SOU, Alm.del - 2015-16 - Bilag 160: Kopi af Danmarks femte afgivne periodiske rapport under FN's Konvention om Barnets Rettigheder, fra social- og indenrigsministeren

Social- og Indenrigsudvalget 2015-16
SOU Alm.del Bilag 160
Offentligt

Fifth periodic report

Convention on the Rights of the Child

Denmark

Content

1. Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................................... 6

I. General measures of implementation ................................................................................................................................ 6

I.A. Measures to implement the provisions of the Convention ........................................................................................ 6

I.B. Dissemination of knowledge of the Convention ....................................................................................................... 8

I.C. State parties shall make their reports widely available to the public in their countries ............................................ 9

II. Definition of the child ...................................................................................................................................................... 9

III. General principles........................................................................................................................................................... 9

III.A. Non-discrimination ................................................................................................................................................. 9

III.B. The child’s best interest ........................................................................................................................................ 10

III.C. Respect for the views of the child ........................................................................................................................ 11

III.D. The child’s right to life, survival and development ............................................................................................. 11

IV. Civil rights and freedoms ............................................................................................................................................. 12

IV.A. Birth registration and nationality ......................................................................................................................... 12

IV.B. Preservation of identity ........................................................................................................................................ 12

IV.C. Freedom of expression ......................................................................................................................................... 12

IV.D. Freedom of thought, conscience and religion ...................................................................................................... 12

IV.E. Freedom of association and of peaceful assembly ............................................................................................... 12

IV.F. Protection of privacy ............................................................................................................................................. 12

IV.G. Access to information........................................................................................................................................... 12

V. Violence against children .............................................................................................................................................. 12

V.A. Abuse and neglect .................................................................................................................................................. 12

V.B. Harmful practices ................................................................................................................................................... 13

V.C. Sexual exploitation and sexual abuse .................................................................................................................... 13

V.D. Torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment ............................................................... 14

V.E. Physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration of child victims .................................................... 14

V.F. Helplines for children ............................................................................................................................................. 14

VI. Family environment and alternative care ..................................................................................................................... 14

VI.A. Family environment ............................................................................................................................................. 14

VI.B. Parents’ common responsibilities, assistance to parents and childcare services ................................................. 15

VI.C. Separation from parents ........................................................................................................................................ 15

VI.D. Family reunification ............................................................................................................................................. 15

VI.E. Recovery of maintenance for the child ................................................................................................................. 16

VI.F. Children deprived of a family environment .......................................................................................................... 16

VI.G. Periodic review of placement ............................................................................................................................... 16

VI.H. Adoption ............................................................................................................................................................... 17

VI.I. Illicit transfer.......................................................................................................................................................... 17

VI.J. Children with incarcerated parents ........................................................................................................................ 17

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VII. Disability, basic health and welfare ............................................................................................................................ 17

VII.A. Children with disabilities .................................................................................................................................... 17

VII.B. Survival and development ................................................................................................................................... 18

VII.C. Health and health services ................................................................................................................................... 18

VII.D. Prevalent health challenges, physical and mental health and well-being of children and communicable and

non-communicable diseases ........................................................................................................................................... 18

VII.E. Reproductive health rights of adolescents and measure to promote a healthy lifestyle ..................................... 19

VII.F. Measures to protect children from substance abuse ............................................................................................ 20

VII.G. Social security and childcare services and facilities ........................................................................................... 20

VII.H. Standard of living ................................................................................................................................................ 20

VIII. Education, leisure and cultural activities ................................................................................................................... 20

VIII.A. The right to education ........................................................................................................................................ 20

VIII.B. Cultural rights of children belonging to indigenous and minority groups ........................................................ 21

VIII.C. Education on human rights and civic education ................................................................................................ 21

VIII.D. Rest, play, leisure, recreation and cultural and artistic activities ...................................................................... 21

IX. Special protection measures ......................................................................................................................................... 22

IX.A. Children outside their country of origin seeking refugee protection, unaccompanied asylum-seeking children,

internally displaced children, migrant children and children affected by migration ..................................................... 22

IX.B. Children belonging to a minority or an indigenous group ................................................................................... 23

IX.C. Children in street situations .................................................................................................................................. 23

IX.D. Children in situations of exploitation ................................................................................................................... 23

IX.E. Children in conflict with the law, child victims and witnesses of crimes and juvenile justice ............................ 25

IX.F. Children in armed conflicts ................................................................................................................................... 26

X. Optional Protocol on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography ................................................... 26

X.A. Developments ........................................................................................................................................................ 26

X.B. Measures to establish liability of legal persons for offences under the Optional Protocol ................................... 27

X.C. Prevention measures and promotion of awareness ................................................................................................ 27

X.D. Access to seek compensation, social reintegration and physical and psychological recovery ............................. 27

X.E. Protection of victims and witnesses during the criminal justice process............................................................... 27

X.F. International cooperation ....................................................................................................................................... 27

XI. Optional Protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict .......................................................................... 27

XI.A. Minimum age, legal and policy measures and direct participation in hostilities ................................................. 27

XI.B. Physical and psychological recovery including technical cooperation and financial assistance ......................... 28

XI.C. Screening of child asylum seekers and migrants ................................................................................................. 28

XI.D. Indictment for war crimes .................................................................................................................................... 28

2. Greenland ........................................................................................................................................................................... 29

I. General measures of implementation .............................................................................................................................. 29

I.A. Measures to implement the provisions of the Convention ...................................................................................... 29

I.B. Dissemination of knowledge of the Convention ..................................................................................................... 30

I.C. State parties shall make their reports widely available to the public in their countries .......................................... 30

II. Definition of the child .................................................................................................................................................... 30

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III. General principles......................................................................................................................................................... 30

III.A. Non-discrimination ............................................................................................................................................... 30

III.B. The child’s best interest and respect for the views of the child ........................................................................... 31

III.C. The child’s right to life, survival and development .............................................................................................. 31

IV. Civil rights and freedoms ............................................................................................................................................. 31

IV.A. Birth registration and nationality ......................................................................................................................... 31

IV.B. Preservation of identity ........................................................................................................................................ 31

IV.C. Freedom of expression and the right to seek, receive and impart information .................................................... 31

IV.D. Freedom of thought, conscience and religion ...................................................................................................... 31

IV.E. Freedom of association and of peaceful assembly ............................................................................................... 31

IV.F. Protection of privacy and protection of image ..................................................................................................... 32

IV.G. Access to information from a diversity of sources and protection from material harmful to a child's well -being

........................................................................................................................................................................................ 32

V. Violence against children .............................................................................................................................................. 32

V.A. Abuse and neglect .................................................................................................................................................. 32

V.B. Measures to prohibit and eliminate all forms of harmful practices ....................................................................... 32

V.C. Sexual exploitation and sexual abuse .................................................................................................................... 32

V.D. The right not to be subjected to torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment ..................................... 32

V.E. Measures to promote the physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration of child victims ........... 33

V.F. The availability of helplines for children ............................................................................................................... 33

VI. Family environment and alternative care ..................................................................................................................... 33

VI.A. Family environment and parental guidance ......................................................................................................... 33

VI.B. Parents’ common responsibilities, assistance to parents and provision of childcare services ............................. 33

VI.C. Separation from parents ........................................................................................................................................ 33

VI.D. Recovery of maintenance for the child ................................................................................................................ 33

VI.E. Children deprived of a family environment ......................................................................................................... 33

VI.F. Periodic review of placement ............................................................................................................................... 34

VI.G. Adoption ............................................................................................................................................................... 34

VI.H. Illicit transfer and non-return ............................................................................................................................... 34

VI.I. Children with incarcerated parents and children living in prison with their mothers ........................................... 34

VII. Disability, basic health and welfare ............................................................................................................................ 34

VII.A. Children with disabilities .................................................................................................................................... 34

VII.B. Survival and development ................................................................................................................................... 34

VII.C. Health and health services ................................................................................................................................... 34

VII.D. Standard of living ................................................................................................................................................ 35

VIII. Education, leisure and cultural activities ................................................................................................................... 35

VIII.A. The right to education ........................................................................................................................................ 35

VIII.B. Children belonging to minority or indigenous groups....................................................................................... 35

VIII.C. Education on human rights ................................................................................................................................ 35

VIII.D. Rest, play, leisure, recreation and cultural and artistic activities (art. 31) ........................................................ 35

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IX. Special protection measures ......................................................................................................................................... 35

IX.A. Children in street situations .................................................................................................................................. 35

IX.B. Children in situations of exploitation ................................................................................................................... 36

IX.C. Children in conflict with the law .......................................................................................................................... 36

IX.D. Children in armed conflicts .................................................................................................................................. 37

X. Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict ... 37

3. Faroe Islands....................................................................................................................................................................... 38

I. General measures of implementation .............................................................................................................................. 38

I.A. Measures to implement the provisions of the Convention ...................................................................................... 38

I.B. Dissemination and awareness raising ...................................................................................................................... 40

II. Definition of the child .................................................................................................................................................... 40

III. General principles......................................................................................................................................................... 40

III.A. Respect for the views of the child ........................................................................................................................ 40

IV. Civil rights and freedoms ............................................................................................................................................. 40

V. Violence against children .............................................................................................................................................. 40

V.A. Sexual exploration and abuse ................................................................................................................................ 40

V.B. Recovery and reintegration .................................................................................................................................... 40

V.C. Helplines for children ............................................................................................................................................ 41

VI. Family environment and alternative care ..................................................................................................................... 42

VII. Disability, basic health and welfare ............................................................................................................................ 42

VII.A. Children with disabilities .................................................................................................................................... 42

VII.B. Health and health services ................................................................................................................................... 43

VII.C. Measures to protect children from substance abuse ........................................................................................... 43

VII.D. Standard of living ................................................................................................................................................ 43

VIII. Education, leisure and cultural activities ................................................................................................................... 44

VIII.A. Education, including vocational training and guidance .................................................................................... 44

VIII.B. Aims of education .............................................................................................................................................. 45

VIII.C. Rest, play leisure and recreation ........................................................................................................................ 45

IX. Special protection measures ......................................................................................................................................... 45

Annex 1: Statistical information regarding Denmark ............................................................................................................ 47

Annex 2: Statistical information regarding Greenland ........................................................................................................ 112

Annex 3: Statistical information regarding the Faroe Islands .............................................................................................. 131

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1. Introduction

Denmark ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child on 19 July 1991. According to article 44 of the

Convention the states parties have to submit a report to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child every fifth

year, reporting on the measures they have taken to implement the rights recognised in the Convention and the

progress made in respect of the enjoyment of these rights. This is Denmark’s fifth periodic report according to

article 44 of the Convention. It updates previous reports and describes policy measures taken to implement the

recommendations in the Concluding Observations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child (doc.

CRC/C/DNK/CO/4). The recommendations are addressed in the appropriate sections of the report.

To ensure a coherent description of the special legislative, administrative and practical conditions in Greenland

and the Faroe Islands, this report contains separate reviews of these areas in sections 2 and 3.

I. General measures of implementation

I.A. Measures to implement the provisions of the Convention

Denmark assigns the highest priority to the protection of children's rights and a number of initiatives have been

taken to further strengthen, promote and protect the rights of children since Denmark's last periodic report. This

includes legislative amendments to strengthen the advocacy function of the National Council for Children which

as an independent institution funded by the state provides advice to the Government and Parliament on

children’s issues. The tasks of the council include drawing attention to areas in which children’s rights are not

sufficiently protected in legislation and administrative practice. An additional DKK 2 million annually has been

earmarked to strengthen the work of the National Council for Children.

Development cooperation

4. Denmark is one of few countries in the world to deliver on the UN target for donor countries’ spending on

development assistance and is a fully committed partner in the global fight for the eradication of poverty and the

promotion of human rights, democracy, rule of law and sustainable growth.

With Denmark’s strategy for development cooperation 'The Right to a Better Life' from 2012, Denmark decided

to apply a human rights-based approach to development cooperation where human rights as core values are used

in Denmark’s bilateral and multilateral partnerships and as a base for political dialogues. Instead of beforehand

determining which groups in society should be prioritized Denmark applies a more strategic approach. In each

specific programme and project, Denmark identifies the conditions and power relations which cause poverty and

prevent the realisation of human rights. Thus, country policy papers are developed and human rights assessments

made which help identify where Denmark can make a difference for the most marginalized groups of persons in

the concerned country. This may in some cases include children.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs supports Save the Children Denmark’s long-term development activities to

promote children’s rights and livelihoods with DKK 56 million in 2015. In addition as of October 2015 Save the

Children Denmark has been granted DKK 54 million to carry out humanitarian assistance, including DKK 18

million for activities in Syria and Iraq. Many other Danish private organisations receiving grants from the

Ministry of Foreign Affairs have children as a target group.

Concluding observation, para. 9

7. Under Danish law it is a general principle that the possibility to bring an appeal is restricted in minor, less

serious cases. The Appeals Permission Board may, however, grant the right to appeal if the case is of general

public importance or if other particular reasons justify it. Therefore, Denmark cannot withdraw its reservation.

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Concluding observation, para. 11

8. In 2014 a committee of experts in the human rights field delivered its report on several human rights aspects,

which was subsequently submitted to public consultation. After the consultation, the Government decided not to

incorporate a number of UN Human Rights Conventions into Danish law since such incorporation, according to

the Government, might entail a risk of a shift in the legislative powers conferred upon Parliament to the courts.

It was the opinion of the Government that it is important to maintain the elected representatives’ responsibility

for compliance with our international obligations. As regards Protocol No. 12 to the European Convention on

Human Rights, the Government decided not to accede to the Protocol as such accession might also entail a risk

of a shift in the powers conferred upon the legislature to decide what could serve as a legitimate basis for

differential treatment to the courts and, as a last resort, the European Court of Human Rights.

Concluding observation, para. 13

9. Prior to Denmark’s accession a thorough assessment of national legislation was carried out to ensure that

national legislation was in accordance with the provisions and principles of the Convention and the Optional

Protocols and the Government continuously fulfils its responsibility to assess national legislation in light of

international obligations including the Convention.

10. With regard to the Committee's recommendation on a Child Act, the Government can inform that there are

currently no such plans. Children's rights and the implementation of the Convention are as a result of the

principle of sector accountability mainstreamed, thereby making every public body responsible for

implementation of and compliance with the Convention within the body's area of competence.

Concluding observation, para. 15

11. As described in para. 10 the principle of sector accountability applies and the implementation of children's rights

is hence relevant to and the responsibility of the body normally performing the task. It is thereby ensured that

children's rights are implemented in a comprehensive, coherent and consistent matter throughout the public sector

and in all aspects of society which children come into contact with rather than being the focus of e.g. only the

social sector. A standing structure as recommended by the Committee would therefore be alien to Danish

conditions and the prevailing administrative structure.

