. The Monarch does
indeed retain some power, but it has to be used with discretion. She fulfils the necessary constitutional role as head of state, and acts
as a final check on executive power. If a time came to pass, for instance, when a law threatened the freedom or security of her
subjects, the queen could decline Royal Assent, free as she is from the eddies of party politics and prosecution.
The Government performs the executive functions of the Kingdom. In appointing the Prime Minister, the Monarch consults the will
of the people, represented by parliamentary leaders, in determining who should hold the office. As always, the person who has the
broadest support from the members of parliament is chosen by the Monarch and confirmed by a vote of confidence by the
Folketing. However, before the parliamentary confirmation, the Prime Minister-elect together with the leaders of his coalition
partners selects the other Ministers which make up the Governments and acts as political heads of the various government
departments. Cabinet members are occasionally recruited from outside the Folketing.
The Folketing performs the legislative functions of the Kingdom. As a parliament, it is at the centre of the political system in
Denmark and is the supreme and ultimate legislative body answerable to no one. The Prime Minister and the Government in general
draws from it, as well as being answerable to it. The Folketing has since 1953 been unicameral.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Denmark
the monarch does continue to exercise three essential rights: the right to be consulted, the right to advise and the right to warn. As a
consequence of these ideals, the Prime Minister and Cabinet attends the regular meeting of the Council of State.
However, the real powers of position of the monarch in the Danish constitution should not be downplayed. The Monarch does
indeed retain some power, but it has to be used with discretion. She fulfils the necessary constitutional role as head of state, and acts
as a final check on executive power. If a time came to pass, for instance, when a law threatened the freedom or security of her
subjects, the queen could decline Royal Assent, free as she is from the eddies of party politics and prosecution.
The Government performs the executive functions of the Kingdom. In appointing the Prime Minister, the Monarch consults the will
of the people, represented by parliamentary leaders, in determining who should hold the office. As always, the person who has the
broadest support from the members of parliament is chosen by the Monarch and confirmed by a vote of confidence by the
Folketing. However, before the parliamentary confirmation, the Prime Minister-elect together with the leaders of his coalition
partners selects the other Ministers which make up the Governments and acts as political heads of the various government
departments. Cabinet members are occasionally recruited from outside the Folketing.
The Folketing performs the legislative functions of the Kingdom. As a parliament, it is at the centre of the political system in
Denmark and is the supreme and ultimate legislative body answerable to no one. The Prime Minister and the Government in general
draws from it, as well as being answerable to it. The Folketing has since 1953 been unicameral.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Denmark
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
Iceland, the UK, and Ireland dispute Denmark's claim that the Faroe Islands' continental shelf extends beyond 200 nm; Faroese
continue to study proposals for full independence; sovereignty dispute with Canada over Hans Island in the Kennedy Channel
between Ellesmere Island and Greenland.
continue to study proposals for full independence; sovereignty dispute with Canada over Hans Island in the Kennedy Channel
between Ellesmere Island and Greenland.
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDPS) |
None reported.
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
None reported.
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2009 Human Rights Report: Denmark
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Denmark, with a population of approximately 5.5 million, is a constitutional monarchy with democratic parliamentary rule. Queen
Margrethe II is head of state. A prime minister, usually the leader of the majority party or coalition, is head of government and presides
over a cabinet, which is accountable to the unicameral Folketing (parliament). The minority center-right coalition government led by the
Liberal Party (Venstre) won a plurality of seats in the 2007 elections, which were deemed free and fair. Civilian authorities generally
maintained effective control of the security forces.
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Denmark, with a population of approximately 5.5 million, is a constitutional monarchy with democratic parliamentary rule. Queen
Margrethe II is head of state. A prime minister, usually the leader of the majority party or coalition, is head of government and presides
over a cabinet, which is accountable to the unicameral Folketing (parliament). The minority center-right coalition government led by the
Liberal Party (Venstre) won a plurality of seats in the 2007 elections, which were deemed free and fair. Civilian authorities generally
maintained effective control of the security forces.
- Reports of religious and ethnic discrimination against minority groups have remained relatively constant over the past several
years. - Domestic violence against women and trafficking in women and children continued to be reported.
