| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Nuuk (Godthab)
57,600 (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
Jakob Edvard Kuupik Kleist
Prime Minister since 12 June 2009
Prime Minister since 12 June 2009
Prime minister is elected by parliament (usually the leader of the
majority party); election last held 2 June 2009
Next scheduled election: 2014
majority party); election last held 2 June 2009
Next scheduled election: 2014
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Greenlander 88% (Inuit and Greenland-born whites), Danish and others 12% (2000)
| RELIGIONS |
Evangelical Lutheran
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark since 1979 ; 3 districts
(landsdele); Legal system is based Danish law;
Executive: Monarch represented by High Commissioner; Prime Minister elected by Greenlandic Parliament
Legislative: Unicameral Parliament or Landstinget (31 seats; members are elected by popular vote on the basis of
proportional representation to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held on 2 June 2009 (next to be held by 2014)
Judicial: High Court or Landsret (appeals can be made to the Ostre Landsret or Eastern Division of the High Court
or Supreme Court in Copenhagen)
(landsdele); Legal system is based Danish law;
Executive: Monarch represented by High Commissioner; Prime Minister elected by Greenlandic Parliament
Legislative: Unicameral Parliament or Landstinget (31 seats; members are elected by popular vote on the basis of
proportional representation to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held on 2 June 2009 (next to be held by 2014)
Judicial: High Court or Landsret (appeals can be made to the Ostre Landsret or Eastern Division of the High Court
or Supreme Court in Copenhagen)
| LANGUAGES |
Greenlandic (East Inuit), Danish, English
| BRIEF HISTORY |
Greenland was home to a number of Paleo-Eskimo cultures in prehistory, the latest of which (the Early Dorset culture)
disappeared around the year 200 AD. Hereafter, the island seems to have been uninhabited for some eight centuries.
Icelandic settlers found the land uninhabited when they arrived c.982. They established three settlements near the very
southwestern tip of the island, where they thrived for the next few centuries, and then disappeared after over 450 years
of habitation. The fjords of the southern part of the island were lush and had a warmer climate at that time, possibly due
to what was called the Medieval Warm Period. These remote communities thrived and lived off farming, hunting and
trading with the motherland, and when the Scandinavian monarchs converted their domains to Christianity, a bishop
was installed in Greenland as well. The settlements seem to have coexisted relatively peacefully with the Inuit, who had
migrated southwards from the Arctic islands of North America around 1200. In 1261, Greenland became part of the
Kingdom of Norway. Norway in turn entered into the Kalmar Union in 1397 and later the personal union of
Denmark-Norway. After almost five hundred years, the Scandinavian settlements simply vanished, possibly due to
famine during the fifteenth century in the Little Ice Age, when climatic conditions deteriorated, and contact with Europe
was lost. Bones from this late period were found to be in a condition consistent with malnutrition. Some believe the
settlers were wiped out by bubonic plague or exterminated by the Inuit. Other historians have speculated that Basque
or English pirates or slave traders from the Barbary Coast contributed to the extinction of the Greenlandic communities.
Denmark-Norway reasserted its latent claim to the colony in 1721. The island's ties with Norway were severed by the
Treaty of Kiel of 1814, through which Sweden gained control over mainland Norway while Denmark retained all of
their common overseas possessions, which, at that time, included small territories in India, West Africa and the West
Indies, as well as the Faroe Islands, Iceland and Greenland. Norway occupied and claimed parts of (then uninhabited)
East Greenland aka Erik the Red's Land in July 1931, claiming that it constituted Terra nullius. Norway and Denmark
agreed to settle the matter at the Permanent Court of International Justice in 1933, where Norway lost. During World
War II, Greenland's connection to Denmark was severed on April 9, 1940 when Denmark was occupied by Germany,
and Greenland was on its own. Through the cryolite from the mine in Ivigtut, Greenland was able to pay for goods
bought in the United States and Canada. During the War the system of government changed. Eske Brun was governor
and ruled the Island via a 1925 law concerning the governing of the Island where, under extreme circumstances, the
governors could take control. The other governor, Aksel Svane, was transferred to the United States as leader of the
commission to supply Greenland. The Sirius Patrol, guarding the Northeastern shores of Greenland using dog sleds,
detected and destroyed several German weather stations, giving Denmark a better position in the postwar turmoil.
Greenland had been a protected and thereby isolated society until 1940. The Danish government, which governed the
colonies of Greenland, had been convinced that the society would face exploitation from the outside world or even
extinction if the country was opened up. During World War II, though, Greenland developed a sense of self-reliance
during its period of self-government and independent communication with the outside world. However, in 1946 a
commission (with the highest Greenlandic council Landsrådet as participant) recommended patience and no radical
reformation of the system. Two years later the first step towards an alteration of the governing of Greenland was
initiated as a grand commission was founded. In 1950 the report (G-50) was presented. Greenland was to be a
modern welfare society with Denmark as the sponsor and example. In 1953 Greenland was made an equal part of the
Danish Kingdom. In 1979 home rule was granted.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Greenland
disappeared around the year 200 AD. Hereafter, the island seems to have been uninhabited for some eight centuries.
