Restricted ACFC/OP/II(2004)005 E Strasbourg, 9 December 2004 Advisory Committee on the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities _______________________ Second Opinion on Denmark Adopted on 9 December 2004 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The  German  minority  in  Denmark  enjoys  a  commendable  level  of  protection  in  terms  of  the system  of  German  minority  schools  and  day  care  facilities  and  the  consultative  structure established   for   the   German   minority   through   the   Secretariat   of   the   German   Minority   in Copenhagen and the Liaison Committee concerning the German minority. There  are,  however,  current  concerns,  which  need  to  be  addressed  by  the  authorities,  about proposed   administrative   reforms   and   the   impact   that   these   could   have   on   the   political representation of persons belonging to the German minority at municipal and regional levels as well as at the level of the Region South-Jutland Schleswig. There   have   been   significant   improvements   to   the   anti-discrimination   legal   framework   in Denmark,  notably  through  the  adoption  of  the  Act  on  Ethnic  Equal  Treatment.  Intolerance, however, remains an issue which needs to be addressed further, inter alia, in the political arena as well as in certain media. Legislation such as the reform of the Aliens Act, and policy, such as the  Government’s  policy  towards  integration,  may   contribute  to  a  climate  of  intolerance towards different ethnic and religious groups and should be reviewed as necessary, taking into account, at the same time, the need to tackle discrimination . The Government is encouraged, following discussions with those concerned, to re-consider its position concerning the personal scope of application of the Framework Convention.

ACFC/OP/II(2004)005 E 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS: I MAIN FINDINGS    ............................................................... 4 Monitoring process ................................ ............................... 4 General legislative framework    ................................ .............. 4 Personal scope of application of the Framework Convention ..............................5 Anti-discrimination legislation ................................ ............. 6 Tolerance................................   ................................ ............... 6 Roma education ................................   ................................ .... 7 Danish National Church    ................................ ........................ 7 Knowledge of the culture, history, language and religion  ................................... 7 Media in German ................................ .. 7 Use of German (administrative authorities and public signs)...............................8 Consultative structures    ................................ .......................... 8 Proposed administrative reforms ................................ .......... 9 II ARTICLE-BY-ARTICLE FINDINGS ........................................................... 10 Article 3 of the Framework Convention ............................................................. 10 Article 4 of the Framework Convention ............................................................. 15 Article 6 of the Framework Convention ............................................................. 17 Article 8 of the Framework Convention ............................................................. 22 Article 9 of the Framework Convention ............................................................. 23 Article 10 of the Framework Convention ........................................................... 26 Article 11 of the Framework Convention ........................................................... 27 Article 12 of the Framework Convention ........................................................... 28 Article 14 of the Framework Convention ........................................................... 30 Article 15 of the Framework Convention ........................................................... 30 Article 18 of the Framework Convention ........................................................... 33 III CONCLUDING REMARKS ................................ ........... 36 Positive developments ................................ ........................ 36 Issues of concern................................   ................................ .36 Recommendations    ................................ ............................... 37

ACFC/OP/II(2004)005 E 3 ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON THE FRAMEWORK CONVENTION FOR THE PROTECTION OF NATIONAL MINORITIES SECOND OPINION ON DENMARK 1. The Advisory Committee adopted the present Opinion on 9 December 2004 in accordance   with   Article   26   (1)   of   the   Framework   Convention   and   Rule   23   of Resolution   (97)   10   of   the   Committee   of   Ministers.   The   findings   are   based   on information contained in the State Report (hereinafter the State Report), received on 14 May  2004,  and  other  written  sources  and  on  information  obtained  by  the  Advisory Committee   from   governmental   and   non-governmental   contacts   during   its   visit   to Aabenraa and Copenhagen from 1–4 November 2004. 2. Section I below contains the Advisory Committee’s main findings on key issues pertaining  to  the  implementation  of  the  Framework  Convention  in  Denmark.  These findings  reflect  the  more  detailed  article-by - article  findings  contained  in  Section  II, which  covers  those  provisions  of  the  Framework  Convention  on  which  the  Advisory Committee has substantive issues to raise. 3. Both sections make extensive reference to the follow - up given to the findings of the first cycle of monitoring of the Framework Convention, contained in the Advisory Committee’s  first  Opinion  on  Denmark,  adopted  on  22  September  2000,  and  in  the Committee of Ministers’ corresponding Resolution, adopted on 31 October 2001. 4. The  concluding  remarks,  contained  in  Section  III,  could  serve  as  the  basis  for the   Committee   of   Ministers’   forthcoming   conclusions   and   recommendations   on Denmark. 5. The  Advisory  Committee  looks  forward  to  continuing  its  dialogue  with  the authorities of Denmark as well as with representatives of national minorities and others involved in the implementation of the Framework Convention. In order to promote an inclusive  and  transparent  process,  the  Advisory  Committee  strongly  encourages  the authorities to make the present Opinion public upon its receipt.

ACFC/OP/II(2004)005 E 4 I MAIN FINDINGS Monitoring process 6. The results of the first monitoring cycle in respect of Denmark were discussed in March 2002 at a meeting of the Liaison Committee concerning the German minority. As  a  result  of  this  meeting,  a  working  group  to  facilitate  continuous  follow-up  and discussion on the implementation of both the Framework Convention for the Protection of  National  Minorities  and  the  European  Charter  for  Regional  or  Minority  Languages was established, comprising representatives of a number of Ministries and the German minority. This is a welcome step, although it is noted that no specific follow-up activity in  Denmark,  involving  the  Advisory  Committee  and  a  wider  group  of  concerned persons, was organised between the first and second monitoring cycles. Such follow-up activities contribute greatly to the dialogue and it is important that the opportunity for such a follow-up in Denmark is not lost during the second cycle of monitoring. 7. It  is  welcomed  that  the  Danish  authorities  have  recognised  in  the  State Report that  the  Advisory  Committee’s  Opinion  and  the  Committee  of  Ministers’  Resolution “could  probably  be  disseminated  in  a  better  and  more  publicly -oriented  manner”  an d that the authorities have as a result expanded their website to include more information on   national   minority   issues.   Regrettably,   however,   the   opinion   of   the   Advisory Committee  and  the  Committee  of  Ministers’  Resolution  from  the  first  cycle  have  not been translated into either Danish or German. 8. It is welcomed that in the preparation of the second State Report that the Danish Government   consulted   the   German   Minority’s   Secretariat   in   Copenhagen.   It   is, however, regretted that wider consultation leading to a more inclusive process did not take  place  with  representatives  of  civil  society  and  other  groups  concerned  by  the application of the Framework Convention in Denmark. General legislative framework 9. The  Advisory  Committee  notes  that  there  are  few  provisions  in  domestic  law relating directly to national minorities. That said, since the adoption of the first Opinion in   respect   of   Denmark,   there   have   been   significant   improvements   to   the   anti- discrimination legal framework in Denmark, notably through the adoption of the Act on Ethnic Equal Treatment (Act No. 374 of 28 May 2003) which forbids discrimination on the grounds of race or ethnic origin in a number of societal settings. 10. At   the   same   time,   there   has   been   legislation   introduced   which   has   been criticised for possibly having a negative impact on the promotion of mutual respect and understanding and co-operation among persons living on the territory of Denmark. This is particularly the case in respect of the Aliens Act 2002 and its amendments. 11. Draft legislation concerning administrative reforms is under preparation. Central to these reforms is the need to enjoy greater economies of scale in local administration