27 August 2010
Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Seventy-seventh session
2 –27 August 2010
Consideration of reports submitted by States parties under article 9 of the convention
Concluding observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Denmark
A. Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the combined eighteenth and nineteenth periodic reports of the State party, which
included responses to the concerns raised in the Committee’s previous concluding observations (CERD/DNK/CO/17), and the
opportunity thus offered to resume the dialogue with the State party. It commends the State party for its punctuality and consistency in
the submission of periodic reports since it became a party to the Convention, and the quality of the reports which are in strict conformity
with the Committee’s guidelines. It also expresses appreciation for the frank and sincere dialogue held with the delegation as well as the
oral responses provided to the list of themes and the wide range of questions posed by the Committee members. On this point, the
Committee wishes to acknowledge the gender balance in the composition of the delegation and notes with appreciation the inclusion in
the delegation of a representative from the Government of Greenland following the recent referendum that led to self-government of the
Greenlandic people.
B. Positive aspects
4. The Committee welcomes the establishment of a Division for Democratic Cohesion and Prevention of Radicalisation under the
Ministry of Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs which is mandated to coordinate the implementation of the initiatives of the
action plan titled ‘A Common and Safe Future’ for the prevention of radicalisation and extremist views among young people.
C. Concerns and recommendations
8. The Committee notes with regret that notwithstanding its previous concluding observations recommending the incorporation of
the International Convention of the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination, the State party finds it unnecessary to do so,
arguably, because the Convention is already a source of law in Danish courts. However, the non-incorporation of international treaties
results in reluctance by lawyers and judges to invoke such treaties in Danish courts. (art. 2) The Committee reiterates its position that the
State party should incorporate the Convention into its legal system to ensure its direct application before Danish Courts in order to afford
all individuals its full protection.
Click here to read more »
Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Seventy-seventh session
2 –27 August 2010
Consideration of reports submitted by States parties under article 9 of the convention
Concluding observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Denmark
A. Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the combined eighteenth and nineteenth periodic reports of the State party, which
included responses to the concerns raised in the Committee’s previous concluding observations (CERD/DNK/CO/17), and the
opportunity thus offered to resume the dialogue with the State party. It commends the State party for its punctuality and consistency in
the submission of periodic reports since it became a party to the Convention, and the quality of the reports which are in strict conformity
with the Committee’s guidelines. It also expresses appreciation for the frank and sincere dialogue held with the delegation as well as the
oral responses provided to the list of themes and the wide range of questions posed by the Committee members. On this point, the
Committee wishes to acknowledge the gender balance in the composition of the delegation and notes with appreciation the inclusion in
the delegation of a representative from the Government of Greenland following the recent referendum that led to self-government of the
Greenlandic people.
B. Positive aspects
4. The Committee welcomes the establishment of a Division for Democratic Cohesion and Prevention of Radicalisation under the
Ministry of Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs which is mandated to coordinate the implementation of the initiatives of the
action plan titled ‘A Common and Safe Future’ for the prevention of radicalisation and extremist views among young people.
C. Concerns and recommendations
8. The Committee notes with regret that notwithstanding its previous concluding observations recommending the incorporation of
the International Convention of the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination, the State party finds it unnecessary to do so,
arguably, because the Convention is already a source of law in Danish courts. However, the non-incorporation of international treaties
results in reluctance by lawyers and judges to invoke such treaties in Danish courts. (art. 2) The Committee reiterates its position that the
State party should incorporate the Convention into its legal system to ensure its direct application before Danish Courts in order to afford
all individuals its full protection.
Click here to read more »
Freedom In The World 2010 Report
Political Rights Score: 1
Civil Liberties Score: 1
Status: Free
Overview
Several riots and violent protests occurred in 2009, including in Copenhagen’s Noerrebro neighborhood and during the December UN
Climate Change Conference in the Danish capital. In October, two men were arrested in connection with a terrorist plot targeting the
offices of the newspaper Jyllands-Posten. Meanwhile, a controversy erupted over the military’s attempt to prevent the publication of a
book on the grounds that it would reveal sensitive military information.
In October 2009, two men, David Coleman Headley and Tahawwur Hussain Rana, were arrested in Chicago in connection with a
terrorist bombing plot against the offices of the newspaper Jyllands-Posten; the paper had pointed controversial cartoons of the prophet
Mohammad in 2005. Authorities retrieved surveillance video of the buildings showing the men visiting two Jyllands-Posten offices over
the course of the year. The men are alleged to have had ties to the terror attacks in Mumbai, India in 2008.
