CRPD Committee Review of Denmark
23 and 24 September 2014, 12th session
The CRPD Committee conducted the review of Denmark’s initial report and engaged in
an interactive dialogue with the Danish delegation on 23 and 24 September 2014.
The Danish government delegation was composed of:
Head of delegation
 Carsten Staur, Ambassador and Permanent Representative before United
Nations in Geneva
Delegation
 Hanne Stig Andersen, Head of Department, Ministry of Children, Gender Equality,
Integration and Social Affairs
 Tina Gade Jensen, Special Adviser, Ministry of Children, Gender Equality,
Integration and Social Affairs
 Nanna Julie Jorgensen, Head of Section, Ministry of Children, Gender Equality,
Integration and Social Affairs
 Lene Brocker, Special Adviser, Ministry of Children, Gender Equality, Integration
and Social Affairs
 Camilla Christensen, Deputy Head of Department of Human Rights, Ministry of
Foreign Affairs
 Carsten Lykke Graversen, Architect, Ministry of Climate, Energy and Building
 Dorthe Eberhardt Sondergaard, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health
 Susanne Beck Petersen, Senior Adviser, Ministry of Health
 Margretha Nonklett, Adviser, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Faroe Islands
 Súsanna Nordendal, Adviser, Ministry of Social Affairs, Faroe Islands
 Frida Poulsen, Adviser, Ministry of Education, Faroe Islands
 Mia Monsted, Head of Section, Ministry of Employment
 Camilla Behrend, Special Adviser, Ministry of Employment
 Peter Pannula Toft, Head of Department, Ministry of Education
 Lars Norregaard, Senior Adviser, Ministry of Education
 Anders Posselt Langhede, Adviser, Ministry of Education
 Christian Lamhauge Rasmussen, Special Adviser, Ministry of Education
 Susanne Anthony, Senior Adviser, Ministry of Education
 Mia Hagen-Seirup, Head of Section, Ministry of Higher Education and Science
 Susie Marthin Kjeldsen, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Family and Justice,
Greenland
 Karen Jacobsen Lund, Head of Section, Ministry of Family and Justice,
Greenland
 Asbjorn Fangel Hansen, Head of Section, Ministry of Finance
 Anna Langskov Lorentzen, Head of Section, Ministry of Transport
 Michael L. Kristensen, Head of Department, Ministry of Housing, Urban and
Rural Affairs
 Lasse Boje Nielsen, Deputy Head of Department, Ministry of Justice
 Trine Gromborg, secretary, Danish mission to the UN

This summary compilation is provided by the IDA secretariat and is not an official record of the
proceedings. The review was webcast live and archived with English audio as well as with Spanish audio
and international sign language interpretation.
 Simon Falk Christensen, Danish mission to the UN
Opening remarks
Head of Delegation
The Danish Government considers this monitoring process crucial and respects the
advice of the CRPD Committee for its policy development. It would like to refer to the
latest developments related to rights of persons with disabilities.
An expert Committee was established in 2012 to examine whether several human rights
instruments should be incorporated into Danish Law, including CRPD, and if more
human rights obligations should be assumed. Its report was published recently and the
Government will consider it. In this sense, Denmark is handing in its accession
instrument to the Optional Protocol of the CRPD.
Denmark developed the National Action Plan on Disability “A society for all”, that
focused on coherence of the efforts undertaken by different agencies, education and
employment, innovation and new technology, more knowledge about persons with
disabilities and a diverse and inclusive civil society. The Danish Institute for Human
Rights, the NHRI, together with other stakeholders, is in process to develop ten
indicators to measure CRPD implementation.
Since 2011, reforms have been undertaken to reduce the risk of exclusion from
employment. For instance, the reform on disability pension and flexi-job that targets
people with limited work capacity. Regarding the disability pension, individuals under 40
are awarded a resource clarification process rather than the pension. Those with very
limited or no existing capacity to work will be granted the pension regardless of age.
Accessibility covers a wide range of fields. Research indicates that the building
regulations on accessibility are not consistently followed, probably due to lack of
knowledge. Denmark develops two initiatives on accessibility, implemented in close
consultation with relevant partners.
In May 2014, Denmark launched a long-term plan of action for people with mental
disorders. It also increased resources to reduce coercion in psychiatry. A new bill will be
introduced to provide better rights for patients of psychiatric institutions.
To address discrimination, an anti-discrimination unit has been established this year to
focus on disability and ethnicity-based discrimination. It will investigate and present
initiatives to prevent and reduce discrimination. Persons with disabilities are covered by
the Act on Gender Equality and the complaint mechanism before the Board of Equal
Treatment to address gender based discrimination.
Susie Marthin Kjeldsen, Representative of the Government of Greenland
The Self-governance Act, which entered in force in 2009, does not directly influence
disability policy, area under the Greenland Home Rule Government, but provides
increased responsibility. Out of the total population of 56295 persons, 1457 are
registered as persons with disabilities. In 2012, Greenland approved to be legally bound
by the CRPD, whose implementation entails challenges due to the specifics of
Greenlandic society and geography.
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In 2011, the area of disability was designated to the 4 municipalities in Greenland from
the Ministry of Family and Justice to enhance the quality of services towards persons
with disabilities, designation that is being evaluated. The Government will deliver a
comprehensive report on disability in spring 2015, giving raise to beginning reforming
disability legislation. Meanwhile, a national disability centre establishment has
commenced and funds have been granted. The centre will open in 2017 and provide
training, education, courses and counselling.
Margretha Nónklett, representative of the Government of the Faroe Islands
The Faroe Islands consented to the CRPD at the same time as Denmark, and will be
covered by the Optional Protocol when Denmark hands in the accession instrument.
Awareness of the CRPD has increased in the last years and improvements have been
made. The Executive Order on Accessibility has been amended. The Acts against
discrimination in employment due to disability and on employment initiatives entered in
force in May 2011. The reform of the Upper Secondary School Act favour steps to
ensure an inclusive education system. In addition, recommendations based on Article 24
have been made to the Ministry of Education, which will be implemented in 2015-2016.
Waiting lists for assessments and treatments in psychiatric hospitals had been reduced
from 2 years and a half to 4 months maximum. Children in urgent need are guaranteed
immediate access. The “Good Process” programme is an attempt to strengthen
collaboration and to provide a good assessment and treatment for children with autism.
The users took part in the consultation process towards this programme that will be
implemented in 2015.