Icelandic settlers found the land uninhabited when they arrived c.982. They established three settlements near the very
southwestern tip of the island, where they thrived for the next few centuries, and then disappeared after over 450 years
of habitation. The fjords of the southern part of the island were lush and had a warmer climate at that time, possibly due
to what was called the Medieval Warm Period. These remote communities thrived and lived off farming, hunting and
trading with the motherland, and when the Scandinavian monarchs converted their domains to Christianity, a bishop
was installed in Greenland as well. The settlements seem to have coexisted relatively peacefully with the Inuit, who had
migrated southwards from the Arctic islands of North America around 1200. In 1261, Greenland became part of the
Kingdom of Norway. Norway in turn entered into the Kalmar Union in 1397 and later the personal union of
Denmark-Norway. After almost five hundred years, the Scandinavian settlements simply vanished, possibly due to
famine during the fifteenth century in the Little Ice Age, when climatic conditions deteriorated, and contact with Europe
was lost. Bones from this late period were found to be in a condition consistent with malnutrition. Some believe the
settlers were wiped out by bubonic plague or exterminated by the Inuit. Other historians have speculated that Basque
or English pirates or slave traders from the Barbary Coast contributed to the extinction of the Greenlandic communities.
Denmark-Norway reasserted its latent claim to the colony in 1721. The island's ties with Norway were severed by the
Treaty of Kiel of 1814, through which Sweden gained control over mainland Norway while Denmark retained all of
their common overseas possessions, which, at that time, included small territories in India, West Africa and the West
Indies, as well as the Faroe Islands, Iceland and Greenland. Norway occupied and claimed parts of (then uninhabited)
East Greenland aka Erik the Red's Land in July 1931, claiming that it constituted Terra nullius. Norway and Denmark
agreed to settle the matter at the Permanent Court of International Justice in 1933, where Norway lost. During World
War II, Greenland's connection to Denmark was severed on April 9, 1940 when Denmark was occupied by Germany,
and Greenland was on its own. Through the cryolite from the mine in Ivigtut, Greenland was able to pay for goods
bought in the United States and Canada. During the War the system of government changed. Eske Brun was governor
and ruled the Island via a 1925 law concerning the governing of the Island where, under extreme circumstances, the
governors could take control. The other governor, Aksel Svane, was transferred to the United States as leader of the
commission to supply Greenland. The Sirius Patrol, guarding the Northeastern shores of Greenland using dog sleds,
detected and destroyed several German weather stations, giving Denmark a better position in the postwar turmoil.
Greenland had been a protected and thereby isolated society until 1940. The Danish government, which governed the
colonies of Greenland, had been convinced that the society would face exploitation from the outside world or even
extinction if the country was opened up. During World War II, though, Greenland developed a sense of self-reliance
during its period of self-government and independent communication with the outside world. However, in 1946 a
commission (with the highest Greenlandic council Landsrådet as participant) recommended patience and no radical
reformation of the system. Two years later the first step towards an alteration of the governing of Greenland was
initiated as a grand commission was founded. In 1950 the report (G-50) was presented. Greenland was to be a
modern welfare society with Denmark as the sponsor and example. In 1953 Greenland was made an equal part of the
Danish Kingdom. In 1979 home rule was granted.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Greenland
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
The economy remains critically dependent on exports of shrimp and fish and on a substantial subsidy - about $650
million in 2009 - from the Danish Government, which supplies nearly 60% of government revenues. The public sector,
including publicly owned enterprises and the municipalities, plays the dominant role in Greenland's economy.
Greenland's GDP contracted about 2% in 2009 as a result of the global economic slowdown. Budget surpluses turned
to deficits beginning in 2007 and unemployment has risen. During the last decade the Greenland Home Rule
Government (GHRG) pursued conservative fiscal and monetary policies, but public pressure has increased for better
schools, health care and retirement systems. The Greenlandic economy has benefited from increasing catches and
exports of shrimp, Greenland halibut and, more recently, crabs. Due to Greenland's continued dependence on exports
of fish - which account for 82% of exports - the economy remains very sensitive to foreign developments. International
consortia are increasingly active in exploring for hydrocarbon resources off Greenland's western coast, and international
studies indicate the potential for oil and gas fields in northern and northeastern Greenland. In May 2007 a US aluminum
producer concluded a memorandum of understanding with the Greenland Home Rule Government to build an aluminum
smelter and a power generation facility, which takes advantage of Greenland's abundant hydropower potential. Tourism
also offers another avenue of economic growth for Greenland, with increasing numbers of cruise lines now operating in
Greenland's western and southern waters during the peak summer tourism season.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Greenland)
million in 2009 - from the Danish Government, which supplies nearly 60% of government revenues. The public sector,
including publicly owned enterprises and the municipalities, plays the dominant role in Greenland's economy.
