Denmark to provide more support for religious minorities

Association

On 23rd August 2017, the Danish government promised to invest more funds from the 2018 budget on initiatives to better protect religious minorities. Foreign Minister Anders Samuelsen and Development Minister Ulla Tørnæs met with a number of faith-based organisations, experts and politicians to consult on the funding needs. In regards to the funding plans, Samuelsen stated that:

“We must work to promote religious freedom in the world, as conveyed by the government’s foreign and security strategy. Everyone should freely be able to practice their religion without fearing persecution or discrimination”.

Peaceful Assembly

On 7th August 2017, approximately 200 residents of Copenhagen demonstrated at Copenhagen City Hall over the government's shifting social reforms. While protesters shouted slogans, members of the municipality's employment committee met to implement improvements for sick cash benefit recipients. Two movements, Victims of the Job Center and the Next Helpers, have recently organised more demonstrations, actions and debates on the issue of social assistance to the most vulnerable.

On 24th August 2017, as the Danish Minister of Energy continued to negotiate a deal with a Dutch company to extract oil and gas for 30 years in the localities of Lolland and Falster, local residents protested against the deal. The local network "Zero Hulls" mobilsed residents for the demonstrations to promote renewable energy over oil and gas development.

On 5th September 2017, 39 educational and professional organisations and students demonstrated in the four largest cities - Copenhagen, Aarhus, Aalborg and Odense - against the government's draft fiscal law that includes budget cuts in the education sector.