12. With regard to the question of disparity issues please refer to para. 15-16.

Concluding observation, para. 17

13. Denmark does not have a harmonised plan of action specifically on implementation of the Convention. As

described in para. 10 and 11 the principle of sector accountability ensures that all public authorities in every

sector are responsible for ensuring proper implementation in the sector which they are responsible for. The

implementation of the Convention is hence not the responsibility of one public authority or subject of just one

action plan. Rather the implementation of the Convention and children's rights are cross-sectorial concerns which

form parts of the objective of a number of initiatives and actions plans launched since Denmark's last periodic

report. This includes, but is not limited to :



The National Strategy against Honour-related Conflicts.



Establishment of the 'National Cyber Crime Centre'.



Amendments of the Act on Parental Responsibility.



A significant strengthening of the effort for children who are victims of abuse.



A supervision reform which aims at improving and aligning standards and quality of care and

treatment in placement facilities and foster homes.



The 2014 school reform.

Concluding observation, para. 20

14. A special Office for Children as part of the Parliamentary Ombudsman institution was established in 2012 in

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order to protect and enhance children’s rights. The main tasks of the office are: a) To handle complaints

concerning children in cases where authorities have made an administrative decision, b) To visit institutions for

children and monitor the authorities’ work with children and c) To contribute to monitoring of the

implementation of children’s rights.

Concluding observation, para. 22

15. The municipalities are financed through taxes as well as grants from the Government. The annual block grant is

adjusted to compensate for changes in the responsibilities of the municipalities and to ensure that the

municipalities' financial resources correspond to their responsibilities. As part of the municipal reform a

financing reform was implemented with the object of i.a. achieving a higher level of equalisation between the

municipalities.

16. In the area of social services the state shall reimburse part of the municipalities' expenses to assistance and

support under the Act on Social Service if these exceed a defined threshold.

Concluding observation, para. 24

17. The Government agrees with the Committee on the importance of developing statistics to be used i.a. in relation

to policies and programmes on poverty, violence and abuse. Data collection within e.g. the area of social services

and the health sector including on matters affecting children has been and is continuously strengthened.

Concluding observation, para. 69

18. Denmark ratified the Optional Protocol on a Communications Procedure in 2014.

19. Denmark has ratified all ILO core conventions on workers' rights. These apply as well to foreign nationals legally

residing in Denmark. With regard to the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant

Workers and Members of Their Families, Denmark finds that the insufficient distinction between the economic

and social rights of regular and irregular migrant workers is not in line with national and EU policies - especially

when it comes to preventing irregular migration.

I.B. Dissemination of knowledge of the Convention

20. To strengthen knowledge of the Convention a number of campaign and information activities targeting school

children were initiated in 2013 and are still ongoing. These include strengthening children’s knowledge of the

rights of children to be protected from abuse and guidance on where to find help in case of abuse.

21. The civil society organisations focusing on children's rights in Denmark have created a forum for discussion and

coordination regarding children's rights and the implementation of the Convention. Inter-ministerial meetings

with the group are held on a regular basis with the purpose of enhancing cooperation between civil society and

public authorities.

Concluding observation, para. 26

22. The Public School Act of 2014 makes it mandatory for schools to include teaching on children's rights. Human

rights and international organisation are part of the history and social studies curriculums.

23. In 2014 the Ministry of Children, Education and Gender Equality and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs established

a team of international advisors to provide guidance to schools on topics such as children's rights, global

citizenship and sustainable development. This includes guidance on student councils as a way of ensuring that the

views of children are heard and at the same time enabling pupils to become active and critical citizens. The

Ministry of Children, Education and Gender Equality has in collaboration with the Danish Institute for Human

Rights developed teaching modules and relevant materials on human rights including on the Convention.

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Concluding observation, para. 28

24. In the area of social services DKK 30 million has been allocated annually to further education of municipal social

workers. Focus is particularly on ensuring that the views of the child are taken into account in decision-making.

25. With regard to law enforcement officers, police ethics with a general focus on human rights issues and a thematic

focus on obligations in relation to children is included in the curriculum of the compulsory bachelor in policing

as well as in advanced training programmes. Selected staff receives special training on video-interviewing child

victims. For further information please refer to Denmark's fourth periodic report, para. 36.

26. With regard to judges the subject of human rights is incorporated in training courses and seminars when relevant.

A Nordic three day seminar focusing solely on the rights of children was attended by eight Danish judges in

2015. A specific seminar offered on custody cases also includes the issue of children's rights.

27. With regard to teachers the issue of human rights is addressed in a number of mandatory subjects in the bachelor

of education programme including in the subject 'general education' which deals with the concepts and practical

application of human rights, children's rights, citizenship and democracy. With regard to teaching in schools on

the subject of children's rights please refer to para. 20-21.

Concluding observation, para. 30

28. Since 2013 businesses have been legally obliged to explicitly account for human rights including children's rights

in their financial statements. A national action plan on the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on

Business and Human Rights was published in 2014.

29. Legislation has furthermore been passed to reinforce the Danish National Contact Point to the OECD. The

institution may examine complaints lodged against private Danish companies, private organisations and public

authorities concerning non-compliance with the OECD Guidelines on Multinational Enterprises including the

provisions on children's rights. The institution is furthermore engaged in awareness-raising in close cooperation

with relevant stakeholders.

I.C. State parties shall make their reports widely available to the public in their countries

Concluding observation, para. 71

30. Denmark’s fourth periodic report and the Concluding Observations of the Committee are publicly available on

the website of the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Interior.

II. Definition of the child

31. Please refer to Denmark's third periodic report, para. 70.

32. With regard to marriage please refer to para 65.

III. General principles

III.A. Non-discrimination

Concluding observation, para. 32

33. Children who are lawfully staying in Denmark are entitled to services e.g. social services on an equitable basis.

To ensure de facto equal access certain accommodations are made in specific areas. An example is the additional

subsidy to reduce and in some cases de facto eliminate the charge of day-care which may be granted if the

parents' income does not exceed a certain threshold.

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Concluding observation, para. 33

34. Denmark is continuously striving to prevent all forms of discrimination and racism and steps have been taken to

strengthen this effort. The National Integration Barometer was launched in 2012 to measure the success of

integration on 9 different parameters including on discrimination and equal treatment. In 2010 an 'Action Plan on

Ethnic Equal Treatment and Respect for the Individual' was adopted. The initiatives of the action plan aimed at

engaging a multifaceted effort in combating racial discrimination and included the teaching material 'Diversity

and Prejudices' which focuses i.a. on tolerance, inclusion, prejudices, citizenship, hate speech and discrimination.

DKK 5 million has been allocated annually for the period 2012 to 2015 to fund projects on preventing and

combating discrimination and strengthening active citizenship of newcomers.

III.B. The child’s best interest

35. The child's best interest is a paramount consideration to which considerable weight is attributed throughout the

various sectors:

Social services

36. The Act on Social Services stipulates that paramount consideration shall be attributed to the best interest of the

child in cases within the area of social services. Support must hence be adapted to the specific situation and needs

of the child and must be based on the child's own resources. Support shall be provided at an early stage and be

designed to ensure continuity in childhood and a safe environment offering close and stable relations to adults

e.g. by supporting the child’s family relations and network.

Parental responsibility

37. The Act on Parental Responsibility was amended in 2012 to further strengthen the best interest of the child in

particular during conflicts between the parents. It furthermore ensures that interviews of children in family law

cases are always conducted by a child welfare consultant. A pilot project on reducing the strain placed on

children involved in cases regarding parental responsibility was launched in 2015. It aims at strengthening the

ability of parents to cooperate after a divorce or break up through therapeutic intervention.

Adoption

38. A political agreement entered into in October 2014 on reforming the international adoption system in Denmark is

aimed at ensuring ethical international adoptions and enhancing the supervision of such adoptions. In addition the

reform ensures better preparation of future adoptive parents to support a sound upbringing of the child in its new

family as well as an expansion of the current post-adoption services to adoptive parents.

39. The rules on adoption were changed in 2009 and 2015 making it possible to adopt a child without the consent of

its parents if the parents are permanently unable to take care of the child. Adoption without consent of a child

placed in a foster family is possible if the child's attachment to the foster family makes it harmful for the child to

break the relation. In all situations adoption may only be granted if it is in the best interest of the child.

Immigration

40. Children below the age of 15 may be granted family reunification in accordance with the general rules in the

Aliens Act. In 2012, it was specified in the Aliens Act that the best interest of the child may speak in favour of

granting, in exceptional cases, a child above the age of 15 a residence permit on the basis of family reunification.

41. The Government has taken initiative to establish guidelines on the handling of cases regarding children of

rejected asylum seekers who are placed in care due to a care order. The aim is to ensure that specific attention is

paid to these cases and that children placed in care due to a care order will not be expelled.

Concluding observation, para. 35

42. Please refer to para. 36 and 40-41.

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III.C. Respect for the views of the child

43. Please refer to Denmark's fourth periodic report, para. 92-102.

Concluding observation para. 37

Social services

44. When a child is in need of special support, the view of the child shall always be taken into account, and proper

importance must be attributed to the views of the child in accordance with the age and maturity of the child. The

child protection examination, which must be performed prior to special support being put in place, must include a

consultation with the child, unless the maturity of the child or the nature of the case strongly suggest otherwise.

For further information please refer to Denmark's fourth periodic report, para. 92-94.

Policy development

45. The municipalities are required to draw up a cohesive child policy designed to secure cohesion between the

general and preventive work and measures for children in need of special support. An effort has furthermore been

made to increase focus on including the views of children in the development of policies and legislation i.a.

through participation of children in expert groups and panels in cooperation with the National Council for

Children. This approach has been used in regard to issues such as placement in care and the use of forcible

measures against children placed in care.

Education

46. Please refer to Denmark's fourth periodic report para 107-112.

47. To ensure that the views of children attending private schools are heard in cases regarding expulsion the Ministry

of Children, Education and Gender Equality has developed two publications which include guidelines for

principals.

48. Decisions on referral to special education may only be made in consultation with the child and the parents.

Health care

49. Parental consent must be obtained for medical treatment of children under the age of 15. Children including

children with disabilities shall, however, be involved to the highest possible degree in decisions regarding their

treatment and their views shall be taken into consideration. In treatment of adolescents above the age of 15 an

informed consent from the adolescent must be obtained.

Family law

50. Consideration of the best interests of the child is a fundamental principle in family-law cases concerning

children. Therefore, the child should be heard to the greatest possible extent and due respect must be paid to the

views of the child e.g. through information obtained from the parents, interviews with the child conducted by

child welfare consultants and/or examinations carried out by child experts. The State Administration carries out

approximately 2400 interviews with children annually.

Training of professionals and staff

51. Please refer to para. 24-27.

III.D. The child’s right to life, survival and development

52. The Government is making an extensive effort to promote mental health and well-being among children including

establishing cross-sectorial collaboration with the aim of combating stigma in regard to mental health and mental

illness in primary care settings and schools.

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IV. Civil rights and freedoms

IV.A. Birth registration and nationality

53. Birth registration is performed by the midwife who informs the ministerial register, which for historical reasons

is administered by the Established Church. Since Denmark's last periodic report the processes for civil

registration have been digitalised and the applicant is hence not required to have contact with the Established

Church.

54. For information on nationality please refer to Denmark's fourth periodic report, para. 115-118. A number of

amendments of the Nationality Act have been made i.a. ensuring equal access to Danish citizenship for children

born in and out of marriage and equal access to pass on Danish citizenship to a child through adoption.

IV.B. Preservation of identity

55. Please refer to Denmark's fourth periodic report, para. 119-122. From September 2015 the Nationality Act allows

for dual nationality.

56. With regard to paternity cases please refer to Denmark's third periodic report, para. 108-113.

IV.C. Freedom of expression

57. Please refer to Denmark's initial report, para. 79-85.

IV.D. Freedom of thought, conscience and religion

58. Please refer to Denmark's initial report, para. 93-98.

IV.E. Freedom of association and of peaceful assembly

59. Please refer to Denmark's fourth periodic report, para. 125.

IV.F. Protection of privacy

60. In June 2013 a committee of experts was set up to review legislation on the use of forcible measures against

children and young persons placed in care. It was tasked with describing challenges related to the use of such

measures and presenting proposals for a new regulatory framework with the aim of ensuring children's rights and

integrity. The Committee submitted its report to the Government in 2015.

IV.G. Access to information

61. The Danish Broadcasting Cooperation (DR) operates two channels specifically providing public service content

for children. 25 percent of funds provided to DR and TV2's film production is earmarked films for children and

young people.

V. Violence against children

V.A. Abuse and neglect

62. Pursuant to the Act on Social Services one is obliged to notify social services if becoming aware of a child

exposed to maltreatment or living in conditions that threaten the child’s health and development. Professio nals

working with children are subject to a strict duty to notify. Since Denmark's last periodic report amendments

have been made to underline the importance of timely and correct action from social services when receiving

information about possible child abuse. Thus, social services are obliged to assess within 24 hours whether

immediate action is needed. If the notification concerns violence or abuse social services must conduct an

interview with the child to ensure that the views of the child are taken into account.

63. In 2013 the Government allocated DKK 268 million to strengthen the protection of children and young people

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from abuse through legislative amendments as well as implementation activities and knowledge building.

64. Five special Children’s Houses covering all municipalities have been established. The Children's Houses ensure

that child victims of abuse receive coordinated and professional help from social services, police, therapeutic

services and health services in a child friendly environment. During the first year of operation approximately

1000 children have received support.

V.B. Harmful practices

Early and forced marriages

65. Any person who coerces another into marriage or into participating in a religious marriage ceremony with no

legal effect is liable for imprisonment. The authorities are obliged to ensure that neither of the parties enters into

marriage involuntarily or as a result of coercion. In order to i.a. prevent forced marriages family reunification

may only be granted when both individuals have attained 24 years of age.

66. 'The National Strategy Against Honour-related Conflicts' was launched in 2012 with the main aim to prevent

honour-related conflicts including forced marriages. The efforts include support and cooperation among

municipalities, education of professionals, a hotline for parents, support for young people and information

campaigns. The 'Strategy against Parallel Legal Concepts' launched in 2012 aims at preventing women and

minors from being forced into entering a religious marriage or from being kept in one against their own free will.

The main initiatives are legislative changes, an education program for religious communities, capacity building

among professionals and assistance to citizens.

Female genital mutilation

67. Any person who assaults a person by cutting or otherwise removing external female genitals in full or in part,

whether with or without consent, is liable for imprisonment.

V.C. Sexual exploitation and sexual abuse

68. The National Police has two ongoing projects: one entailing investigation of the potential trafficking of minor

victims into Denmark, the other aimed at enhancing information exchange between authorities in potential cases

of trafficking in human beings including children.