Greenland's GDP contracted about 2% in 2009 as a result of the global economic slowdown. Budget surpluses turned
to deficits beginning in 2007 and unemployment has risen. During the last decade the Greenland Home Rule
Government (GHRG) pursued conservative fiscal and monetary policies, but public pressure has increased for better
schools, health care and retirement systems. The Greenlandic economy has benefited from increasing catches and
exports of shrimp, Greenland halibut and, more recently, crabs. Due to Greenland's continued dependence on exports
of fish - which account for 82% of exports - the economy remains very sensitive to foreign developments. International
consortia are increasingly active in exploring for hydrocarbon resources off Greenland's western coast, and international
studies indicate the potential for oil and gas fields in northern and northeastern Greenland. In May 2007 a US aluminum
producer concluded a memorandum of understanding with the Greenland Home Rule Government to build an aluminum
smelter and a power generation facility, which takes advantage of Greenland's abundant hydropower potential. Tourism
also offers another avenue of economic growth for Greenland, with increasing numbers of cruise lines now operating in
Greenland's western and southern waters during the peak summer tourism season.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Greenland)
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
Politics of Greenland takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic Danish dependency,
whereby the Prime Minister is the head of government, and of a pluriform multi-party system. Greenland is a
self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark since 1979. Executive power is exercised by the
government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the Parliament of Greenland (known as Landsting).
The party system is dominated by the social democratic Forward, the separatist and socialist Inuit Community and the
conservative liberal Feeling of Community. The Judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature.
A non-binding referendum on Greenland's autonomy was held on 25 November 2008. It was passed with 75%
approval (63% in Nuuk) and a 72% turnout. The referendum was announced by Prime Minister Hans Enoksen on 2
January 2008.Enoksen also announced the launch of an information and discussion campaign on the issue of
self-government. This included town hall meetings throughout the country.
Parliamentary elections were held in Greenland on 2 June 2009. Prime Minister Hans Enoksen announced the election
date on 15 April 2009, stating that he would prefer for a newly elected parliament to administer Greenland when the
self-government reform takes effect on 21 June 2009. The reform will give more power to the Greenlandic parliament
with decisions on most issues being devolved to the parliament but defence and foreign affairs remaining under the
control of Denmark.
On 7 June 2009, Community of the People announced that it would form a coalition with the Democrats and the
Independents. The pro-independence, left-wing opposition party, Inuit Ataqatigiit (Greenlandic for: Community of the
People), led by Kuupik Kleist, won the election, getting 43.7% of the votes. The governing Siumut Party (Greenlandic
for Forward) led by Prime Minister Hans Enoksen took 26.5% of the vote and lost control of the government for the
first time in 30 years.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Greenland; Wikipedia: Greenland self-government referendum, 2008
whereby the Prime Minister is the head of government, and of a pluriform multi-party system. Greenland is a
self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark since 1979. Executive power is exercised by the
government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the Parliament of Greenland (known as Landsting).
The party system is dominated by the social democratic Forward, the separatist and socialist Inuit Community and the
conservative liberal Feeling of Community. The Judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature.
A non-binding referendum on Greenland's autonomy was held on 25 November 2008. It was passed with 75%
approval (63% in Nuuk) and a 72% turnout. The referendum was announced by Prime Minister Hans Enoksen on 2
January 2008.Enoksen also announced the launch of an information and discussion campaign on the issue of
self-government. This included town hall meetings throughout the country.
Parliamentary elections were held in Greenland on 2 June 2009. Prime Minister Hans Enoksen announced the election
date on 15 April 2009, stating that he would prefer for a newly elected parliament to administer Greenland when the
self-government reform takes effect on 21 June 2009. The reform will give more power to the Greenlandic parliament
with decisions on most issues being devolved to the parliament but defence and foreign affairs remaining under the
control of Denmark.
On 7 June 2009, Community of the People announced that it would form a coalition with the Democrats and the
Independents. The pro-independence, left-wing opposition party, Inuit Ataqatigiit (Greenlandic for: Community of the
People), led by Kuupik Kleist, won the election, getting 43.7% of the votes. The governing Siumut Party (Greenlandic
for Forward) led by Prime Minister Hans Enoksen took 26.5% of the vote and lost control of the government for the
first time in 30 years.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Greenland; Wikipedia: Greenland self-government referendum, 2008
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
Managed dispute between Canada and Denmark over Hans Island in the Kennedy Channel between Canada's
Ellesmere Island and Greenland
Ellesmere Island and Greenland
| 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)
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. On June 21, Greenland's new
Self-Governance Agreement, which further expanded the area of competency of the Greenland self-government, entered into force.
The law protects the rights of the indigenous Inuit inhabitants of Greenland. Greenland's legal system seeks to accommodate their
customs, provides for the use of lay persons as judges, and sentences most prisoners to holding centers (rather than prisons),
where they are encouraged to work, hunt, or fish during the day.
The law prescribes conditions of work, including safety and health; the Danish Working Environment Authority (DWEA), ensured
compliance with labor legislation. During the year the DWEA conducted 25,569 company screenings, visits, and inspections and
made 36,374 requests for additional information or required improvements concerning working environment problems. If required
improvements are not carried out within the given time frame, the DWEA has the authority to take the case to police or the 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.