A major controversy arose in 2009 when the country’s military tried to prevent a former Danish soldier from publishing a memoir about
his combat experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan on the grounds that it would reveal military secrets and endanger Danish soldiers. A
leading Danish newspaper, Politiken, published the book in its entirety and included it as a “free supplement” on September 16. A
Copenhagen court subsequently ruled that the military could not ban the book since the information had already been released to the
public.
Several violent clashes between law enforcement officials and protestors occurred during 2009. In August, police raided a church in the
Noerrebro neighborhood of Copenhagen sheltering a group of Iraqis who had been denied asylum. Some 300 protestors attacked the
police vehicle transporting the refugees, and police responded with pepper spray and batons. Also in August, a riot broke out in
Copenhagen’s Noerrebro district, the site of numerous violent clashes in recent year, prompted by a violent altercation between a police
officer and a demonstrator, the exact nature of which remains contested.
During the UN Climate Change Conference held in December in the Danish capital, a series of small-scale protests culminated in a much
larger demonstration on December 12, in which nearly 1,000 protestors were held under Denmark’s controversial preventive detention
law, which allows demonstrators to be administratively detained on the mere suspicion of disturbing the peace. Some demonstrators
were kettled, a controversial police tactic in which a large group of protestors is contained in a limited area without access to food,
water, or toilets. Law enforcement officials used pepper spray and tear gas against some of the activists. An investigation by the country’
s ombudsman into these incidents was ongoing at year’s end.
Click here to read more »
Political Rights Score: 1
Civil Liberties Score: 1
Status: Free
Overview
Several riots and violent protests occurred in 2009, including in Copenhagen’s Noerrebro neighborhood and during the December UN
Climate Change Conference in the Danish capital. In October, two men were arrested in connection with a terrorist plot targeting the
offices of the newspaper Jyllands-Posten. Meanwhile, a controversy erupted over the military’s attempt to prevent the publication of a
book on the grounds that it would reveal sensitive military information.
In October 2009, two men, David Coleman Headley and Tahawwur Hussain Rana, were arrested in Chicago in connection with a
terrorist bombing plot against the offices of the newspaper Jyllands-Posten; the paper had pointed controversial cartoons of the prophet
Mohammad in 2005. Authorities retrieved surveillance video of the buildings showing the men visiting two Jyllands-Posten offices over
the course of the year. The men are alleged to have had ties to the terror attacks in Mumbai, India in 2008.
A major controversy arose in 2009 when the country’s military tried to prevent a former Danish soldier from publishing a memoir about
his combat experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan on the grounds that it would reveal military secrets and endanger Danish soldiers. A
leading Danish newspaper, Politiken, published the book in its entirety and included it as a “free supplement” on September 16. A
Copenhagen court subsequently ruled that the military could not ban the book since the information had already been released to the
public.
Several violent clashes between law enforcement officials and protestors occurred during 2009. In August, police raided a church in the
Noerrebro neighborhood of Copenhagen sheltering a group of Iraqis who had been denied asylum. Some 300 protestors attacked the
police vehicle transporting the refugees, and police responded with pepper spray and batons. Also in August, a riot broke out in
Copenhagen’s Noerrebro district, the site of numerous violent clashes in recent year, prompted by a violent altercation between a police
officer and a demonstrator, the exact nature of which remains contested.
During the UN Climate Change Conference held in December in the Danish capital, a series of small-scale protests culminated in a much
larger demonstration on December 12, in which nearly 1,000 protestors were held under Denmark’s controversial preventive detention
law, which allows demonstrators to be administratively detained on the mere suspicion of disturbing the peace. Some demonstrators
were kettled, a controversial police tactic in which a large group of protestors is contained in a limited area without access to food,
water, or toilets. Law enforcement officials used pepper spray and tear gas against some of the activists. An investigation by the country’
s ombudsman into these incidents was ongoing at year’s end.
Click here to read more »
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
PUBLIC STATEMENT
European states must stop forced returns to Iraq
10 November 2010
Amnesty International calls on European governments to immediately stop forcible returns to the Iraq provinces of Ninewa (Mosul),
Kirkuk, Diyala, Salah al-Din, Baghdad, and to other particularly dangerous areas such as parts of Al Anbar province.
