A/HRC/48/10
48.
The Government acknowledged the challenges in reducing the gender pay gap. Equal
pay was part of a recent collective bargaining process for the public sector. The autonomy of
social partners was a pivotal part of the Danish labour market model; thus, the Government
preferred to avoid interfering in the process.
49.
Since September 2020, in connection with the #MeToo movement, Denmark had
experienced a second wave of testimonies on sexual harassment. The Government introduced
14 initiatives, including preventive measures to combat sexual harassment in the workplace
and in education establishments.
50.
The age of criminal responsibility was 15 years. In practice, most juveniles between
15 and 17 years of age were not imprisoned, and alternative mechanisms to sentencing were
used instead. Juveniles were placed in a ward for minors or a section for underage remand
prisoners in a remand prison. Minors might also be placed in wards together with adult
inmates, if it was considered to be in the minor’s interest.
51.
The Prison and Probations Service might impose solitary confinement as a
disciplinary sanction for up to four weeks. The use of solitary confinement of persons under
the age of 18 years could only occur in exceptional cases and only for up to seven days.
52.
With reference to the country’s long-standing contribution to the advancement of
human rights globally, the delegation stated that Denmark applied a human rights-based
approach in its international development assistance, which met the United Nations target of
0.7 per cent of gross national income. Denmark had also been actively engaged in the work
of the Human Rights Council, particularly in promoting the rights of women and girls and of
indigenous peoples.
53.
The delegate of Greenland reported that Greenland and Denmark had signed an
agreement in 2018 to clean up military installations abandoned by the United States in
Greenland. The necessary financial resources had been ensured for the ongoing clean-up
activities.
54.
Regarding the protection of the rights of children in Greenland, the delegation stated
that low-income families with children were entitled to child benefits according to an act on
child benefits adopted in 2009. Strategies and action plans were in place to provide child
victims of violence and sexual abuse with the necessary support and assistance.
55.
Combating violence against women was given a high priority by the Government of
Greenland. Crisis centres and shelters were in operation in many towns. The Government
provided both the perpetrators and the victims of such violence with psychological assistance.
56.
The delegate of the Faroe Islands noted that owing to significant economic growth
and improved infrastructure, the country had managed to overcome many challenges specific
to remote and isolated communities. Several government initiatives, including family
benefits, affordable childcare, a gender equality policy, effective parental leaves and student
grants resulted in a decrease in migration and an increase in return rates of young women to
the Faroe Islands. The legal framework was amended to improve the protection from genderbased and domestic violence. The Government improved its disaggregated data collection,
which would in turn assist in combating domestic violence and abuse.
57.
Regarding a national human rights institution, the Government had mandated that a
task force to examine and propose a suitable model of such institution for the Faroe Islands.
The Government was studying the proposals developed by the task force.
58.
The Government of the Faroe Islands was implementing several measures to combat
child poverty, including by improving the economic situation of families with children,
reducing taxes and improving access to affordable childcare. Overall, the Faroe Islands had
a well-developed welfare system.
59.
In conclusion, the delegation of Denmark expressed appreciation for the active
participation and valuable input of United Nations member States during the interactive
dialogue. The Government would carefully consider the recommendations received during
the interactive dialogue by engaging the Governments of the Faroe Islands and of Greenland
and civil society representatives in the process. The Government of Denmark also envisaged
7