Denmark and the Muslim World
As a consequence of the Cartoons many myths and misunderstandings about my country are flourishing in the ME-region. On the embassy homepage we have tried to counter some of these myths by publishing some facts about life in Denmark and the Danish cooperation with the Muslim world.
The fact sheet about Denmark and the Wider Middle East contains a sum-up of some of the economic and political assistance that we are engaged with in the ME-region. Of particular interest to Jordan is our sustained support to the Palestinians, UNRWA, Iraqi refugees in Jordan and of course our Partnership for Progress and Reform with Jordan.
As I mentioned in my last blog posting, dialogue is crucial for enhancing understanding and respect among us. The fact sheet on Danish dialogue initiatives with the Muslim World is a comprehensive but not exhaustive list of our efforts. Some of the initiatives are government oriented, but most - and in particular the religious dialogue initiatives - are driven by the civil society organisations with government backing.
The freedom of expression is as you all know very dear to us Danes. Censorship is forbidden according to our constitution. None the less freedom of Expression is not an absolute right. Most public servants including diplomats and intelligence officers have signed a declaration of secrecy relating to information they obtain in their function. In this respect they have forfeited a part of their freedom of expression. For others, their use freedom of expression can be challenged in court according to the law. This is explained in more detail in the fact sheet on Democracy and Freedom of Expression in Denmark.
A lot of myths are circulating regarding the rights of Danish Muslims. One myth is that Muslims are not allowed to establish mosques in Denmark which of course is not correct. Muslim Danish citizens enjoy the same rights as other citizens in Denmark. The facts about Muslims in Denmark give an overview of some of these rights.
Finally, yesterday the Danish Foreign Minister Per Stig Møller gave an important speech in the United Nations Human Rights Council that touched upon the central elements of the cartoon issue i.e. dialogue, freedom of speech and respect of Islam. I would very much recommend you to read his speech on the Web and comment here if you like. A news agency has also reported on the speech on this link in english and arabic.
March 6, 2008 at 7:56 pm
I think it is wonderful for an Ambassador to have a blog and I shall enjoy keeping up with all the news.
I, especially, am thankful to Denmark for taking on (from the British!!) support for the Family Protection Department which is a police department dealing with sexual offences whoever the victim and physical abuse if it is within the family. So important and a very successful project which I was lucky to have been involved in right from the beginning. I hope you have seen Captain Abu Raed, Ambassador, which does show child and spousal abuse. Keep on blogging! T
March 6, 2008 at 11:46 pm
(T, you encouraged me not to be shy to comment on an Ambassador’s blog :D)
Ambassador Sorensen, I, too think it a wonderful thing for you to have joined this medium for communicating with people on a much more personal level. I appreciate your willingness to open tough, timely subjects, add the first-hand perspective, and even receive comments. I look forward to seeing what comes next.
March 7, 2008 at 10:22 am
Please don’t be shy of my title - this blog is intended for a frank discussion about issues we care about, so everyone should feel free to comment - and disagree.
But kind words are also welcome of course - so Thank you T and Kinziblogs