69. The effort to combat child pornography on the internet remains a high-priority area for the police. The National

Cyber Crime Centre' (NC3) was established in May 2014 and has a section of approximately 20 investigators

dedicated to combat possession and distribution of child abuse material. The NC3 assists i.a. in the investigation

of cases regarding distribution of child abuse material on the internet.

70. The NC3 has laid down national guidelines concerning the handling of cybercrime related cases and is

responsible for a national database of pictures and videos of sexual abuse of children enabling automated

searches of computers etc. In addition, the NC3 have entered into cooperative agreements with the majority of the

Danish internet service providers as well as the NGO Save the Children Denmark in an effort to block access to

websites that host child abuse material. Since the beginning of this cooperation, 50 000 websites have been

blocked. NC3 participates in international cooperation and networks to combat cybercrime and online sexual

abuse of children.

71. The obligation to obtain criminal records concerning sexual offences against children prior to engaging new staff

was in 2012 broadened to apply to all persons who on a regular basis will be in contact with children younger

than 15 thereby including volunteers.

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V.D. Torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment

72. Children who have been subjected to torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment may

receive treatment at one of the regional rehabilitation centers for torture victims or at one of the two private

centers. The treatment is provided free of charge.

73. With regard to the use of coercion in the psychiatric system a legislative amendment was passed in 2015

clarifying i.a. the legal position of minor psychiatric patients and expanding the application of the law on the use

of coercion in psychiatry to patients aged 15 to 17 who have not consented to treatment. Interventions performed

on children under the age of 15 now have to be reported despite parental consent.

74. Please refer to para. 60 for information on the review of legislation on the use of forcible measures against

children placed in care.

Concluding observation, para. 39.

75. Corporal punishment may be punishable as violence under the Criminal Code.

76. For information on awareness-raising and public education please refer to para. 20.

Concluding observation, para. 40.

77. Denmark has made substantial investments in a national initiative for preventing and addressing violence and

sexual abuse against children. As part of the initiative the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Interior in

collaboration with the NGO Save the Children Denmark have made a number of campaign and education

activities for children on the right to be protected from violence and abuse. For further information on the

initiative as a whole, please refer to para. 62-64.

78. With regard to a legal ban on all forms of violence please refer to para. 75.

79. With regard to data collection, please refer to annex 1, section E.1.a.

V.E. Physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration of child victims

80. Please refer to para. 64.

81. In the area of health care funds have been allocated to a highly specialised hospital effort to ensure expertise.

V.F. Helplines for children

82. Please refer to para. 148.

VI. Family environment and alternative care

VI.A. Family environment

83. For the period 2014-2017 DKK 280 million has been allocated to initiatives which ensure early support for

vulnerable children including children with disabilities. The Preventive Measures Package consists of the

following initiatives:



Strengthening parental competences through preventive, family-oriented efforts.



Strategic partnerships between municipalities and organisations on preventive efforts aimed at disadvantaged

children and young people.



Strengthening early efforts aimed at disadvantaged children in day-care.



Extending the municipalities' use of leisure activities as a preventive measure for disadvantaged children and

young people.

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Concluding observation, para. 42

84. The municipalities shall offer temporary accommodation facilities to women who have been exposed to

violence, threats of violence or similar crisis in their family relation. The woman may be accompanied by her

children and the children shall receive care and support during their stay. Support and counselling on housing,

finances, labour market, education etc. shall be offered to the woman during the period of relocation from the

shelter and into the family's own home. The municipality is furthermore obliged to offer psychological treatment

to the children.

85. With respect to the concluding observation stated in para. 42(b) please refer to para. 62-64 and to annex 1,

section E.1.a.

VI.B. Parents’ common responsibilities, assistance to parents and childcare services

86. All children in Denmark are entitled to be admitted to a day-care facility from the age of 26 weeks to school age.

For information on subsidies to ensure equal access please refer to annex 1, section F.1.b.

87. Day-care facilities must contribute to ensure the children’s well-being, development and learning. The

pedagogical work must be organised to take into account the child's views considering the child's age and

maturity.

88. The municipalities are obliged to offer language assessment of all three-year-olds who are not enrolled in day-

care and three-year-olds in day-care if there are indications that the child may need language stimulation.

Bilingual children, who based on the language assessment are in need of further support, shall receive free

language stimulation 15 or 30 hours a week. If parents do not comply with their obligations to let their child

undergo language assessment or stimulation, and their non-compliance is not due to excusable circumstances, the

local authority shall make a decision to suspend child benefits.

VI.C. Separation from parents

89. With regard to early support for vulnerable children please refer to para. 83.

VI.D. Family reunification

90. Since Denmark's last periodic report it has been specified in the Aliens Act that the best interest of the child may

speak in favour of granting, in exceptional cases a child above the age of 15 a residence permit on the basis of

family reunification. It has furthermore been specified that the integration potential of a child shall never be

included in the assessment of whether to grant a residence permit, if the child is below the age of 8.

91. The rules on family reunified children’s recovery of residence permits, which have lapsed due to a stay abroad,

e.g. a re-education journey, have been amended to i.a. emphasise that the best interest of the child is at the centre

of the recovery assessment. Measures have also been taken to ensure that parents sending their children on re-

education journeys are informed of the possible consequences in regard to the child’s residence permit, i.e. that a

residence permit will in general lapse if a minor foreign citizen has stayed outside of Denmark for more than 3

consecutive months on a re-education journey or other stay abroad, which has a negative impact on schooling and

integration. The basic consideration is that such a stay, even if it is of shorter duration, may have serious negative

repercussions for the child concerned.

92. In 2015, an amendment to the Aliens Act introduced a new temporary subsidiary protection status for refugees

who are entitled to asylum due to a general situation in the home country, in accordance with the case Sufi and

Elmi v. the U.K. Residence permit will be granted for an initial period of one year and may be extended by two

years if the alien still is in need of protection. Due to the temporary nature of the protection, it is as a starting

point not possible to obtain family reunification unless the person is granted an extension of the residence permit

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after one year. Exceptions may, however, be made under certain circumstances, including where Denmark’s

international obligations so require. The immigration authorities will perform an individual assessment in each

case ensuring observance of Denmark’s international obligations. The new rules do not apply to foreigners, who

are granted a residence permit pursuant to the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees.

VI.E. Recovery of maintenance for the child

93. A parent who does not fulfil the obligation to provide for the child may be ordered to pay child maintenance. In

2010 the EU Regulation (EC) No 4/2009 on jurisdiction, applicable law, recognition and enforcement of

decisions and cooperation in matters relating to maintenance obligations entered into force for Denmark, except

for its rules on cooperation between central authorities.

VI.F. Children deprived of a family environment

Concluding observation para. 44(a)

94. The Government are continuously focusing on the implementation of the Child Reform Act in order to i.a.

address risk factors for children being placed into care. For information on the Preventive Measures Package

which contains initiatives to ensure early support for vulnerable children, please refer to para. 83. Recent

initiatives include furthermore education for municipal social workers and a task force to improve the

municipalities' case handling.

Concluding observation, para. 44(b)

95. The Government attaches great importance to continually improve the quality of care and treatment in placement

facilities and foster homes. In 2014 a supervision reform entered into force with the aim of improving and

aligning standards and quality of care and treatment in placement facilities and foster homes. One of the

measures taken is the establishment of 5 regional bodies responsible for approving and supervising all placement

facilities and a new model for quality. All facilities encompassed by the law have to obtain approval within two

years. A whistle-blower function has been established to ensure that staff, residents and relatives can

anonymously provide information on matters of concern and a task force has been established to support the

municipalities in establishing good decision making processes.

Concluding observation, para. 44(c)

96. With regard to the effort being made to ensure respect for the views of the child please refer to para. 44.

97. The Government recognizes that some municipalities still struggle to ensure adequate individual action plans for

vulnerable children. In 2012 funds were therefore allocated to a project aimed at improving the child protection

examination and individual action plans.

Concluding observation, para. 44(d)

98. The Child Reform Act introduced legislation which ensures that municipalities are obliged to consider placement

in a foster family. The Government has furthermore introduced new regulation to improve supervision and

training of foster families and a number of projects aimed at developing foster care have been initiated in

collaboration with the municipalities. As a result of the Child Reform Act the number of children placed in foster

homes has increased from 49 % of the total number of children taken into care in 2009 to 58 % in 2013.

99. Families which take into care a child from its network or extended family have since 1 October 2015 been

guaranteed additional support from the municipality. The aim is to enhance the possibility of the child being

placed in a family which is familiar to the child.

VI.G. Periodic review of placement

100. The municipalities are responsible for conducting supervision visits at the placement facility at least twice

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annually in order to secure that the child thrives and receives the right support.

VI.H. Adoption

101. Please refer to para. 38-39.

VI.I. Illicit transfer

102. The Child Abduction Unit was established in 2014 to coordinate the effort of all authorities involved in

international child abduction cases and to support the left behind parent in order to secure the fastest and safest

return of the child.

VI.J. Children with incarcerated parents

103. All Danish prisons and detentions have appointed at least one person responsible for children whose parents are

incarcerated. It is the task of the appointed person to improve the conditions for children visiting their parents in

prison institutions and to strengthen the relationship between the imprisoned parents and their children. This

includes ensuring that each institution has at least one family friendly visit room and that the imprisoned parent

has the opportunity to record "bedtime stories" for their children. In 2015 permanent funds have been allocated to

cover transportation costs for children to visit their parents in prisons. In 2015 conversation groups for inmates

with children have been established in 15 of the largest institutions of the Danish Prison and Probation Service.

The purpose of the conversation groups is to strengthen the prisoners’ parenthood in order to improve the

conditions for the children during the incarceration as well as post-release.

Children living in prisons

104. Pursuant to section 54 of the Danish Sentence Enforcement Act inmates are entitled to have their child under the

age of 1 living with them in the institution if the inmate is able to mind the child. For children aged 1 to 3 the

parent is entitled to have the child live with them in the institution if the parent is able to mind the child and the

institution as well as social services consider the conditions in the institution to be compatible with the best

interests of the child. The parent and the child reside with other prisoners, but in specially selected units. The

child may generally attend day-care outside the prison.

105. In order to avoid children living in prison alternative ways to serve a sentence are tried e.g. in two halfway

houses where prisoners may serve the entire sentence together with their children and receive help and

counselling.

VII. Disability, basic health and welfare

VII.A. Children with disabilities

106. Denmark attaches great importance to ensure that the life of children with disabilities is as normal as possible

and to help the parents in this endeavour. Due to the principle of sector accountability all public authorities are

responsible for making their facilities and services accessible to children with disabilities. This principle is a tool

for ensuring a life as close to normal as possible in all areas including in regard to education, healthcare and

cultural facilities.

107. DKK 18 million has been allocated to support projects run by NGOs on strengthening inclusion of children with

disabilities in the school system and in leisure activities.

108. The municipality shall cover any necessary extra costs of maintenance in the child's home in respect of children

with substantial and impaired physical or mental function or serious, chronic or long-term illness. The

reimbursement is conditioned on the extra costs being incurred as a result of the child's impaired function.

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Concluding observation, para. 46(a)

109. As described in Denmark's fourth periodic report the municipalities are obliged to pay compensation for loss of

earnings to parents taking care of a child under the age of 18 in their home if the child's physical or mental

function is substantially and permanently impaired or if the child is suffering from serious, chronic or long-term

illness. The compensation is fixed on the basis of the parent's gross income the previous year, although the

compensation may not exceed DKK 27 500 a month. Prior to 2012 the maximum was DKK 19 613 a month.

Concluding observation, para. 46(b)

110. Please refer to the information provided in para. 44.

Concluding observation, para. 46(c)

111. The principle of sector accountability as a key element of Danish disability policy implies that the public

authority responsible for a service etc. is responsible for making it accessible to persons with disabilities.

Concluding observation, para. 46(d)

112. Strengthening teachers' knowledge on inclusion of children with disabilities is an important part of the school

reform of 2014 and DKK 1 billion has been allocated for the period 2013 to 2020 to support targeted training.

Furthermore, a national corps of learning consultants and a public school resource centre have been established to

support inclusion of children with disabilities and ensure dissemination of existing knowledge as well as to

develop knowledge on areas such as ADHD and autism.

113. Since 2012 special needs education including relevant international law has been a mandatory part of the

curriculum of the bachelor of education program.

Concluding observation, para. 46(e)

114. The Government has entered into an agreement with Local Government Denmark on a range of initiatives

concerning greater inclusion in the public school system. The aim is that 96 percent of pupils in the public school

system will attend ordinary classes in 2015. In the school year of 2013/14 the number was 94.8 percent.

VII.B. Survival and development

115. Since Denmark's last periodic report the Health and Medicine Authority has published a revised guideline on

preventive healthcare services for children and adolescents, a guideline on maternal care and a handbook on health

work in schools. The latter is built around the Convention.

VII.C. Health and health services

Concluding observation, para. 48

116. Denmark considers the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes to be an important and

valuable guideline. Denmark has fully implemented EU-directive 2006/141/EC on infant formula and follow-on

formula.

117. Denmark does not have accredited baby-friendly hospitals as such. Midwives, nurses and health visitors are,

however, all trained to promote and encourage breastfeeding. After discharge a midwife or health visitor will

visit the family to provide guidance on i.a. breastfeeding.

VII.D. Prevalent health challenges, physical and mental health and well-being of children and

communicable and non-communicable diseases

Concluding observation, para. 50

118. For the period 2013 to 2017 DKK 24 million have been allocated to six cross-sector projects on combatting

overweight amongst children under the age of 18.

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119. The Health and Medicines Authority has published guidelines on early identification of overweight and early

intervention among children and adolescents and monitoring of the growth of children aged 0-5 as well as nine

health prevention packages including one on nutrition, one on physical activity and one on overweight. The

packages comprise an evidence-based tool to assist the municipalities in setting priorities, planning and

organising health promotion and disease prevention initiatives.

120. Since 2005 the Health and Medicines Authority has conducted a nationwide campaign on physical activity for

children and adolescents. In 2015 the target groups were parents of 10-15-year old children and staff in after-

school clubs. The campaign included commercials, advertisements, material for after-school clubs and a website.

121. For the period 2010 to 2013 DKK 46 million was allocated to multidisciplinary health promotion initiatives

aimed at children in vulnerable families affected by overweight or other health risks. For the period 2012 to 2015

DKK 28 million has been allocated to initiatives on early identification and intervention.

122. Data collection was in 2011 strengthened through a legislative amendment obliging municipal health services to

monitor and report information on children's height and body weight during the first year of their life and during

school years, the duration of breast feeding and the baby's exposure to smoke.

