| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Torshavn
48,856 (July 2009 est.)
Margrethe II of Denmark
Queen since 14 January 1972
Queen since 14 January 1972
The monarch is hereditary and holds that position for life or until
abdication. The high commissioner is selected by the monarch
Next scheduled election: None
abdication. The high commissioner is selected by the monarch
Next scheduled election: None
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
SELECTION PROCESS
Kaj Leo Johannessen
Prime Minister
since 26 September 2008
Prime Minister
since 26 September 2008
Following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or
the leader of the majority coalition is usually elected prime
minister by the Faroese Parliament; election last held 19 January
2008
Next scheduled election: January 2012
the leader of the majority coalition is usually elected prime
minister by the Faroese Parliament; election last held 19 January
2008
Next scheduled election: January 2012
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Scandinavian
| RELIGIONS |
Evangelical Lutheran
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark since 1948 ; 49 second
order municipalities. Legal system is based Danish law;
Executive: Monarch represented by High Commissioner; Prime Minister elected by Faroese Parliament
Legislative: Unicameral Faroese Parliament or Logting (33 seats; members are elected by popular vote on a
proportional basis from the seven constituencies to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held 19 January 2008 (next to be held no later than January 2012)
note: election of two seats to the Danish Parliament was last held on 13 November 2007 (next to be held no later
than November 2011);
Judicial: None, all judicial branch responsibilities are under the auspices of the Danish Supreme Court (judges are
appointed by the monarch for life)
order municipalities. Legal system is based Danish law;
Executive: Monarch represented by High Commissioner; Prime Minister elected by Faroese Parliament
Legislative: Unicameral Faroese Parliament or Logting (33 seats; members are elected by popular vote on a
proportional basis from the seven constituencies to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held 19 January 2008 (next to be held no later than January 2012)
note: election of two seats to the Danish Parliament was last held on 13 November 2007 (next to be held no later
than November 2011);
Judicial: None, all judicial branch responsibilities are under the auspices of the Danish Supreme Court (judges are
appointed by the monarch for life)
| LANGUAGES |
Faroese (derived from Old Norse), Danish
| BRIEF HISTORY |
The early history of the Faroe Islands is not very clear. Irish hermits (monks) settled in the 6th century introducing
sheep and oats to the islands. Saint Brendan who lived ca. 484-578 is said to have visited the Faroe Islands on 2 or 3
occasions, naming two of the islands Sheep Island and Paradise Island of Birds. Later the Vikings replaced the Irish
settlers, bringing the Old Norse language to the islands, which locally evolved into the modern Faroese language
spoken today. Although the settlers were Norwegians, most of them probably didn't come from Norway, but rather
from the Norwegian settlements in Shetland, Orkney and around the Irish Sea, so-called Norse-Gaels. According to
Færeyinga Saga, emigrants who left Norway to escape the tyranny of Harald I of Norway settled in the islands about
the beginning of the 9th century. Early in the 11th century, Sigmund, whose family had flourished in the southern islands
but had been almost exterminated by invaders from the northern islands, escaped to Norway and was sent back to
take possession of the islands for Olaf Tryggvason, king of Norway. He introduced Christianity and, though he was
subsequently murdered, Norwegian supremacy was upheld. Norwegian control of the islands continued until 1380,
when Norway entered into a union with Denmark, which gradually evolved into Danish control of the islands. The
reformation reached the Faroes in 1538. When the union between Denmark and Norway was dissolved as a result of
the Treaty of Kiel in 1814, Denmark retained possession of the Faroe Islands. The monopoly trade over the Faroe
Islands was abolished in 1856. Since then, the country developed towards a modern fishery nation with its own fleet.
The national awakening since 1888 was first based on a struggle for the Faroese language, and thus more culturally
oriented, but after 1906 was more and more politically oriented after the foundation of the political parties of the Faroe
Islands. On April 12, 1940, the Faroes were invaded and occupied by British troops. The move followed the invasion
of Denmark by Nazi Germany and had the objective of strengthening British control of the North Atlantic (see Second
Battle of the Atlantic). In 1942–43 the British Royal Engineers built the only airport in the Faroes, the Vágar Airport.
