Denmark

2. The state duty to protect human rights

2.3 Actions taken

Protection of human rights through state regulation and policy [page 12]

“Together with more than 40 countries Denmark adheres to the OECD Declaration on International Investment and Multinational Enterprises.”

Appendix 1, GP 4

Status in Denmark (initiatives implemented before the UN ratification of the Guiding Principles) [page 28]

“In 2008 the state financing fund, Vækstfonden, has committed to adhere to the UN Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). The Export Credit Agency (EKF), the Investment Fund for Developing Countries (IFU) and Investment Fund for Central and Eastern Europe) (IØ) has committed to join the UN Global Compact.”

Appendix 1, GP 9

State Duty to Protect [page 31]

“States should maintain adequate domestic policy space to meet their human rights obligations when pursuing business-related policy objectives with other States or business enterprises, for instance through investment treaties or contracts.”

Initiatives taken or planned as a dedicated measure to implement the UNGPs (after the UN ratification of the Guiding Principles) [page 31]

“When Danida signs contracts with companies, it is a requirement that companies live up to Danida’s anti-corruption policy and to the UN Global Compact. A description of the applicant’s approach to quality assurance and how it will comply with Danida’s anti-corruption code of conduct and the principles of the UN Global Compact during implementation are requested from pre-qualified tenderers and form part of the tender evaluation.

The EU adheres to principles and standards on responsible business conduct such a s the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, which is also reflected in negotiations for free trade agreements that includes the a rea of investment. The guidelines are considered the reference document on Corporate Social Responsibility, including human rights, intended to balance the rights and obligations between investors and host states. Furthermore, it is common practice to reference in the mandate the right of the parties to adopt and enforce measures necessary to pursue legitimate public policy objectives such a s social, environmental, human rights, security, public health and stability of the financial systems in a non-discriminatory manner.”

Initiatives taken or planned as a dedicated measure to implement the UNGPs (after the UN ratification of the Guiding Principles) [page 31]

“The Government actively supports substantial Trade and Development chapters in the EU’s bilateral free trade agreements as well as human rights suspension clauses in the same agreements. The new free trade agreement between the EU and Peru /Colombia is an important case in point, being substantially more ambitious in this a rea than earlier agreements.”