Denmark
General Assembly 3
Cultural xenophobia, ethnic discrimination, and hate speech in the global West.
The western world has silently adopted a system of marginalization, systemic racism and discrimination
of minorities. This impacts the globe on a large scale. Despite the efforts being made around the world
to promote cultural diversity in communities and foster tolerance, the number of cases of violence and
hate crimes being committed as a result of xenophobia is alarming especially in the western world.
Challenges facing Denmark
Denmark has a history connected to the trans-Atlantic slave trade. It had colonies in the modern day
Virgin Islands and as a result, Denmark is a homogenous country that has a mixture Danes, Germans,
Somalis, Jews, Inuits, Africans and Scandinavians among other minorities however Danish people are the
majority. Having recognized the different ethnicities in Denmark the Act on Prohibition of Discrimination
on the Labour Market etc. was put into place on 16 December 2008. Though this effort was made the
underreporting makes it difficult to identify perpetrators and nip this problem at the bud. The number
of reported hate crimes has fluctuated however there was a notable decrease in 2022 with 212 hate
crimes reported and only 22 of the perpetrators sentenced.
Denmark also has a problem of Nordic exceptionalism which is claiming to have built an egalitarian
democracy that is color-blind. Nordic societies such as Denmark also emphasize the importance of social
equality and justice which results in Denmark being seen as tolerant and open to diversity.Nordic
exceptionalism has led to the denial of racism and ethnic discrimination against minorities making it
difficult to address such problems. The emphasis on colour-blindness and egalitarianism renders
problems faced by minorities unaddressed making it difficult for marginalized groups to articulate their
concerns. The over simplifying of discussions to do with culture and xenophobia neglects the weight of
the problem
How has Denmark addressed the problem
Denmark has made efforts to fight this problem:
Internationally:
-
-
Denmark participates in cultural exchange programs such as the Fulbright Program to promote
critical thinking, mutual understanding, empathy and respect for diversity in the youth.
Denmark is a full supporter and participant of the United Nations (UN) program International
Decade for People of African descent which aims to promote the human rights and dignity of
Africans. Denmark also endorsed the UN compact Global compact for Safe, orderly and regular
Migration which aims to promote the international cooperation on migration and to protect the
rights of migrants.
Nationally:
The Danish government has launched initiatives like the National Integration Barometer which
monitors the integration of immigrants and their families and has implemented policies to
reduce social polarization and segregation in education. Denmark has launched initiatives to
raise public awareness about hate crimes and promote tolerance.
-
Denmark’s public schools prioritize teaching students how to live in a free and democratic
society with people of all back grounds and cultures.
Operative clauses
1. Encourages nations to include race, culture and religion in the school curriculums to integrate
diverse perspective and foster empathy and respect towards people of different cultures and
back grounds in young people.
2. Urges member states to launch campaigns about the awareness of hate crimes that promote
the reporting of hate speech cultural xenophobia and discrimination and also makes the globe
aware of the devastating effects of hate crimes and hate speech.
3. Calls for member states to amend existing anti-discrimination laws in order to effectively curb
discriminatory practices, by means such as but not limited to
a. Implementing harsher penalties for those who commit hate crimes including
i.
prison sentences of a minimum of 5 years for severe offenses and repeat offenders
ii.
community service for First time offenders and minors
b. More protection for marginalized societies with increased support systems for victims of
hate crimes and witnesses such as but not limited to
i.
Improving witness protection programs
ii.
Establishment of safe houses and shelters for the protection of vulnerable groups
and individuals