Control of the islands reverted to Denmark following the war, but in 1948 a home rule regime was implemented
granting a high degree of local autonomy. The Faroes declined to join Denmark in entering the European Community
(now European Union) in 1973. The islands experienced considerable economic difficulties following the collapse of the
fishing industry in the early 1990s, but have since made efforts to diversify the economy. Support for independence has
grown and is the objective of the government.
Sources Wikipedia: History of the Faroe Islands
sheep and oats to the islands. Saint Brendan who lived ca. 484-578 is said to have visited the Faroe Islands on 2 or 3
occasions, naming two of the islands Sheep Island and Paradise Island of Birds. Later the Vikings replaced the Irish
settlers, bringing the Old Norse language to the islands, which locally evolved into the modern Faroese language
spoken today. Although the settlers were Norwegians, most of them probably didn't come from Norway, but rather
from the Norwegian settlements in Shetland, Orkney and around the Irish Sea, so-called Norse-Gaels. According to
Færeyinga Saga, emigrants who left Norway to escape the tyranny of Harald I of Norway settled in the islands about
the beginning of the 9th century. Early in the 11th century, Sigmund, whose family had flourished in the southern islands
but had been almost exterminated by invaders from the northern islands, escaped to Norway and was sent back to
take possession of the islands for Olaf Tryggvason, king of Norway. He introduced Christianity and, though he was
subsequently murdered, Norwegian supremacy was upheld. Norwegian control of the islands continued until 1380,
when Norway entered into a union with Denmark, which gradually evolved into Danish control of the islands. The
reformation reached the Faroes in 1538. When the union between Denmark and Norway was dissolved as a result of
the Treaty of Kiel in 1814, Denmark retained possession of the Faroe Islands. The monopoly trade over the Faroe
Islands was abolished in 1856. Since then, the country developed towards a modern fishery nation with its own fleet.
The national awakening since 1888 was first based on a struggle for the Faroese language, and thus more culturally
oriented, but after 1906 was more and more politically oriented after the foundation of the political parties of the Faroe
Islands. On April 12, 1940, the Faroes were invaded and occupied by British troops. The move followed the invasion
of Denmark by Nazi Germany and had the objective of strengthening British control of the North Atlantic (see Second
Battle of the Atlantic). In 1942–43 the British Royal Engineers built the only airport in the Faroes, the Vágar Airport.
Control of the islands reverted to Denmark following the war, but in 1948 a home rule regime was implemented
granting a high degree of local autonomy. The Faroes declined to join Denmark in entering the European Community
(now European Union) in 1973. The islands experienced considerable economic difficulties following the collapse of the
fishing industry in the early 1990s, but have since made efforts to diversify the economy. Support for independence has
grown and is the objective of the government.
Sources Wikipedia: History of the Faroe Islands
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
The Faroese economy is dependent on fishing, which makes the economy vulnerable to price swings. The sector
accounts for 95% of exports and nearly half of GDP. In early 2008 the Faroese economy began to slow as a result of
smaller catches and historically high oil prices. Though oil prices have come down, reduced catches, especially of cod
and haddock, have continued to strain the Faroese economy. GDP grew 0.5% in 2008-09. The slowdown in the
Faroese economy followed a strong performance since the mid-1990s with annual growth rates averaging close to 6%,
mostly a result of increased fish landings and salmon farming, and high export prices. Unemployment reached its lowest
level in the first half of 2008, but increased to 5.3% in December 2009 and is rising. The Faroese Home Rule
Government produced increasing budget surpluses that helped to reduce the large public debt, most of it to Denmark.
However, total dependence on fishing and salmon farming make the Faroese economy very vulnerable to fluctuations in
world demand, and budget surpluses turned to deficits in 2008-09. Initial discoveries of oil in the Faroese area give
hope for eventual oil production, which may provide a foundation for a more diversified economy and less dependence
on Danish economic assistance. Aided by an annual subsidy from Denmark amounting to about 6% of Faroese GDP,
the Faroese have a standard of living comparable to that of the Danes and other Scandinavians.
accounts for 95% of exports and nearly half of GDP. In early 2008 the Faroese economy began to slow as a result of
smaller catches and historically high oil prices. Though oil prices have come down, reduced catches, especially of cod
and haddock, have continued to strain the Faroese economy. GDP grew 0.5% in 2008-09. The slowdown in the
Faroese economy followed a strong performance since the mid-1990s with annual growth rates averaging close to 6%,
mostly a result of increased fish landings and salmon farming, and high export prices. Unemployment reached its lowest
level in the first half of 2008, but increased to 5.3% in December 2009 and is rising. The Faroese Home Rule
Government produced increasing budget surpluses that helped to reduce the large public debt, most of it to Denmark.
