Discrimination
In November, Amnesty International issued a report about surveillance and discrimination in social security, examining the consequences of the new automated and digital system.1 The report highlighted potential violations of the right to privacy, equality and non-discrimination, as well as the right to social security. The move towards digitization and the introduction of algorithms created a system of surveillance, leading to direct discrimination against marginalized groups, including those with disabilities, racialized people, migrants and refugees.
Right to truth, justice and reparation
In June, a preparatory law committee submitted to the minister of justice recommendations on the incorporation of certain crimes under international law into the Danish Penal Code.
In December, parliament approved a new chapter in the Penal Code that would allow for the prosecution in national courts of crimes of aggression, genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and torture – crimes covered by the statute of the ICC. Civil society groups welcomed these reforms as an important tool to fight impunity and promote the protection of human rights.
In August, the Supreme Court overturned rulings by the High Court and the District Court that Denmark was not obligated to help with the evacuation of a Danish boy and his mother from al-Roj prison camp in Syria. The Supreme Court stated that sufficient consideration had not been given to the best interests of the child, including his particular vulnerability and specific needs. The boy and his mother were returned to Denmark in October. This was the first time that the Supreme Court had ruled on whether the authorities were obliged to ensure children with Danish nationality detained with their mothers can return to Denmark.
Irresponsible arms transfers
In March, civil society organizations initiated legal proceedings against the Danish state, seeking an end to arms exports to Israel. They claimed there was a clear risk such exports would be used to commit serious violations of international humanitarian law against Palestinian civilians in Gaza. The organizations requested that the court assess whether the exports violate the rules on the arms trade to which Denmark has committed itself. The hearings were due to begin in 2025.
Refugees’ and migrants’ rights
In May, the Kosovan parliament approved an agreement with Denmark to rent out 300 prison cells in Kosovo for foreign nationals convicted of crimes in Denmark who were due to be deported at the end of their sentence. This raised concerns for the human rights of people detained under the scheme.
