Office of the Special Representative for Freedom of Religion or Belief

The Danish Government’s initiative for Freedom of Religion or Belief and the protection of Religious and Belief Minorities.

The Danish approach to freedom of religion or belief is based on four fundamental principles:

Universal: Denmark’s approach is firmly based on the freedom of religion or belief as enshrined in art. 18 of the ICCPR and the international conventions as described above. Freedom of religion or belief is a fundamental human right equal to all other human rights. It is not a divine right, but a universal right for all, and should be defended by all.

Inclusive: The protection of freedom of religion or belief is broad, including both non-theistic and atheistic beliefs. Thus, it is important to emphasize the “B” for Belief in FoRB to ensure freedom of religion or belief for everyone.

Preventive: Freedom of religion or belief is the litmus test of the fundamental human rights in a society or as the canary in the coalmine. Restrictions and limitations on the individual’s right to freedom of religion or belief warns us that other human rights may be at risk, so we must act to protect this freedom and all other human rights.

Indivisible: Freedom of religion or belief is a fundamental human right no more important than other human rights, but equal and indivisible to all other human rights.

The Government’s strategy to promote freedom of religion or belief and protection of belief minorities contains five tracks 

Track 1: Mobilization of the international community for the promotion of Freedom of Religion or Belief

Track 2: A thematic focus on the two intersections between Freedom of Religion or Belief and Gender Equality, and Freedom of Religion or Belief and the Responsibility to Protect (R2P)

Track 3: A geographical focus on the immediate neighborhood of the EU, including the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)

Track 4: Dialogue and cooperation with countries on freedom of religion or belief, where it is relevant and possible

Track 5: The tracking of a number of cases of individuals persecuted for belief or religious reasons.

Countering antisemitism and Holocaust remembrance 
The Office for Freedom of Religion or Belief is responsible for Danish foreign policy efforts to counter antisemitism. It contributes to the implementation of the Danish Action plan against antisemitism in close collaboration with the Ministry of Justice (National Coordinator) and other partners. 

The Office represents Denmark in the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), which Denmark joined in 2004. 

Contact

Special Representative for Freedom of Religion or Belief, Karen Grønlund Rogne, leads the Danish Office for Freedom of Religion or Belief in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark.

Click here to contact the Office of the Special Representative for Freedom of Religion or Belief.