However, total dependence on fishing and salmon farming make the Faroese economy very vulnerable to fluctuations in
world demand, and budget surpluses turned to deficits in 2008-09. Initial discoveries of oil in the Faroese area give
hope for eventual oil production, which may provide a foundation for a more diversified economy and less dependence
on Danish economic assistance. Aided by an annual subsidy from Denmark amounting to about 6% of Faroese GDP,
the Faroese have a standard of living comparable to that of the Danes and other Scandinavians.
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
Politics of the Faroe Islands takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic dependency,
whereby the Prime Minister of the Faroe Islands is the head of government, and of a multi-party system. The Faroe
Islands are politically associated with the Kingdom of Denmark, but have been self-governing since 1948. Executive
power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the Løgting. The
Judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature and the responsibility of Denmark. There are currently 36
municipalities.
The Faroe Islands have a multi-party system (disputing on independence and unionism as well as left and right), with
numerous parties in which no one party often has a chance of gaining power alone, and parties must work with each
other to form coalition governments. The Faroese Parliament (Løgting) has 33 seats. Members are elected by popular
vote to serve four-year terms. For the Løgting elections there were seven electoral districts, each one comprehending
asýslur, while Streymoy is divided in a northern and southern part (Tórshavn region), but since 2008, the Faroes
constitute a single district.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of the Faroe Islands
whereby the Prime Minister of the Faroe Islands is the head of government, and of a multi-party system. The Faroe
Islands are politically associated with the Kingdom of Denmark, but have been self-governing since 1948. Executive
power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the Løgting. The
Judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature and the responsibility of Denmark. There are currently 36
municipalities.
The Faroe Islands have a multi-party system (disputing on independence and unionism as well as left and right), with
numerous parties in which no one party often has a chance of gaining power alone, and parties must work with each
other to form coalition governments. The Faroese Parliament (Løgting) has 33 seats. Members are elected by popular
vote to serve four-year terms. For the Løgting elections there were seven electoral districts, each one comprehending
asýslur, while Streymoy is divided in a northern and southern part (Tórshavn region), but since 2008, the Faroes
constitute a single district.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of the Faroe Islands
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
Because anticipated offshore hydrocarbon resources have not been realized, earlier Faroese proposals for full
independence have been deferred; Iceland, the UK, and Ireland dispute Denmark's claim that the Faroe Islands'
continental shelf extends beyond 200 nm
independence have been deferred; Iceland, the UK, and Ireland dispute Denmark's claim that the Faroe Islands'
continental shelf extends beyond 200 nm
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDP) |
None reported.
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
None reported.
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2009 Human Rights Report: Denmark (including Greenland and Faroe Islands)
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
The territories of Greenland and the Faroe Islands have democratically elected home rule governments whose powers encompass
all matters except foreign and national security affairs, police services, and monetary matters. Greenlanders and Faroese have the
same rights as other citizens. Each territory elects two representatives to the parliament. In a November referendum ratifying an
agreement between Denmark and Greenland, Greenland was granted additional responsibilities for justice and home affairs and was
granted formal legal recognition as a people.
The law prescribes conditions of work, including safety and health; the DWES ensured compliance with labor legislation. During
the year, the DWES conducted approximately 61,000 company audits with approximately 40,000 requests for additional
information or required improvements, and approximately 28,000 company screenings and inspections. If required improvements
are not carried out within the given time frame, the DWES has the authority to take the case to the police or courts. Workers may
remove themselves from hazardous situations without jeopardizing their employment, and authorities effectively enforced this right
in practice. Similar work conditions were found in Greenland and the Faroe Islands, except that there the workweek was
established by contract at 40 hours.
The government generally respected the human rights of its citizens, and the law and judiciary provide effective means of dealing
with individual instances of abuse. Reports of religious and ethnic discrimination against minority groups have remained relatively
constant over the past several years, while domestic violence against women and trafficking in women and children continued to be
reported.