The Ministry of Social Affairs has been designated national focal point. Efforts are being
done to establish a coordination mechanism and existing bodies, such us the
Ombudsman, are being considered for the monitoring function.
Chair
We welcome the announcement related to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on
the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its signature.
Martin Babu Mwesigwa, country rapporteur
The country rapporteur congratulated the Government of Denmark on the delivery of the
instrument of accession to the Optional Protocol to the CRPD. In addition, he
congratulated the Government on the development of National Disability Action Plan,
adopted in 2013.
He referred to sources of his work: the State Initial Report and its Replies to the List of
Issues, the DPOs alternative reports and the Danish Institute for Human Rights’ report.
He also expressed regret that he could not meet nor communicate with DPOs from
Greenland.
First, on the National Disability Action Plan, the rapporteur said there is need to ensure
that it covers all substantive areas of the CRPD and that it includes targets and
indicators that allows for periodical review and assessment of the plan. It is
recommended that Denmark come up with a timeframe, an implementation plan for the
medium and long term, and budget allocation for it. Furthermore, it should be guided by
a clear and comprehensive understanding of the concept of inclusion, and not only in
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charge of the Ministry of Children, Gender Equality, Integration and Social Affairs, but
rather be across ministries and local governments.
Second, the rapporteur remarked that it seems that the municipal governments, who
managed the budgets, do not considered themselves bound by international conventions.
It is hoped that Denmark takes steps to ensure that they do harmonise their legislations
and policies with international obligations. The fastest way would be the incorporation of
the CRPD in the Danish domestic Law.
Third, the rapporteur said that the principle of equality and non-discrimination is another
issue of concern. There is no explicit prohibition of disability-based discrimination under
Danish law, except for the European Directive on Employment from 2000. This is an
issue to address promptly through legislation, as well as the provision of reasonable
accommodation.
New house units established by municipalities, with central government budgetary
support, promotes segregation of persons with disabilities instead of being consistent
with Article 19 and allow persons with disabilities to decide where and with to whom to
live. The State needs to fade out the existing institutions.
On inclusive education, efforts of the Danish government are highly applauded. Yet it is
of concern that the measures have been taken too fast and not taken into account skills
and attitudes on how to handle learners with special needs. It is also important to
establish independent complaint mechanism within education available for children,
regardless of the time they spend in instruction, as it is currently the case within Danish
law.
Persons under guardianship lose the right to vote and are not allowed to choose the
person who is their personal assistant, which mandatorily continues to be their parents
or guardians. This contradicts CRPD Articles 12 and 29.
Another concern is that persons with psychosocial disabilities are subjected to criminal
procedures that lead to their forced treatment and deprivation of liberty. The Government
of Denmark should with immediate effect stop the use of forced and mechanical
constraints. The Danish Psychiatric Act needs to be repealed entirely and a timeframe
and the end of forced treatment should be established as soon as possible.
In connection with accessibility, though there are obligations to ensure access to the
built environment, there are no strong sanctions for non-compliance. Denmark needs to
ensure sanctions not only in connection with accessibility to the built environment but
also media, transportation and outdoors environments.
The Faroe Islands lack mechanisms and processes for monitoring human rights,
especially in connection with disabilities. They need to develop a comprehensive
Disability Action Plan. In connection with Greenland, it is very important that the
government contributes to the development of civil society and disability movement that
can enable organisations to participate in processes like this.
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Questions on Articles 1 to 10
Theresia Degener
Please indicate if Denmark is willing to make the National Action Plan more tangible in
terms of budget allocation, indicators and timeframes.
Re Articles 2 and 5, could the government explain the Danish specific concept of
discrimination? Does it differ from disability-based discrimination as enshrined in Article
2 of CRPD?
Considering paras 48 to 51 of the State Response to the List of Issues, is the
government planning to legislate on discrimination in the area of goods and services
provision?
Re Articles 6 and 7, could the State provide data on women, children and men with
disabilities that have been provided with services for victims of violence under the social
service act?
Ron McCallum
In connection to the political structure of the country, it seems that there is more
autonomy in the Faroe Islands than in Greenland. How does is the law actually applied
in Greenland and in the Faroe Islands?
It is noticeable that Denmark does not have any discrimination act covering persons with
disabilities. There is one specific act covering gender discrimination and it is clear that
the government set up an anti-discrimination unit. Could the State explain why there is
no anti-discrimination act covering disability-based discrimination?
Diane Mulligan
Re Article 4(3), could the State provide information on the following:
a) How the implementation of the Action Plan will relate to planning itself?
b) Participation and consultation of persons with disabilities, broken down by age
and gender, in the ratification of CRPD and on the design of the action plan
Please provide information on the diversity of DPOs in your process of consultation and
inclusion and including monitoring by Danish disability Council.
Re Article 9, the recognition of sign language is welcomed. Could the state explain what
policies exist to promote the use of sign language?
Damjan Tatic
The expert directed his first question to representatives of Greenland and Faroe. Those
are low populated areas: How will Greenland and the Faroe Islands ensure the duty from
Article 4.3 (consultation with persons with disabilities and DPOs)?
On Article 5, are there any possible plans on adopting non-discrimination legislation
including denial of reasonable accommodation as a case of prohibited discrimination?
What are the legal remedies available to persons with disabilities victims of
discrimination? Is there any statistical data on the use of remedies?
Re Article 9, what are the measures to ensure that accessibility standards are enforced?
The building code, for ex. is not being applied properly. What would be the consequence
of non-compliance with accessibility? Are there any plans of trainings and awareness
rising on accessibility and universal design for professionals to address their lack of
knowledge?
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Hyung Shik Kim
Paragraphs 9 and 10 of the State Report refer to the principle of sector accountability.
The complex political structure might complicate the uniformity of standards, for example
in the provision of services. Is the principle working well? What kind of monitoring
instrument do you have to ensure that the principle really works? It probably requires
coordination for the implementation of the Disability Action Plan.
Edah Maina
Denmark has some of the best practices of environmental and physical accessibility.
Concern on the use of force in treatment and services for persons with psychosocial
disabilities. Has Denmark already recognised that those previously referred to as
“mentally ill” are “persons with disabilities”? Are there support services provided under
the disabilities laws and programmes? On the practice of forced treatment and
electroconvulsive treatment, are there steps towards ending those practices?