ACFC/OP/II(2004)005 E 5 through   the   reduction   of   the   number   of   municipalities   and   regional   authorities. Proposals  are  under  discussion  between  the  authorities  and  the  German  minority  to ensure that the reforms do not have an adverse impact on the political representation of the German minority at the regional and municipal level and the cross-border regional level, and to ensure that the reforms do not lead to a reduction in the enjoyment of other rights under the Framework Convention. Personal scope of application of the Framework Convention 12. The Danish authorities maintain the position that the Framework Convention for the  Protection  of  National  Minorities  applies  only  to  the  German  minority  in  South Jutland. 13. In  relation  to  Greenlanders  and  Faeroese,  the  Home  Rule  Governments  have stated   clearly   that   they   do   not   consider   the   Framework   Convention   to   apply   to Greenlanders  in  Greenland  and  Faeroese  in  the  Faeroe  Islands.  No  representations  to the  contrary  have  been  made  by  persons  living  on  these  territories  and  the  Advisory Committee  understands  that  there  is  no  call  at  this  moment  in  time  to  apply  the Framework Convention to persons belonging to these groups. 14. In relation to Greenlanders and Faeroese living in mainland Denmark and Danes living in Greenland and the Faeroe Islands, the authorities have not sought to ascertain from persons belonging to these groups whether they have an interest in the protection offered  under  the  Framework  Convention.  The  authorities  are  encouraged  to  examine this matter further with those persons concerned. 15. In relation to the Roma, it is noted that according to the Government, Roma in Denmark comprise two main groups, namely those arriving at the end of the 1960s and those  fleeing  the  wars  in  the  former  Yugoslavia.  According  to  representatives  of  the Roma, the Roma have had historical ties with Denmark going back to the 16^th Century. The  Government  considers,  however,  that  those  Roma  who  took  up  residence  in Denmark prior to 1960 have been completely integrated. 16. It can be noted that persons belonging to the Roma community, as in other parts of Europe, face particular problems, including discrimination and  social exclusion, and that   they   wish   to   express,   preserve   and   develop   their   identity   in   line   with   the Framework  Convention.  The  Advisory  Committee,  in  line  with  its  conclusions  of  the first   monitoring  cycle,  considers  that  the  Danish  authorities  should  continue  their dialogue  on  the  possible  extension  of  the  personal  scope  of  application  to  Roma. Pending further progress on this issue, the authorities are encouraged to take the basic principles of the Framework Convention into account in their legislation, policies and practices in relation to the Roma. 17. In respect of the application of the Framework Convention to persons belonging to the German minority  outside of South Jutland, the Advisory Committee recognises the   current   lack   of   demand   from   persons   belonging   to   the   German   minority   but

ACFC/OP/II(2004)005 E 6 considers   that   the   Framework   Convention   could   have   an   application   to   persons belonging to this group outside of South Jutland. Anti-discrimination legislation 18. There has been welcome progress in developing anti-discrimination legislation, notably in relation to the passing of the Act on Ethnic Equal Treatment (Act No. 374 of 28  May  2003).  This  legislation,  reflecting  the  principles  of  Articles  4  and  6  of  the Framework  Convention,  provides  additional  safeguards  against  discrimination  on  the grounds  of  race  or  ethnic  origin  in  a  number  of  societal  settings.  A  further  positive development has been the establishment of the Danish Institute for Human Rights along with its Complaints Committee for processing cases and providing opinions on whether there have been contraventions of the prohibition against discrimination. 19. The   Government   is   encouraged   to   keep   under   review   the   operation   and functioning of this new legislation and the effectiveness of the Complaints Committee ensuring that this Committee has sufficient powers and funding to carry out its work as it grows. Tolerance 20. Denmark  has  a  tradition  for  tolerance  and  respect  for  others.  Notwithstanding this tradition, a strong seam of intolerance has developed in Danish society, particularly towards  immigrants  and  also  Muslims.  This  has  led  to  prosecutions  and  convictions under  anti-hate  speech  provisions  under  Section  266  b  of  the  Danish  Criminal  Code. There are particular concerns about the introduction of an anti-immigrant agenda in the political  arena.  Concerns  also  exist  about  the  way  in  which  certain  media  portray persons from different ethnic and religious groups¹, including members of the Muslim faith. 21. The policy and practice of the Government towards immigration, as evidenced by  the  reform  of  the  Aliens  Act,  may  have  contributed  to  an  increase  in  hostility towards persons belonging to different ethnic and religious groups. The Government’s policy towards integration, while following a laudable aim, has been criticised for not sufficiently   taking   into   account   the   problems,   including   discrimination,   faced   by persons from different ethnic and religious groups. 22. The Government is invited to further its efforts to tackle intolerance in society and   to   reconsider   its   immigration   and   integration   policy   in   the   light   of   any discrimination  revealed  and  hostility  generated  towards  persons  from  different  ethnic and religious groups. It is invited to ensure that the integration policy be adapted to take fully   into   account   the   problems,   including   discrimination,   faced   by   persons   from different ethnic and religious groups. 1 The use of the term “ethnic and religious groups or minorities” in this Opinion is not in any way m  eant to restrict the scope of the term “national minority”.