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. On June 21, Greenland's new
Self-Governance Agreement, which further expanded the area of competency of the Greenland self-government, entered into force.
The law protects the rights of the indigenous Inuit inhabitants of Greenland. Greenland's legal system seeks to accommodate their
customs, provides for the use of lay persons as judges, and sentences most prisoners to holding centers (rather than prisons),
where they are encouraged to work, hunt, or fish during the day.
The law prescribes conditions of work, including safety and health; the Danish Working Environment Authority (DWEA), ensured
compliance with labor legislation. During the year the DWEA conducted 25,569 company screenings, visits, and inspections and
made 36,374 requests for additional information or required improvements concerning working environment problems. If required
improvements are not carried out within the given time frame, the DWEA has the authority to take the case to police or the 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.
Click here to read more »
26 June 2009
HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Second session
10-14 August 2009
Item 3 of the provisional agenda
Technical workshop on the right of indigenous peoples to education and contributions to the study on lessons learned and
challenges to achieve the implementation of the right of indigenous peoples to education
I. INTRODUCTION
1. The Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was requested by the Human Rights Council, in its resolution 9/7, to
prepare a study on lessons learned and challenges to achieve the implementation of the right of indigenous peoples to education, to
be concluded in 2009.
THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RIGHT OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES TO EDUCATION
A. Information received from States parties
8. The following Member States submitted contributions to the study on lessons learned and challenges to achieve implementation
of the right of indigenous peoples to education: Australia, Bolivia, Canada, Colombia, Finland, Ecuador, Mexico and New Zealand.
Contributions were also received by the Greenland Home Rule Government and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated.
11. The Greenland Home Rule Government submitted “Atuartitsialak: Greenland’s Cultural Compatible Reform”, “Building
Educational Capacity in Greenland” and “Implementation of Instructional Conversations in a Greenlandic Settlement School” by
Tasha R. Wyatt. It also submitted “Science and culture in Greenlandic educational reform” by Ronald Tharp and “Educating
teachers from a Vygotskian point of view; the Greenland school reform and what it implies for classroom practices and further
education (professional development) for teachers” by Karl Kristian Olsen.
Click here to read more »
HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Second session
10-14 August 2009
Item 3 of the provisional agenda
Technical workshop on the right of indigenous peoples to education and contributions to the study on lessons learned and
challenges to achieve the implementation of the right of indigenous peoples to education
I. INTRODUCTION
1. The Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was requested by the Human Rights Council, in its resolution 9/7, to
prepare a study on lessons learned and challenges to achieve the implementation of the right of indigenous peoples to education, to
be concluded in 2009.
THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RIGHT OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES TO EDUCATION
A. Information received from States parties
8. The following Member States submitted contributions to the study on lessons learned and challenges to achieve implementation
of the right of indigenous peoples to education: Australia, Bolivia, Canada, Colombia, Finland, Ecuador, Mexico and New Zealand.
Contributions were also received by the Greenland Home Rule Government and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated.
11. The Greenland Home Rule Government submitted “Atuartitsialak: Greenland’s Cultural Compatible Reform”, “Building
Educational Capacity in Greenland” and “Implementation of Instructional Conversations in a Greenlandic Settlement School” by
Tasha R. Wyatt. It also submitted “Science and culture in Greenlandic educational reform” by Ronald Tharp and “Educating
teachers from a Vygotskian point of view; the Greenland school reform and what it implies for classroom practices and further
education (professional development) for teachers” by Karl Kristian Olsen.
Click here to read more »
FREEDOM IN THE WORLD- 2009
Political Rights Score: 1
Civil Liberties Score: 1
Status: Free
Denmark (Greenland does not have its own report)
Overview
Denmark is an electoral democracy. The current constitution, adopted in 1953, established a single-chamber parliament (the
Folketing) and retained a monarch, currently Queen Margrethe II, with mostly ceremonial duties. The parliament’s 179
representatives are elected at least once every four years through a system of modified proportional representation. The leader of
the majority party or coalition is usually chosen to be prime minister by the monarch. Danish governments most often control a
minority of seats in parliament, ruling with the aid of one or more supporting parties. Since 1909, no single party has held a
majority of seats, helping to create a tradition of compromise.
The territories of Greenland and the Faeroe Islands each have two representatives in the Folketing. They also have their own
elected institutions, which have power over almost all areas of governance.
Click here to read more »
Political Rights Score: 1
Civil Liberties Score: 1
Status: Free
Denmark (Greenland does not have its own report)
Overview
Denmark is an electoral democracy. The current constitution, adopted in 1953, established a single-chamber parliament (the
Folketing) and retained a monarch, currently Queen Margrethe II, with mostly ceremonial duties. The parliament’s 179
representatives are elected at least once every four years through a system of modified proportional representation. The leader of
the majority party or coalition is usually chosen to be prime minister by the monarch. Danish governments most often control a
minority of seats in parliament, ruling with the aid of one or more supporting parties. Since 1909, no single party has held a
majority of seats, helping to create a tradition of compromise.