123. All children in day-care centres shall receive a healthy lunch meal in order to help establish good eating habits,

prevent obesity and contribute to the general welfare and development of the children. The parent’s board or the

parents in day-care facilities can decide to opt-out on a healthy lunch meal. Day-care facilities are obliged to

include body and motion in the pedagogical curriculum with the objective of contributing to strengthen the

child’s development of motor skills, perseverance and movement.

124. With regard to elementary school, materials on health as well as dietary guidelines have been developed for all

grade levels. In schools and pre-schools there are no vending machines and the industry has implemented a self-

regulation code to limit the marketing of unhealthy products to children and adolescents. Furthermore, since 2014

physical exercise has been a mandatory part of the school day.

Concluding observation, para. 52

125. Since September 2015 all patients referred to hospital have the right to diagnostic assessment or to receive a plan

for further clinical examinations within one month. Moreover, patients have the right to undergo treatment at

private hospitals or clinics, if a given treatment cannot be initiated by the local region within 60 days; within 30

days for patients suffering from a severe illness. The waiting period in child and adolescent psychiatry has fallen

from 71 days in 2008 to 30 days in 2014.

126. With regard to the treatment of children diagnosed with ADHD and ADD an action plan emphasising prevention

and effect was published in 2013. In 2014 national clinical guidelines for the treatment of children and

adolescents with ADHD were published with the intention of ensuring a multidisciplinary approach and high

quality treatment throughout the country.

127. With regard to data on the national substance abuse hotline (Giftlinien) please refer to annex 1, section G.3.

VII.E. Reproductive health rights of adolescents and measure to promote a healthy lifestyle

128. All women over the age of 18 have the right to elective abortion until the end of week 12 of the pregnancy after

which permission must be obtained from the abortion council unless the pregnancy poses an impeding danger to

the life of the pregnant woman. The abortion is provided free of charge. If the woman is under the age of 18,

parental consent must be obtained. The doctor must inform the woman of the process, consequences and possible

complications and the woman is offered a supportive conversation before and after the abortion.

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129. Since Denmark's last periodic report the following initiatives have been taken:



Development of a guiding tool for municipalities concerning their obligation to address sexual health

and prevention of sexual health problems.



HPV immunization scheme targeting girls.



Annual national campaigns on sexual health targeting school children and young people.



Hotlines on sexual health.



Development of a model to strengthen sexual health education in primary and secondary schools.

VII.F. Measures to protect children from substance abuse

130. In 2011 the minimum age for buying alcohol (> 16.5 %) was raised to 18 years. An alcohol prevention package

was issued to the municipalities containing specific recommendations.

131. Since 2011 family outpatient centres in all regions have aimed at strengthening prevention and treatment of

alcohol and drug related birth defects through an early, coordinated and holistic approach. In 2015 decision was

made to permanently fund treatment of children and young people under the age of 25 affected by alcohol abuse

in their family.

132. The latest annual national report on the drug situation in Denmark (2014) shows that the level of experimental

drug use which has been high but stable since 2000 is now dropping slightly with the exception of cannabis. In

2013 a drug prevention package was issued to support the municipalities. Focus has furthermore been on

initiatives for primary and lower secondary schools as well as post-secondary education programs. The Health

and Medicines Authority recommends that each institution formulates a drugs and alcohol policy to serve as a

framework for preventive measures.

VII.G. Social security and childcare services and facilities

133. Please refer to annex 1, section G.4.

VII.H. Standard of living

Concluding observation, para. 54

134. On 1 January 2012 the 450 hour rule was abolished.

135. An 'activity-green card' has been established in a number of municipalities. The initiative offers vulnerable

children and young people with an opportunity to participate in e.g. sport, music education, scouting etc. The

beneficiaries are i.a. children of parents who do not have the economic, social or personal resources to support

their children in attending leisure activities.

136. For information on child allowance please refer to annex 1, section G.4.

VIII. Education, leisure and cultural activities

VIII.A. The right to education

137. With regard to information on day-care please refer to para. 86-88.

Primary and secondary school

138. In 2014 a school reform was instituted in the Danish public schools with the purpose to provide better

opportunities for academic development, reduce the influence of family background on educational achievements

and strengthen the trust and well-being in public schools. The results of the reform are longer schools day with

opportunities to provide support for homework, increased physical exercise as well as increased interaction with

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the surrounding society.

139. Equal opportunities for all children irrespective of their background continue to be a key goal within education

and the school reform of 2014 lists it as one of three key priorities. In 2015 the project 'Strengthened skills for

disadvantaged children-at-risk in primary schools' was launched. DKK 35.6 million is allocated over a period of

4 years to strengthen disadvantaged children's skills in reading and math. A project focusing on children

receiving education at an institution is currently being implemented. The aims are to ensure compliance with

educational standards, ensure that education is prioritised and enhance cooperation between institutions, public

schools and local authorities.

140. With regard to bilingual children the Ministry of Children, Education and Gender Equality has recently

completed the development of national tests in Danish as a second language. The purpose of the test is to analyse

competences and potential of bilingual children with the aim of aiding teachers in their support of the child's

language development. A task force has since 2008 worked in collaboration with schools and municipalities and

since 2012 also with day-care and other care facilities to improve the ability to meet the needs of bilingual

students. In 2012 an additional DKK 42 million was allocated to a development program in 14 schools on

strengthening the proficiency of bilingual children.

Concluding observation, para. 56

141. With regard to information on education environment please refer to Denmark's fourth periodic report para. 54-

56. It may be added that an Executive Order has been issued, which outlines the disciplinary actions that schools

may take in regard to students who bully.

142. With regard to mother tongue education the Ministry for Children, Education and Gender Equality is currently

assessing whether such education has an impact on the well-being and learning of students.

VIII.B. Cultural rights of children belonging to indigenous and minority groups

143. Please refer to Denmark's initial report, para. 357-359.

144. The German minority in Denmark has several day-care centres, primary schools and colleges. A subsidy

corresponding to 100 percent of the average cost per pupil in the Danish public schools is granted. The

municipalities in Southern Jutland have planned and initiated many initiatives to promote the German language in

schools and day-care e.g. mutual activities for children from both sides of the border. The municipalities provide

economic support to day-care centres and after-school activities.

VIII.C. Education on human rights and civic education

145. Please refer to para. 20-21.

VIII.D. Rest, play, leisure, recreation and cultural and artistic activities

146. In 2014 a new national policy on children's culture was launched. The strategy is based on the idea that children

should continuously be exposed to art and culture from an early age and it contains 30 initiatives. A Children's

Cultural Network composed of representatives of ministries, municipalities and the Danish Art Foundation has

been established with the aim of coordinating efforts, advising as well as providing input on ministerial strategies

and policies.

147. The public cultural institutions allocate considerable resources to cultural activities for children and young

people and the Agency for Culture alone administers DKK 300 million annually to initiatives in this area.

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IX. Special protection measures

Concluding observation, para. 64

148. The Government helps fund the toll free telephone line 'Børnetelefonen' which is operated by the NGO

'Children’s Welfare' and offers advice to children and young persons. Additional resources were allocated in

2012 to ensure accessibility for children.

IX.A. Children outside their country of origin seeking refugee protection, unaccompanied

asylum-seeking children, internally displaced children, migrant children and children affected

by migration

149. Since Denmark’s fourth periodic report a number of legislative changes have been adopted including an

amendment of the Aliens Act making consent from the child required prior to initiating a search for parents or

other family network members of a child which is unable to reside at a reception facility in the country of

residence. An unaccompanied asylum-seeking child whose asylum application has been refused shall be assigned

counsel unless the child itself has retained counsel or exceptional reasons make it inappropriate.

150. With regard to health services all residents in Denmark including refugees who have received a residence permit

are entitled to public health care including hospital treatment, treatment by a general or specialist practitioner and

rehabilitation post-hospitalisation. Furthermore newly arrived children who have received a residence permit are

entitled to a medical screening with the purpose of detecting severe health problems at an early stage.

Concluding observation, para 58(a)

151. The Immigration Service has not and is currently not planning to initiate a systematic survey as such on the

disappearance of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children/unaccompanied minors with a residence permit

according to the Aliens Act, section 9c(3). For information on the procedure in cases of disappearance please

refer to Denmark's fourth periodic report, para. 436-440.

152. The Immigration Service maintains a close dialogue with the operators of asylum centres including the Red

Cross and other relevant players such as the police and local authorities on the handling of unaccompanied

minors and specific challenges including disappearances.

Concluding observation, para. 58(b)

153. As soon as possible after an unaccompanied asylum-seeking child's arrival in Denmark a personal representative

is appointed to assist and provide guidance during the asylum proceedings. The Refugee Appeals Board will take

into account the special situation of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and to the extent possible these

cases are prioritized vis-a-vis other cases. For further information please refer to Denmark's fourth periodic

report, para. 431.

Concluding observation, para. 58(c)

154. An amendment to the Aliens Act in 2010 codified the practice in regard to the age-determination process.

Accordingly, the police and the Immigration Service may require an unaccompanied alien claiming to be under

the age of 18 to submit to a medical examination to determine the alien’s age. The medical examination is only

omitted if it is obvious that the alien is a minor or an adult. If an unaccompanied alien claiming to be under the

age of 18 refuses to participate he or she may after an individual assessment be assumed to be an adult.

Concluding observation para. 58(d)

155. Expenses for necessary healthcare and social services for children of asylum-seekers and unaccompanied asylum

seeking children are covered by the Immigration Service and they are generally entitled to the same standard as

children who are residents of Denmark.

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156. Pursuant to the Aliens Act, a residence permit may be issued to an alien who is in such a position that essential

considerations of a humanitarian nature render it conclusively appropriate to grant a permit this may include

children who suffer from very serious treatment-requiring physical or psychological illnesses and where

treatment is not available in the child’s home country.

157. Apart from this, the Aliens Act does not provide a legal status for children solely on the ground that the child

suffers from trauma or is diagnosed with psychological or psychiatric problems. A residence permit may,

however, be issued to an unaccompanied asylum-seeking child if there are particular reasons to assume that the

child should not undergo asylum proceedings or if the application for asylum was refused. In both cases, there

has to be reason to assume that the child will be without any family network or in fact will be placed in an

emergency situation upon a return to his or her country of origin or former country of residence.

Concluding observation, para. 58(e)

158. Children who seek asylum are subject to compulsory school attendance in Denmark. In general, the children are

taught at the asylum-center. However, under certain conditions and with approval from the municipal school

authorities or the institution the child can attend tuition at a public school. Asylum-seekers who have become

enrolled in an upper secondary education may accept an unpaid or paid internship as part of his education.

IX.B. Children belonging to a minority or an indigenous group

159. Every child regardless of ethnicity has equal right to i.a. education and social services. Whether specific

measures have to be put in place is hence based on an individual assessment of the needs and best interest of the

child rather than on the child's ethnicity. Please refer to para. 33-34 for further information on non-discrimination

and to para. 143-144 for information on the German minority.

IX.C. Children in street situations

160. The number of street children has since Denmark's last periodic report dropped from 204 children under the age

of 18 in 2011 to 96 in 2015. The municipalities are pursuant to the Act on Social Service obliged to offer children

support aimed at the specific needs of the child. For further information please refer to annex 1, section I.2.c.

IX.D. Children in situations of exploitation

IX.D.1. Economic exploitation

161. Children under the age of 13 are not allowed to work in Denmark and children under the age of 18 may not be

subjected to physical, biological, chemical or emotional hazards. For further information please refer to

Denmark's fourth periodic report, para. 444 - 457.

IX.D.2. Use of children in the illicit production and trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances

162. Use of a child for the production or trafficking of narcotics may be punishable under the Criminal Code.

IX.D.3. Sexual exploitation and sexual abuse

163. Please refer to para. 62-64.

Concluding observation, para. 60(a)

164. The follow-up to the mentioned action plan was the strategy "Action behind words" which was launched in

2011. The strategy was developed in close cooperation with a number of authorities and organisations including

Save the Children Denmark.

Concluding observation, para. 60(b)

165. The provision of holistic and long-term psychosocial support to child victims of sexual abuse has been

substantially strengthened since Denmark's last periodic report. Of particular importance is the establishment of

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the five Children's Houses described in para. 64.

Concluding observation, para. 60(e)

166. Please refer to para. 198-199.

IX.D.4. Sale, trafficking and abduction

167. A new Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking was launched in 2015 with an appropriation of DKK 88.4

million for the period 2015-2018.

Concluding observation, para. 62(a)

168. According to the binding guidelines issued by the Director of Public Prosecution indictment shall generally be

waived if the suspect has been a victim of human trafficking, provided that the alleged offence is related to the

trafficking and cannot be characterized as a serious crime. This includes indictment for forgery or use of false

documents or similar violations of the Aliens Act. Indictment for committing theft or dealing of narcotics may be

waived if the person was trafficked with the purpose of exploiting the person to commit these acts. If the

indictment is not waived due to the seriousness of the offence the penalty may be reduced due to the person being

a victim of human trafficking.

Concluding observation, para. 62(b) and (c)

169. The crime of human trafficking is sanctioned with imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years. In

determining the sentence consideration must be given to the seriousness of the offence and information on the

offender. It shall be considered an aggravating circumstance that the victim is under the age of 15 and has been

trafficked in order to work in prostitution or that the life of the victim has been endangered deliberately or by

gross negligence.

Concluding observation, para. 62(d)

170. The Danish Centre against Human Trafficking (CMM) conducts training for i.a. outreach workers, social

workers, the police, immigration officials, health providers and child and youth institutions. Staff in the penal

system including staff working at institutions for young prisoners has also been presented to the field.

171. The National Police implemented in 2014 a new updated national plan of education for police staff that performs

border control. The education includes training in profiling victims of trafficking. In addition the Director of

Public Prosecutions has issued a comprehensive set of guidelines to police officers and prosecutors on the

handling of cases of trafficking. The guidelines describe victim identification and the law enforcement approach

to victims of trafficking, who are considered to be a very vulnerable group.

Concluding observation, para. 62(e)

172. CMM cooperates with relevant organisations to promote and strengthen public awareness and knowledge on

human trafficking. This includes awareness raising through the organisation's website and through meetings with

stakeholders.

Concluding observation, para. 62(f)

173. The Danish efforts to combat human trafficking have continually been evaluated by external consultants and

efforts as well as subsequent action plans have drawn on lessons learned. The current action plan will be

evaluated externally as well in order to ensure progress, coordination and a holistic approach.

174. CMM is responsible for developing and maintaining a national referral system inspired by the experiences of

other EU countries and taking into account the recommendations of the EU Expert Group on Human Trafficking.

The system ensures dialogue and cooperation between the parties involved in combating human trafficking. The

aims are to coordinate and ensure that the whole country is aware of applicable procedures and laws and that

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these are implemented properly.