A series of recent attacks causing the deaths of more than 150 people and injuries to hundreds of others in the last two weeks have
demonstrated yet again the dangerous security conditions that prevail in Baghdad and many other parts of Iraq.
On 29 October 2010, some 25 people were killed in a café in the Dor Mandila area of Diyala province, which is mainly inhabited by Feily
Kurds; on 31 October, more than 50 people were killed after Sunni insurgents seized control of a church in Baghdad holding hostage and
then killing worshippers in a clearly sectarian attack; on 2 November, more than 60 people were killed in a series of attacks targeting
predominantly Shi’a neighbourhoods in Baghdad; on 8 November, some 20 people were killed in attacks in Basra, Najaf and Kerbela.
In all of these attacks, most of those killed were civilians, many of whom appear to have been targeted on account of their religious faith
or affiliation.
Security conditions have deteriorated in recent months as the last US combat troops have been withdrawn (thousands of other US troops
remain in Iraq in a training and support role with Iraqi security forces) and there has been a serious political vacuum due to the failure of
Iraqi political parties to agree a new government following national parliamentary elections in March 2010. These reflected and
exacerbated the sectarian divide and failed to produce a clear winner; since then negotiations towards the formation of a new
government have continued between the various political parties without achieving agreement. Any new government that perpetuates
current sectarian divisions is likely to face further opposition and violence.
The latest dramatic upsurge in violence shows that Iraq is still a very dangerous place in which armed groups, in particular al-Qa’ida in
Iraq and its allies, are capable of inflicting very high numbers of casualties through suicide and other bomb attacks at will and virtually
anywhere in the country. In a further disturbing development, scores of former members of the so-called Awakening Councils, Sunni
Muslim militia who helped the US forces in their fight against al-Qa’ida in Iraq, are reported to have been joining that armed group in
recent months after it issued threats against them and their families.
Since 2009, at least five European countries — Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the United Kingdom — have forcibly
returned to Iraq hundreds of Iraqis, and possibly some non-Iraqi nationals, whose asylum claims had been dismissed. In the month of
September 2010 alone, more than 150 individuals were returned to Iraq from the above-mentioned five European countries. Forced
returns have taken place on flights organized by one European state alone or on joint charter flight operations in which several European
states have participated. Most removals have taken place in breach of clear guidelines for assessing the international protection needs of
Iraqi asylum-seekers from the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) issued in April 2009. The UNHCR has repeatedly reiterated the ongoing
validity of its Iraq eligibility guidelines, including as recently as September 2010, calling on states not to forcibly remove anyone to the
five provinces of Ninewa (Mosul), Kirkuk, Salah al-Din, Diyala and Baghdad.
Click here to read more »
PUBLIC STATEMENT
European states must stop forced returns to Iraq
10 November 2010
Amnesty International calls on European governments to immediately stop forcible returns to the Iraq provinces of Ninewa (Mosul),
Kirkuk, Diyala, Salah al-Din, Baghdad, and to other particularly dangerous areas such as parts of Al Anbar province.
A series of recent attacks causing the deaths of more than 150 people and injuries to hundreds of others in the last two weeks have
demonstrated yet again the dangerous security conditions that prevail in Baghdad and many other parts of Iraq.
On 29 October 2010, some 25 people were killed in a café in the Dor Mandila area of Diyala province, which is mainly inhabited by Feily
Kurds; on 31 October, more than 50 people were killed after Sunni insurgents seized control of a church in Baghdad holding hostage and
then killing worshippers in a clearly sectarian attack; on 2 November, more than 60 people were killed in a series of attacks targeting
predominantly Shi’a neighbourhoods in Baghdad; on 8 November, some 20 people were killed in attacks in Basra, Najaf and Kerbela.
In all of these attacks, most of those killed were civilians, many of whom appear to have been targeted on account of their religious faith
or affiliation.
Security conditions have deteriorated in recent months as the last US combat troops have been withdrawn (thousands of other US troops
remain in Iraq in a training and support role with Iraqi security forces) and there has been a serious political vacuum due to the failure of
Iraqi political parties to agree a new government following national parliamentary elections in March 2010. These reflected and
exacerbated the sectarian divide and failed to produce a clear winner; since then negotiations towards the formation of a new
government have continued between the various political parties without achieving agreement. Any new government that perpetuates
current sectarian divisions is likely to face further opposition and violence.
