Denmark is a robust democracy with regular free and fair elections. Citizens enjoy full political rights, the government protects free expression and association, and the judiciary functions independently. However, Denmark has struggled to uphold fundamental freedoms for immigrants and other newcomers.

• Several cases involving Denmark were brought before the European Court of Human Rights, the UN Human Rights Committee, and the UN Committee on the Convention on the Rights of the Child concerning the government’s deportation decisions. Decisions where Denmark was found in violation involved emphasizing more thorough consideration for an individual’s private life and attachment to Denmark against criminal sentences and other penalties, as well as consideration of the interests of involved children.
• In November, the rights group Amnesty International issued a report concluding that authorities had enacted laws that allowed the automated collection of personal data from individuals who receive social benefits without obtaining their consent, violating their right to privacy. It said the government collected the data—which could include information about health, disability, and sexual orientation, among other characteristics—as part of efforts to monitor for fraud.
• An evaluation issued in December by the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities contained criticism of Denmark, including on failed inclusion in schools, use of coercion in psychiatry and the use of force in residences, and variation in financial support depending on municipality.

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For additional background information, see last year’s full report.