Click here to read more »
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
The territories of Greenland and the Faroe Islands have democratically elected home rule governments whose powers encompass
all matters except foreign and national security affairs, police services, and monetary matters. Greenlanders and Faroese have the
same rights as other citizens. Each territory elects two representatives to the parliament. In a November referendum ratifying an
agreement between Denmark and Greenland, Greenland was granted additional responsibilities for justice and home affairs and was
granted formal legal recognition as a people.
The law prescribes conditions of work, including safety and health; the DWES ensured compliance with labor legislation. During
the year, the DWES conducted approximately 61,000 company audits with approximately 40,000 requests for additional
information or required improvements, and approximately 28,000 company screenings and inspections. If required improvements
are not carried out within the given time frame, the DWES has the authority to take the case to the police or courts. Workers may
remove themselves from hazardous situations without jeopardizing their employment, and authorities effectively enforced this right
in practice. Similar work conditions were found in Greenland and the Faroe Islands, except that there the workweek was
established by contract at 40 hours.
The government generally respected the human rights of its citizens, and the law and judiciary provide effective means of dealing
with individual instances of abuse. Reports of religious and ethnic discrimination against minority groups have remained relatively
constant over the past several years, while domestic violence against women and trafficking in women and children continued to be
reported.
Click here to read more »
7 August 2009
Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Forty-fourth session
20 July-7 August 2009
Concluding observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Denmark
Introduction
2. The Committee commends the State party for the submission of its seventh periodic report, which followed the Committee’s
former guidelines for the preparation of periodic reports and took into account its previous concluding observations. The
Committee also commends the State party for the written replies to the list of issues and questions raised by the pre-session
working group and for the oral presentation and responses to the questions posed by the Committee. The Committee regrets,
however, that information in the report about the situation of women in the Faroe Islands and Greenland is still too limited.
Principal areas of concern and recommendations
10. The Committee recalls the State party’s obligation systematically and continuously to implement all the provisions of the
Convention, and views the concerns and recommendations identified in the present concluding observations as requiring the State
party’s priority attention between now and the submission of the next periodic report. Consequently, the Committee urges the State
party to focus on those areas in its implementation activities and to report on action taken and results achieved in its next periodic
report. It calls upon the Governments of Denmark, the Faroe Islands and Greenland to submit the present concluding observations
to all relevant ministries, to the Parliament and the judiciary, so as to ensure their full implementation.
Legal status of the Convention
14. While recognizing that some of the State party’s domestic laws reflect the articles enshrined in the Convention, the Committee
is concerned at the decision taken by the State party not to incorporate the Convention into its domestic legal order. It also
reiterates the concerns expressed in its previous concluding observations that the Convention’s provisions and rights have not been
fully incorporated in the Faroe Islands and Greenland. Furthermore, given the special status of the self-governing and autonomous
territories of the Faroe Islands and Greenland, the Committee considers that the incorporation of the Convention into the
Constitution or other appropriate legislation would provide full protection to all citizens under the Danish Realm. The Committee
notes that under Home Rule legislation the Danish Parliament has delegated legislative and executive powers to the authorities of the
Faroe Islands and Greenland. It underlines, however, that the State party bears the primary responsibility of ensuring the full
implementation of the Convention within the Danish Realm and dividing responsibilities with self-governing and autonomous
territories in that regard. In addition, while noting the existence of gender equality machineries and regulations in Denmark, the
Faroe Islands and Greenland, the Committee is concerned that there is inadequate effective coordination of the application of the
Convention in all Territories of the State party and of reporting as required under article 18 of the Convention.
15. The Committee calls on the State party to reconsider its decision not to incorporate the Convention into its domestic legal order,
with a view to ensuring that all rights protected under the Convention are given full effect in domestic law. It recalls the State
party’s obligation, as stated in article 2 (a) of the Convention, to embody the principle of the equality of men and women in its
national Constitution or other appropriate legislation. The Committee recommends that the State party ensure that full
implementation of the Convention is achieved throughout the State party’s entire territory, including the Faroe Islands and
Greenland. It also requests that an efficient division of responsibilities and reporting under the Convention is guaranteed through the
establishment of effective coordination and reporting mechanisms.
Click here to read more »
Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Forty-fourth session
20 July-7 August 2009
Concluding observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Denmark
Introduction
2. The Committee commends the State party for the submission of its seventh periodic report, which followed the Committee’s
former guidelines for the preparation of periodic reports and took into account its previous concluding observations. The
Committee also commends the State party for the written replies to the list of issues and questions raised by the pre-session
working group and for the oral presentation and responses to the questions posed by the Committee. The Committee regrets,
however, that information in the report about the situation of women in the Faroe Islands and Greenland is still too limited.
