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About us
We are Denmark’s national human rights institution. We are also a national equality body in relation to race and ethnicity and gender.Furthermore, we have a special role in the disability area where we promote and monitor the implementation of the UN Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities.
Our international work
Internationally, we do not have the mandate to monitor and report on human rights in other countries. This task lies with the given country's own national human rights institution.
As one of the longest running independent national human rights institutions, we do however have experience and knowledge that are worthwhile sharing and valuable to others. At the same time, we have a unique access to cooperate with foreign state actors and organizations that may otherwise be difficult to access.
Therefore, we cooperate with ministries, justice systems, police forces, civil society organisations, companies, universities etc. in other countries. The aim is to support the development of stronger and more coherent human rights systems, where every actor fulfils their mandate, and contributes to the protection and promotion of human rights.
States have the legal obligation to protect and promote human rights. At the same time, states are often responsible for some of the worst human rights violations.
We also engage with partners in countries that are known to violate human rights, if they are willing and committed to improve the human rights situation. Our work therefore often requires a mix of diplomatic and critical dialogue.
You can read more about our partnership approach.
There are four key assets that drive our international work:
- Legitimacy : As Denmark’s National Human Rights Institution, we have an internationally respected mandate that enable us to work with state actors in particular on furthering human rights.
- Local approach : We know that local ownership is key to spur sustainable change. The Danish Institute for Human Rights will never work from a ‘one size fits all’ starting point. That is why we work in equal partnerships with local actors to achieve results.
- Research capacity : Our research department enables us to combine academic research with practical experience drawing lessons and theory from the ground to the international systems and vice versa.
- Proven track record : We are committed to delivering sustainable change furthering human rights in everything we do. That is not something we say lightly – we have the track record to prove, that our partnership approach combined with research capacity deliver the results we want.
Our national work
In Denmark, we advise the government, the parliament, ministries and public authorities on human rights, among other things, when new legislation is suggested.
We produce analyses and research on human rights, for instance about children with imprisoned parents, legislation on terrorism, the rights of stateless human beings and equal pay.
We carry out specific projects to promote equal treatment and advise those who may have been discriminated against.
We map out the biggest human rights challenges in Denmark as well as the yearly improvements in the area. For more information, see all our status reports and our latest annual report to the Danish Parliament.