ACFC/OP/II(2004)005 E 7 Roma education 23. The  teaching  of  Roma  children  with  an  especially  high  rate  of  absenteeism  in separate   Roma   classes   has   been   held   to   be   not   in   accordance   with   the   law.   In consequence   two   out   of   three   of   these   classes   have   been   closed   down   by   the Municipality of Elsinore. 24. Such   classes   for   Roma   children   raise   issues   of   compatibility   with   the Framework  Convention  and  the  authorities  should  find  an  alternative  solution  for  the remaining open class. Danish National Church 25. The  system  of  State  support  for  the  Danish  National  Church  raises  issues  of equality of treatment with respect to other religions under Article 4 of the Framework Convention. The authorities are encouraged to review this issue. 26. Persons not belonging to the Danish National Church, outside of South Jutland, are  required  to  register  names  at  birth  with  the  Danish  National  Church.  This  could pose an issue of conscience for persons not belonging to the Danish National Church. The authorities are invited to examine this issue further. Knowledge of the culture, history, language and religion 27. Persons belonging to the German minority and other ethnic and religious groups have complained that more could be done to reflect their culture, history, language and religion in the curriculum and textbooks in schools. The authorities are encouraged to examine  this  issue  with  the  persons  concerned  with  a  view  to  ensuring  that  their contribution to society is adequately reflected in the curriculum and in textbooks. 28. Concerns have been raised over alleged undue restrictions placed on the use by children of their mother tongue in kindergartens. The authorities are encouraged to look into this matter, taking full account of Article 30 of the United Nations’ Convention on the  Rights  of  the  Child,  with  a  view  to  verifying  if  a  problem  exists  and  taking appropriate measures as necessary. Media in German 29. While the German minority benefits from a large range of printed media as well as  radio  and  television  broadcasting  from  neighbouring  Germany,  there  is  little  radio and television broadcasting in German within Denmark. 30. Concerning radio broadcasting, the authorities have indicated that it is open to the  German  minority  to  request  a  radio  licence.  The  Advisory  Committee,  however,

ACFC/OP/II(2004)005 E 8 understands that the German minority would, at the moment, prefer a window in local public   sector   radio   broadcasting   or   financial   support   for   language   news   bulletins currently   being   broadcast   on   the   private   regional   radio   station   Radio   Mojn.   The Advisory Committee encourages the authorities to examine if support can be given to either of these two options. 31. Concerning  television  broadcasting,  there  is  an  interest  from  both  the  German minority and the local public sector broadcasting channel to produce a greater number of programmes in German and for the German minority. The authorities are encouraged to  examine  whether  additional  funding  could  be  made  available  to  the  local  public sector  broadcaster  to  reflect  the  additional  costs  involved  in  preparing  programmes  in Danish/German. Use of German (administrative authorities and public signs) 32. There  is  no  official  framework  for  the  use  of  German  with  the  administrative authorities    although    in    practice    many    persons    within    the    administration    have knowledge of German. The local authorities should be encouraged to facilitate the use of German with the administrative authorities as possibilities for so doing already exist. 33. Traditional  local  names,  street  names  and  other  topographical  indications  in Denmark  are  all  in  Danish.  The  authorities  are,  however,  encouraged  to  give  due consideration to possible demands from persons belonging to the German minority for the display of bilingual signs in South Jutland. 34. The Advisory Committee considers that facilitating the use of German with the administrative  authorities  and  providing  bilingual  signs  are  important  facets  of  public recognition  and  acceptance  towards  the  existence  of  the  German  minority  in  South Jutland  and  reflect  the  special  nature  and  character  of  the  borderland  region  of  South Jutland. As such, they are to be encouraged. Consultative structures 35. The consultative structures set up for the German minority play an essential and effective part in the dialogue that exists between the German minority, the Government and  the  Parliament.  Central  to  this  is  the  Liaison  Committee  concerning  the  German minority  and  the  Secretariat  of  the  German  Minority  set  up  in  Copenhagen.  The Working  Group  appointed  to  facilitate  continuous  follow-up  and  discussion  on  the implementation of the Framework Convention and the European Charter for Regional or  Minority  Languages  is  also  in  a  position  to  provide  a  valuable  contribution  to  this dialogue.   Full   support   should   continue   to   be   offered   to   these   structures.   These structures   could   also   provide   inspiration   for   developing   further   mechanisms   for intercultural dialogue with other ethnic and religious groups.

ACFC/OP/II(2004)005 E 9 Proposed administrative reforms 36. Persons belonging to the German minority are concerned by the possible impact of  proposed  administrative  reforms.  These  reforms  are  likely  to  affect  their  level  of political  representation  at  regional  level  and  municipal  level.  They  fear  that  this  will lead   to   a   reduction   of   their   political   influence   and   that   the   movement   of   the administrative centres away from the border region will further reduce their influence. They are also concerned that the proposed reforms may have an adverse impact on the current   Danish/German   Region   South-Jutland   Schleswig   where   they   are   currently represented. They also fear that lack of representation will adversely affect their ability to safeguard certain other matters such as funding for their schools and day care centres (kindergartens). 37. The  Government  is  aware  of  these  concerns  and  is  in  close  contact  with  the German  minority  on  this  matter.  The  Government  has  made  a  number  of  proposals, inter alia, to facilitate the participation of the German minority in political affairs at the municipal   and   also   the   regional   and   cross-border   levels.   These   proposals   which introduce   special   rights   for   persons   belonging   to   the   German   minority   are   to   be welcomed,  but  further  discussion  on  these  is  needed,  in  particular  concerning  voting rights on seats at municipal level,  to ensure that  the proposed reforms do not have an adverse  impact  on  the  effective  participation  of  persons  belonging  to  the  German minority in public affairs affecting them.

ACFC/OP/II(2004)005 E 10 II ARTICLE-BY-ARTICLE FINDINGS ARTICLE 3 OF THE FRAMEWORK CONVENTION German minority Findings of the first cycle 38. The  Advisory  Committee  in  its  first  Opinion  on  Denmark  considered  that persons  belonging  to  the  German  minority  but  living  outside  the  area  of  Southern Jutland  cannot  a  priori  be  excluded  from  the  personal  scope  of  application  of  the Framework Convention. The Committee of Ministers in its Resolution considered that the issue merits further consideration by the Government with those concerned. Present situation Outstanding issues 39. According   to   information   received   by   the   Advisory   Committee,   persons belonging  to  the  German  minority  do  not,  in  principle,  seek  the  protection  of  the Framework  Convention  outside  their  area  of  traditional  inhabitancy,  namely  South Jutland.  This  is  in  part  a  reflection  of  the  strong  desire  of  persons  belonging  to  this group to safeguard their identity, which they consider to be closely linked to the history and culture of the borderland region of South Jutland. Persons belonging to the German minority  have,  however,  indicated  that  if  the  proposed  administrative  reforms  (see under  Article  15  below)  have  the  effect  of  impacting  on  their  identity  within  the  new administrative region, they would need to re-examine their demands. 40. The Advisory Committee understands the position of persons belonging to the German minority who want to ensure first and foremost their traditional identity in the borderland  region.  The  Advisory  Committee  is,  however,  conscious  that  increased mobility,  including  for  education  and  work,  as  well  as  the  possible  impact  of  the proposed administrative reforms, could create new difficulties for persons belonging to the  German  minority  keeping  their  language  and  culture  alive  in  the  region  of  South Jutland. Recommendations 41. The  Advisory  Committee,  while  noting  the  lack  of  demand  for  application  of the  Framework  Convention  to  persons  belonging  to  the  German  minority  outside  of South  Jutland,  considers  that  the  Framework  Convention  could  have  an  application outside   of   South  Jutland   and   recommends   that   the   Government   should   keep   this possibility in mind.