Principal areas of concern and recommendations
10. The Committee recalls the State party’s obligation systematically and continuously to implement all the provisions of the
Convention, and views the concerns and recommendations identified in the present concluding observations as requiring the State
party’s priority attention between now and the submission of the next periodic report. Consequently, the Committee urges the State
party to focus on those areas in its implementation activities and to report on action taken and results achieved in its next periodic
report. It calls upon the Governments of Denmark, the Faroe Islands and Greenland to submit the present concluding observations
to all relevant ministries, to the Parliament and the judiciary, so as to ensure their full implementation.
Legal status of the Convention
14. While recognizing that some of the State party’s domestic laws reflect the articles enshrined in the Convention, the Committee
is concerned at the decision taken by the State party not to incorporate the Convention into its domestic legal order. It also
reiterates the concerns expressed in its previous concluding observations that the Convention’s provisions and rights have not been
fully incorporated in the Faroe Islands and Greenland. Furthermore, given the special status of the self-governing and autonomous
territories of the Faroe Islands and Greenland, the Committee considers that the incorporation of the Convention into the
Constitution or other appropriate legislation would provide full protection to all citizens under the Danish Realm. The Committee
notes that under Home Rule legislation the Danish Parliament has delegated legislative and executive powers to the authorities of the
Faroe Islands and Greenland. It underlines, however, that the State party bears the primary responsibility of ensuring the full
implementation of the Convention within the Danish Realm and dividing responsibilities with self-governing and autonomous
territories in that regard. In addition, while noting the existence of gender equality machineries and regulations in Denmark, the
Faroe Islands and Greenland, the Committee is concerned that there is inadequate effective coordination of the application of the
Convention in all Territories of the State party and of reporting as required under article 18 of the Convention.
15. The Committee calls on the State party to reconsider its decision not to incorporate the Convention into its domestic legal order,
with a view to ensuring that all rights protected under the Convention are given full effect in domestic law. It recalls the State
party’s obligation, as stated in article 2 (a) of the Convention, to embody the principle of the equality of men and women in its
national Constitution or other appropriate legislation. The Committee recommends that the State party ensure that full
implementation of the Convention is achieved throughout the State party’s entire territory, including the Faroe Islands and
Greenland. It also requests that an efficient division of responsibilities and reporting under the Convention is guaranteed through the
establishment of effective coordination and reporting mechanisms.
Click here to read more »
FREEDOM IN THE WORLD- 2009
Denmark (Including Faroe Islands)
Political Rights Score: 1
Civil Liberties Score: 1
Status: Free
The semi-autonomous territories of Greenland and the Faroe Islands each have two representatives in the Folketing. They also have
their own elected home rule governments, which have power over almost all areas of governance.
Women enjoy equal rights in Denmark and represent half of the workforce. However, disparities have been reported in the Faeroe
Islands and Greenland. In October 2008, the prime minister announced plans for a 2009 referendum that would allow the firstborn
child of the monarch to become heir to the throne regardless of sex. Denmark is a destination and transit point for women and
children trafficked for the purpose of sexual exploitation. Following the 2003 adoption of legislation that defined and criminalized
such trafficking, the government began working regularly with nongovernmental organizations in their trafficking-prevention
campaigns. In 2008, an EU report cited Denmark as one of nine European countries that do not have antidiscrimination agencies to
protect gay rights, and one of only seven EU member states that fail to offer protections to gays beyond the workplace.
Click here to read more »
Denmark (Including Faroe Islands)
Political Rights Score: 1
Civil Liberties Score: 1
Status: Free
The semi-autonomous territories of Greenland and the Faroe Islands each have two representatives in the Folketing. They also have
their own elected home rule governments, which have power over almost all areas of governance.
Women enjoy equal rights in Denmark and represent half of the workforce. However, disparities have been reported in the Faeroe
Islands and Greenland. In October 2008, the prime minister announced plans for a 2009 referendum that would allow the firstborn
child of the monarch to become heir to the throne regardless of sex. Denmark is a destination and transit point for women and
children trafficked for the purpose of sexual exploitation. Following the 2003 adoption of legislation that defined and criminalized
such trafficking, the government began working regularly with nongovernmental organizations in their trafficking-prevention
campaigns. In 2008, an EU report cited Denmark as one of nine European countries that do not have antidiscrimination agencies to
protect gay rights, and one of only seven EU member states that fail to offer protections to gays beyond the workplace.