Ana Pelaez Narvaez
Re Article 3, principle of gender equality is one of the principles covered by CRPD and
the CEDAW. The CEDAW Committee recommended to Denmark to consider the
incorporation of this principle in the Danish Constitution. How is Denmark applying this
principle in policies related to persons with disabilities?
Re Article 4, in which way is Denmark considering the opinion of women and girls with
disabilities in its documents in this procedure, taking into account there is no
organisation of those groups in Denmark?
Re Article 5, has Denmark any established jurisprudence related to the CRPD and
equality and non-discrimination of persons with disabilities?
Re Article 6, how did Denmark react to the Danish Institute of Human Rights report
stating that women and girls with disabilities in Greenland are subjected to violence?
Re Article 7, the report of the National Council on Children on children in psychiatric
facilities mentioned consultation has been held with children themselves and those
children say that they do not receive professional assessments concerning the
consequences of the episodes they experience. It seems that treatment is always
recommended by force because the children often feel threatened. 15 year old children
and under receive forced treatment and have no right to lodge a complaint which would
be the case for other patients. What measures have been taken in this regard?
Monthan Bunthian
Has Denmark signed and ratified the Marrakesh Treaty?
Has Denmark recognised braille as an official written script?
Is there any legal mandate for accessibility standards, particularly in the area of the
information and communication, including ICTs?
Chair
In connection to Article 8, the State report says that there are trainings of DPOs to. Does
this practice continue?
Regarding Article 5, the CESCR Committee recommended that Denmark should adopt a
non-discrimination legislative framework. How is Denmark complying with this
recommendation?
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Delegation’s Responses
Hanne Stig Andersen, Ministry of Children, Gender Equality, Integration and Social
Affairs
She recognised that the Disability Action Plan does not cover all areas of disability. The
plan includes the priorities and the more important areas. Other areas are dealt with by
other measures and policies.
One part of the Plan is to secure the collection of data on disability and education,
employment and citizenship, every second year, to better inform debates and future
policy related to disability. On the other hand, the general targets of general education
and employment policies also include persons with disabilities.
According to her, the progression and implementation of the Action Plan will take place
in the Ministerial Committee on disability issues that meets three times per year and
counts with the presence of all ministries. She also referred that in the second day of the
dialogue, Denmark would present a brochure with the state of the implementation of the
Action Plan. It includes information on budget and on the different timeframes of the
different initiatives.
There have been several dialogues with DPOs and the Danish Institute for Human
Rights and the Disability Council, when designing the plan. There is no specific
organisation on women and girls with disabilities, but they were covered by DPOs,
where women participated.
She explained that the principle of sector accountability implies that it is responsibility of
every ministry to analyse, when drafting any law, that it is compliant with CRPD. It is up
to the municipalities to implement the act of social services, including support services.
The local level of services must be within the margins of the law. It is a responsibility of
the local municipality council to monitor that it is respected.
Nanna Julie Jorgensen
There is no official recognition of languages. That is why Braille has not been officially
recognised. The Danish sign language council was established by law in May 2014 and
it will start next year in January.
Lasse Boje Nielsen, Ministry of Justice
He clarified, in connection with non-discrimination and human rights incorporation, that in
Denmark there is no long tradition to incorporate human rights international instruments,
probably due to the more pragmatic approach and less formalistic of Danish law. Any
convention ratified is part of Danish law, even if not incorporated in Danish law. The
courts consider them as relevant parts of law. The expert committee reflected and the
majority favoured the incorporation of the CRPD. This committee report is now under
observation by stakeholders that can make observations.
He commented on the anti-discrimination legislation in Denmark. Denmark is bound by
other non-discrimination provisions, including Article 14 of ECHR and Article 21 of the
EU Charter on Fundamental Rights. There has been no coherent policy in this matter, in
particular concerning disability. This is not a reflection of a rejection of this area of law. It
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is a matter of the Danish tradition. That is why the expert committee referred to was
appointed to deliver on steps to have a more comprehensive approach and protection.
The 2013 recommendation by the CESCR Committee will be taken into account in these
deliberations.
Hanne Stig Andersen, Ministry of Children, Gender Equality, Integration and Social
Affairs
She explained that Denmark has created an anti-discrimination unit, whose role is to
strengthen protection within and outside the labour market. It will implement investigation
measures on discrimination for inputting policies to prevent discrimination. This Unit is
working on statistics on the provisions of remedies and it will have results by beginning
2015. She mentioned that the Unit collaborates with and involve Danish DPOs and other
Danish institutions.
She recognised that women and men with disabilities are not explicitly mentioned in the
Gender Equality Act, but they are covered by this legislation and they can file complaints
to the Board of Equal Treatment if they are discriminated against on basis of gender,
inside and outside the labour market.
She explained that there is no information on children with disabilities victims of violence.
There are numbers that are very complex to be given in these contexts. There were
19.000 women respondents in 2013, with and without disabilities, but it is very difficult to
explain the results in this forum.
Dorthe Eberhardt Sondergaard, Ministry of Health
She explained that the Danish Psychiatric Act provides that if a person is subjected to
coercive treatment, that person has the right to complain. In addition, the patient
between 15 and 18 needs to give their informed consent for medical treatment, and the
parents should be involved in the decision of the minor. If the children of that age are
incapable of understanding the consequences of the treatment, the tutor (parents) can
decide to provide the consent. For children less than 15 years, it follows that the
custodial parents provide the consent.
Hanne Stig Andersen, Ministry of Children, Gender Equality, Integration and Social
Affairs
It is the Danish Disability Council who manages the Facebook page of the on-going
awareness rising campaign and is working on a strategy to address attitudinal barriers
faced by persons with disabilities.
Carsten Lykke Graversen, Ministry of Climate, Energy and Building
The public official stated that accessibility is an important part of the Danish regulations
that have been strengthen by different Danish governments. The regulation aims to
ensure that new buildings and comprehensively refurnished buildings are made
accessible. He informed that research has shown that regulation is not consistently
followed due to lack of knowledge and that municipalities do not react to non-compliance.
Denmark launched two initiatives to address this problem. A first one is directed to
inform and to spread knowledge on the regulations in dialogue with relevant parts. The
second one is directed to review the current legislation, including the consideration of the
need to include the concept of universal design.
Susie Marthin Kjeldsen, Ministry of Family and Justice, Greenland
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She explained that Greenland has a total population of 56.000 persons. In addition,
there are very few persons with higher education. These factors need to be taken into
account when implementing the CRPD. Greenland has different legislation from
Denmark and disability is now a full responsibility of Greenland. She thanked the
Committee for the suggestion of devising an action plan.