Concluding observation, para. 62(g)

175. Since Denmark's fourth periodic report the Alien's Act has been amended to grant victims of trafficking

including children the right to a reflection period of at least 30 days prior to departure from Denmark. During the

reflection period extended medical and psychological assistance, economic support and relevant social

arrangements are offered. The recovery period may upon request be extended if particular reasons make it

appropriate or if the foreign national is cooperating concerning a prepared return. The maximum reflection period

for victims of human trafficking was in 2013 extended from a total of 100 days to 120 days.

IX.D.5. Other forms of exploitation (art. 36)

176. Please refer to Denmark's initial report, para. 355.

IX.E. Children in conflict with the law, child victims and witnesses of crimes and juvenile justice

Concluding observation, para. 66(a)

177. The Government Platform of 2015 outlines that the Government will develop and implement a reform of the

efforts made to combat juvenile crime and i.a. create a greater scope for tailoring sanctions to the specific case.

IX.E.1. Administration of juvenile justice, specialized and separate courts and minimum age of criminal

responsibility

178. The minimum age of criminal responsibility in Denmark is 15 years. Denmark has no specialised juvenile courts.

IX.E.2. Children deprived of their liberty

179. Please refer Denmark's initial report, para. 311-312 and 326.

Concluding observation, para. 66(b)

180. Sections 762, 763, 768a, 770(a)-(c) of the Administration of Justice Act define the conditions for the use of

remand in custody and solitary confinement as well as the duration thereof. The court must continuously review

the basis for remand in custody and solitary confinement. Denmark considers these rules to clearly define the

conditions for remand in custody.

181. In exceptional circumstances the nature of the crime and the risk of tampering with the investigation may

necessitate remand of a person under the age of 18 in solitary confinement. Therefore, remand in solitary

confinement of persons under the age of 18 is not prohibited. The conditions for and the duration thereof are,

however, stricter in regard to this age group. In order to reduce the particular strain and risk of disruption of the

psychological health associated with solitary confinement the prison staff must pay special attention to the needs

of the person i.a. through increased access to visits. Persons under the age of 18 who are remanded in solitary

confinement for more than 14 days must be offered special access to individual education and work. If the

solitary confinement last more than 4 weeks the person must be offered at least 3 hours of activities with person

contact daily. From 2009 to 2014 only 1 person under the age of 18 was held in solitary confinement.

182. A number of initiatives have since 2012 been launched with the aim of limiting the use of pre-trial detention for

3 months or longer. This includes requiring approval by the State Prosecutor for lodging a request to the court for

extension beyond a certain time limit, systematic access to monitor the number of persons held in custody and a

new concept for investigation of cases in which the suspect is held in pre-trial detention.

Concluding observation, para. 66(d)

183. Juveniles aged 15-17 years who are sentenced to imprisonment shall be placed outside of prison unless critical

reasons demand otherwise. The young person will typically be placed in an institution which is not part of the

Prison and Probation Service or in one of the Prison and Probation Service’s pensions. In the exceptional case

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where such placement is not deemed suitable and the juvenile does not qualify for home detention with an

electronic foot shackle the juvenile will serve the sentence in a special section for young people in a prison. This

may be deviated from if deemed vital for the juvenile to keep in contact with family and/or attend an educational

institution. The juveniles have the opportunity to work and spend time with other juvenile offenders separated

from other inmates.

IX.E.3. The sentencing of children

184. Denmark has no capital and corporal punishment.

185. A youth contract may be offered to persons aged 14 to 17 if a criminal charge cannot be settled with a fine or an

unconditional discharge and if the young person has not committed a serious crime or entered a more permanent

pattern of crime. A youth contract requires parental consent and active participation from the child in specified

and listed activities such as an educational course or enrolment in various forms of leisure activities. When

entering into a youth contract the prosecution normally refrains from further proceedings.

Concluding observation, para. 66(c)

186. Denmark has in light of the recommendation considered repealing the amendment which changed the upper limit

of sentences issued to persons who were under 18 when the crime was committed. The limit was amended to

imprisonment for 16 years and in exceptional circumstances 20 years. That the offender was younger than 18 at

the time of the act is, however, to be considered as a mitigating circumstance. In light of this, Denmark has

decided not to repeal the amendment.

IX.E.4. Physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration

187. The municipalities are obliged to offer measures to ensure social reintegration for young persons under the age

of 18 who have served a detention sentence, a custodial sentence or a surrogate prison sentence. The offer shall

last at least six months and shall to the widest possible extent be established prior to release.

IX.E.5. Training activities

188. Please refer to para. 25-26.

IX.F. Children in armed conflicts

189. Please refer to Denmark's fourth periodic report, para. 586-614.

190. The Ministry of Defence is in the final stages of drafting a military manual on International Humanitarian Law

for the Armed Forces which will address the issue of protection of civilians, including children, in armed conflict.

191. With regard to health care for asylum-seeking children affected by armed conflict please refer to para. 150.

X. Optional Protocol on the sale of children, child prostitution and child

pornography

X.A. Developments

192. Denmark has ratified the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual

Exploitation and Sexual Abuse. The convention entered into force in Denmark on 1 July 2010.

193. In 2012 and 2013 the Criminal Code was amended so as to include the crime of human trafficking and to

modernise the provisions on sex crimes. Furthermore changes were made in order to benefit a child victim i.a.

when a sexual offence or trafficking of a human being is committed against a person under the age of 18 the

limitation period is calculated from the date when the victim attains the age of 21 at the earliest.

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X.B. Measures to establish liability of legal persons for offences under the Optional Protocol

194. Please refer to Denmark's initial report on the OPSC, para. 25-28.

X.C. Prevention measures and promotion of awareness

195. With regard to initiatives on early detection of children who are victims of sexual abuse please refer to para. 62-

64 and to Denmark's fourth periodic report, para. 486-487.

196. The anonymous phone help line 'Bryd Cirklen' (Break the Circle) has been established in the framework of the

Sexology Clinic in the Capital Region. The help line is aimed at adults who have sexual thoughts about children

and it may serve as a first step towards therapeutic treatment.

X.D. Access to seek compensation, social reintegration and physical and psychological recovery

197. Please refer to para. 64 and to Denmark's initial report on the OPSC, para. 72-77.

X.E. Protection of victims and witnesses during the criminal justice process

198. Please refer to Denmark's initial report on the OPSC, para. 72-94 and Denmark's fourth periodic report, para

726-735.

199. The court decides how and by whom questioning of a child below the age of 15 shall be conducted e.g. the court

may decide that the child is to be video interviewed or that the questioning is to take place in the judge’s office

without the presence of the accused. To provide a child friendly and supportive environment video interviews of

children have since 2013 in general been conducted in one of the Children's Houses rather than at a police station.

A social service representative must be present in order to support the child and facilitate that the hearing is

conducted in a manner which to the greatest possible extent is best for the child.

X.F. International cooperation

200. In May 2014 the 'National Cyber Crime Centre' (NC3) was established. Cyber related crimes including cases

concerning online sexual abuse of children may be reported directly to the NC3, which may carry out urgent

investigative measures. The NC3 participates in international cooperation to combat cybercrime and online

sexual abuse of children and the centre is cooperating closely with Europol, Interpol as well as bilaterally. For

further information please refer to para. 71-73.

201. With regard to victim identification the NC3 participates in a global network with the purpose of identifying

both victims of sexual abuse and the perpetrators. Information on child abuse material is shared immediately

within the network enabling the relevant country to initiate a criminal investigation and rescue the victims as

soon as possible. During the last couple of years the NC3 has identified more than 50 victims worldwide leading

to the rescue of a majority of the victims and bringing a large number of perpetrators to justice.

202. The NC3 is furthermore part of Interpol’s Expert Group on Crime against Children, which contributes to the

identification of victims in specific series of pictures and the exchange of information on new investigative

measures and new software.

XI. Optional Protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict

XI.A. Minimum age, legal and policy measures and direct participation in hostilities

203. Please refer to Denmark's fourth periodic report, para. 586-614.

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XI.B. Physical and psychological recovery including technical cooperation and financial

assistance

204. As part of the Danish humanitarian assistance, Denmark is supporting financially notably UNICEF as well as the

NGO Safe the Children Denmark in their work with physical and psychological recovery of children in armed

conflict, including reintegration of former child soldiers in countries affected by conflicts, notably in The Central

African Republic, Somalia and South Sudan.

XI.C. Screening of child asylum seekers and migrants

205. The Danish Red Cross conducts initial psychological screening of newly arrived asylum-seeking children. The

purpose of the screening is to identify children and young asylum-seekers in need of special support.

When identified, the child will be provided with the same assistance for its physical and psychological recovery

as a resident child, please refer to para. 153.

XI.D. Indictment for war crimes

206. The prosecution service is not aware of charges having been brought against persons under the age of 18 for war

crimes.

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2. Greenland

Introduction

In accordance with Article 44.1 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), Greenland has prepared the present

contribution to Denmark’s fifth periodic report. It has been prepared at the Greenlandic Government Offices with

participation of representatives from all relevant departments. Reference made to "the Government" and "the Parliament"

in this section refers to the Greenlandic Government (Naalakkersuisut) respectively the Greenlandic Parliament

(Inatsisartut).

The Greenlandic Minister of Social Affairs has the overall responsibility for coordinating the implementation of the

Convention in Greenland. The Danish Minster of Defence has the overall responsibility for the implementation of the

Optional Protocol on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict given that national defence solely is a Danish area of

responsibility within the Realm.

I. General measures of implementation

I.A. Measures to implement the provisions of the Convention

Legislation (concluding observation, para. 13)

Comprehensive amendments to Parliament Act no. 1 of 15 April 2003 on Assistance to Children and Adolescent were

concluded in 2014. However, general elections held on 28 November 2014 resulted in a new coalition government. The

present Government of Greenland wishes to further implement the provisions of the Convention before introducing the act

to the Parliament of Greenland. The Act on Assistance to Children and Adolescent mainly encompasses provisions on

psychosocial assistance to children and adolescents in exposed situations. Thus, the proposed reform cannot take full

account of all rights in the Convention.

Coordination (concluding observations, para. 15)

Due to the Danish-Greenlandic Self-Government arrangement the Danish Municipal Reform of 2007 has no influence on

Greenlandic municipality structure. For a general description of the Greenland Self-Government arrangement, please refer

to the report from Denmark/Greenland to the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, Eighth Session

(E/C.19/2009/4/Add.4). The Greenlandic municipalities were reduced from eighteen to four in continuation of the

Municipal Reform of 2008. The overriding objective was to improve the quality and effectiveness of the municipal

services. A comprehensive assessment of the municipal reform is in preparation.

National Action Plan (concluding observation, para. 17)

Due to the Self-Government arrangement policies and strategies to implement the Convention in Greenland is

predominantly a Greenlandic affair. However, implementation is still a joint affair in fields of responsibility not yet

undertaken by Greenland, e.g. the overall responsibility for administration of justice. The Government of Greenland

strives to implement UN Conventions ratified by Greenland in all policy, legislation and administration. This objective is

e.g. outlined in the job description for the Legal Status Officer in the Greenlandic Self-rule administration.

Independent monitoring (concluding observation, para. 20)

November 15 2011 the Parliament of Greenland passed Parliament Act no. 11 of 22 November 2011 on a Children’s

Spokesperson and a Children’s Council very much based on the Paris Principles. Subsequently the independent national

advocacy for children’s rights, ‘Meeqqat Pisinnaatitaaffiinik Sullissivik (MIO), was founded in the spring 2012. The

institution comprises of a Children’s Spokesperson, a Children’s Council and a secretariat. The Children’s Spokesperson

is the head of MIO and appointed by application in a 3 year limited tenure position. The main task of the Children’s

Spokesperson is to evaluate and safeguard that Greenlandic legislation and administrative practice meet the provisions of

the Convention e.g. by collecting, creating and conveying knowledge about children’s living conditions. The Children’s

Spokesperson counsel and guide on children’s rights and the access to e.g. the Social Appeals Board or the Ombudsman.

The Children’s Spokesperson cannot settle individual complaints, but he/she can make statements and has extensive

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access to information on children’s conditions in public and private institutions. It is imperative for the Children’s

Spokesperson to include the views of children in his/her work with children’s rights.

On 4 March 2013 the Human Rights Council of Greenland was founded. The Council is an independent entity with the

purpose to advance and protect human rights in Greenland, and to improve the general knowledge on human rights

including the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Allocation of resources (concluding observation, para. 22)

The Government recognises that the education level in Greenland is low seen in an international perspective. It is a severe

challenge that only approx. half of a year group obtain a qualifying education. A significant part of pupils leaving the

municipal primary and lower secondary school are not prepared to begin and complete upper secondary education. This is

reflected in a large drop-out rate. In 2013 61 percent of adolescents aged 16-18 were outside the education system. The

education challenge is i.a. related to lack of educated teachers, negative social heritage and linguistic issues, since upper

secondary education generally requires sound Danish linguistic skills. In accordance with the Governments vision that all

children shall have equal access to the education system regardless of social and cultural background, the Government is

committed to ensure that the allocation of resources remains high and equitable.

Data collection (concluding observation, para. 24)

In order to organise and take appropriate measures to strengthen children’s rights, it is necessary to have solid knowledge

about children's living conditions at a local, regional and national level. Thus, the Government of Greenland has given

higher priority to data collection in recent years in order to strengthen the understanding of children's challenges and

living conditions. Statistical information on e.g. poverty, violence and abuse can be found in annex 1.

I.B. Dissemination of knowledge of the Convention

In 2010 the Government signed a five year cooperation agreement with UNICEF Denmark. In Mai 2015 the cooperation

agreement was prolonged for five years. The main project is entitled NAKUUSA and includes a youth council that

advices on children’s challenges and conditions in society and points out areas of interest. In accordance with the new

cooperation agreement NAKUUSA will cooperate closely with municipalities and schools across the country with a view

to enhance the child’s right to have a say. In conclusion, NAKUUSA contributes to raise awareness of the Convention

through countrywide campaigns, events and education activities.

In 2014 the Greenlandic Advocacy for Children’s Rights (MIO) and the Danish Institute for Human Rights published the

educational books “It is my body” and “Make children’s rights part of the curriculum”. The book has been distributed to

private and municipal primary and lower secondary schools in all of Greenland. Also, MIO have educated e.g. politicians

on children’s rights.

I.C. State parties shall make their reports widely available to the public in their countries

Denmark’s Fifth Period Report to The Committee on the Rights of the Child will be published on the government´s

website and distributed to interested parties in Greenland including the municipalities, civil society organisations and

domestic human rights bodies.

II. Definition of the child

Please refer to paragraph X.B. of Denmark’s Third Periodic Report (2003).

III. General principles

III.A. Non-discrimination

The Government strives to ensure that Greenlandic legislation does not discriminate on the grounds of colour, race,

religion, gender, language, political opinion, disability or other status in accordance with the principle of equality.

