6. Human rights

The promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms is a priority in Denmark’s foreign and development assistance policies. Denmark actively pursues this objective in international fora in particular the United Nations, and in its bilateral relations with third countries. The recent appointment of a Danish Human Rights Ambassador underlines the importance Denmark attaches to promoting human rights worldwide.

The priorities of Danish foreign human rights policy are to strengthen the independent and effective international monitoring of compliance with international human rights standards, to promote human rights and democratisation in Danish development assistance activities, to increase focus on the human rights situation in individual countries and to enhance cooperation with civil society. In addition, Denmark aims to intensify efforts to combat and eradicate torture. Advancing the rights and aspirations of indigenous peoples is likewise at the core of Danish human rights policy, as are the rights of persons with disabilities and the fight against the death penalty.

The combating of torture is a key part of the Danish human rights efforts.
Photo: Thomas Nielsen, Scanpix.

Denmark has been actively engaged in the reform of the UN, which included the establishment of the Human Rights Council. Denmark is highly committed to make the Council credible, effective and operative. A culture of cooperation, dialogue and mutual respect must be developed if the Council is to meet these expectations.