Click here to read more »
This is the official homepage of Amnesty International Faroese Section. The Faroese section was established in 1965. Ever since
the section has been working actively. The number of members is one of the highest in the world, when compared to the
population. In the summer of 2005 we ran a Face2Face campaign with fantastic results. The number of members doubled in 4
weeks and is now almost 1200, that is over 2% of the Faroese population.
We participate in the ICM, Chair's and Director's Forum and in Nordic meetings. At home we have a board elected by the members
once a year. There are youth groups working on cases, an Urgent Action group and a fundraising group.
In the end of 2003 we had a campaign asking people to sign up via the website to Urgent Action letters once a month. By now
more than 170 joined the network.
Please also visit Amnesty International
We also participate in the Stop Violence Against Women campaign
Click here to read more »
the section has been working actively. The number of members is one of the highest in the world, when compared to the
population. In the summer of 2005 we ran a Face2Face campaign with fantastic results. The number of members doubled in 4
weeks and is now almost 1200, that is over 2% of the Faroese population.
We participate in the ICM, Chair's and Director's Forum and in Nordic meetings. At home we have a board elected by the members
once a year. There are youth groups working on cases, an Urgent Action group and a fundraising group.
In the end of 2003 we had a campaign asking people to sign up via the website to Urgent Action letters once a month. By now
more than 170 joined the network.
Please also visit Amnesty International
We also participate in the Stop Violence Against Women campaign
Click here to read more »
June 2006 Volume 18, No. 5(D)
Universal Jurisdiction in Europe
The State of the Art
B. Practical Arrangements for the Exercise of Universal Jurisdiction in Denmark
1. Special departments in charge of the investigation and prosecution of international crimes
The Special International Crimes Office (SICO) was established in 2002 and is in charge of the investigation and prosecution of
serious crimes committed abroad by persons present in Denmark. SICO currently has a staff of seventeen: six prosecutors, nine
investigators and two translators. The investigators and prosecutors work in teams,divided by geographical region. The
composition of prosecutors and investigators in the same unit has proven advantageous as both are able to profit from one another’
s expertise in the complex legal and investigative aspects of the investigation of international crimes. The office’s focus is on
serious crimes committed abroad, covering anything from murder and rape to genocide. Approximately 20 percent of their work
deals exclusively with international crimes. As one of three national police units, its budget is part of the overall police budget and is
determined by the Ministry of Justice. According to the officials interviewed, there is neither a lack of financial resources nor of
personnel available to SICO.
Click here to read more »
Universal Jurisdiction in Europe
The State of the Art
B. Practical Arrangements for the Exercise of Universal Jurisdiction in Denmark
1. Special departments in charge of the investigation and prosecution of international crimes
The Special International Crimes Office (SICO) was established in 2002 and is in charge of the investigation and prosecution of
serious crimes committed abroad by persons present in Denmark. SICO currently has a staff of seventeen: six prosecutors, nine
investigators and two translators. The investigators and prosecutors work in teams,divided by geographical region. The
composition of prosecutors and investigators in the same unit has proven advantageous as both are able to profit from one another’
s expertise in the complex legal and investigative aspects of the investigation of international crimes. The office’s focus is on
serious crimes committed abroad, covering anything from murder and rape to genocide. Approximately 20 percent of their work
deals exclusively with international crimes. As one of three national police units, its budget is part of the overall police budget and is
determined by the Ministry of Justice. According to the officials interviewed, there is neither a lack of financial resources nor of
personnel available to SICO.
Click here to read more »
Lecture held by the Prime Minister, Kaj Leo Johannesen at the University of Iceland
16 of October 2009.
Honourable Rector, Dean, distinguished members of the faculty, students and guests.
First let me share with you a more recent part of Faroese history.
Not that long ago we in the Faroes experienced economic circumstances similar to those in Iceland today. In the early nineties, just
over 17 years ago, the Faroe Islands suffered a full-blown economic collapse.