ACFC/OP/II(2004)005 E 11 Greenlanders and Faeroese and Danes living in Greenland and the Faeroe Islands Findings of the first cycle 42. In its first Opinion on Denmark, the Advisory Committee considered that the a priori   exclusion   of   Greenlanders   and   Faeroese   from   the   implementation   of   the Framework  Convention  was  not  compatible  with  the  Framework  Convention.  The Committee  of  Ministers  in  its  Resolution  considered  that  the  issue  merits  further consideration by the Government with those concerned. Present situation a) Positive developments 43. The  Danish  Government  approached  both  the   Faeroese  and  the   Greenland Home Rule Governments in order to obtain their respective views on the status of the Faeroe  Islands  and  Greenland  under  the  Framework  Convention.  In  written  replies, both  Home  Rule  Governments  have  stated  clearly  that  they  do  not  consider  that  the Framework  Convention  applies  to  the  people  of  the  Faeroe  Islands  and  Greenland living   within   their   respective   territories.   In   the   absence   of   representations   to   the contrary from persons belonging to these groups, the Advisory Committee understands that there is no reason at this stage to apply the Framework Convention to them in these areas. Should, however, there be a will manifested in the future by persons belonging to these groups, the Advisory Committee considers that the matter should be examined by the authorities along with the persons concerned. b) Outstanding issues 44. The  application  of  the  Framework  Convention  to  Danes  living  in  the  Faeroe Islands and in Greenland remains an issue. There also remains an issue concerning the application  of  the  Framework  Convention   to  Greenlanders  and  Faeroese  living  in mainland Denmark. 45. It   can   be   noted   from   the   State   Report,   that   the   Faeroese   authorities   have requested  the  Danish  authorities  to  contact  “Faeroese  associations  in  Denmark  with  a view to clarifying the extent to which the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention on  Minorities  applies  to  the  national  Faeroese  minority  in  Denmark”.  The  Danish Government  has  not  done  this².  Neither  has  it  contacted  persons  belonging  to  the Greenlander   community.   Similarly   no   discussions   have   been   held   with   Danes   in Greenland or in the Faeroe Islands. 2 The  Advisory  Committee  did  have  contacts  during  its  visit  with  a  number  of  Faeroese  living  in mainland Denmark who did not express an interest in protection under the Framework Convention. The Advisory   Committee,   however,   considers   that   these   individual   contacts   should   not   relieve   the responsibility  on  the  Danish  Government  to  have  a  more  informed  discussion  with  Faeroese  living  in mainland Denmark, in particular as this has been requested by the Faeroese authorities.

ACFC/OP/II(2004)005 E 12 46. The  Advisory  Committee  notes  that  notwithstanding  the  lack  of  progress  on discussions concerning the personal scope of application referred to above, a number of steps  have  been  taken  in  relation  to  Greenlanders  in  mainland  Denmark  which  are within   the   spirit   of   the   Framework   Convention.   These   include   research   into   the situation of Greenlanders in mainland Denmark and an increase in funding for activities and actions in favour of persons belonging to this group. Recommendations 47. The  Advisory  Committee  considers  that  the  relevant  authorities  should  inform Greenlanders   and   Faeroese   living   in   mainland   Denmark   about   the   Framework Convention. The same applies to Danes living in Greenland and the Faeroe Islands. The relevant  authorities  are  invited  to  find  out  from  them  if  they  have  an  interest  in  the protection offered by the Framework Convention. In the light of these discussions the Danish authorities are invited to re-examine, if necessary, their position concerning the personal  scope  of  application  of  the  Framework  Convention  to  persons  belonging  to these groups. Roma Findings of the first cycle 48. The Advisory Committee in its first Opinion on Denmark considered that given the historic presence of Roma in Denmark, persons belonging to the Roma community cannot a priori be excluded from the personal scope of application of the Framework Convention.  The  Committee  of  Ministers  in  its  Resolution  considered  that  the  issue merits further consideration by the Government with those concerned. Present situation a) Positive developments 49. The  Danish  authorities  have  had  a  discussion  on  the  issue  of  recognition  of Roma in Denmark with representatives of the Roma community. b) Outstanding issues 50. Notwithstanding this discussion, and the representations made by representatives of Roma as to their historical presence  going back to the  16^th Century and   their   desire   for   protection   under   the   Framework   Convention,   the   Advisory Committee understands that the Danish authorities are unwilling to grant protection to the Roma under the Framework Convention. 51. According to the Danish authorities the Roma in Denmark can be divided into two  main  groups,  namely  those  arriving  at  the  end  of  the  1960s  and those fleeing the wars in former Yugoslavia in the 1990s. The authorities maintain that those Roma who

