Denmark

By Daniel Morris | 27. November 2017

Appendix 1. Overview of the implementation of the state duty to protect

Status in Denmark (initiatives implemented before the UN ratification of the Guiding Principles) [page 30]

  • The Danish development assistance generally contributes to the promotion of human rights in conflict areas. In conflict areas it is often difficult to work closely with the host country, because local authorities do not always have sufficient capacity to monitor and legislate. The Danish efforts in fragile states include support for building institutional framework.
  • 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.
  • Danida Business Partnerships provides financial support for the implementation of CSR partnerships and CSR initiatives in a range of Denmark’s partner countries. As part of the approval process, Danida Business Finance analyses potential human rights related risks including local legislation and policies and other CSR issues. Access to finance is based on buyer’s and exporter’s compliance with ILO principles on human and workers’ rights.
  • Besides following the government regulations with respect to export promotion, trade policy and political imposed trade sanctions and export controls, the EKF has initiated the development of a model that provides an overview of the business risks that could potentially be related to human rights, labour rights, environment and climate in the countries where EKF is investing. EKF is screening the companies involved in the EKF’s transactions. There has not been any cases involving human rights issues.

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

  • The Danish Institute of Human Rights will launch a Business Guide to Human Rights in December 2013. The Guide to Human Rights is a free website for companies to identify, assess and address their human rights impacts around the world. It provides country- and sector-specific information about the human rights impacts of businesses, alongside concrete recommendations for preventing and mitigating adverse impacts, as well as maximising positive ones. The Guide to Human Rights emphasises multi-stakeholder engagement and dialogue, and seeks to build the capacity of local Portal partners on human rights and business.
  • The Danish Government has provided financial assistance to the OECD Proactive Agenda work which has a specific focus on conflict-affected areas. For more information see http://mneguidelines. oecd.org/proactiveagenda.htm.