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Human rights

The primary multilateral fora and partners in Geneva.

Promoting respect for human rights as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and international human rights conventions is a key pillar in Denmark's foreign and development policy. Denmark operates through different mechanisms within the UN and participates in global initiatives for the promotion of human rights.

The Human Rights Council
Since its creation in 2006, the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) has been the main UN body for the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe and for addressing situations of human rights violations.
During the Danish membership of the HRC in 2019-2021 Denmark seeks to be a strong voice for the promotion of women and girls’ rights, indigenous peoples’ rights as well as for the prevention of torture. Furthermore, freedom of religion and belief, human rights defenders, rule of law and accountability are also Danish priorities.

Universal Periodic Review
Denmark actively participates in the three annual sessions of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). UPR is a mechanism under the HRC where each UN member state is examined in relation to its human rights situation. Denmark actively works to strengthen the UPR as a useful mechanism to build a common platform for governments and civil society to promote human rights in all countries. Through the involvement in the UPR-processes of specific countries. Denmark also seeks to strengthen the linkages between the work of the HRC and Denmark’s bilateral engagement.

Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
The HRC is supported by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), which – among many other things - serves as the secretariat of the HRC. The OHCHR  works to promote and protect the enjoyment and full realization of all human rights. Denmark is a strong supporter of the OHCHR and supports the office with annual financial contributions.

Convention against Torture Initiative
The Convention against Torture Initiative (CTI) is a global initiative launched by Denmark in corporation with Chile, Ghana, Indonesia and Morocco. The aim of the initiative is a universal ratification of the UN Convention against torture (UNCAT) by 2024.

Danish membership of the Human Rights Council 2019-2021