In connection with the concern about the little number of DPOs in Greenland, she stated
that in the last years a blind persons association and deaf persons association have
been developed. There is also a large association called INOVA of parents of disabled
children. The Greenland government has created the Greenlandic council on human
rights, including different NGOs and DPOs. A focal point in the Greenland government
works closely with the associations. The government held a seminar in September to
discuss the need to install a new centre for persons with disabilities.
Karen Jacobsen Lund, Head of Section, Ministry of Family and Justice, Greenland
She explained that Greenland adopted an action plan against violence against women in
autumn 2013, primarily targeting domestic violence. The website ‘Break the silence’ is
directed to prevent violence and to convey knowledge and research documents. The
publication of materials is directed to different public agencies and offices.
In reply to the concerns related to CRPD Article 5, it is a principle that persons with
disabilities enjoy all rights as any equal citizen. Discrimination will be addressed in the
future action plan concerning incorporation of the CRPD.
Margretha Nonklett, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Faroe Islands
She explained that the Faroe Islands are a self-governed nation within the Kingdom of
Denmark. Its authorities, since 1948, took over administrative and legislative on almost
all domestic affairs. Since 2005, the possibilities to take over fields of affairs were
expanded. The Faroe authorities perform in connection with foreign affairs, such us
international agreements. In this case, Faroe authorities are consulted by Denmark.
Súsanna Nordendal, Ministry of Social Affairs, Faroe Islands
She recognised the lack of a comprehensive action plan on disability and the
insufficiency of disability related services. The government is about to initiate the
process of drafting a national action plan. Accessibility is one important area that needs
to be developed, including the issue of universal design, whose implementation entails
an important challenge due to the small size of the society.
Questions on Articles 11 to 20
Diane Mulligan
She asked about Article 11 requesting details on how the DANIDA monitors and
evaluates the accessibility and inclusion of persons with disabilities by implementing
partnerships providing humanitarian aid and relief in the international context for
organisations listed in the State report.
Theresia Degener
On Article 12, support in the Danish legislation relies on substituted decision making.
What steps is the Danish Government taking to align with Articles 12, 14 and 17, as
interpreted in General Comment no 1? Could the State refer also to practice?
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On Articles 15 and 17, Ms Degener expressed concern about the high number of
patients receiving forced treatment and restraints. What steps are being taken to prevent
the use of physical, mechanical and chemical restraints, in particular, in connection with
the new legislation that is coming?
Social housing legislation is being abused to build institutions for persons with disabilities.
How many persons with disabilities are living in institutions and how many receive
services in the community? Do you agree that residential services where more than 4
persons with disabilities are obliged to live together should be considered as
institutionalisation?
Ronald McCallum
In connection to Article 12, what are you doing to follow examples where the first steps
were pilot projects on supported decision making?
Carlos Ríos Espinosa
Re Article 13, what kind of procedural accommodation does the State provide, besides
Danish Sign Language interpretation? What other practices can Denmark share?
Re Article 14, what is the criminal justice system procedure when a person with
disabilities is declared unfit to stand trial? What safeguards exist to avoid long-term
commitments and treatment based on the decision of unfit to stand the trial due to the
person certification? Is there a special hearing and special sentence, such as alternative
measures or internment in a hospital? Does the new 2013 mental health Act consider
the CRPD Committee’s recommendations on other countries’ Concluding Observations,
in which forced treatment is rejected?
Silvia Quan
Re Articles 14 and 15 and informed consent, according to Denmark, persons are
committed to psychiatric institutions only if they provide their informed consent. We
received information from civil society that this consent is not always present and the
complaints mechanism takes very long. Is the State thinking to review this issue of
informed consent in the reform of laws related to psychiatric treatment? In connection
with mechanical and chemical constraints and electroconvulsive therapy- is it envisioned
to ban these practices within reforms?
Damjan Tatic
In connection with the CRPD incorporation in Danish law, would it be possible to directly
invoke an international treaty when submitting a case to a judge in Denmark? And also
in Greenland and Faroe Islands?
Re Article 19, is there any way to standardise services provided to persons with
disabilities, including personal assistance services? Addressing particularly Greenland,
and being the case that persons with disabilities are relocating to Denmark, what are the
plans to deal with its more challenging accessibility situation? Finally, has Denmark done
a comparison of amount of money invested in institutions and in personal assistance and
other services in the community?
Edah Maina
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Previous questions on persons with psychosocial disabilities were not answered: are
persons with psychosocial disabilities recognised as persons with disabilities and
protected by disability laws and policies in Denmark?
Re Articles 15, 16: How many cases of discrimination based on disability have been
analysed by the anti-discrimination unit? And how were Articles 15 and 16 observed
within those cases? What actions does the Unit take after its findings, in particular on
cases concerning persons with mental and intellectual disabilities? When will the State
be referring to persons with psychosocial disabilities as that and not as “patients”? It is
hoped that in drafting the bill as indicated in the opening statement, that it ensures the
full participation and consultation of organisations of persons with psychosocial
disabilities in Denmark, in order to capture their interest and to ensure that the new bill
will conform with the CRPD.
In connection with the anti-discrimination unit, is the autonomy of different persons with
disabilities respected within its functioning and processes? There are concerns
regarding substituted communication and substituted aspects of decision-making.
In connection to accessibility, to what extent has Denmark implemented different modes
of communication, especially of those persons with intellectual disabilities, for example,
augmentative and alternative modes of communication?
Ana Pelaez Narvaez
Re Article 2 (follow up question), in which way does the State party guarantee literacy of
Braille by all blind children and within education? When is Denmark going to establish a
council for the regulation of Braille as it has done for sign language?
Re Article 16, the CEDAW Committee has already mentioned that it recommended
establishing a law on violence against women, dealing also with domestic violence. This
step has not been taken. One positive development is that it has developed a national
strategy to combat gender-based violence dating from June 2010 including men and
women with disabilities. According to the state party in para 152 of the initial report, this
strategy regarding persons with disabilities calls upon professional groups working with
persons with disabilities to be informed of abuses so that they may provide support to
men and women with disabilities, victims of violence. But there is no specific mention of
action for victims.