ACFC/OP/II(2004)005 E 13 took  up  residence  prior  to  the  1960s  have  been  completely  integrated  and  do  not emerge  as  an  identifiable  group.  The  authorities  indicate  that  they  are  prepared  to consider and evaluate any other material information on Roma in Denmark that may be made available. 52. The   Advisory   Committee   considers   that   there   is   evidence   of   a   historical presence of Roma in Denmark. There is also a clear indication from persons belonging to   the   Roma   community   that   they   would   like   protection   under   the   Framework Convention,  and,  as  noted  also  by  the  Council  of  Europe  Commissioner  for  Human Rights, there is a renewed eagerness of Roma in Denmark to maintain and rejuvenate the Roma culture, language and traditions³. The Advisory Committee considers that the Roma  are  in  a  unique  position  in  both  western  and  eastern  Europe.  Most  European countries recognise the Roma as a national minority. While they are not a homogeneous group, they share and maintain certain common elements of their identity making them the largest minority in Europe. The Roma do not have the benefit of support from a kin- State  and  the  results  of  the  first  monitoring  cycle  under  the  Framework  Convention demonstrate clearly that throughout Europe they experience social exclusion and are in special need of protection under the Framework Convention. Recommendations 53. The  Advisory  Committee  echoes  its  conclusions  of  the  first  monitoring  cycle that persons belonging to the Roma  community  should not a priori be excluded from the personal scope of application of the Framework Convention. 54. The  authorities  are  encouraged  to  further  their  dialogue  with  the  Roma  on  the possible extension of the personal scope of application of the Framework Convention. Pending further progress on this issue, the authorities are encouraged to take the basic principles of the Framework Convention into account in their legislation, policies and practice in relation to the Roma. Collection of statistics Present situation Outstanding issues 55. Statistical  information  in  Denmark  is  almost  exclusively  based  on  information that is recorded in the Government’s Central Population Register. This register contains no information on ethnic groups, religion or language, with certain exceptions such as in  relation  to  citizens  of  foreign  countries,  persons  born  outside  of  Denmark  and information on whether a person is a member of the Danish National Church. 3 See  Report  by  Mr  Alvaro  Gil-Robles,  Commissioner  for  Human  Rights,  on  his  visit  to  Denmark, 13^th –  16^th April 2004 (CommDH(2004)12 paras. 35 and 36)

ACFC/OP/II(2004)005 E 14 56. The  Advisory  Committee  notes  that  the  Government  considers  that  there  is  in general no need for a census in Denmark as the Central Population Register generally contains all the information that the Danish authorities need. 57. The  Advisory  Committee  notes  that  there  is  no  official  data  on  the  size  of  the German   minority   although   estimates   range   from   12,000   to   20,000   people.   The Advisory  Committee  notes  that  there  is  no  official  data  on  the  size  of  the  Roma population either. 58. The   Advisory   Committee   understands   that   there   is   some   confusion   within society over the procedure and legality of collecting and using ethnicity data.   59. The Advisory Committee welcomes that the Danish Institute for Human Rights is  tackling  one  aspect  of  this  problem  by  raising  awareness  about  how  ethnicity  data can be used in the workplace to tackle discrimination and has published a leaflet on this subject together with the Ministry of Employment. 60. The  Advisory  Committee  considers  that  reliable  statistical  data  on  ethnicity, broken down by age, gender and location are essential for targeting, implementing and monitoring  measures  to  ensure  full  and  effective  equality.  Without  such  data  it  is difficult for the State and civil society to operate effectively and for international bodies to  ascertain  whether  Denmark  meets  its  obligations  flowing  from  the  Framework Convention. 61. The Advisory Committee considers that there is a need for greater clarity as to the rules concerning the collection and use of ethnicity data in Denmark. The Advisory Committee highlights in this respect that the principles identified in the Committee of Ministers’   Recommendation   (97)   18   concerning   the   protection   of   personal   data collected  and  processed  for  statistical  purposes  need  to  be  respected,  along  with  the principle of voluntary self identification under Article 3 of the Framework Convention. Recommendations 62. The Advisory Committee recommends that the authorities should seek means of obtaining more reliable ethnicity data broken down by age, gender and location and that further clarification should be provided for those wishing to collect or use such data on the rules, regulations and exceptions to the collection of such data.

ACFC/OP/II(2004)005 E 15 ARTICLE 4 OF THE FRAMEWORK CONVENTION Anti-discrimination legislation Findings of the first cycle 63. The  Advisory  Committee  in  the  first  monitoring  cycle  considered  that  the Danish  Government  should  examine  its  legislation  in  order  to  ensure  that  effective remedies  are  available  to  all  persons  who  suffer  from  discrimination,  both  by  public authorities and private entities. Present situation Positive developments 64. The Advisory Committee welcomes that as part of the transposition into Danish law   of   Council   Directive   (2000/43/EC)   on   implementing   the   principle   of   equal treatment  between  persons  irrespective  of  racial  or  ethnic  origin,  that  new  legislation has  been  introduced  to  provide  additional  safeguards  against  discrimination  on  the grounds of race or ethnic origin. 65. The  Act  on  Ethnic  Equal  Treatment  (Act  No.  374  of  28  May  2003)  forbids discrimination on the grounds of race or ethnic origin in a number of societal settings. The act also forbids reprisals as a result of complaints against discrimination. 66. The  act  applies  to  all  public  and  private  enterprises  and,  inter  alia,  activities concerning social protection, including social insurance and healthcare, social benefits, education  and  access  to  and  supply  of  goods  and  services,  including  homes.  The  act also  applies  to  membership  of  and  participation  in  certain  organisations.  It  contains provisions   concerning   the   sharing   of   the   burden   of   proof   in   cases   concerning discrimination  and  the  right  to  compensation  for  non-financial  losses.  The  act  also strengthens the role of the Institute for Human Rights in terms of its powers to process specific complaints and express opinions on the complaints concerning discriminatory treatment under the Act (see also below, The Danish Institute for Human Rights). Recommendations 67. The Advisory Committee recognises that it is too early to analyse the operation and functioning of this new legislation.  It does, however, encourage the  authorities to keep a dialogue open with the persons and groups most concerned by the legislation as part   of   a   process   of   onward   going   evaluation   of   the   effectiveness   of   the   anti- discrimination legislation and its contribution towards encouraging a spirit of tolerance and intercultural dialogue in Denmark (see also under Article 6 below).

