UN CITY SUPPLEMENT
PROMOTING DENMARK’S LIBERAL FREEDOMS ON AN INTERNATIONAL STAGE ‘We will fight for liberal values and freedoms’ Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anders Samuelsen
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anders Samuelsen
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iberal values and freedoms are under pressure globally. Basic human rights are violated every day in many corners of the world. The international rules-based order, which we have taken for granted for so long, is fraying at the edges. More than ever, we need a strong liberal voice in defence of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Some of the worst human rights offenders are members. The council’s agenda is biased against Israel. The US has withdrawn its membership. Denmark agrees with much of the criticism made by the US. But we also believe that the only way to get results is to engage actively and make our voice heard.
Last week, the UN General Assembly elected Denmark to serve as a member of the Human Rights Council for the first time ever. For the Danish Government, this is a chance to promote internationally the liberal freedoms that Denmark is built upon and that we firmly believe every person is entitled to.
For this reason, reform of the council will be a Danish theme during our membership. This means pushing for working methods that ensures efficiency and ability to act. Denmark will work for a credible council that is clear in its defence of human rights.
Universal freedoms
Upholding high standards
Put plainly, we believe that every person should be entitled to the same freedom of speech, freedom from torture, freedom of religion and belief and other basic freedoms that the Danish people enjoy every day. This is a key driver behind our council membership. As a member, we will take all human rights violations seriously, not least in situations where the Security Council is blocked, such as Syria. While Russia has used its veto power in the Security Council to shelter the Syrian regime, the Human Rights Council has established the Independent Commission of Inquiry which has documented atrocities by the Syrian regime that may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. Such documentation is crucial in order to bring the perpetrators to account.
We will also work to ensure that members uphold the highest standards of human rights, as stated in the founding resolution. Much too often, countries have been elected members in spite of dismal human rights records. We need to take a closer look at how we can avoid such situations in the future – for example by working for more transparency in the election process and encouraging more qualified candidates to come forward.
Reforming the council But we also recognise that the Human Rights Council is far from perfect. We need to work hard to ensure that the council lives up to its full potential.
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Much still needs to be done to fulfil our aim for a more liberal world order with increased respect for fundamental freedoms. The government welcomes this opportunity to make a contribution through the Human Rights Council.