In Denmark’s criminal law, rape is included. But it is not clear whether disability is an
aggravating factor in such crimes. On the Danish website “breaking the silence”, it is
quite striking that the campaign on violence has no mention of persons with disabilities.
In addition, it is commented that a foreign person married to a national will be protected
in her residency status in case of being victim of violence.
In 1967, Denmark repealed the legislation in place on persons with “mental disorders”,
that allowed for sterilisations. But an Article on a Danish website refers to a legislative
proposal in 2013 to facilitate the “voluntary sterilisation” of individuals with mental
disabilities aged 18 and over. How does this work and how will it be dealt with? Has
there been any policy to provide damages to people who were subjected to sterilisation
under that law?
Re Article 19, persons with psychosocial disabilities do not have equal access to
treatment for addictions, drug addictions, alcohol, perhaps because they are not aware
of the existence of those programmes. What is being done in that respect? In addition,
the implementation of policies is often carried out at the cost of individual’s links with the
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community. As a result these individuals feel isolated and live alone despite they have
various services on offer to them. How is the State party going to address this problem
to ensure that they can participate in society especially when living alone?
Xavier Torres
Does Denmark actually comply with the purpose of a life of well-being?
Monthian Buntan
In connection with Article 11, is there any plan to ensure disability inclusion in any
disaster risk reduction, knowing that Denmark is very keen in humanitarian assistance?
Martin Babu Mwesigwa
According to the Ministry of Culture, in Denmark there is no formal recognition of written
and spoken language. But naturalisation laws include an exam on language. Could the
State explain on what language?
In connection with access to justice, on account of disability an accused can be lead to
institutionalisation for much more time than those being held responsible and sent to
prison. Does the government consider that there is a problem with the legislation stating
this? If yes, what measures are being considered?
Chair
In connection with Articles 13 and 14, how does Denmark apply the due process of
criminal law when the accused is a person with psychosocial disabilities? Do the training
programmes for police officers include the CRPD?
Re Article 15, is the Mechanism of Prevention of Torture established and how does it
deal with torture of persons with intellectual and mental disabilities?
Carlos Ríos Espinosa
He added persons with intellectual disabilities to the question of the Chair about due
process.
Delegation’s responses
Dorthe Eberhardt Sondergaard, Ministry of Health
In connection with the recognition or not of persons with psychosocial disabilities, she
explained that there are no specific disability laws in Denmark, as it is the responsibility
of the municipalities to develop related policies. In the health area, all persons are
referred as patients, regardless of any other consideration.
Christian Lamhauge Rasmussen, Ministry of Education
He referred that the instruction of Braille is part of the ordinary schools plan in the course
of compulsory school, with the consultative work of specialised institutions and units.
Children should learn Braille as soon after birth as children learn the Latin alphabet.
There could be challenges in transition towards secondary education and due to the risk
of erosion of specialised consultancy in this area.
Head of the delegation
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He explained that Danish development assistance amounts to 3 billion dollars a year.
Most of it is aimed at countries in sub-Saharan Africa though bilateral projects. Secondly,
DPOs administered a civil society fund. The assistance is based and human rights.
In connection with disaster risk reduction, Denmark will participate in the Conference in
Japan next March and will favour the inclusion of references to persons with disabilities
in that context.
Lasse Boje Nielsen, Ministry of Justice
He explained that Denmark and the Committee does not fully agree on the interpretation
of Article 12. When the Committee published its General Comment no 1, the Danish
Government expressed its critics.
He stated that no person is put under guardianship to deprive the person of their rights.
In Denmark, the institution of guardianship is directed to persons that do not understand
there is a decision to be made, nor the nature and the consequences of that decision.
Denmark finds it necessary to have laws establishing substituted decision making to
prevent neglect and abuse of the protected persons. The law allows for tailored solutions
and is based on the proportionality principle.
The decision of full deprivation of legal capacity is taken by a court of law, when regular
guardianship is not enough to protect the person from financial exploitation. The current
guardianship act is from 1995. Currently, there are no plans to change the law. When
the rules are revised, the situation in other countries and the opinion of this Committee
will be taken into account.
In connection with Article 13, he explained the government tries to make sure that police
officers have the appropriate knowledge to deal with vulnerable groups. The Antidiscrimination Unit and the Danish Institute on Human Rights are willing to collaborate to
address the rights of persons with disabilities. He clarified that there are procedural
adjustments provided within the legal proceedings such us the provision sign language
interpretation, other interpretations and consults and support persons.
He explained that the CRPD can be directly invoked before the courts, including those
from Greenland and Faroe Islands.
In connection with Article 14, he drew the distinction between “punishment” and
“treatment”. Persons not found guilty and criminally responsible are not punished, they
are sentenced to “treatment”. As a principle rule the maximum length of the “treatment”
is 3 years. In the person is institutionalised, the maximum length of the treatment is 5
years. If the person has been found guilty of a serious crime, there is no maximum limit
of treatment. The prosecutor service follows up and monitors the implementation of this
measure.
He explained that a sentence to treatment does not mean that the person will be
committed to a treatment facility. The treatment could take the form of an outpatient
basis.
Dorthe Eberhardt Sondergaard, Ministry of Health
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She explained that the patient must be informed of the available treatment options. By
Informed consent, it is understood under the provision of enough information. As a
general rule, it must be explicit.
Addressing the questions on Article 15, she explained that compulsory treatment can be
used only under very strict criteria. Coercive measures must be exercised with maximum
consideration of the patient. The patient may complain of a coercive measure to the
psychiatric board, but it can be undertaken if necessary while the complaint is being
processed.
Electro Convulsive Treatment cannot be used unless the person is in a current or
potential life threatening condition. The government is review its legislation this summer.
In case of compulsory treatment, there will be patient involvement. The draft bill does not
include the banning of compulsory admission and treatment, but the objectives of the
draft is to reduce the use of coercion. Denmark recognises there are challenges on the
use of coercion. Denmark consulted France, UK, Germany and Norway before drafting
the bill.
Hanne Stig Andersen, Ministry of Children, Gender Equality, Integration and Social
Affairs
She clarified that the Anti-discrimination Unit is not assigned to deal with individual cases.
Its main purpose is to gain knowledge. One project consists of doing a mapping on
relevant cases of discrimination. The result of the analysis will be used for future policies.
The aim of the Unit is also to undertake awareness rising campaign. The Unit is focusing
on all persons with disabilities, including persons with mental and cognitive disabilities.