ACFC/OP/II(2004)005 E 16 The Danish Institute for Human Rights Present situation a) Positive developments 68. The Advisory Committee welcomes the passing of the Act on the Establishment of  the  Danish  Centre  for  International  Studies  and  Human  Rights  (Act  No.  411  of  6 June 2002) which establishes within this Centre, the Danish Institute for Human Rights. The  Danish  Institute  for  Human  Rights  has  an  important  role  to  play  in  terms  of promoting equal treatment of all people regardless of race or ethnic origin. It provides assistance  in  handling  complaints  of  victims  of  discrimination,  launches  independent inquiries  into  discrimination  and  publishes  reports  and  submits  recommendations  in matters regarding discrimination. 69. As  has  been  noted  (see  above,  Anti-discrimination  legislation),  the  Act  on Ethnic  Equal  Treatment  has  given  the  Danish  Institute  for  Human  Rights  additional responsibilities in terms of processing complaints concerning discriminatory treatment and  providing  opinions  on  whether  there  have  been  contraventions  of  the  prohibition against discrimination and the prohibition against reprisals. b) Outstanding issues 70. The Danish  Institute for  Human Rights has a wide range of  duties, which will undoubtedly   increase   in   importance,   in   particular   with   regard   to   the   individual complaints  procedure.  The  Institute  will  need  additional  resources  to  cope  with  the growing demands placed on it in this respect. It will also need to ensure that there is no duplication and overlap with the Danish Ombudsman in the individual cases examined by the Ombudsman’s Office. 71. The Advisory Committee notes that the Complaints Committee lacks the power to  enforce  disclosure  of  material  information  on  a  case,  and  that  the  Complaints Committee can not address direct discrimination on the grounds of religion unless it can be  perceived  as  indirect  discrimination  on  the  grounds  of  race  or  ethnic  origin.  The Advisory Committee is aware that there have been calls to remedy these two perceived weaknesses in the functioning of the Complaints Committee. 72. The Advisory Committee considers that within the Danish Institute for Human Rights, the National Department can play an important role in helping to implement the spirit of the Framework Convention in Denmark, in particular for persons belonging to ethnic or religious groups that would like the protection offered by the Convention. Recommendations 73. The  Advisory  Committee  considers  that  the  Government  should  keep  under review   the   financial   needs   of   the   Danish   Institute   in   view   of   its   important   and

ACFC/OP/II(2004)005 E 17 developing  tasks  and  examine  the  calls  for  the  Complaints  Committee  to  have  the power to enforce disclosure and the competence to look at issues of discrimination on the grounds of religion. ARTICLE 6 OF THE FRAMEWORK CONVENTION Tolerance Findings of the first cycle 74. In    its    first    Opinion    the    Advisory    Committee    expressed    concern    about information on intolerant attitudes in Danish society. Present situation a) Positive developments 75. Denmark  has  a  tradition  of  tolerance  and  respect  for  others.  The  Advisory Committee  recognises  the  importance  that  the  Danish  Government  attaches  to  this tradition.  This  is  evidenced  by  certain  steps  it  has  taken  to  tackle  discrimination  and manifestations  of  intolerance  through,  for  example,  the  non-discrimination  legislative framework (see comments under Article 4 above). The Government has also developed an  action  plan  for  the  promotion  of  equality  of  treatment  and  diversity  and  for  the combating of racism and it provides financial support for projects intended to promote diversity. b) Outstanding issues 76. The  Advisory  Committee  recalls  that  Article  6  of  the  Framework  Convention has a wide personal scope of application, covering, among others, asylum seekers and persons  belonging  to  other  groups  that  have  not  traditionally  inhabited  the  country concerned. 77. Notwithstanding  the  tradition  of  tolerance  and  respect  for  others  referred  to above,  the  Advisory  Committee  is  concerned  at  the  existence  of  a  strong  seam  of intolerance  that  has  developed  amongst  a  small  but  strong  segment  within  Danish society.  This  has  lead  to  the  introduction  of  an  anti-immigrant  agenda  in  the  political arena and has led to an upsurge of intolerance particularly against Muslims and Arabs as well as the Roma. This has been reported by a number of national and international sources  and  has  been  reported  directly  to  the  Advisory  Committee  during  its  visit  to Denmark.  The  Advisory  Committee  is  also  aware  of  the  prominence  given  to  anti- immigrant  statements  in  the  public  field,  including  by  certain  politicians,  leading  to  a number   of   prosecutions   and   convictions   under   anti-hate   speech   provisions   under Section 266 b of the Danish Criminal Code.

ACFC/OP/II(2004)005 E 18 78. The  Advisory  Committee  considers  that  politicians  and  political  parties  must live up fully to their responsibility for promoting tolerance while refraining from words or action likely to stoke up any form of racism, xenophobia or hatred⁴. 79. There   is   concern   raised   in   some   quarters   that   some   Danish   media   share responsibility in promoting xenophobic and intolerant ideas (see also below, Portrayal of minorities in the media). There is also concern that more could be done to promote intercultural dialogue by the reflection of the culture, history, language and religion of persons   belonging   to   different   ethnic   and   religious   groups   in   the   curriculum   and textbooks used in schools (see also under Article 12 below). 80. The   Advisory   Committee   is   concerned   not   only   about   the   more   extreme manifestations of intolerance but also by the climate of hostility that surrounds the issue of immigration. 81. The Advisory Committee notes that, in the current political and social climate in Denmark,  there  are  criticisms  of  the  Government  in  its  attempts  to  curb  immigration and  further  integration.  In  relation  to  immigration  there  has  been  criticism  at  the national  and  international  level⁵of  the  reform  of  the  Aliens  Act  including,  inter  alia, certain provisions restricting the right to family reunion. 82. Concerning integration, the Advisory Committee notes the central role that the Government’s    “Vision   and   strategies   for   improved   integration”   has   on   policy development in this field. The Government in its work in this area draws on the work of the Think Tank on Integration in Denmark. 83. The Advisory Committee notes that the Government’s vision and strategy has a strong   focus   on   education   and   training,   using   vocational   training   and   economic incentives to enhance foreigners’ active participation in the Danish labour market. 84. The Advisory Committee is aware that this vision and strategy has become the subject  of  criticism  from  various  ethnic  and  religious  groups  and  civil  society  bodies. Concerns have been expressed about dangers, including prejudices that could emerge if this strategy and vision is implemented without proper attention to the existing barriers of  discrimination  against  persons  belonging  to  different  ethnic  and  religious  groups. The strategy  has  also been criticised by some  who consider that it  goes  a step further than   integration,   leading   to   a   process   of   assimilation   against   the   will   of   those concerned. ⁴See  also  in  this  respect  the  findings  of  the  United  Nations  Committee  on  the  Elimination  of  Racial Discrimination (paragraph 10, CERD/C/60/CO/5 (Concluding Observations/Comments)). 5 See in this respect the Report by Mr Alvaro Gil-Robles, Commissioner for Human Rights on his visit to Denmark 13^th –  16^th April 2004 (CommDH (2004) 12) Paras. 4 –  19.