This was brought on by reckless and irresponsible actions on the part of industry and the Faroese banking system, inability of the
government to act in time and coupled with a sharp decline in fish catches.
We suffered tremendously. Unemployment soared, people were put out of their homes and within few years nearly 15% of our
population had emigrated.
For a while we were largely in denial. Our self-image and beliefs in our abilities were shattered. We were forced to rethink our
system of government and to redefine our goals as a society.
In the darkness a spirit of solidarity and resourcefulness rose in our people. In the end these virtues helped us to both economic and
psychological recovery.
Geographically, we are a part of Europe and we consider ourselves as Europeans. It is therefore an unacceptable situation that our
formal relations with the vast majority of European nations, namely those in the European Union, is based on an old fashioned trade
agreement covering little more than trade in goods.
This situation calls for improvement and recently we have established a group of EU experts with a view to come up with specific
proposals for a better cooperation with the European Union. Our aim is to expand the cooperation with the EU countries to cover
the freedoms of the internal market as well as to take part in a number of European programs in specific areas of common interest,
for instance research and education. It could rightfully be argued that this policy is modelled on the European Economic Area
Agreement between the EU and EFTA countries.
Let me therefore end with a few words on these important issues, which we in the Faroes, lacking the tradition to deal with them,
frequently forget altogether. In a constitutional sense security and defence policy rest with the authorities in Copenhagen. But
according to a document labelled the Fámjin Accord from 2005 the Faroese Government must be fully informed of all issues with
respect to the defence of Faroese territory.
Click here to read more »
16 of October 2009.
Honourable Rector, Dean, distinguished members of the faculty, students and guests.
First let me share with you a more recent part of Faroese history.
Not that long ago we in the Faroes experienced economic circumstances similar to those in Iceland today. In the early nineties, just
over 17 years ago, the Faroe Islands suffered a full-blown economic collapse.
This was brought on by reckless and irresponsible actions on the part of industry and the Faroese banking system, inability of the
government to act in time and coupled with a sharp decline in fish catches.
We suffered tremendously. Unemployment soared, people were put out of their homes and within few years nearly 15% of our
population had emigrated.
For a while we were largely in denial. Our self-image and beliefs in our abilities were shattered. We were forced to rethink our
system of government and to redefine our goals as a society.
In the darkness a spirit of solidarity and resourcefulness rose in our people. In the end these virtues helped us to both economic and
psychological recovery.
Geographically, we are a part of Europe and we consider ourselves as Europeans. It is therefore an unacceptable situation that our
formal relations with the vast majority of European nations, namely those in the European Union, is based on an old fashioned trade
agreement covering little more than trade in goods.
This situation calls for improvement and recently we have established a group of EU experts with a view to come up with specific
proposals for a better cooperation with the European Union. Our aim is to expand the cooperation with the EU countries to cover
the freedoms of the internal market as well as to take part in a number of European programs in specific areas of common interest,
for instance research and education. It could rightfully be argued that this policy is modelled on the European Economic Area
Agreement between the EU and EFTA countries.
Let me therefore end with a few words on these important issues, which we in the Faroes, lacking the tradition to deal with them,
frequently forget altogether. In a constitutional sense security and defence policy rest with the authorities in Copenhagen. But
according to a document labelled the Fámjin Accord from 2005 the Faroese Government must be fully informed of all issues with
respect to the defence of Faroese territory.
Click here to read more »
Summary
Annual Report 2008
Copenhagen, 1 December 2009
Travels and conferences
3 I participated in a conference on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities arranged by MBF, a Faroese
umbrella organisation for disabled people. In the Faroe Islands.
The Ombudsman may carry out inspections of public institutions and other administrative authorities. Out of the total number of
4,229 new cases, 27 were inspection cases. Most of the inspection cases registered relate to institutions under the jurisdiction
of the police and the prison services (detentions (among others, six in the Faroe Islands), police holding cells, local prisons and
state prisons) and psychiatric institutions.
Click here to read more »
Annual Report 2008
Copenhagen, 1 December 2009
Travels and conferences
3 I participated in a conference on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities arranged by MBF, a Faroese
umbrella organisation for disabled people. In the Faroe Islands.
The Ombudsman may carry out inspections of public institutions and other administrative authorities. Out of the total number of
4,229 new cases, 27 were inspection cases. Most of the inspection cases registered relate to institutions under the jurisdiction
of the police and the prison services (detentions (among others, six in the Faroe Islands), police holding cells, local prisons and
state prisons) and psychiatric institutions.