Lasse Boje Nielsen, Ministry of Justice
He addressed the issue of rape. Section 2.16 and 18 of the Criminal Code refers to
different kind of crimes. Section 2.16 paragraph 1 provides 8 years as maximum of
prison as sanction for rape, and refers to the victim who is incapable of resisting the act.
Section 2.18 refers to sexual exploitation and aims at providing protection to person
suffering from mental illness or persons with disabilities.
Denmark has taken legislative steps to improve support to victims, including a Victims
Fund to provide financial support. The criminal justice compensation board has been
strengthened.
“Defenceless State of the Victim” is an aggravating factor that courts must considered. In
other cases, when there is no defencelessness, the court will consider disability of the
victim as an aggravated factor.
Hanne Stig Andersen, Ministry of Children, Gender Equality, Integration and Social
Affairs
Since 2002, the government has developed campaigns for vulnerable groups, including
women victims of domestic violence. The majority of the support and assistance to
victims of domestic violence are provided within the existing services, and not on the
basis of the Disability action plan. In addition, if a women shelter or crisis centre is not
accessible, the facility needs to place the person in another. 10 centres are fully
accessible to wheel-chair users.
Dorthe Eberhardt Sondergaard, Ministry of Health
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She explained that sterilisation cannot be carried out with the use of force. Legislation
has been changed in September this year regarding persons with “mental disorders” and
“mental deficiencies”. Before this law, very few permissions for sterilisation were given.
Before that option, other contraception methods need to be explored before resorting to
sterilisation. Anyhow, for some persons those might not be used and this resulted in risk
of pregnancy and eventual removal of the child may be considered. The new law allows
the regional council to permit sterilisation even if the person has a mental disorder.
Michael L. Kristensen, Ministry of Housing, Urban and Rural Affairs
He explained that most persons with disabilities in Denmark live in ordinary housing. For
some people whose disability is severe this is not possible. The municipalities have an
obligation to offer special housing with special care and services. It is not subjected to
free choice. It is offered after an assessment of the municipalities. Special housing
schemes are implemented by the State. Persons living in them enjoy all the same tenant
rights as others, including protection from eviction and right to tenant democracy.
Although we are dealing with a vulnerable group, they are able to decide to move to
another residence that can meet their needs. If it is municipality housing, the person is
submitted to an assessment in that municipality. When designing new housing
alternatives, the municipalities have to assess the need for special housing of people
with severe disabilities.
The general framework follows the same criteria as for other vulnerable groups. That is
why there is no disaggregated data on persons with disabilities. Each individual has their
own dwelling; therefore, they are not institutions where there are more than 4 people
living there.
Hanne Stig Andersen, Ministry of Children, Gender Equality, Integration and Social
Affairs
She stressed that it has been a high priority to ensure the quality of services for persons
living in these accommodation facilities, in particular persons with disabilities, ensuring
they provide for independence of the person. The government conducted reform of the
legislation in this area. Nowadays, five units monitor the quality of the services and a
model of quality has been developed. In addition, an independent social supervision
system to monitor the development, quality and size of housing facilities has been
established.
The municipalities have the authority and responsibility to implement social services.
While it is essential to ensure that services are provided, it is not an aim to standardise
services for persons with disabilities. It is important to highlight that the level of services
must be always within the limits of the law. To monitor this, the government has
established a system of complaints to the National Social Appeals Board when the
person believes a municipality does not provide adequate service according to the law.
The comparison of budget for personal assistance schemes and housing facilities
schemes is not feasible. Overall, 29.5 billion krone was spent in 2012 in connection with
persons with disabilities. The amount spent for personal assistance schemes was 1,706
billion krone in 2010 and 1,780 billion krone in 2012.
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The National disability action plan includes actions and initiatives related to inclusion,
such as the initiative “New alliances in the Civil Society” to build breaches between
DPOs and other mainstream NGOs.
Susanne Beck Petersen, Ministry of Health
She explained that the responsibility of the treatment of persons with mental illness who
are addicts is divided. The abuse treatment is local and the psychiatric treatment is
regional. This situation demands careful coordination. Funds have been allocated to
strengthen this kind of coordination.
Susie Marthin Kjeldsen, Ministry of Family and Justice, Greenland
She explained that from 1950s on, persons with disabilities from Greenland were and
are placed in Denmark. The reason is the lack of knowledge on how to meet their needs.
It is difficult to ensure accessibility and personalised services. The Greenlandic
government is looking for creating services in Greenland. For example, the government
has opened a new residential institution for young people with autism. In Greenland, it is
not possible to standardise services.
Karen Jacobsen Lund, Ministry of Family and Justice, Greenland
She replied that DPOs do exist but they are not very strong in Greenland. The
Greenlandic government is opened to collaborate with them and to seek opinions on law
making.
Súsanna Nordendal, Ministry of Social Affairs, Faroe Islands
In connection with Mr Tatic’s question on standardisation of services and cooperation
with DPOs, she referred that services are based on an individual assessment and thus
there are not standardised schemes. Faroe Islands government is moving towards more
independent living schemes and this kind of issues will be addressed during the drafting
of a disability action plan. It is also pleased with cooperating with DPOs.
Questions on Articles 21 to 33
Chair
Denmark ratified the OP with the exception of the territory of Greenland. Could the
Delegation explain this exception?
Lászlo LOVASZY
In connection with the full recognition of sign language, the National Sign Language
Council established by the Danish Parliament is an improvement. Denmark provided no
information on opportunity of funding of research and development of sign language.
The national board of health adopted a guideline on auditory verbal therapy for the
cochlear implant where it is said that the use of sign language is not recommended.
Within this board there is no one representing persons with disabilities and deaf persons
and, in particular, children.
Specific questions:
- What further steps are taken to ensure the sure realisation of sign language in
accordance with Article 21?
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- What resources are available and what institution have budget to promote research
and development on sign language, in line with Article 30?
- What is the reason not to include deaf children in the national board referred that
discuss issues related to cochlear implant and sign language?
- When is there going to be a concern on inclusive education and sign language aiming
to ensure sign language within mainstream schools?
Theresia Degener
Follow up questions
Re Article 12, aware of difference of positions of the CRPD Committee and the State of
Denmark on legal capacity of persons with disabilities, the delegation referred that the
legislation on guardianship will be reviewed. Could the State clarify when?
Re Article 19, Denmark has been the model of the world with its normalisation principle.