ACFC/OP/II(2004)005 E 19 85. The Advisory Committee, in noting the above concerns, is of the view that this strategy  should  place  a  greater  emphasis  on  the  positive  contribution  that  foreigner’s participation in society, including in the labour market, could make. 86. The   Advisory   Committee   is   aware   that   there   are   complaints   from   various sectors of civil society that the Government is not open to criticism and dialogue on the above mentioned issues and that the Government has allegedly responded to criticism by reducing or cutting funding to organisations critical of the Government or sidelining organisations or persons deemed to be unfriendly  from consultations or  dialogue with the Government. 87. Lack  of  funding  appears  to  be  a  recurrent  issue  for  certain  groups  such  as  the Roma,  who  have  particular  needs  in  tackling  issues  of  tolerance,  discrimination  and intercultural dialogue. They struggle to find funding for any projects, whether these are to open an office, provide legal advice and assistance, or carry out research on issues of importance to them. 88. The Advisory Committee is also aware that a solution has still not been found for   the   opening   of   the   first   full-scale   mosque   in   Denmark,   a   matter   that   risks undermining intercultural dialogue with persons belonging to the Muslim faith. Recommendations 89. The  Advisory  Committee  considers  it  important  that  the  Government  takes  all necessary  steps  to  deal  with  manifestations  of  intolerance  and  xenophobia  and  uses fully  the  tools  it  has  available  to  it  to  counter  these  phenomena,  including  through encouraging  the  greater  use  of  criminal  provisions  against  hate  speech  under  Article 266  b  of  the  Criminal  Code.  The  Advisory  Committee  reiterates  that  politicians  and political parties must live up fully to their responsibility for promoting tolerance while refraining from words or actions likely to stoke up any form of racism, xenophobia or hatred. 90. The Advisory Committee considers that the authorities should remain open and sensitive to criticism of the Aliens legislation and the integration strategy, in particular from the parties most affected. The Government should be ready to revise legislation, policy  and  practice  where  it  is  shown  to  be  discriminatory  or  where  it  results  in  an increase    in    hostility    towards    immigrants,    asylum    seekers    and    refugees.    The Government should also be ready to make revisions where the results run counter to the aim of better integration or indeed when they may be shown to lead towards a process of assimilation against the will of the persons concerned. 91. The  Advisory  Committee  furthermore  considers  that  the  Danish  Government has   an   important   responsibility   to   conduct   a   dialogue   in   this   sensitive   area   of immigration  and  integration  and  the  authorities  should  not  exclude  from  dialogue  or funding those most critical.

ACFC/OP/II(2004)005 E 20 92. The  Government  is  encouraged  to  examine  how  it  can  give  support,  including financial support, to Roma organisations. 93. The  Advisory  Committee  encourages  the  authorities  to  make  further  efforts  to find a solution for establishing the first full-scale mosque in Denmark. Portrayal of minorities in the media Present situation a) Positive developments 94. The   Advisory   Committee   considers   that   Danish   media   overall   displays   a professional  attitude  towards  the  portrayal  of  persons  belonging  to  different  ethnic  or religious groups in the media. 95. As an example of good practice, the Advisory Committee notes the initiative of the Danish School of Journalism to introduce a two-year diploma course in journalism for persons from different ethnic backgrounds. The inclusion of persons from different ethnic  and  religious  backgrounds  in  the  media  can  but  have  a  positive  influence  on reporting and coverage of issues relevant to different ethnic and religious groups in the media. b) Outstanding issues 96. Notwithstanding  the  overall  professional  attitude  of  Danish  media,  there  are reported  incidents  of  certain  media  promoting  xenophobic  and  intolerant  ideas  which contribute to a climate of hostility towards persons belonging to immigrant groups such as the Somali, as well as persons belonging to the Muslim communities. 97. There is a concern about incidents of negative stereotyping in the media, as well as  a  concern  that  there  is  not  sufficient  coverage  about  the  positive  contribution  that persons  belonging  to  different  ethnic  and  religious  groups  make  to  Danish  society  in general. 98. To  tackle  these  complaints,  the  Advisory  Committee  considers  that,  where relevant, persons concerned could make greater use of  the Press Council, which deals with complaints against the Press. The Press Council itself could, through its power to take up matters of its own volition, also take on a more active role. 99. The Advisory Committee considers that the media not only has a major role in encouraging a spirit of tolerance and intercultural dialogue, but it also holds one of the essential keys for the preservation and promotion of the culture of persons belonging to different ethnic and religious groups.

ACFC/OP/II(2004)005 E 21 100. Persons belonging to the German minority has, for example, complained about their  near  invisibility  in  the  Danish  media.  The  Advisory  Committee  considers  this regrettable as the German minority, together with their culture and language, create an important economic, social and cultural bridge with neighbouring Germany. 101. Other  groups  have  also  expressed  the  need  for  greater  access  to  the  media  to promote  their  own  culture  and  language,  and  understanding  of  these  within  society  at large. The Roma have been particularly vocal in expressing their needs on this front. Recommendations 102. The Advisory Committee considers that the media itself has a responsibility to promote  tolerance,  safeguard  against  xenophobia  and  intolerance  in  the  media  and  to avoid stereotyping and negative portrayal of persons belonging to different ethnic and religious groups in the media. 103. Further  awareness raising of these issues amongst journalists is recommended. Entry  into  the  media  profession  of  persons  belonging  to  different  ethnic  and  religious groups  should  be  encouraged  as  should  the  greater  use  of  minority  sources  in  the preparation of media material. Roma education Present situation Outstanding issues 104. The Advisory Committee is aware that for a number of  years the Municipality of  Elsinore  has  run  special  classes  for  Roma  children.  According  to  the  Municipality, these  Roma  children  have  been  put  in  these  classes  because  of  their  high  rate  of absenteeism  from  school.  Following  a  complaint  lodged  by  a  Roma  organisation,  the Ministry of Education advised, in May 2004, that these classes were not in accordance with legislation for the primary and lower secondary level. This advice was confirmed by  the   Local  Government  Office  of  the  County  of  Copenhagen  (Statsamt)   Legal Control of Municipalities and County Authorities on 13 September 2004. 105. The Advisory Committee understands that two out of three of these classes have now  been  closed,  but  that  one  class,  containing  pupils  from  7^th  form  and  above,  has continued and that the City Council has applied for an exemption from the Ministry of Education  to  continue  the  class  until  all  pupils  have  completed  their  compulsory education. 106. The  Advisory  Committee,  while  understanding  the  difficulty  of  dealing  with absenteeism,  considers  that  the  creation  of  these  classes  only  for  Roma  raises  issues under  the  Framework  Convention.  In  terms  of  the  operation  and  functioning  of  these classes, the Advisory Committee has concerns about the equality of education of pupils

