Checked Against Delivery
Thank you Chair.
Denmark aligns itself with the statement made by the European Union.
In a world where human rights continue to be violated and fundamental freedoms are under threat, their protection remains a cornerstone of Denmark’s foreign policy and international engagement.
We continue to be seriously concerned with human rights violations in many corners of the world.
Unfortunately, the list of places where human hights are being suppressed is still too long. Persistent wars, conflicts, and instability around the world are stark reminders that we must listen to those whose human rights are being violated. Their voices must be heard, and their rights and dignity must remain at the centre of our collective response.
Denmark will continue to engage wholeheartedly and constructively in all aspects of this Committee’s work. Allow me, therefore, to highlight a number of areas of particular concern to us.
It is a sad reality that despite the clear and universal prohibition under international law, torture and other forms of ill-treatment continue to occur in all parts of the world. This is a reminder that our commitment must remain firm and our efforts sustained.
The absolute prohibition of torture, other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment remains a fundamental priority for Denmark and we will actively engage in debates specifically concerning torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.
During the coming spring-session of the Human Rights Council in 2027, Denmark will present the thematic resolution on torture, as we do every three years.
Let us continue to hold each other to account, reaffirm the absolute prohibition of torture and ill-treatment, and strengthen our collective efforts to prevent and ultimately eradicate these abhorrent practices.
Chair,
Nearly twenty years after the adoption of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the gap between recognition and implementation remains far too wide. As Indigenous Peoples’ rights face mounting pushback, we must resist attempts to weaken agreed standards or dilute their distinct status as Peoples and rights-holders, and continue to support and protect Indigenous human rights defenders.
Denmark, together with Greenland, works actively in this Committee and across the United Nations to advance the full, effective and meaningful participation of Indigenous Peoples and their representative institutions, and respect for the principle of free, prior and informed consent.
We reaffirm the right to self-determination, which is fundamental to the realisation of Indigenous Peoples’ individual and collective rights, including their rights to lands, territories and natural resources.
Looking ahead to the 20th anniversary of UNDRIP next year: We will continue to defend their distinct status and rights, and work to close the gap between commitments and implementation.
Despite progress made in recent decades, the rights of women and girls, and of LGBT+ persons, continue to face significant challenges globally. Promoting equality and non-discrimination, advancing gender equality, protecting the rights of women and girls in all their diversity, and ensuring sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) remain key priorities for Denmark.
Denmark is equally committed to advancing the full, equal, meaningful and secure participation of women in political and peacebuilding processes, as well as in peacekeeping. Women’s participation strengthens inclusive governance, contributes to the protection of human rights, and supports sustainable and lasting peace.
Furthermore, protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief remains another core priority for Denmark.
Sadly, restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and discrimination against persons belonging to religious minorities, as well as converts, apostates and non-believers continue at large scale and must end.
In sum, Denmark remains committed to upholding the right of every individual to freely choose, practise, change or express their religion or belief, or to have none, which is an essential foundation for an open, inclusive and peaceful society.
Chair,
Denmark remains deeply concerned about the continued shrinking civic space. Both online and offline, human rights defenders, journalists and non-governmental organizations are harassed and prosecuted for conducting their work. Securing a safe and enabling environment for civil society and human rights defenders is a priority for Denmark.
Active and meaningful participation of civil society is vital for a more peaceful, just, and sustainable world. Denmark therefore commits to the inclusion of civil society to ensuring genuine opportunities for influence and action.
Chair,
In an increasingly unstable international environment, this year’s UNGA81 serves as a steadfast and important global gathering at a time when multilateralism is under pressure. This reality places new demands on international cooperation, while at the same time underscoring why the United Nations remains as important as ever.
For Denmark, it is essential that we both uphold the principles and values underpinning the UN system and work towards tangible results and greater efficiency wherever possible. Denmark fully supports the UN80 initiative by the Secretary-General and we look forward to seeing the Human Rights Group being further operationalized.
We urge the UN to continue promoting the aims and principles of the Secretary-General’s Call to Action for Human Rights through an era of reform and the transition to a new Secretary General.
Chair,
We stress the importance of a human rights-based approach to sustainable development as well as peace and security.
Denmark believes that the full realisation of human rights is essential to achieving the universal goals of the UN. And we must all take action to uphold these goals.
Thank you.
