Denmark presented its voluntary pledges for election for the term 2019-2021 in July 2018. In short, Denmark pledged to, inter alia:
Continue to actively engage in all relevant multilateral human rights fora; Address discrimination, and promote equal access and opportunities for all; Maintain the international focus on the prevention of torture; Continue to work for indigenous peoples’ rights and enhance their participation; Work for the full observance of the rule of law; Promote a better understanding around, and improved implementation of, the right to freedom of religion or belief, with a special focus on women and girls; Strengthen the effectiveness of the Council, and strive for the full implementation of human rights norms, including by strengthening the delivery of capacity-building and technical support; Continue supporting universal participation at the Council; Continue to promote and protect civil society space at the Council; Continue to engage with the UPR; Continue to play an active role in exploring the interrelated and mutually reinforcing nature of human rights and the implementation of the SDGs; Support a strong and independent human rights monitoring system; Continue to support the work and independence of OHCHR, including in providing technical assistance to member States; Promote the independence of the Treaty Bodies, while reviewing ways of improving their efficiency and effectiveness; Protect and promote human rights at national level; Ratify the CED; Continue to engage constructively with national, regional and international human rights monitoring systems; Maintain a standing invitation to the Special Procedures, and continue to cooperate with the Treaty Bodies.
An analysis of steps taken by Denmark in fulfilment of its international pledges shows that it has actively participated in and contributed to the work of the Council. Denmark maintains a Standing Invitation, has facilitated 50% Special Procedures visit request and responded to all communications (3). Denmark is Party to nearly all the core conventions (it is yet to ratify the CED) and has a strong record of reporting on time. Regarding the UPR, Denmark was represented at ministerial level, submitted a mid-term report on implementation, and contributed to the reviews of 127 other states (first cycle). Denmark has supported the work of the OHCHR, inter alia, by making regular voluntary contributions to this office.
Cooperation with international human rights system
Most overdue report
Fulfilment of past voluntary pledges & commitments