The latest dramatic upsurge in violence shows that Iraq is still a very dangerous place in which armed groups, in particular al-Qa’ida in
Iraq and its allies, are capable of inflicting very high numbers of casualties through suicide and other bomb attacks at will and virtually
anywhere in the country. In a further disturbing development, scores of former members of the so-called Awakening Councils, Sunni
Muslim militia who helped the US forces in their fight against al-Qa’ida in Iraq, are reported to have been joining that armed group in
recent months after it issued threats against them and their families.
Since 2009, at least five European countries — Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the United Kingdom — have forcibly
returned to Iraq hundreds of Iraqis, and possibly some non-Iraqi nationals, whose asylum claims had been dismissed. In the month of
September 2010 alone, more than 150 individuals were returned to Iraq from the above-mentioned five European countries. Forced
returns have taken place on flights organized by one European state alone or on joint charter flight operations in which several European
states have participated. Most removals have taken place in breach of clear guidelines for assessing the international protection needs of
Iraqi asylum-seekers from the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) issued in April 2009. The UNHCR has repeatedly reiterated the ongoing
validity of its Iraq eligibility guidelines, including as recently as September 2010, calling on states not to forcibly remove anyone to the
five provinces of Ninewa (Mosul), Kirkuk, Salah al-Din, Diyala and Baghdad.
Click here to read more »
EU: Defer Hasty Returns of Migrant Children
Better Safeguards Needed for Children who Arrive in Europe Alone
June 4, 2010
(Brussels) - The European Union Justice and Home Affairs Council conclusions on unaccompanied migrant children focus too much on
how to send them back to their countries of origin and too little on how to guarantee their safety, Human Rights Watch said today. The
conclusions were adopted on June 3, 2010.
"Returning migrant children to their country of origin just won't work for every child," said Simone Troller, children's rights researcher
at Human Rights Watch. "Before deporting vulnerable kids to places like Afghanistan, EU governments need to make sure it is in the
children's best interests."
The conclusions by the Justice and Home Affairs Council contain important positive points, Human Rights Watch said. Those include
recognition of the rights of these unaccompanied children and the need to protect them, the need to address gaps in legislation and
practice, and the importance of identifying solutions to meet the child's long-term needs based on an assessment of each child's situation
and needs.
However, the conclusions unduly emphasize returning these children to their country of origin over other options, Human Rights Watch
said. And they omit the need to ensure critical safeguards such as access to guardians and lawyers for unaccompanied children in the
EU, which put children at risk of being sent back in violation of international obligations.
A growing number of EU members and other European countries are actively planning the return of unaccompanied migrant children to
countries of origin, in particular to Afghanistan.
The UK Border Agency published a £4 million tender in late March to operate a reception center in Afghanistan, and to provide
reintegration assistance for approximately 12 boys, ages 16 and 17, and 120 adults a month, following their deportation from the UK.
Norway, which is not a EU member, has announced a plan to build a care center in the Afghan capital, Kabul, in reaction to an
increasing number of unaccompanied Afghan children arriving in Norway. Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands also plan to return
Afghan children to a reception center, according to press reports.
Click here to read more »
Better Safeguards Needed for Children who Arrive in Europe Alone
June 4, 2010
(Brussels) - The European Union Justice and Home Affairs Council conclusions on unaccompanied migrant children focus too much on
how to send them back to their countries of origin and too little on how to guarantee their safety, Human Rights Watch said today. The
conclusions were adopted on June 3, 2010.
"Returning migrant children to their country of origin just won't work for every child," said Simone Troller, children's rights researcher
at Human Rights Watch. "Before deporting vulnerable kids to places like Afghanistan, EU governments need to make sure it is in the
children's best interests."
The conclusions by the Justice and Home Affairs Council contain important positive points, Human Rights Watch said. Those include
recognition of the rights of these unaccompanied children and the need to protect them, the need to address gaps in legislation and
practice, and the importance of identifying solutions to meet the child's long-term needs based on an assessment of each child's situation
and needs.
However, the conclusions unduly emphasize returning these children to their country of origin over other options, Human Rights Watch
said. And they omit the need to ensure critical safeguards such as access to guardians and lawyers for unaccompanied children in the
EU, which put children at risk of being sent back in violation of international obligations.