Nowadays, it seems that the decentralisation of services leads to more
institutionalisation of persons with disabilities. Could Denmark clarify when the issue of
dwellings will be discussed with the municipalities?
Re Article 24, could Denmark providethe inclusion or exclusion rate of children with
disabilities in mainstream schools?
Ronald McCallum
Re Article 23, expressed concern about children who are on occasions fostered out by
decisions of the Family Courts. This is an issue of concern to Danish citizens and
parents.
Re Article 24, it seems Denmark has an unduly high level of special schools. Could the
government provide data on the number of students with disabilities transition from
secondary to university and other higher education, such as technical institutions?
Re Article 27, there is concern that figures on employment of persons with disabilities
might be slightly falling but I guess Denmark will keep up its commitment and work on
this area.
Diane Mulligan
Re Article 29, on 11 June 2014, the Danish Parliament rejected a draft that would allow
persons with disabilities to vote. The Constitution prevents from voting persons under full
guardianship, which is not in compliance with Article 29. Could the government explain
why did the parliament reject that draft and what solutions it proposes?
Re Article 21, is the Internal Portal initiative, the social services gateway, accessible to
all persons with disabilities?
Re Article 31, Denmark says it is still working on the statistics. In the Replies to the list of
issues related to identify indicators of the implementation of the CRPD, Denmark
referred to several stakeholders. Do you plan to include DPOs?
Re Article 11, what is the involvement of persons with disabilities in the design of policies
on humanitarian aid?
On Article 32 on international cooperation, there is no information on the participation of
DPOs in the planning and implementation of development programs. No mention of
implementation of MDGs and Post 2015 Agenda, despite the recommendations in the
Reporting Guidelines.
Mohammed Al Tarawneh
Follow up questions
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In connection with NHRIs, how independent from the government is the Danish Institute
of Human Rights?
Regarding, refugees and migrants, could you explain if all the disability laws and
services apply to those who are not nationals, be they migrants and refugees?
Monthian Buntan
Congratulations on the sign language being officially recognised and the national council
on sign language established. Yet more research is needed on sign language, especially
because of the risk of extinction. The same happens with Braille, especially when
thinking of mainstream education.
Re Article 21 and 9, has Denmark any foreseeable plan to ensure broadcasted materials
are accessible in alternative formats, sign language, easy to read easy to understand
formats, etc.?
Re Article 24, how does Denmark apply the concept of inclusive education?
Re Article 32, Denmark has a leading role of promoting good inclusive international
cooperation, including strengthening DPOs capacities, especially blind persons. This
should be also happen within Denmark itself.
Hyung Shik Kim
Re Inclusive care of children with disabilities, it seems Denmark is applying integrated
care (special education, integrated school, etc.). Inclusive care does not segregate
children.
Re Article 24, the State referred to the Salamanca Statement, including paragraphs
referred to special institutions. How does Denmark see inclusive education? Civil Society
stated that Denmark is implementing Inclusive Education in a non-proper way, not
including training to teachers for example.
Re Article 28, and in connection with the responsibility principle on social welfare and the
reform of disability pensions, what kind of measures have you been using to assess the
success of reforms?
Does the flexible job policy lead to enough jobs created? When referring to society
expectations on persons with disabilities, to what extent is Denmark accommodating the
expectations of persons with disabilities? Reflecting on resources of the individual, what
resources will persons with disabilities have? The preferential access principle in
employment, to what extent do employers provide preferential access to persons with
disabilities? Are they penalised if not?
Edah Maina
In connection to implementation of alternative modes of communication, to what extent
has Denmark implemented alternative and augmentative modes of communications
allowing access to persons with intellectual disabilities?
Re Articles 25 and 26, no one in this Committee has ever referred to “insane”, mentally
ill, etc., persons. It is hoped Denmark adopts legislation treating well persons with
psychosocial disabilities.
What measures has Denmark take to domesticate Article 12, 14, 25 and 26?
Psychiatrists do not transition from the medical model to the human rights model and
continues practices that amount to torture and cruel treatments. Denmark is not
prepared to ban compulsory admission and treatment and to cease the practices of
ECTs and mechanical coercion. In Denmark’s consultations, were persons with
psychosocial disabilities consulted or only psychiatry professionals? What do you see as
the status of human rights of persons with psychosocial disabilities going forward?
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Ana Pelaez Narvaez
Regarding Article 21, how does Denmark guarantee the provision of guides and
interpreters for deaf-blind persons to be including in the community? In which way is the
bimodal language used in instruction?
In connection to Article 23, how does Denmark guarantee that children with disabilities
can expressed their views in matters concern them? E.g.. separation processes, their
own inclusive education system, etc.
Re Article 24, do you consider the opinion of children with disabilities on inclusive
education and special education systems?
As a follow up question, what percentage of persons with disabilities is institutionalised?
And how many below 18 years?
How do you treat non-nationals with disabilities?
Persons from Denmark find it difficult to try to live in other countries because the State
withdraws the disability pension when they leave the country. How is this situation
going?
Women and girls with disabilities have no specific representative organisations. What is
the State going to promote capacity building towards the creation of a DPOs of women
and girls with disabilities?
Damjan Tatic
Standardisation of services refers to criteria of the services, knowing that one situation
does not fit all, in the sense of the general criteria and broad framework.
Regarding Article 30 and para 335 of the State Report, could the government explain if
there are measures on accessibility of historic buildings?
Carlos Ríos Espinosa
Regarding Article 14, the Danish system of treatment seems to be more flexible. You
could change a sentence from outpatients and in-patients. The distinction between
punishment and treatment is not relevant, because they are both social control
mechanism. Can persons in “treatment” benefit from the principles of your criminal law?
Lotfi Ben Lallahom
Being that there is no clear definition of disability, is there any abuse of persons in
receiving disability benefits?
In connection with Article 24, what is the percentage of children benefiting from inclusive
education?
Martin Babu Mwesigwa
Could Denmark provide clarification on the composition of that expert committee
requested to analyse incorporation of international human rights law to domestic law?
When will its report be presented and how binding are its recommendations?
There is a case of a victim of torture from Iran living in Denmark who has memory loss
whose application for citizenship was denied on account of his not passing the language
requirement. He is a person with psychosocial disabilities. What measures are in place
to help persons like him to pass the naturalisation test, including the language test?
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Delegation’s Responses
Head of the delegation
He explained that the Danish Institute for Human Rights is entirely independent from the
government.