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It is a violation of the Greenlandic Criminal Code of 2010 publicly or with intent of wider dissemination to put forward

statements that threaten, ridicule or degrade a group of people due to their race, skin colour, national or ethnic origin,

religion or sexual orientation. There is no available information on whether the regulation on anti-discrimination has been

used by the courts.

In 2013 the Parliament passed Act no. 3 of 29 November 2013 on Equality between Men and Women, which include

additional provisions to combat sexual and gender based harassment.

III.B. The child’s best interest and respect for the views of the child

In 2015 the Parliament passed a decision on setting into force the Danish Act on Parental Responsibility. The Act

strengthens the best interest of the child and the hearing of children in cases of custody and access. The Act also aims at

ensuring equal rights for the mother and father in relation to custody and access as well as the child’s right to both parents.

Furthermore, it abolishes corporal punishment of children in Greenland. Please refer to para. 48 and to Denmark's fourth

periodic report, para. IV.B.2.a. for further information on the Act. The Danish Parliament is expected to adopt the

necessary legislation by 2016. Together with the Act the 1980 Hague Convention on International Child Abduction, the

1980 European Convention on Custody and the 1996 Hague Children Protection Convention will be set into force for

Greenland.

Reports from the social inspectorate have shown that caseworkers in the municipal social services offices are in need of

improved support and supervision. To improve the overall quality of the municipal case handling concerning children, the

government has decided to establish a consultancy unit to assist the municipalities. The consultancy unit, which is

expected to be in full operation in 2016, will include telephone counselling on legislation and best practice, peer -to-peer

training, course activities and a travelling task force to assist municipal caseworkers in complicated cases. A significant

part of the consultancy unit’s area of responsibility will be to ensure that the municipal social services process child cases

based on the child’s best interest.

III.C. The child’s right to life, survival and development

Capital punishment and extrajudicial killings are not used in Greenland.

The National Centre for Guidance’s student counselling program provide free guidance on personal, social or

psychological issues to children and adolescents with a view to help them be better prepared for studies and to reduce

drop-out rates. The student counselling program supplements existing treatment options to students.

IV. Civil rights and freedoms

IV.A. Birth registration and nationality

Please refer to para. XV.A of Denmark’s Fourth Periodic Report.

IV.B. Preservation of identity

Please refer to para. 499 of Denmark’s Third Periodic Report.

IV.C. Freedom of expression and the right to seek, receive and impart information

Please refer to para. V(c) of Denmark’s First Periodic Report.

IV.D. Freedom of thought, conscience and religion

Please refer to para. V(e) of Denmark’s First Periodic Report.

IV.E. Freedom of association and of peaceful assembly

Please refer to para. (f) of Denmark’s First Periodic Report.

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IV.F. Protection of privacy and protection of image

Please refer to para. X.D.1 of Denmark’s Third Periodic Report.

IV.G. Access to information from a diversity of sources and protection from material harmful to

a child's well-being

Through fundraising all teachers and approx. 3000 school children in the municipalities of Kujalleq and Qeqqata, which

correspond to approx. every third child in Greenland, have been given iPads. In addition, all day care centres in the t wo

municipalities use iPads in their pedagogical work. The main objective is to ensure that children are given the opportunity

to learn about IT and make creative use of the knowledge they obtain using modern technology in daily life.

V. Violence against children

V.A. Abuse and neglect

In 2015 the Parliament of Greenland requested the Danish government to set the Danish Act on Parental Responsibility in

Greenland into force. Please refer to Denmark’s Fourth Report, para. 63-70. Thereby, corporal punishment of children in

Greenland will be fully abolished. The Danish Parliament is expected to adopt the necessary legislation by 2016.

In 2013 the Parliament of Greenland passed the National strategy and action plan to combat violence 2014-2017, which

includes 31 activities primarily targeted at combatting domestic violence. This includes i.a. legislative amendments,

campaigns and psychosocial reinforcement. The activities focus on prevention within four main goals (1) support the

victim (2) break the circle of violence (3) capacity building for professionals and (4) advance knowledge and information

on violence. For 2014-2015 approx. DKK 15 mill. (including state funds and foundation grants) have been invested in

anti-violence initiatives such as competence development for personnel in shelters, campaigns aimed at professionals and

adolescents and development of a victim-offender conference-model.

In 2015 the shelter Illernit opened in Qeqertarsuaq. The shelter comprises a nationwide crisis- and treatment service for

battered women and their children for stays up to one year. The shelter emphasises the child’s welfare and development.

Therefore, Illernit has prepared a full treatment plan for both mother and child, which also include support and guidance

in continuation of the stay. While the child is in Illernit school attendance is arranged with the school in Qeqertarsuaq.

V.B. Measures to prohibit and eliminate all forms of harmful practices

No female genital mutilation cases have been reported to the chief constable in Greenland, and no early forced marriages

have been reported to the chief constable or other Greenlandic authorities. Female genital mutilation is considered brutish

violence, thus it is a violation of the Greenlandic Criminal Code. Early forced marriage is not part of Greenlandic culture

and tradition.

V.C. Sexual exploitation and sexual abuse

Since the last periodic report the Government has ordered two comprehensive surveys that i.a. examine the extent of

sexual abuse in Greenland: Youth Welfare in Greenland (National Institute of Public Health, 2011) and Youth in

Greenland (The Danish National Centre for Social Research, 2015).

V.D. The right not to be subjected to torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment

No cases of torture have been reported to the chief constable in Greenland.

In 2013 the Parliament of Greenland passed Parliament Act no. 1 of 21 November 2013 on Use of Force. The act regulates

the use of force in

24-hour care centres

and expands the possibilities to use alternatives to prisons other non-custodial

sentences to prevent adolescents from being placed in institutions for incarcerated adults. The act states that use of force

may never replace care and social-pedagogical support and that use of force always must be limited to the absolute

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necessary. Physical punishment and physical restraint is prohibited. All cases of use of force must be reported to the

Ministry of Social Affairs.

In continuation of Parliament Act no. 1 of 21 November 2013 on Use of Force all children and adolescents in

24-hour

care centres were given

a book, which - in a child-friendly manner

- tells them about the rules for use of force and

their rights in relation to use of force

24-hour care centres.

For further information please refer to para. X.D.8 of Denmark’s Third Periodic Report and para. XV.G of Denmark’s

Fourth Periodic Report.

V.E. Measures to promote the physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration of

child victims

Please refer to para. XI.A.1 and XI.H.3 and XVI.J in Denmark’s Fourth Periodic Report.

V.F. The availability of helplines for children

The National Advocacy for Children’s Rights has introduced a SMS help line for children and adolescents that

supplement the existing telephone counselling help lines.

VI. Family environment and alternative care

VI.A. Family environment and parental guidance

With a view to empower parents and prevent placements due to neglect the Government has established a mobile task

force, which consists of experienced psychologists who, free of charge, offer professional treatment to adults with late

complications after sexual abuse during childhood.

In 2012 a development project on family group conferences in the municipal social services offices was initiated in

Sermersooq Municipality (Nuuk). In 2013 family group conferences have been tried out in Nuuk, Tasiilaq and Paamiut

with promising results. Thus, the Government has provided grants to test family group conferences in other municipal

social services offices along the coast.

VI.B. Parents’ common responsibilities, assistance to parents and provision of childcare services

Pursuant to the Act on Parental Responsibility all children have the right to keep contact with both parents and requires

both parents to take care and have responsibility for the child, even though the parents may not live together. In relation t o

access it has been made clear that attempts must be made to maintain the child’s access to both parents by entitling the

child access to the parent with whom the child does not live. Both parents are responsible for ensuring that the child has

access to both parents.

VI.C. Separation from parents

In 2011 a comprehensive analysis and evaluation of 24-hour care centres was prepared by the consultancy Deloitte to

safeguard the ongoing qualification of placements in 24-hour care centres. 2012 a similar analysis on foster care

placements was prepared including recommendations on how to ensure the best possible conditions for placed children

and adolescents.

VI.D. Recovery of maintenance for the child

Normally, the standard child maintenance (monthly, 1.083 DKR in 2015) is paid in advance by public authorities to the

maintenance debtor. Child maintenance not paid in advance is recovered by public authorities.

VI.E. Children deprived of a family environment

Please refer to paragraph XVI.B in Denmark’s Fourth Periodic Report.

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VI.F. Periodic review of placement

Please refer to paragraph X.E.9 of Denmark’s Third Periodic Report.

VI.G. Adoption

In 2010 the 1993 Hague Adoption Convention entered into force for Greenland.

VI.H. Illicit transfer and non-return

See para. III.B. on the setting into force for Greenland of the 1980 Hague Convention on International Child Abduction

and the 1996 Hague Child Protection Convention.

VI.I. Children with incarcerated parents and children living in prison with their mothers

No children live with incarcerated parents in institutions in Greenland.

VII. Disability, basic health and welfare

Standard of living (concluding observation, para. 54)

Since Denmark's last periodic report two comprehensive reports on poverty have been prepared; one by the Ministry of

Social Affairs that mainly focuses on qualitative indicators such as access to health, education and social security and one

by the National Advocacy for Children’s Rights that mainly focuses on economic inequality. In spring of 2015 parliament

backed a motion that requires the Government to prepare a report on how to prevent economic inequality and poverty in

society and how to lay out conceivable criteria for a national poverty line. The second reading will take place after this

report has been forwarded to the Danish authorities.

Resources have been allocated on an unchanged level to the health care system and the national prevention programme,

Inuuneritta 2013-2019 despite limited finances. The funding secures special health services for children in settlements and

with special needs by midwife, health nurse, and for pediatric and child psychiatric care since 2012.

VII.A. Children with disabilities

On 24 August 2009 the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities came into force in Greenland. In

accordance with Article 33 of the Convention the Government has set up a focal point within the central administration for

matters relating to the implementation of the Convention.

2009 the National Information and Research Centre on Disability (IPIS) opened. IPIS's general responsibility is to gather

knowledge and provide guidance to persons with disabilities and their relatives as well as to professionals working with

persons with disabilities. From 2016 IPIS will be integrated in a new centre for persons with disabilities in Sisimiut that

will provide enhanced rehabilitation facilities.

VII.B. Survival and development

The government has intensified the work for reducing the number of suicides and has launched a new National Strategy

for 2013-2019. In 2015 the ASIST program on suicide prevention is implemented in the municipal prevention

organisations.

VII.C. Health and health services

The national public health programme 'Inuuneritta II' was adopted by the Parliament in 2012 and comprises the

Government’s strategies and goals for the population’s health 2013-2019. The main goal of the programme is for all

citizens to have the best possible opportunities to live a good, healthy and long life. The target groups are children,

adolescents and families. The Centre for Public Health (PAARISA) is in charge of cross-sectoral health promoting

activities. Inuuneritta II focuses on alcohol, hash and smoking prevention, physical activity, healthy diet, suicide

prevention and oral health.

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In 2009 the Parliament of Greenland passed Parliament Act no. 14 of 7 December 2009 on Leave and Income

Maintenance in case of Pregnancy, Maternity Leave and Adoption. As a result parental leave has been extended with 17

weeks. Today maternity leave is 17 weeks, paternity leave is 3 weeks and parental leave is 17 weeks that can be shared

freely between the parents. The act stresses the joint responsibility of the parents.

Non-communicable diseases, health and well being

A recent survey on overweight in children in Nuuk at school entry showed that the rate of obesity is stable. A pilot project

among families with obese children that focuses on both physical activity and health eating is underway and will be

evaluated in 2016.

The government’s national plan on abuse 2015 secures free treatment for all citizens including children. The Teenage

Power Program and the program BEM focuses on children of abusers.

VII.D. Standard of living

In 2009 maintenance contribution for a child was raised from DKK 758 a month per child to DKK 1000 a month per

child.

VIII. Education, leisure and cultural activities

VIII.A. The right to education

To reinforce education the Government has increased appropriations to implement an education sector program that

include e.g. new educations and mapping of children’s reading difficulties. As part of the program The National Guidance

Centre was opened in 2014. The centre offers nationwide psychological and social counselling for students.

According to the Government's Education Strategy the overall aim of the education policy is to provide public preschool

services for all children in order to teach social skills and create the best possible conditions for learning in the municipal

primary and lower secondary school. The municipal school must prepare pupils academically and personally for further

education.

VIII.B. Children belonging to minority or indigenous groups

(concluding observation, para. 68)

Regarding the Inughuit of Uummannaq please refer to the declaration made by the Danish Government, acceded to by

Greenland, in line with the Danish ratification of the ILO Convention no. 169 on Rights of Indigenous and Tribal Peoples.

According to section 1 of this declaration, Denmark has only one indigenous people in the sense of the convention,

namely the indigenous population in Greenland (the Inuit). Moreover, the Danish Supreme Court has consistent with said

declaration ruled that the Thule Tribe does not constitute a tribal people or a distinct indigenous people within or co -

existing with the Greenlandic people as a whole (Supreme Court decision of 28 November 2003 case no. 489/1999 and

490/1999 - the Thule Tribe (the Uummannaq settlement) vs. the prime minister of Denmark, cf. ILO Convention no. 169

on Rights of Indigenous and Tribal Peoples, art. section 1, paragraph (a) and (b). The Supreme Court decision does not

mean that the Inughuit of Uummannaq are not capable of maintaining their culture and language. According to section 3,

paragraph 2 in the Act no. 473 of 12 June 2009 on Greenland Self-Government the Greenlandic language consists of three

main dialects. The language spoken in Avanersuaq in North-western Greenland, which include the Inughuit of

Uummannaq, is one of the Inuit dialects.

VIII.C. Education on human rights

NAKUUSA, MIO and others have prepared several teaching materials based on the Convention.

VIII.D. Rest, play, leisure, recreation and cultural and artistic activities (art. 31)

Please refer to paragraph G.3 in Denmark’s Third Periodic Report.

IX. Special protection measures

IX.A. Children in street situations

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The report Homelessness in Greenland (Danish Building Research Institute, University of Aalborg 2013) shows that

approx. 600 persons without permanent address have been registered 2010-2013. The indicator covers a wide spectrum of

homelessness e.g. persons living with family, friends or in rehousing programmes. According to the report the majority of

homeless persons have children. Children of homeless persons are normally placed in foster care or care institutions.

IX.B. Children in situations of exploitation

Please refer to paragraph H.2 in Denmark’s Third Periodic Report

Use of children in the illicit production and trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances

Greenlandic courts have not processed cases with children involved in illicit production and/or trafficking of narcotic

drugs and psychotropic substances.

Sexual exploitation and sexual abuse

In 2012 the Government of Greenland requested the Ministry of Justice in Denmark to withdraw the territorial reservation

concerning Greenland with regard to the Optional Protocol on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child

Pornography.