A growing number of EU members and other European countries are actively planning the return of unaccompanied migrant children to
countries of origin, in particular to Afghanistan.
The UK Border Agency published a £4 million tender in late March to operate a reception center in Afghanistan, and to provide
reintegration assistance for approximately 12 boys, ages 16 and 17, and 120 adults a month, following their deportation from the UK.
Norway, which is not a EU member, has announced a plan to build a care center in the Afghan capital, Kabul, in reaction to an
increasing number of unaccompanied Afghan children arriving in Norway. Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands also plan to return
Afghan children to a reception center, according to press reports.
Click here to read more »
Statement by H.E. Ambassador Carsten Staur, Permanent Representative of Denmark to the United Nations, at the 65th
Session of the United Nations General Assembly General Debate, 28 September 2010
Mr. President,
In the ever more interdependent – and ever more uncertain – world we live in, it is of priority to uphold the principles and objectives, and
the universal rights and fundamental values which are enshrined in the UN Charter and which form the very basis for global stability,
development and prosperity. Strengthening the mutual understanding between cultures is an important challenge and a valuable
opportunity for all of us.
During the past month we have witnessed just how important it is to maintain mutual respect and understanding. As history has taught
us, there are always those who are ready to do the unthinkable in order to catch the attention of the international media. The threats to
burn the Quran in Florida were a particularly repulsive example of this phenomenon. We strongly condemn such acts. But as we have
learned; the more attention we give such individual acts of provocation, the more they will multiply.
We must never allow such acts to steer our steps from the path of dialogue. We must stand firmly and jointly against any call to strife
and violence.
States must ensure the human rights and fundamental freedoms of their citizens in order for each individual to take an active part in
shaping his and her own future to the benefit and prosperity of all. Women’s rights and gender issues are an essential part of human
rights. The women’s rights agenda supports and strengthens the overall effort of human rights implementation.
International peace and security rest upon the ability and willingness of states to ensure the protection of its population from human
rights violations and atrocity crimes. In this context, I welcome the ongoing debate among member states on the Responsibility to
Protect. Denmark will take an active part in the further development of this concept which provides the framework for a comprehensive
approach. It is closely linked to another key Danish priority: That of strengthening the Rule of Law. Be it at the global, regional or
national level the rule of law provides transparency and accountability and thereby leads to better governance. The establishment of the
office of an Ombudsperson in relation to the 1267 Committee is a successful example of our work at the global level.
Piracy off the coast of Somalia presents a regional challenge, which Denmark - through our naval efforts off Somalia and Danish
chairmanship of the Legal Working Group on combating piracy– is committed to meeting. And at the national level, Denmark in close
cooperation with partner countries provides hundreds of millions of dollars to strengthen legal systems and judicial capacities around the
world. Let me here stress, that our strong support for the International Criminal Court (ICC) in no way springs from a wish for the
Court to prosecute all international crimes. National jurisdictions are almost always better placed to combat impunity and through our
rule of law programmes we seek to promote true national ownership and complementarity for those able and willing to face the hard
choices.
Click here to read more »
Session of the United Nations General Assembly General Debate, 28 September 2010
Mr. President,
In the ever more interdependent – and ever more uncertain – world we live in, it is of priority to uphold the principles and objectives, and
the universal rights and fundamental values which are enshrined in the UN Charter and which form the very basis for global stability,
development and prosperity. Strengthening the mutual understanding between cultures is an important challenge and a valuable
opportunity for all of us.
During the past month we have witnessed just how important it is to maintain mutual respect and understanding. As history has taught
us, there are always those who are ready to do the unthinkable in order to catch the attention of the international media. The threats to
burn the Quran in Florida were a particularly repulsive example of this phenomenon. We strongly condemn such acts. But as we have
learned; the more attention we give such individual acts of provocation, the more they will multiply.
We must never allow such acts to steer our steps from the path of dialogue. We must stand firmly and jointly against any call to strife
and violence.
States must ensure the human rights and fundamental freedoms of their citizens in order for each individual to take an active part in
shaping his and her own future to the benefit and prosperity of all. Women’s rights and gender issues are an essential part of human
rights. The women’s rights agenda supports and strengthens the overall effort of human rights implementation.