Click here to read more »
20th August 2007 - Pink News
Pride politician calls for same-sex partnership scheme
by PinkNews.co.uk writer
A leading parliamentarian in the Faroe Islands has called for the creation of registered partnerships on the islands. Finnur Helmsdal
was speaking at Pride celebrations in the capital, Tórshavn, which was decorated with rainbow colours. Organisers of Pride said
they were very pleased with the success of the events which took place over the weekend. 130 people marched through Tórshavn
and another 200 turned out to hear speeches in the main square.
It was the second Pride festival on the islands and was organised by ANSO, Association of Nordic LGBT Student Organisations,
together with Friðarbogin, the Faroese LGBT organisation. Friðarbogin was founded in 2003. One of the aims of the organisation is
to raise awareness around LGBT issues and to get proper legal protection for LGBT people in the Faroe Islands.
"We are very happy with the turnout for the parade, keeping in mind that only around 19,000 people live in Tórshavn and 48,000 in
the whole Faroe Islands. I hope that next year even more will join us," said Tina Jakobsen, a board member of Friðarbogin. Finnur
Helmsdal, parliamentarian in the Faroese Løgting, or parliament, said in his speech that registered partnership should be legalised
today in the Faroes. He also thanked ANSO for making the first pride in 2005 possible, since that event started a discussion in
Faroese society, which for example led to the addition of sexual orientation into the anti-discrimination paragraph in the penal code
last December.
"In a small community like this, the LGBT movement needs allies," said Ásta Ósk Hlöðversdóttir, president of ANSO. "I hope that
we have been able to show that LGBT issues have to do with all of us. I also hope that by bringing representatives together from
various Nordic student organisations, we have created an alliance that hopefully will play an important role when it comes to
supporting human rights during upcoming years in the Faroe Islands."
The islands, a self-governing province of Denmark, are situated halfway between Iceland and Norway.
Click here to read more »
Pride politician calls for same-sex partnership scheme
by PinkNews.co.uk writer
A leading parliamentarian in the Faroe Islands has called for the creation of registered partnerships on the islands. Finnur Helmsdal
was speaking at Pride celebrations in the capital, Tórshavn, which was decorated with rainbow colours. Organisers of Pride said
they were very pleased with the success of the events which took place over the weekend. 130 people marched through Tórshavn
and another 200 turned out to hear speeches in the main square.
It was the second Pride festival on the islands and was organised by ANSO, Association of Nordic LGBT Student Organisations,
together with Friðarbogin, the Faroese LGBT organisation. Friðarbogin was founded in 2003. One of the aims of the organisation is
to raise awareness around LGBT issues and to get proper legal protection for LGBT people in the Faroe Islands.
"We are very happy with the turnout for the parade, keeping in mind that only around 19,000 people live in Tórshavn and 48,000 in
the whole Faroe Islands. I hope that next year even more will join us," said Tina Jakobsen, a board member of Friðarbogin. Finnur
Helmsdal, parliamentarian in the Faroese Løgting, or parliament, said in his speech that registered partnership should be legalised
today in the Faroes. He also thanked ANSO for making the first pride in 2005 possible, since that event started a discussion in
Faroese society, which for example led to the addition of sexual orientation into the anti-discrimination paragraph in the penal code
last December.
"In a small community like this, the LGBT movement needs allies," said Ásta Ósk Hlöðversdóttir, president of ANSO. "I hope that
we have been able to show that LGBT issues have to do with all of us. I also hope that by bringing representatives together from
various Nordic student organisations, we have created an alliance that hopefully will play an important role when it comes to
supporting human rights during upcoming years in the Faroe Islands."
The islands, a self-governing province of Denmark, are situated halfway between Iceland and Norway.
Click here to read more »
Represented by
Dan Michael Knudsen
High Commissioner and
Chief Administrative Officer
since 01 January 2008
Dan Michael Knudsen
High Commissioner and
Chief Administrative Officer
since 01 January 2008
| Click map for larger view |
| Click flag for Country Report |
| Faroe Islands Faroe Islands Foroyar (part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark since 1948) Joined United Nations: 25 October 1945 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 04/30/10 |
| TRAFFICKING N PERSONS |
None reported.