The territories of Greenland and the Faeroe Islands each have two representatives in the Folketing. They also have their own
elected institutions, which have power over almost all areas of governance.
Click here to read more »
Greenland's exiled inmates
By Malcolm Brabant
BBC, Copenhagen
Ole Muller is a rapist. A serious criminal in anyone's language. He has spent most of his adult life in this top security psychiatric jail.
Muller and 20 fellow countrymen face an indefinite sentence here because Denmark has failed to build a small suitable unit in
Greenland.
" These people have an extra punishment on top of their sentence - they ought to be sent back to their homeland, not 4,000
kilometres away. "
Stig Nielsen
Amnesty International
New penal system
Over nine years have passed since Amnesty first accused Denmark of breaching the Greenlanders human rights.
" Muller fully expects to die here and has already submitted his final request to the chaplain to be buried in Greenland "
The Danish penal system aims to rehabilitate prisoners but experts say the indefinite time spent by Greenlanders in Danish jails
erodes their confidence, breaks down their character and destroys their chances of re-integrating into Greenland society.
Amnesty International spokesman Stig Nielsen says: "These people have an extra punishment on top of their sentence. They ought
to be sent back to their homeland, not 4,000 kilometres away."
The prisoners' future depends upon a supreme court-led commission which was set up in the wake of Amnesty¿s criticism.
Over the years, the brief of the commission's chairman has been expanded to encompass a new penal system for Greenland. The
commission's report is finally approaching completion, but surely it does not take a decade to build a new unit?
Click here to read more»
By Malcolm Brabant
BBC, Copenhagen
Ole Muller is a rapist. A serious criminal in anyone's language. He has spent most of his adult life in this top security psychiatric jail.
Muller and 20 fellow countrymen face an indefinite sentence here because Denmark has failed to build a small suitable unit in
Greenland.
" These people have an extra punishment on top of their sentence - they ought to be sent back to their homeland, not 4,000
kilometres away. "
Stig Nielsen
Amnesty International
New penal system
Over nine years have passed since Amnesty first accused Denmark of breaching the Greenlanders human rights.
" Muller fully expects to die here and has already submitted his final request to the chaplain to be buried in Greenland "
The Danish penal system aims to rehabilitate prisoners but experts say the indefinite time spent by Greenlanders in Danish jails
erodes their confidence, breaks down their character and destroys their chances of re-integrating into Greenland society.
Amnesty International spokesman Stig Nielsen says: "These people have an extra punishment on top of their sentence. They ought
to be sent back to their homeland, not 4,000 kilometres away."
The prisoners' future depends upon a supreme court-led commission which was set up in the wake of Amnesty¿s criticism.
Over the years, the brief of the commission's chairman has been expanded to encompass a new penal system for Greenland. The
commission's report is finally approaching completion, but surely it does not take a decade to build a new unit?
Click here to read more»
Human Rights Watch World Report 2001
This report reviews human rights practices in seventy countries and describes events from November 1999 through
October 2000.
LESBIAN AND GAY RIGHTS
Marriage and Discrimination Based on Family Configuration
Denmark, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden had provisions for registered partnerships, which did not provide all of the
benefits of civil marriage—often according limited or no adoption rights, in particular—and were generally limited only to citizens
or to residents who had lived in the country for several years
Click here to read more »
This report reviews human rights practices in seventy countries and describes events from November 1999 through
October 2000.
LESBIAN AND GAY RIGHTS
Marriage and Discrimination Based on Family Configuration
Denmark, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden had provisions for registered partnerships, which did not provide all of the
benefits of civil marriage—often according limited or no adoption rights, in particular—and were generally limited only to citizens
or to residents who had lived in the country for several years
Click here to read more »
Speech by Premier Kuupik Kleist on inauguration of Greenland Self government
21st of June 2009 in the morning
Dear fellow citizens.
This morning we woke up with a whole new feeling.
We awoke with renewed hope in our hearts.
Today sees the start of a new era in the history of our country. On this important and auspicious day we cannot help but be moved
as we look back at developments in Greenland as a society.
It is as if we have woken up to newly fallen snow in which we are to set the first footprints for those who come after us to follow.
I wish you all heartfelt congratulations on this day, marking the introduction of Self Governance on our National Day.
We cherish a hope and a wish that our future will see light and bear fruit. The introduction of Self Governance opens up for new
opportunities; the gateway through which we must pass is now wide open.
We are a small society and the successes we have achieved so far mean a lot to us. From this day forward we are recognised a
people – we have been accepted on an equal footing with other nations. It has cost great suffering for many societies to achieve
recognition, but our Self Governance has been earned through negotiation, mutual understanding and mutual respect. Today’s
achievement is the fruit of our work and our common endeavours. We have achieved Self Governance because we understand
each other; because we help each other and because we can work together. As a society we have achieved Self Governance jointly
and we have every good reason to joyfully pat each other on the back.