International peace and security rest upon the ability and willingness of states to ensure the protection of its population from human
rights violations and atrocity crimes. In this context, I welcome the ongoing debate among member states on the Responsibility to
Protect. Denmark will take an active part in the further development of this concept which provides the framework for a comprehensive
approach. It is closely linked to another key Danish priority: That of strengthening the Rule of Law. Be it at the global, regional or
national level the rule of law provides transparency and accountability and thereby leads to better governance. The establishment of the
office of an Ombudsperson in relation to the 1267 Committee is a successful example of our work at the global level.
Piracy off the coast of Somalia presents a regional challenge, which Denmark - through our naval efforts off Somalia and Danish
chairmanship of the Legal Working Group on combating piracy– is committed to meeting. And at the national level, Denmark in close
cooperation with partner countries provides hundreds of millions of dollars to strengthen legal systems and judicial capacities around the
world. Let me here stress, that our strong support for the International Criminal Court (ICC) in no way springs from a wish for the
Court to prosecute all international crimes. National jurisdictions are almost always better placed to combat impunity and through our
rule of law programmes we seek to promote true national ownership and complementarity for those able and willing to face the hard
choices.
Click here to read more »
TRANSLATED FROM DANISH BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
New police practice to secure human rights
20. December 2010
When the police detain many persons, it in several respects be different than during the COP15 demonstrations last year. It concludes
Ombudsman Special OPCAT device after examining process. Ministry of Justice has agreed with the Ombudsman.
The police must be at future demonstrations, as a minimum ensure that:
- That persons detained in a reasonable time may be able to get to the toilet,
- That it is standard practice to bring water and seat cover during operations where it may be necessary to carry out mass arrests,
- On such actions is of professional competence is present when the risk of those arrested / detained suffer medical harm is minimized,
and
- That the police in such operations, make any necessary hearings as soon as possible so the length of detention is shortest.
"Although the mass arrests in the circumstances certainly can be difficult to handle for the police can not compromise on human rights.
It is a necessary part of the professionalism of the police must exercise ", says Hans Gammeltoft-Hansen.
The case stems from police handling of detainees at the demonstrations during the summit in Copenhagen in December 2009. Saturday
12th December 2009 ran the biggest demonstration of the stack with approx. 100,000 participants. Police detained at the studio around.
900 persons.
The 900 detainees were tied up with his hands placed in the "train" on Amagerbrogade. The temperature was at freezing, and the
detainees were sitting on the ground for up to 4 ½ hours because police carriers did not come. Only a few of the detainees were able to
get to the toilet during the 4 ½ hours and there was no seat cover and no water or food. Police had not arranged for medical supervision.
Police released during this period only a few.
Climate cages in order
In 2008, the Ombudsman identified as so-called National Preventive Mechanism under a UN convention (OPCAT Protocol) which
Denmark has signed. This means that of the Ombudsman created a special unit to prevent violations of human rights in Denmark. In
practice, the task is to visit places where persons are or may be detained. The task tackled in collaboration with the Rehabilitation and
Research Centre for Torture Victims (RCT) and the Institute for Human Rights (IMR). RCT medical expertise available and IMR is
particularly expert on human rights.
Click here to read more »
New police practice to secure human rights
20. December 2010
When the police detain many persons, it in several respects be different than during the COP15 demonstrations last year. It concludes
Ombudsman Special OPCAT device after examining process. Ministry of Justice has agreed with the Ombudsman.
The police must be at future demonstrations, as a minimum ensure that:
- That persons detained in a reasonable time may be able to get to the toilet,
- That it is standard practice to bring water and seat cover during operations where it may be necessary to carry out mass arrests,
- On such actions is of professional competence is present when the risk of those arrested / detained suffer medical harm is minimized,
and
- That the police in such operations, make any necessary hearings as soon as possible so the length of detention is shortest.
"Although the mass arrests in the circumstances certainly can be difficult to handle for the police can not compromise on human rights.
It is a necessary part of the professionalism of the police must exercise ", says Hans Gammeltoft-Hansen.
The case stems from police handling of detainees at the demonstrations during the summit in Copenhagen in December 2009. Saturday
12th December 2009 ran the biggest demonstration of the stack with approx. 100,000 participants. Police detained at the studio around.
900 persons.
The 900 detainees were tied up with his hands placed in the "train" on Amagerbrogade. The temperature was at freezing, and the
detainees were sitting on the ground for up to 4 ½ hours because police carriers did not come. Only a few of the detainees were able to
get to the toilet during the 4 ½ hours and there was no seat cover and no water or food. Police had not arranged for medical supervision.
