HRC54: Denmark addresses burnings of the Quran as well as the human rights situation in Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Libya and Yemen at item 2-debate
Human Rights Council
54th Session
Item 2
Interactive dialogue with the High Commissioner for Human Rights
September 2023
Intervention by Denmark
[Check against delivery]
Mister President,
In recent months, a few individuals have carried out the provocative act of burning the Quran in Denmark. The Danish government has clearly condemned and strongly dissociated itself from these shameful provocations, which have only been intended to create division at a time where unity and cooperation are fundamental.
The Danish government has recently proposed a law that will prohibit such acts in the future.
We appreciate the open and honest dialogue we have had with many of your countries in recent months on issues of common interest, such as the importance of interfaith dialogue and the protection of religious minorities. We hope that we can continue to work hand-in-hand in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect.
Mister President,
Other fundamental issues also merit our attention.
Democracy and human rights go hand-in-hand and are mutually reinforcing. We are deeply concerned about the coup in Niger and the impact on human rights. In Mali and Burkina Faso, attacks against civilians have increased. Denmark calls on all parties to ensure that the human rights of civilians are protected.
Furthermore, Denmark remains greatly concerned about conflicts in Libya and Yemen and urges all parties to cease hostilities and fully respect human rights and humanitarian law.
Let me finish by underlining that we fully align with the statement made by the EU.
54th Session
Item 2
Interactive dialogue with the High Commissioner for Human Rights
September 2023
Intervention by Denmark
[Check against delivery]
Mister President,
In recent months, a few individuals have carried out the provocative act of burning the Quran in Denmark. The Danish government has clearly condemned and strongly dissociated itself from these shameful provocations, which have only been intended to create division at a time where unity and cooperation are fundamental.
The Danish government has recently proposed a law that will prohibit such acts in the future.
We appreciate the open and honest dialogue we have had with many of your countries in recent months on issues of common interest, such as the importance of interfaith dialogue and the protection of religious minorities. We hope that we can continue to work hand-in-hand in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect.
Mister President,
Other fundamental issues also merit our attention.
Democracy and human rights go hand-in-hand and are mutually reinforcing. We are deeply concerned about the coup in Niger and the impact on human rights. In Mali and Burkina Faso, attacks against civilians have increased. Denmark calls on all parties to ensure that the human rights of civilians are protected.
Furthermore, Denmark remains greatly concerned about conflicts in Libya and Yemen and urges all parties to cease hostilities and fully respect human rights and humanitarian law.
Let me finish by underlining that we fully align with the statement made by the EU.