A great deal of work lies ahead of us, and I have no doubt that through unity and our sense of equality - indeed, the people we
ultimately are – we will succeed in reaching our goals. Because we all are needed. Whatever our role in society, we all work for the
common good of the people. Each and every one of us contributes to the development of society. And we want everyone to have
the freedom to support themselves and to grow – both physically and spiritually.
Click here to read more »
21st of June 2009 in the morning
Dear fellow citizens.
This morning we woke up with a whole new feeling.
We awoke with renewed hope in our hearts.
Today sees the start of a new era in the history of our country. On this important and auspicious day we cannot help but be moved
as we look back at developments in Greenland as a society.
It is as if we have woken up to newly fallen snow in which we are to set the first footprints for those who come after us to follow.
I wish you all heartfelt congratulations on this day, marking the introduction of Self Governance on our National Day.
We cherish a hope and a wish that our future will see light and bear fruit. The introduction of Self Governance opens up for new
opportunities; the gateway through which we must pass is now wide open.
We are a small society and the successes we have achieved so far mean a lot to us. From this day forward we are recognised a
people – we have been accepted on an equal footing with other nations. It has cost great suffering for many societies to achieve
recognition, but our Self Governance has been earned through negotiation, mutual understanding and mutual respect. Today’s
achievement is the fruit of our work and our common endeavours. We have achieved Self Governance because we understand
each other; because we help each other and because we can work together. As a society we have achieved Self Governance jointly
and we have every good reason to joyfully pat each other on the back.
A great deal of work lies ahead of us, and I have no doubt that through unity and our sense of equality - indeed, the people we
ultimately are – we will succeed in reaching our goals. Because we all are needed. Whatever our role in society, we all work for the
common good of the people. Each and every one of us contributes to the development of society. And we want everyone to have
the freedom to support themselves and to grow – both physically and spiritually.
Click here to read more »
Inuit and Arctic Indigenous Peoples´ Day
Address by The Premier of Greenland Mr. Kuupik Kleist at Inuit and Arctic Indigenous Peoples´ Day, North Atlantic
House 16 December 2009.
DEAR Premiers, Presidents, dear Chairman of the Arctic Council, SISTERS AND BROTHERS, DEAR FRIENDS AND
SUPPORTERS OF ARCTIC INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ RIGHTS, Dear Friends, AND GOOD AFTERNOON TO ALL OF YOU.
First let me tell you how happy I am to stand in front of so many familiar, friendly faces. And let me also tell you what a privilege it
is for me to be able to address you all at this Celebration of Inuit and Arctic Indigenous Peoples during what has now become the
World Summit on Climate.
This is the first time since we inaugurated Self-Government in June of this year that I take part in a meeting dedicated specifically
to an Arctic indigenous agenda.
To us Greenlanders, Self-government has meant a renewed orientation of the way we think – at the way we look at ourselves - at
the world - as well as the way we look to the future. It also has had implications for our positions on climate change – this goes for
our position on a global agreement, on a bilateral agreement between us and the Danish government as well as for the many local
agreements and arrangements we are making and have to make at home. Therefore, my address will take its point of departure
from our new Self-government status.
Self-government means an enhancement of the autonomy that we’ve enjoyed through the 30 years of Home Rule. In our self-
government status there are four particularly important elements:
1. The Act on Self –government contains the recognition that the Greenlandic people have the right to self-determination in
accordance with international law.
2. Our language kalaallisut/ Greenlandic is the official language of Greenland.
3. Self-government means that we can take over the competences of the oil-and mineral resources – meaning that the Greenland
government alone has the ownership and control of the exploration and exploitation of these resources (and earns all the profits
hereof). Another major area that we can take over is the entire justice sector. (Plus an additional 30 or so smaller competence
areas).
4. The economic arrangement is based on an agreement that whenever the Greenland Government takes over a new competence
area, then the Greenland government has to finance these new competence areas.
In Greenland, we also have to make heavy investments, so that people affected by climate change, such as the hunters and some
fishermen, get support to adapt to the shifting of available stocks and migration patterns. All of which requires support for either
the refurbishment of their hunting and fisheries’ equipment and vessels, maybe combined with the need to move the hunting and
fisheries dependant families to other towns and settlements in order to get to new hunting or fishing grounds. And in some cases,
finding new occupations may be the only sensible choice.
My government has resolved that we refuse to watch idly by and allow our people to become more and more victimized by the
changes in climate. For generations we have had to adapt to climate change. We will not only adapt – we will overcome – even
now that the share of manmade climate changes is taking an increasingly larger share of the “natural” climate changes.
For us the best position on climate change is one that is guided by our belief in the need for a global mitigation strategy that is just,
but also ambitious, while those who need support to adapt are given the necessary financial provisions.