Police released during this period only a few.
Climate cages in order
In 2008, the Ombudsman identified as so-called National Preventive Mechanism under a UN convention (OPCAT Protocol) which
Denmark has signed. This means that of the Ombudsman created a special unit to prevent violations of human rights in Denmark. In
practice, the task is to visit places where persons are or may be detained. The task tackled in collaboration with the Rehabilitation and
Research Centre for Torture Victims (RCT) and the Institute for Human Rights (IMR). RCT medical expertise available and IMR is
particularly expert on human rights.
Click here to read more »
Is your business ready for the Global Compact?
24/06/2010
The Global Compact Self Assessment Tool is a free online tool, which enables companies to measure their performance on all 10 Global
Compact principles, covering human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption.
The Global Compact Self Assessment Tool was recently unveiled at the UN Global Compact Leaders Summit in New York.
The Global Compact Self Assessment Tool is a free online tool, which enables companies to measure their performance on all 10 Global
Compact principles, covering human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption.
‘This is the first Global Compact tool to offer companies this opportunity,’ says Allan Lerberg Jørgensen, an advisor at the Danish
Institute for Human Rights and one of the developers behind the tool.
‘For many companies, especially smaller businesses, it can be difficult to know where to begin with the Global Compact. Many
companies ask themselves what the Global Compact principles actually mean in practice. This tool unpacks all 10 principles into
checklists consisting of concrete questions and indicators. Companies can clearly see where their most important challenges are, and
begin to address them', he continues.
The tool is also intended to help Global Compact companies report on their CSR work through the mandatory Communication on
Progress (COP).
‘It’s well known that reporting on progress is challenging, even for the advanced companies,’ Allan Jørgensen adds. ‘Using the Global
Compact Self Assessment Tool, companies can generate content directly for their Communication on Progress to show what they’re
doing well and to demonstrate improvements over time.’
The Global Compact Self Assessment Tool has been developed by a partnership consisting of The Danish Ministry of Economic and
Business Affairs, The Confederation of Danish Industry, The Danish Industrialisation Fund for Developing Countries and The Danish
Institute for Human Rights and the UN Global Compact Secretariat. The tool has been tested by UN Global Compact networks in
Bangladesh, Kenya and Vietnam.
Click here to read more>>
24/06/2010
The Global Compact Self Assessment Tool is a free online tool, which enables companies to measure their performance on all 10 Global
Compact principles, covering human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption.
The Global Compact Self Assessment Tool was recently unveiled at the UN Global Compact Leaders Summit in New York.
The Global Compact Self Assessment Tool is a free online tool, which enables companies to measure their performance on all 10 Global
Compact principles, covering human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption.
‘This is the first Global Compact tool to offer companies this opportunity,’ says Allan Lerberg Jørgensen, an advisor at the Danish
Institute for Human Rights and one of the developers behind the tool.
‘For many companies, especially smaller businesses, it can be difficult to know where to begin with the Global Compact. Many
companies ask themselves what the Global Compact principles actually mean in practice. This tool unpacks all 10 principles into
checklists consisting of concrete questions and indicators. Companies can clearly see where their most important challenges are, and
begin to address them', he continues.
The tool is also intended to help Global Compact companies report on their CSR work through the mandatory Communication on
Progress (COP).
‘It’s well known that reporting on progress is challenging, even for the advanced companies,’ Allan Jørgensen adds. ‘Using the Global
Compact Self Assessment Tool, companies can generate content directly for their Communication on Progress to show what they’re
doing well and to demonstrate improvements over time.’
The Global Compact Self Assessment Tool has been developed by a partnership consisting of The Danish Ministry of Economic and
Business Affairs, The Confederation of Danish Industry, The Danish Industrialisation Fund for Developing Countries and The Danish
Institute for Human Rights and the UN Global Compact Secretariat. The tool has been tested by UN Global Compact networks in
Bangladesh, Kenya and Vietnam.
Click here to read more>>
| Click map for larger view |
| Click flag for Country Report |
Margrethe II
Queen since 14 January 1972
Queen since 14 January 1972
| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
None reported.
Crown Prince Frederik
Heir Apparent since 26 May 1968
Heir Apparent since 26 May 1968