ACFC/OP/II(2004)005 E 22 in  these  classes⁶.  According  to  the  information  received  by  the  Advisory  Committee, the  Roma  children  in  these  classes  are  not  of  the  same  age  and  come  from  different class levels, they are not placed in these classes as a result of consistent, objective and comprehensive tests, the curriculum in these classes is inferior to that of normal classes and few pupils make the leap back to mainstream education. 107. The  Advisory  Committee  welcomes  that  two  of  the  three  classes  have  been closed  and  that  the  Municipality  of  Elsinore  has  sought  other  methods  of  tackling absenteeism  through,  for  example,  appointing  two  outreach  personnel  for  increasing contacts with the families concerned. Recommendations 108. The  Advisory  Committee  considers  that  the  Municipality  of  Elsinore  needs  to find  an  alternative  solution  for  the  children  in  the  remaining  classes  for  Roma  only children. The solution needs to address, in consultation with the Roma concerned, the individual needs and skills of the Roma children affected. This should be done in such a way  as  to  encourage  the  mainstream  integration  of  these  children  into  school  life  and include, as necessary, special assistance to meet the particular needs of the children. ARTICLE 8 OF THE FRAMEWORK CONVENTION Funding of the Danish National Church Findings of the first cycle 109. In  its  first  Opinion,  the  Advisory  Committee  raised  the  issue  of  whether  State support  to  the  Danish  National  Church  (both  through  direct  funding  from  income  tax and  through  a  Church  tax,  from  which  persons  not  belonging  to  the  Danish  National Church can be exempted at their request) is in conformity with the principle of equality before  the  law  and  equal  protection  of  the  law  as  guaranteed  under  Article  4  of  the Framework  Convention.  The  Committee  of  Ministers  in  its  Resolution  on  Denmark considered that the privileged funding of the Church merits review. Present situation Outstanding issues 110. The Advisory Committee notes that there has been no change in the situation of the  funding  of  the  Danish  National  Church  since  the  first  Opinion  of  the  Advisory Committee and the first Resolution of the Committee of Ministers. In the opinion of the Advisory Committee, the privileged funding of the Danish National Church continues 6 This is a matter that is also raised in some detail in the Report by Mr Alvaro Gil-Robles, Commissioner for Human Rights on his visit to Denmark, 13^th-16^th April 2004 (CommDH(2004)12, paras. 35 – 38)

ACFC/OP/II(2004)005 E 23 to raise issues in relation to equality of treatment with other religions under Article 4 of the Framework Convention. Recommendations 111. The  Advisory  Committee  recommends  that  the  Danish  Government  should review the situation of the privileged funding of the Danish National Church. ARTICLE 9 OF THE FRAMEWORK CONVENTION Broadcasting on radio and television for the German minority Findings of the first cycle 112. The    Advisory    Committee    in   the    first   monitoring    cycle    noted   that   the implementation    of    this    Article    could    encompass    creating    the    possibility    for broadcasting  some  German  language  programmes  in  the  framework  of  the  (regional) public broadcasting system. Present situation a) Positive developments 113. The Advisory Committee welcomes that some progress has been made since the first  monitoring  cycle  in  terms  of  access  to  the  media  for  persons  belonging  to  the German   minority,   and   that   a   dialogue   has   been   established   between   the   German minority and the Ministry of Culture. 114. The  Advisory  Committee  welcomes  that  since  the  beginning  of  January  2004, the  German  minority  newspaper  Der  Nordschleswiger  has  been  broadcasting  German language  news  bulletins  twice  daily  through  the  private  regional  radio  station  Radio Mojn and that these programmes have been well received by listeners. 115. The    Advisory    Committee    also    notes    that    certain    radio    and    television programmes   can   be   received   from   Germany.   The   Advisory   Committee,   while welcoming  this  situation,  considers  that  the  availability  of  such  programmes  from  a neighbouring country does not obviate the need for ensuring programming on domestic issues concerning national minorities and programming in a minority language. b) Outstanding issues 116. Notwithstanding  these  positive  developments,  the  Advisory  Committee  notes that as part of its commitments under the Language Charter (Article 11, paragraph 1 b i and  paragraph  1  c  i),  Denmark  has  undertaken  to  encourage  and/or  facilitate  the creation  of  at  least  one  radio  station  and  one  television  channel  in  the  regional  or

ACFC/OP/II(2004)005 E 24 minority language. As the Committee of Experts on the application of the Charter has noted, these undertakings have not been fulfilled⁷. 117. Concerning  radio  broadcasting,  the  Advisory  Committee  understands  that  the interest of the German minority is currently focussed on obtaining a window in public sector broadcasting or receiving financial support for the news bulletin service currently provided  through  Radio  Mojn,  rather  than  seeking  a  licence  for  a  dedicated  radio channel for the German minority. 118. The  Advisory  Committee  regrets  that  there  appears  to  be  little  scope  for  the local public sector radio broadcaster DR Syd  accommodating the needs and wishes of the  German  minority.  The  Advisory  Committee  notes  the  concern  of  the  local  public sector radio broadcaster that Danish listeners would not want to listen to German on the radio.  The  Advisory  Committee  considers,  however,  that  this  should  not  exclude  all possibility  of  broadcasting  in  German,  as  public  sector  broadcasting  should  take  into account a range of needs and not just those of the majority population. 119. The     Advisory     Committee     notes     that     following     discussions     between representatives  of  the  German  minority  and  the  Ministry  of  Culture,  the  German minority has been encouraged to apply for Government funding to support the German language news bulletins on Radio Mojn. 120. In   relation   to   television   broadcasting,   the   Advisory   Committee   notes   with interest that a number of programmes have been successfully broadcast covering issues relevant  to  the  German  minority.  It  notes  for  example  the  programme  “When  borders divide” produced by TV  Syd. 121. The Advisory Committee is aware that the German minority would like to have more  local  television  broadcasting  in  German  and  on  issues  relevant  to  the  German minority. The Advisory Committee is also aware that the local public sector television broadcaster,  TV  Syd  would,  in  principle,  be  prepared  to  do  more  should  additional funding be made available, in particular in terms of programmes covering the Danish – German border region. Recommendations 122. The  Advisory  Committee  encourages  DR  Syd,  the  local  public  sector  radio broadcaster,  to  consider  giving  the  German  minority  some  form  of  window  to  radio broadcasting. In the absence of such a window, the Advisory Committee considers that the initiative of the newspaper Der Nordschleswiger to broadcast news bulletins twice daily   on   Radio   Mojn   is   one   which   merits   support,   including   possibly   through Government funding. 7 Report  of  the  Committee  of  Experts  on  the  application  of  the  Charter  in  Denmark,  26  May  2004 (ECRML (2004) 2) paras. 87 and 89.