As indigenous peoples we know that principles like “full and effective participation” and “free, prior, informed consent” need to be
guiding the global agreements on climate change. And more importantly they must be the corner stones for the implementation at
local levels if indigenous peoples are to stand a change for survival as peoples “post climate change”. But, we are also painfully
aware – that our situations in relation to the recognition of our rights as indigenous peoples differ dramatically from country to
country – even within the same county from one indigenous people to the other. This also applies to us as indigenous peoples in the
Arctic.
Yet – there is one thing that we as Arctic indigenous peoples share that indigenous peoples of other regions do not have – and
something that does give us an advantage. This “thing” is the Arctic Council. All though the Arctic Council is in essence, an
intergovernmental forum between states – the status and role given to Arctic indigenous peoples’ organisations as Permanent
Participants is one that is unprecedented in international multilateral cooperation and which gives indigenous peoples of the Arctic
region a unique platform for influence and cooperation.
The next 48 hours in the Bellacenter here in Copenhagen will be crucial for outlining the future agreement for an effective and just
global agreement on climate change. We know that the hopes for a binding legal agreement have been transferred to coming COP-
meetings. I believe that we – as Arctic indigenous peoples - can make a difference not only for the longer term, but also for the
next 48 hours. We can make this difference by joining hands and efforts with each other but also with the many friends that we
have made - especially in context of our cooperation in the Arctic – to influence those who in these very hours are trying to find
ways to align the many diverse interests and to ease the conflicts so that we can look forward to a global agreement on climate that
will halt the climate changes while securing a global sustainable development.
Thank you for your attention and for joining me in keeping hopes high for a successful outcome of COP 15.
Qujanaq.
Click here to read more »
Address by The Premier of Greenland Mr. Kuupik Kleist at Inuit and Arctic Indigenous Peoples´ Day, North Atlantic
House 16 December 2009.
DEAR Premiers, Presidents, dear Chairman of the Arctic Council, SISTERS AND BROTHERS, DEAR FRIENDS AND
SUPPORTERS OF ARCTIC INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ RIGHTS, Dear Friends, AND GOOD AFTERNOON TO ALL OF YOU.
First let me tell you how happy I am to stand in front of so many familiar, friendly faces. And let me also tell you what a privilege it
is for me to be able to address you all at this Celebration of Inuit and Arctic Indigenous Peoples during what has now become the
World Summit on Climate.
This is the first time since we inaugurated Self-Government in June of this year that I take part in a meeting dedicated specifically
to an Arctic indigenous agenda.
To us Greenlanders, Self-government has meant a renewed orientation of the way we think – at the way we look at ourselves - at
the world - as well as the way we look to the future. It also has had implications for our positions on climate change – this goes for
our position on a global agreement, on a bilateral agreement between us and the Danish government as well as for the many local
agreements and arrangements we are making and have to make at home. Therefore, my address will take its point of departure
from our new Self-government status.
Self-government means an enhancement of the autonomy that we’ve enjoyed through the 30 years of Home Rule. In our self-
government status there are four particularly important elements:
1. The Act on Self –government contains the recognition that the Greenlandic people have the right to self-determination in
accordance with international law.
2. Our language kalaallisut/ Greenlandic is the official language of Greenland.
3. Self-government means that we can take over the competences of the oil-and mineral resources – meaning that the Greenland
government alone has the ownership and control of the exploration and exploitation of these resources (and earns all the profits
hereof). Another major area that we can take over is the entire justice sector. (Plus an additional 30 or so smaller competence
areas).
4. The economic arrangement is based on an agreement that whenever the Greenland Government takes over a new competence
area, then the Greenland government has to finance these new competence areas.
In Greenland, we also have to make heavy investments, so that people affected by climate change, such as the hunters and some
fishermen, get support to adapt to the shifting of available stocks and migration patterns. All of which requires support for either
the refurbishment of their hunting and fisheries’ equipment and vessels, maybe combined with the need to move the hunting and
fisheries dependant families to other towns and settlements in order to get to new hunting or fishing grounds. And in some cases,
finding new occupations may be the only sensible choice.
My government has resolved that we refuse to watch idly by and allow our people to become more and more victimized by the
changes in climate. For generations we have had to adapt to climate change. We will not only adapt – we will overcome – even
now that the share of manmade climate changes is taking an increasingly larger share of the “natural” climate changes.
For us the best position on climate change is one that is guided by our belief in the need for a global mitigation strategy that is just,
but also ambitious, while those who need support to adapt are given the necessary financial provisions.
As indigenous peoples we know that principles like “full and effective participation” and “free, prior, informed consent” need to be
guiding the global agreements on climate change. And more importantly they must be the corner stones for the implementation at
local levels if indigenous peoples are to stand a change for survival as peoples “post climate change”. But, we are also painfully
aware – that our situations in relation to the recognition of our rights as indigenous peoples differ dramatically from country to
country – even within the same county from one indigenous people to the other. This also applies to us as indigenous peoples in the
Arctic.
Yet – there is one thing that we as Arctic indigenous peoples share that indigenous peoples of other regions do not have – and
something that does give us an advantage. This “thing” is the Arctic Council. All though the Arctic Council is in essence, an
intergovernmental forum between states – the status and role given to Arctic indigenous peoples’ organisations as Permanent
Participants is one that is unprecedented in international multilateral cooperation and which gives indigenous peoples of the Arctic
region a unique platform for influence and cooperation.
