Danish Institute for Human Rights

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The Danish Institute for Human Rights (DIHR) is a national human rights institution in accordance with the UN Paris Principles. The DIHR was originally established as the Danish Centre for Human Rights by a parliamentary decision on 5 May 1987. As at 1 January 2003 the DIHR changed its status as a consequence of Act No. 411 of 6 June 2002 on the Establishment of the Danish Centre for International Studies and Human Rights.

The work of DIHR includes research, analysis, information, education, documentation, and complaints handling, as well as a large number of national and international programmes. DIHR takes a multidisciplinary approach to human rights, and operates with a staff of around 80 employees who specialise primarily in the areas of law, political science, economics, and social studies. Of the approximately 60 national human rights institutions, DIHR is one of the largest and is highly respected internationally.

The Complaints Committee for Ethnic Equal Treatment was established as part of The Danish Institute for Human Rights on grounds of Act no. 374 of 28 May 2003 on Ethnic Equal Treatment. By Act no. 40 of March 30, 2004 amending Act on Prohibition against Discrimination in respect of employment and so forth. The Institute was also given the power to hear cases on discrimination on the grounds of race or ethnic origin in the labour market.

DIHR chaired the International Co-ordinating Committee of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights (ICC) from 2004-2006

[edit] Executive Directors

Morten Kjærum 1991 -

Lars Adam Rehof 1987 - 1991

[edit] Legislation

Act No. 411 of 6 June 2002 on the Establishment of the Danish Centre for International Studies and Human Rights.
Act no. 374 of 28 May 2003 on Ethnic Equal Treatment.
Act no. 40 of 30 March 2004.