Nanna Julie Jorgensen, Ministry of Children, Gender Equality, Integration and Social
Affairs
She explained that the Danish Sign Language Council is part of the Danish Language
Council. The Ministry of Culture has no plans to establish a Council for Braille. It has
also sent material on accessibility to broadcast and museums. Under the Public Service
Act, public services must offer subtitling, sign language and other measures for
accessibility. 90 % of museums have done reform for accessibility of their premises.
Asbjorn Fangel Hansen, Ministry of Finance
In connection with accessibility to social e-services, he explained that many digital
solutions are gathered in a Web Portal in Denmark, which follows international standards
and will keep up doing so.
Christian Lamhauge Rasmussen, Ministry of Education
He stated that there is a tendency of increasing segregation in schools. In 2010, 5,6% of
all students in public compulsory schools were in segregated settings. Denmark focuses
on the principle of inclusive education and on the knowledge that persons with noncognitive disabilities in segregated settings have worse performance than other children.
Budget analysis shows that special education schools take a considerable part of
resources. That is why Denmark set a comprehensive effort for a transition for inclusive
education in public schools, establishing goals related to the degree of segregation, the
academic results and the well-being of pupils. Initials results showed that the proportion
went from 5.6% to 5.2% of pupils in segregated settings.
He informed that there is an independent complaints mechanism. The right to complain
is reserved to those receiving more than 9 hours of support per week. While for those
receiving only some support measures, a deference is made to school authorities who
are in better conditions to decide, for students with intensive and specialised needs,
there is an overriding concern about getting the right support, that is why for them the
right to complain is guaranteed. It was detected that more than nine hours of support is
usually the support received by those with more intensive and specialised needs. Hence,
the complaint procedure focuses more on allowing for inclusive education.
The rapid and ambitious transition to inclusion gives challenges to the municipalities to
strive in that way to build the necessary competences. To promote inclusive education
there is counselling within the school system and within day care. In connection to
access to mainstream education for sign language users, efforts are taking place to
meet their needs, being a responsibility of the school to ensure that sign language is
integral part of mainstream education. Finally, school buildings need to follow
accessibility standards for new building or refurnished.
Anders Posselt Langhede, Ministry of Education
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He explained that there is a panel survey that aims to transfer knowledge to
professionals that work with children. To support the municipalities, the government has
set aside one billon krone to training teachers and other professionals. Denmark
analyses how the municipalities are advancing on inclusive education. There are also
research projects that aim to develop knowledge in the area.
Susanne Anthony, Ministry of Education
She explained that Denmark has a goal that 95% of students should complete one-year
youth education programme. Currently, it is 93%. There is, within youth education, no
special education. Students should be integrated individually. Students with disabilities
can receive special education assistance according to their needs.
In connection with young students being included, there is not very good data because it
is not disaggregated. There is data on how many young persons receive special
education assistance: in 2009, 6800, 2,7% of all youngsters in education; in 2014,
12.900, representing 4.6%.
Peter Pannula Toft, Ministry of Education
He analysed the issue of the transition rate from secondary to higher education. The
target is that 60% of youth should finish a higher education programme. There is no
specific data on persons with disabilities due to lack of disaggregation. Yet figures of
special education assistance in higher education might indicate an increasing number of
persons with disabilities are completing higher education. There has been a specific
initiative with NGO involvement to lay out a transition programme from secondary to
employment and occupations for students with disabilities.
On sign language, most deaf children in Denmark are offered an operation of cochlear
implant to obtain speaking language. It is the Ministry of Education’s assessment and
task to offer this implant. There is an agreement in which the State took the responsibility
to offer consultancy services to children with hearing loss and to coordinate research
and knowledge gathering on the subject.
Mia Monsted, Ministry of Employment
She explained that Denmark has introduced large-scale reform to include person with
disabilities in the labour market and to focus on the person resources. At this point 7900
of flexi-jobs (10 hours or less per week). The policy is being monitored closely and it will
be evaluated after 3 years of implementation.
Lasse Boje Nielsen, Ministry of Justice
He stated that, from a Danish point of view, the Danish rules on assistive voting are in
full compliance with Article 29 of the CRPD. Article 29 of Danish Constitution states that
those declared incapable of administering their own affairs are deprived of the right to
vote at national elections. This concerns only those under full guardianship, which
includes deprivation of financial responsibility and deprivation of legal capacity to act. To
modify this, a constitutional reform would be required. Besides that, reforms could be
allowed for municipal and European elections. A draft bill for this was rejected,
seemingly, more on timing reasons and factors. The next municipal elections will take
place in 2017 and the next European Parliament elections in 2019.
Karen Jacobsen Lund, Ministry of Family and Justice, Greenland
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She explained that there are 46 deaf persons in Greenland. There is the possibility of
offering cochlear implant to deaf children. Schools are required to teach all children, if
possible, with inclusion as well. For the 2015 spring session in parliament, the
government will develop an action plan for training and qualification of staff working with
the disabled.
Susie Marthin Kjeldsen, Representative of the Government of Greenland
She stated that the Greenlandic Parliament did not yet decided to ratify the Optional
Protocol. In connection with Mr Tatic’s question on minimum accessibility standards,
Greenland is in the process of drafting new law on accessibility that could include
minimum standards.
Margretha Nonklett, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Faroe Islands
In connection with the independent monitoring mechanism of Article 33, the Faroe
Islands government is investigating if there are bodies that could be designated as such
or if it is necessary to create a new one. There is no timeframe, but the reply will be due
shortly.
Closing remarks
Head of Delegation
Treaties ratified by Denmark might be invoked before the courts and they have to
consider them as relevant sources of law. Nonetheless, reflection is on-going to explicitly
incorporate the conventions in Danish legislation. They expressed sincere appreciation
for the opportunity for dialogue and look forward to the CRPD Committee
recommendations.
Jonas Christoffersen, National Institute for Human Rights
He focused firstly on the lack of protection against disability-based discrimination within
Danish legislation. He reflected on what it means that Denmark does not have a
coherent policy on non-discrimination and to say at the same time that it is a priority to
deal with discrimination. The lack of coherence is the result of the lack of political priority
and will.
Second, he stated that the use long lasting mechanical constraints in psychiatric
institutions has been constant along the years. The National Institute for Human Rights
recommends that the government put an end to all these kinds of practices.
Chair
The Chair thank the Danish delegation for the fruitful constructive dialogue.
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