The next 48 hours in the Bellacenter here in Copenhagen will be crucial for outlining the future agreement for an effective and just
global agreement on climate change. We know that the hopes for a binding legal agreement have been transferred to coming COP-
meetings. I believe that we – as Arctic indigenous peoples - can make a difference not only for the longer term, but also for the
next 48 hours. We can make this difference by joining hands and efforts with each other but also with the many friends that we
have made - especially in context of our cooperation in the Arctic – to influence those who in these very hours are trying to find
ways to align the many diverse interests and to ease the conflicts so that we can look forward to a global agreement on climate that
will halt the climate changes while securing a global sustainable development.
Thank you for your attention and for joining me in keeping hopes high for a successful outcome of COP 15.
Qujanaq.
Click here to read more »
TRANSLATED FROM DANISH BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
Landsting OMBUDSMAN REPORT OF 2008
Nuuk, July 1, 2009
Statistical tables
The following shows statistical summaries of the cases my office has processed during the reporting year 2008. For comparison
also drawn figures from the preceding two under review.
The number of cases which terminated, inter alia relationship with the number and nature of the complaints received during the
year. The office staff situation and other activities may also affect the processing time and hence the number of cases culminating a
given year.
Moreover, it seems the number of guides and received complaints to have consistency with the number of local visits, which his
office has made, and whether and to what extent the office has been the subject of press coverage. During the reporting year 2008
(January 1 to December 31, 2008), I've created 86 individual cases on the basis of received complaints. In addition, I have booted
21 cases of own motion.
In 2008 was also carried out 111 guides the light of representations from citizens. The number of guides made in 2008 have
decreased by 32 compared to 2007, where I did 143 guides. For comparison I made in 2006 108 guides.
The instructions that I make, are typically divided into two groups. One group relates to communications in which a proper appeal
to me would have resulted in a rejection. These guides are often resulted in that individual is referred to turn to another authority.
The second group consists of representations of actions have been of such a nature that I could implement proper procedures in
the light of citizen contact. The following statements are based on the cases that were completed in 2008. Statements therefore
relates to closed cases, which may be received in both the current and prior under review.
The inventories of completed cases in 2008 are below divided into two main groups: Non-merits of cases: Cases assigned to this
category when I'm of the listed reasons could not process them. In cases where I have admitted a matter for consideration and the
authority subsequently resume the proceedings and then allows complaints fully or partially upheld, before I have completed my
investigation, the complaint also included under non-substantive complaints considered
as a case which has been withdrawn by plaintiffs.
Realtek Treated Cases: Cases assigned to this category when the occasion of a complaint has been given to the examination or to
dispute.
Click here to read more »
Landsting OMBUDSMAN REPORT OF 2008
Nuuk, July 1, 2009
Statistical tables
The following shows statistical summaries of the cases my office has processed during the reporting year 2008. For comparison
also drawn figures from the preceding two under review.
The number of cases which terminated, inter alia relationship with the number and nature of the complaints received during the
year. The office staff situation and other activities may also affect the processing time and hence the number of cases culminating a
given year.
Moreover, it seems the number of guides and received complaints to have consistency with the number of local visits, which his
office has made, and whether and to what extent the office has been the subject of press coverage. During the reporting year 2008
(January 1 to December 31, 2008), I've created 86 individual cases on the basis of received complaints. In addition, I have booted
21 cases of own motion.
In 2008 was also carried out 111 guides the light of representations from citizens. The number of guides made in 2008 have
decreased by 32 compared to 2007, where I did 143 guides. For comparison I made in 2006 108 guides.
The instructions that I make, are typically divided into two groups. One group relates to communications in which a proper appeal
to me would have resulted in a rejection. These guides are often resulted in that individual is referred to turn to another authority.
The second group consists of representations of actions have been of such a nature that I could implement proper procedures in
the light of citizen contact. The following statements are based on the cases that were completed in 2008. Statements therefore
relates to closed cases, which may be received in both the current and prior under review.
The inventories of completed cases in 2008 are below divided into two main groups: Non-merits of cases: Cases assigned to this
category when I'm of the listed reasons could not process them. In cases where I have admitted a matter for consideration and the
authority subsequently resume the proceedings and then allows complaints fully or partially upheld, before I have completed my
investigation, the complaint also included under non-substantive complaints considered
as a case which has been withdrawn by plaintiffs.
Realtek Treated Cases: Cases assigned to this category when the occasion of a complaint has been given to the examination or to
dispute.
Click here to read more »
Represented by
Soren Hald Moller
High Commissioner since 01 April 2005
Soren Hald Moller
High Commissioner since 01 April 2005
| Click map for larger view |
| Click flag for Country Report |
| GREENLAND Greenland Kalaallit Nunaat (part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark since 1979) Joined United Nations: 25 October 1945 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 05/12/10 |
| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
None reported.