In 2015 the scope of Parliament Act no. 8 of 19 Mai 2010 on Obligation to Obtain Child Protection Certificate has been

extended to correspond with the Danish Act on Obtainment of Criminal Records Disclosures in the Employment of Staff

concerning groups covered by the child protection certificate rules. Please refer to para. VI.F of Denmark’s Fourth

Periodic Report.

In 2011 the children’s house (Saaffik) opened. Saaffik offers a coherent and interdisciplinary course on treatment of

children (and their families), who have been victims of sexual abuse. From 2016 Saaffik will work on implementing its

professional knowledge and methods in family centres along the coast.

No cases of organised child prostitution have been reported to the chief constable in Greenland. However, child

prostitution appears in non-organised forms, where e.g. adolescents from care centres run away and prostitute themselves.

Pursuant to § 80 in the Greenlandic Criminal Code it is illegal to grossly misuse superiority of age and experience to

seduce and have intercourse or other sexual relations with a person under the age of 18. In accordance with § 81 it is

illegal to enter into a sexual relation with a person under 18 years of age for payment.

Sale, trafficking and abduction

In 2015 The Parliament of Greenland decided that the territorial exclusion for Greenland concerning The Hague

Convention on Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (1980) and The European Convention on Recognition and

Enforcement of Decisions concerning Custody of Children and on Restoration of Custody of Children (1980) should be

abolished. The necessary legislation is expected to be adopted by the Parliament of Denmark in 2016.

Other forms of exploitation

Please refer to section 2 on Greenland paragraph 766-771 in Denmark’s Fourth Periodic Report.

IX.C. Children in conflict with the law

Sentencing of children

Pursuant to section 16 of the Criminal Code for Greenland the age of criminal responsibility is 15.

In February 2014 an institution for young offenders opened in Sisimiut. The institution consists of an open and a closed

ward. The segment for the closed ward is adolescents aged 15-18, who have been detained by the police or sentenced to

serve in an institution for young offenders. The segment for the open ward also consists of young people with a criminal

record or a very challenging behaviour. The purpose of the institution is to separate juvenile offenders from adult

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offenders as well as to ensure that sufficient measures are taken to protect the rights of the child. At the institution

education, training and leisure activities are offered to meet each child’s individual needs.

Children deprived of their liberty

The Greenlandic police strive to minimize the use of imprisonment. The police cooperate with social services when they

register a young person starting a criminal path. Arrest of a person under the age of 18 only takes place in serious crime

cases e.g. homicide, assault or rape, and in cases of repeated crime. When a person under 18 years of age is arrested social

services are responsible for finding a suitable placement for the child to avoid placement in an institution for incarcerated

persons.

Physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration

The municipalities are obliged to offer measures to ensure social reintegration for socially disadvantaged persons under

the age of 18 including adolescents who have been placed in institutions for incarcerated persons.

Administration of juvenile justice

Please refer to para. 648-650 of Denmark’s Third Periodic Report regarding the administration of juvenile justice.

Please refer to para. 448 of Denmark’s Third Periodic Report regarding the age of criminal responsibility.

IX.D. Children in armed conflicts

Please refer to para. XI.B of Denmark’s First Periodic Report.

X. Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the

involvement of children in armed conflict

Please refer to para. X.X of Denmark’s Fourth Periodic Report.

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3. Faroe Islands

Introduction

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child has been in effect in the Faroe Islands since 1993. The Faroese

Government submitted a detailed contribution to the Fourth Periodic Report. The primary objective of this contribution is

to provide an overview of new legislative, administrative and policy measures taken in the intervening reporting period.

Direct reference is made to the Concluding Observations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child.

Reference made to "the Government" and "the Parliament" refers to the Faroese Government respectively the Faroese

Parliament.

I. General measures of implementation

I.A. Measures to implement the provisions of the Convention

Legislation (concluding observation, para. 13)

International conventions are normally not incorporated into law in the Faroe Islands. Instead, national legislation is

adjusted according to the relevant convention to ensure compliance with international obligations. In cases where a

Faroese law has provisions that contradict an international convention, that provision will be void.

Children's rights in the Faroe Islands have been significantly strengthened since the Convention on the Rights of the Child

came into force. Especially the last few years several policies have been implemented to improve the conditions for

children. Please refer to the fourth periodic report, para. 995, 1005, 1007, 1013, 1026-1033, 1039-1043, 1046-1050, 1055-

1056, 1059, 1065-1166 and 1173.

Following a task force review of the Child Welfare Act, several amendments were made to the Act in 2012 and in 2013

with the purpose of improving children's welfare, for instance:



The age limit in the Child Welfare Act was increased from the age of 21 to 23. Please refer to part. II.

Municipal areas too small to administer child welfare were merged with other areas.

Higher requirements were made to the professional skills of members in the Child Welfare Council and the Child

Welfare Administration.

Professionals' duty to notify has been strengthened. Please refer to part V.B.

Regular evaluations of child welfare services to assess whether they work according to plan and to identify

potential areas of improvement.

Clarification of requirements for contact persons for children taken into care.

Clarification of regulation on evaluation on placements.

Higher priority is assigned to placing children with family members.

A framework was introduced for a Children's House. Please refer to part V.B.

Regulations have been introduced to ensure that the views of the child are heard in a child welfare case. Please

refer to part. III.A.

Coordination and allocation of resources (concluding observations, para 14, 21)

Child Welfare services have significantly improved in the Faroes since administrative responsibilities were transferred to

the municipal level in 2006. For instance, both the number of people working in child welfare as well as the area's total

budget has multiplied.

Statistical data is gathered on child welfare expenditure within each child welfare unit, including average expenditure per

case. The data shows great variation in annual expenditures across the different municipal units. Experience indicates that

this is largely due to the fluctuating number of particularly expensive cases, which can change significantly from one year

to the other. Since the municipal units are relatively small, particularly expensive cases can have a significant influence o n

annual expenditure statistics.

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The child welfare system in the Faroe Islands is a collaborative system in the sense that several municipalities collaborate

on child welfare. Each municipality finances a fixed amount per resident to the child welfare unit of which it is part of.

The Government finances and administers the residential care institutions, and the municipalities pay a rate when children

are placed there. This ensures that limited financial resources are not a hindrance in placing children in care.

There is no connection between a municipality's financial situation and its expenditure on child welfare. The

municipalities with the lowest revenues are not the municipalities with the lowest expenditures on child welfare.

There is close collaboration between the child welfare units. The national Child Welfare Agency, which is a cross-

municipal institution, has among its objectives to:



strengthen and coordinate child welfare services in the Faroe Islands,

advise local child welfare units on questions and doubts concerning child welfare,

educate local child welfare units on their tasks according to the Child Welfare Act,

ensure the continued development of child welfare affairs, and

collect and administer statistical data.

The goal is to ensure that child welfare is administered in such a way that the citizens' access to and experience of child

welfare services do not depend on where they live.

National Action plan (concluding observation, para. 17)

Despite its small population - dispersed across 18 islands - the Faroe Islands is an advanced nation with a highly

developed governmental system and well- functioning, albeit small, administrative units. The distance between the people

and politicians is small, which means that elected representatives are aware of citizens' needs and wishes.

There is close collaboration with neighbouring countries, and Faroese authorities are well informed on policy

developments in these countries. For instance, the Faroe Islands takes part in Nordic cooperation on child welfare and is

represented in the Nordic task force on the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities. In addition to this, employees, citizens, interest groups and organisation in the Faroe Islands are up-to-date on

their areas of concern and make requirements accordingly. Therefore, there is broad consensus on the nature of the tasks

ahead. The main challenge is prioritising the workload with respect to the small population base and limited financial

resources. Priority has not been given to developing overall policies and plans but rather to solving particularly pressing

issues and cases requiring immediate action.

Independent monitoring (concluding observations, para. 20)

Since 2014, the Parliamentary Ombudsman has been tasked with monitoring the rights of children and young p eople in the

Faroe Islands including public and private institutions. Furthermore, the right to make a complaint to the Ombudsman has

been extended to Faroese children.

An important part of the Children's Ombudsman's activities is to provide children and young people with information,

guidance and advice on their rights and where to seek help. In this connection, the Parliamentary Ombudsman has

established a new section on its website where children can get information on the activities of the Children's

Ombudsman, how to make an appeal, etc.

Data collection (concluding observations, para. 24)

The Faroe Islands places great emphasis on collecting statistical data that is comparable to the data in other Nordic

countries and the EU. The Faroe Islands participates in Nordic collaboration on statistical research that focuses i.a. on

families and children. Please refer to annex 3

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I.B. Dissemination and awareness raising

Several campaigns have been initiated to increase awareness of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in the Faroe

Islands.

In September 2015, the Parliamentary Ombudsman participated in a public mass meeting to increase awareness of the

Ombudsman's activities in the children's rights area.

In the spring of 2016, the Children's Ombudsman, Barnabati (a children’s welfare organisation) and Amnesty

International Faroe Islands will launch a campaign to increase awareness of children's rights. The campaign includes

school visits and information leaflets.

II. Definition of the child

Please refer to para. XXIII of the Fourth Report.

Since the last periodic report legislative changes have been made. This includes the possibility to put in place special

measures to ease the transition into adulthood for children placed into care until the child reaches the age of 23.

III. General principles

III.A. Respect for the views of the child

In 2014 an amendment to the Child Welfare Act was made to ensure that the child welfare administration is obliged to

hear the views of the child in child welfare cases. In cases, where the age and maturity of the child or specific

circumstances of the case makes it difficult to interview the child, the child welfare administration shall seek to ensure that

the views of the child are represented in an alternative manner.

IV. Civil rights and freedoms

The right not to be subjected to torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment (concluding

observations, para 38)

Corporal punishment in the home and in alternative care settings is not lawful in the Faroe Islands.

The amendments to Danish law were adopted for the Faroe Islands in 2007. Pursuant to Article 2 of the Danish Act on

Custody and Access, adopted by Royal Decree Law number 228 of 15 March 2007, corporal punishment or other

degrading treatment of children is prohibited by law.

V. Violence against children

V.A. Sexual exploration and abuse

The Optional Protocol on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography (Concluding observations,

para. 60c)

In May 2013, Parliament passed a resolution on the Faroe Islands’ accession to the Optional Protocol to the Convention

on the Rights of the Child on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography. The Faroese authorities

have notified Danish authorities about the adoption of the optional protocol and are now awaiting the withdrawal of the

geographical reservation for the Faroe Islands.

V.B. Recovery and reintegration

Coordination of public measures (Concluding observations, para. 60d)

In the last years, emphasis has been on fighting sexual abuse and ending the widespread silence that exists around

violence and sexual abuse.

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The National Plan to Prevent Violence in Relationships and Close Relations, mentioned in pt. VI below, has a broad

definition of violence, which includes sexual violence. In addition the a separate national plan on sexual abuse is currently

considered by the Parliament and is expected to enter into force by 1 January 2016. The purpose of the National Plan is to

identify the actions needed to prevent and deal with sexual abuse.

Among these initiatives are:

1. Treatment to those who suffer delayed effects caused by sexual abuse in childhood and to those who commit

sexual abuse.

2. Public information including on the obligation to report sexual abuse.

3. Child protection policies in institutions/schools and information to parents/children on how to protect children

and where to turn for support and guidance.

Notification duty (concluding observations, para 60)

In 2012 the duty of professional's to notify was strengthened thereby requiring professionals working with children to

notify the authorities if they have reason to believe that a child is living under conditions that may harm his or her health

or development.

In addition measures to raise awareness have been implemented across the Faroe Islands with the purpose of informing

professionals about their duty to notify and provide them with the skills and tools necessary to perform this duty.

Child Welfare units across the country are furthermore working to strengthen cross-disciplinary cooperation to ensure that

children receive the help they need from the professionals and authorities in their vicinity.

At the moment, SSP

is working on a pilot project focusing on timely access to support. The project centres on a cross-

disciplinary working method, which involves all professional sectors that work with children between 0 and 10 years old.

The project, which runs from January 2015 to June 2016, is being piloted in three municipalities.

Children's House and amendments to the Administration of Justice Act

The Children's House of the Faroe Islands opened in 2013. The purpose of the Children's House is to gather expertise and

competencies to deal with sexual abuse and violence against children in one place.

The Children's House's activities include interviewing children and investigating whether they have been subject to sexual

abuse or other violence. Moreover, the Children's House provides emergency counselling and advice to the children and

their families.

In connection with the establishment of the Children's House, the Administration of Justice Act was amended on 1 July

2014. The amendment entails that the suspect or accused may no longer be present while the child is being video-

interviewed. Only the defence counsel may be present. Moreover, the Faroese authorities have raised an inquiry with

Danish authorities on raising the age limit for video interviews from 12 to 15. In November 2015 the Danish Government

introduced an amendment to the Administration of Justice Act for the Faroe Islands that raises the age limit for video

interviews from children aged 13 to children aged under 15 in criminal proceedings concerning certain viol ations of the

Criminal Code. Furthermore other victims and witnesses under the age of 18 may be video interviewed under special

circumstances.

V.C. Helplines for children

The Faroese Government helps fund the counselling service "Tú & Eg" that helps and advises children and young people

via email, chat and phone on a broad range of issues. The counselling service is operated by the national children's

Crime preventive cooperation between schools, social services and the police.

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welfare organisation Barnabati. In the last five years, the counselling service has helped more than 3.000 children and

young people in the Faroe Islands.

In 2014, the Government's support for Barnabati was increased by DKK 200 000, bringing the total support to DKK 350

000.

The Government also helps fund the support group “Berin”, which organises support groups for school aged children that

have lost someone they were close to. In 2014, the governmental support for Berin was increased from DKK 100 000 to

DKK 300 000.

VI. Family environment and alternative care

Domestic violence (concluding observations, para 42)

A National Plan to Prevent Violence in Relationships and Close Relations was adopted in 2011. The plan contains 18

policy initiatives on areas such as awareness, education and treatment.

Several public events have been organised in the Faroes to inform the citizens on i.a. violence and how it affects children.

Violence has also been discussed in a children's radio programme and in the morning radio programme of the national

broadcaster.

One of the policies is to provide treatment for children that have experienced violence i.a. in the framework of the

Children's House. Please refer to part. V.B.

If a child lives in a home affected by violence, the Children's Welfare Service has the authority to help the family. This

may include psychological counselling and family treatment. Moreover, the National Plan to Prevent Violence in

Relationships and Close Relations includes provisions on structured treatment opportunities for perpetrators of violence.

The crisis centre in the Faroes was involved in formulating the National Plan against Violence. The Plan includes

increased funding for the crisis centre's provision of psychological treatment for people affected by violence. This

treatment is not conditioned on the recipient staying in the crisis centre.

VII. Disability, basic health and welfare

VII.A. Children with disabilities

The Faroe Islands' main challenge with regard to children's rights is to ensure the rights of children with disabilities.

Existing disability legislation is outdated and new legislation is underway. Due to the small work force, new legislation is

developed piece by piece.

The development of new disability legislation is in accordance with the principles and provisions stipulated in the

Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to the extent that this

is possible when taking into consideration the small population of the Faroe Islands and the demographic challenges

related to this.

There are concrete plans to adopt a Social Service Act that includes provisions on developing special education schemes

for each individual child, to update the supportive systems for children with disabilities and to establish clear regulation

on the inspection of services for children with disabilities.

Collaboration between authorities is fundamental in order to provide the right help and support for children with special

needs and authorities are currently working to ensure that support to children with special needs is coordinated and

holistic. An example is the collaboration framework "The Good Process" which was launched in 2015 as a joint initiative

between the Ministry of Social Affairs; the Ministry of Health and Internal Affairs; the Ministry of Education, Research

and Culture and the National Association of Municipalities. The purpose of the framework is to ensure higher quality and

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better coordination in the provision of services for children with autism and their families. The plan is to extend this type

of collaboration framework to other policy areas in need of better coordination between authorities.

VII.B. Health and health services

Mental health

The number of children waiting to see a child psychiatrist has decreased steadily since 2012, when funding for child

psychiatry was increased and changes were made to change procedures on hiring of external consultants to assist in

diagnostics.

On 1 January 2013, 135 children were on the waiting list to see a child psychiatrist. Now the waiting lists are basically

gone and a child that is referred to psychiatric diagnosis can see a child psychiatrist without delay.

Every year more than 70 children in the Faroe Islands are referred to psychiatric diagnosis or treatment with a child

psychiatrist.

Dental care

The Act on Dental Care for Children and Young People was amended in May 2014. The amendment raised the age limit

for free preventive dental care and free dental treatments from 16 to 18.

Abortion counselling

In December 2013, a new counselling service which focuses on abortion was established under the Ministry of Health and

Internal Affairs. The health visitors' association, Gigni, administers the counselling service. The service is targeted at

young pregnant women, which may receive free and anonymous counselling and advice from Gigni. In addition to

counselling on abortion, the women may also receive advice on health, social and psychological matters relating to

abortion. Funding for the counselling service has been increased from DKK 100 000 in 2013 to DKK 350 000 annually in

2014 and 2015.

VII.C. Measures to protect children from substance abuse

A study conducted by the Child Welfare Agency between 2011 and 2013 shows i.a. that the number of children who have

never smoked has increased. In 2011, 72.1% of the respondents had never smoked. In 2013, the proportion had risen to

78.9%. It was especially among young females that the number had increased, while there was no significant change

among young males.

The plan is to conduct a follow-up study of the 13-15 age group and to do similar studies of young people in the age

groups 10-12 and 16-18. The purpose of the research is to monitor changes in the smoking and drinking habits of children

and young people, use the data as a basis for implementing measures targeted at specific age groups or problems, and

monitoring whether the measures are effective at tackling the problems.

SSP also arranges parent-teacher meetings across the Faroe Islands in addition to speaking to the children about topics like

drinking and the importance of doing leisure time activities.

The Council for Public Health also manages campaigns to stop smoking among children and young people, to inform

children and young people about the dangers of drugs and to promote physical exercise.

VII.D. Standard of living

Child poverty (concluding observations, para. 54)

Since 2011, statistical data has been collected on household income and income distribution in the Faroe Islands.

According to the latest data from 2013, 10.5% of Faroese children aged 0-17 are at risk of poverty. The level is

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approximately the same as in other Nordic countries. According to the NOSOSCO

report single parent families in the

Faroe Islands are at a greater risk of poverty compared to other Nordic countries and to the average for all EU countries.

In the last few years, there has been significant focus on child poverty in the Faroe Islands, and emphasis has been on

identifying additional funding for this socio-economic group. In 2013, the Public Assistance Act was amended to

implement a shift from needs-based assistance to permanent assistance. In this connection, single parents were

highlighted. The employment activation system was also amended in a way that prioritised assistance for single parents.

Other types of financial assistance for single parents have also been increased, e.g. the child benefit rate for single parents

and the study grant for single parent students.

The degree of compensation in the Faroese benefit system is higher than in most countries. A significant proportion of

those at risk of poverty are, however, people that do not receive social benefits. These are primarily students, people that

work reduced hours and people in unstable work.

The 2012 housing policy plan is part of the effort to improve conditions for families with children as lack of affordable

housing is a significant contributing factor to poverty among families with children.

According to the government platform from 2015, the goal is that no one in the Faroe Islands are to live in poverty.

Among its initiatives, the Government intends to reform the housing market and to reduce the cost of living in order to

make it easier for people to make ends meet. There are also concrete plans to reduce taxes for low and middle-income

households. Moreover, families with children that are at risk of poverty are to be given immediate financial relief. At the

same time, the Government intends to provide child benefit to families with children under school age.

VIII. Education, leisure and cultural activities

VIII.A. Education, including vocational training and guidance

A relatively large proportion of pupils in the Faroe Islands are enrolled in normal schools compared to neighbouring

countries. Less than 1% of Faroese pupils are enrolled in a school exclusively for people with special needs. This places

additional demands on primary and lower secondary schools. In order to make the most of the educational and financial

resources available, they need to coordinate the provision of special education in a way that fosters good collaboration and

a clear division of labour between the Competence Units and Sernám

In 2013 a task force was appointed to make recommendations on how to improve special education in primary and lower

secondary schools. The goal is for all pupils - including those with special needs - to be given a good environment to

develop, learn and thrive in primary and lower secondary schools. Several measures have been implemented to reach this

goal. For instance, the appropriation for special education lessons in primary and lower secondary schools has been

increased. Moreover, Competence Units have been established in order to improve guidance and expertise on special

education in primary and lower secondary schools. The Competence Units have been in effect for two years.

The task force has furthermore recommended that a revision is carried out of legislation on the subject in accordance with

the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The task force also recommends careful consideration of the particularities of the Faroese school culture, with special

attention to the way Faroese society has emphasised inclusivity in the school system and how it should do so in the future.

The effort to prioritise and put into action the policy recommendations is underway. The central goals are to bring the

special education structure up to date and to strengthen the provision of special education.

http://nowbase.org/

http://norden.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:798076/FULLTEXT02.pdf

Sernám provides psychological and educational services to individuals, institutions and schools.

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Upper secondary educational opportunities for young people with special needs

The Ministry of Education, Research and Culture and the Ministry of Social Affairs have begun work to establish a

coherent upper secondary educational offer for young people with special needs. Upper secondary education is here

defined as post lower secondary educational offers for young people up to the age of 25.

In the academic year of 2013/2014, the upper secondary school in Tórshavn was able to launch a special educational

programme tailored for young people with autism. Moreover, in 2015/2016, the upper secondary school in Kambsdalur,

which is one of the two upper secondary schools outside of Tórshavn, also launched a special education programme.

The basic idea is that in order for young people with special needs to complete an upper secondary education, it is

important that extracurricular activities, housing services and supportive services are shaped around the educational offer.

This necessitates good coordination between the Ministry of Education, Research and Culture and the Ministry of Social

Affairs, which manages housing and support services.

A task force was appointed to make concrete recommendations in the area and to prepare measures to extend special

educational programmes to other target groups. The new Government wishes to continue the work to establish special

education programmes and classes in upper secondary schools.

VIII.B. Aims of education

Although the Convention on the Rights of the Child does not feed directly into the Faroese school curriculum, several

schools teach their pupils about children's rights. The new curricula for primary, lower secondary and upper secondary

schools specify a number of basic competences that a school ought to stimulate and develop in addition to academic

competences. The basic competences are captured in four headings: 1) to respect, 2) to communicate, 3) to examine, and

4) to create.

In all subjects at primary, lower secondary and upper secondary schools, teaching should emphasise the different

conditions that people live in and should make students appreciate the needs and perspectives of other people regardless of

their age, ethnicity or life philosophy. Students should learn to understand and respect the obligations and rights that a

democracy is built on. The student also needs to respect, that other cultures and societies may be based on different values

than his or her own.

The Faroese day care system is based on a holistic approach to development and an educational philosophy which

emphasises play, care and learning. Work is underway to specify the aims and objectives of the Faroese day care system

in a legally binding framework. This work will emphasise the important role that day care centres play in Faroese society,

and it will assert their commitment to democratic principles and a democratic view of the child as specified in the UN

Convention on the Rights of the Child. The basic idea is that children should be given the opportunity to affect their own

life as a natural part of their upbringing.

VIII.C. Rest, play leisure and recreation

Since 2013 the Faroe Islands has had a structured legislative framework on young people under the age of 18 in the work

place which regulates i.a. the work which may be undertaken, working hours, rest periods, breaks and holidays.

The regulations are in accordance with international conventions. They take into account young people's right to

protection against financial exploitation and their right to protection against work that may be dangerous, work that may

interfere with their education, or work that may harm the their physical, psychological, intellectual, moral or social

development.

IX. Special protection measures

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Sexual exploration and sexual abuse

Please refer to section V.B.

The Optional Protocol on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography (Concluding observations,

para. 60c)

In May 2013, the Faroese Parliament passed a resolution on the Faroe Islands’ accession to the Optional Protocol to the

Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography. Faroese

authorities have notified Danish authorities about the adoption of the optional protocol and are now awaiting the

withdrawal of the geographical reservation for the Faroe Islands.

Sale, trafficking and abduction (Concluding Observations, para. 69)

In order for the Faroe Islands to be subject to the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons,

Especially Women and Children, the Faroe Islands has to be subject to the Convention against Transnational Organized

Crime. Since part of the legislation relevant to this Convention is under Danish jurisdiction, the Faroese authorities have

asked the Danish authorities to examine to which extent legislative amendments are necessary to meet the obligations

under the Protocol. As of yet, Denmark has not finalised its examination of the legislative amendments that are needed in

order for the Faroe Islands to meet the obligations under the optional protocol.

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Annex 1: Statistical information regarding Denmark

A. General measures of implementation

Allocation of resources

a) Family and/or child allowances, conditional cash transfer systems

DKK [millions], 2015-price

and wage level

Child and youth benefit

Child benefits

Total

Total public expenditure

2008

15 932

3 121

19 053

504026

2009

16 269

3 133

19 402

519383

2010

16 198

3 015

19 213

526030

2011

15 752

2 941

18 693

518599

2012

15 439

2 914

18 353

517719

2013

14 964

2 820

17 784

515213

2014

14 611

2 904

17 515

516009

b) Health services, in particular primary health services

DKK [millions], 2015-price

and wage level

Health expenditure in total

- including primary health

care

Total

Total public expenditure

504026

519383

526030

518599

517719

515213

2008

146 450

30 470

146 450

2009

151 285

29 963

151 285

2010

150 696

29 871

150 696

2011

149 006

29 382

149 006

2012

152 481

28 837

152 481

2013

152 421

28 706

152 421

2014

155 479

No data

available

155 479

516

009

c) Early childhood development (care and education)

DKK [billion]., 2015-price

and wage level

Operating expenses

(exclusive of parental

payment)

Change since previous year

2011

26.6

2012

26.4

2013

26.0

2014

25.3

-1.0

-0.2

-0.4

-0.7

Change since previous year

-3.8

-0.8

-1.4

-2.6

as percentage

The operating expenses forms part of the municipal budgets as it is the municipalities which bear responsibility for

access to daycare, the quality of daycare and the local organization of daycare.

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d) Education (primary, secondary), vocational education and training, special education

Annual expenditure per student by educational institutions

In equivalent

Pre-primary

Primary

Lower

Upper

Primary to

USD, using

Education

secondary

Tertiary

PPP's*

2006 (EAG 2009)

5.208

8.798

8.909

10.400

10.395

2007 (EAG 2010)

5.594

9.176

8.998

10.342

10.759

2008 (EAG 2011)

6.382

10.080

10.268

11.160

11.788

2009 (EAG 2012)

8.785

11.166

11.078

10.996

12.523

2010 (EAG 2013)

9.454

10.935

11.561

11.914

12.848

2011 (EAG 2014)

14.148

9.434

10.971

10.908

12.136

*In

equivalent USD converted using PPP for GDP, by level of education, based om full time equivalent

e) Child protection measures, including the prevention of violence, child labour and sexual exploitation, and

rehabilitation programs

The table shows the total net public expenditure on vulnerable children and young people. There has been a decrease

in total net public operating expenses in the years 2010-2014. Looking at the individual types of categories of

measures, it appears that the decrease in operating expenses is to be found in the cost of special day-care and club

facilities, foster homes and privately run institutions, residential institutions and secure residential institutions. The

cost of preventive measures has increased slightly since 2009, albeit with a decline of about 7 percent in the total net

public operating expenses in the years 2010-2011. The level of total net public expenditure on vulnerable children and

young people has been almost stable since 2011.

Total net public expenditure on vulnerable children and young people

DKK [millions], 2015-price

2008

2009

2010

2011

and wage level

Special day-care and special

club facilities (for children

with disabilities)

978

1 109

1 204

1 126

Foster homes and privately

run institutions

5 718

6 155

6 437

6 017

Preventive measures

Residential institutions

(publicly owned)

Secure residential

institutions

Total

Total public expenditure

504026

519383

526030

518599

517719

515213

516009

3934

3 248

294

14172

4266

3 559

325

15414

4316

3 502

329

15788

4010

3 189

363

14705

2012

2013

2014

1 045

6 053

4016

3 107

342

14563

1 012

6 049

4223

3 074

353

14711

973

6 059

4 400

2 975

303

14710

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Child protection measures, including prevention of violence, child labour and sexual exploitation, and rehabilitation

programmes

DKK [millions], 2015-price

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

and wage level

Children's officers dedicated

to child visiting parents in

prison

Family house attached to

Engelsborg Halfway House

Special unit for young

offenders in Jyderup State

Prison

Total

Total public expenditure

504026 519383

526030 518599

517719

515213

516009

Training on the convention

a) and b)

No data is available on training on the Convention for judicial personnel and law enforcement personnel.

c) Teachers

In 2014, 2 320 teachers graduated the bachelor of education, where training in the concepts and practical application

of human rights, children's rights, citizenship and democracy is mandatory.

d) Health-care personnel

In general, Danish healthcare professionals are well educated and trained, and there are a number of opportunities for

ongoing further education and training during their employment in municipalities and regions. Denmark does not have

statistical data on training on the Convention for healthcare professionals working with and for children but all

patients, including children, are treated equally in the Danish healthcare system regardless of sex, race, religion and

(their parents’) financial position etc.

B. Definition of the child

2010

1 283 661

23.19 %

2011

1 282 408

22.98 %

2012

1 273 129

22.72 %

2013

1 263 792

22.56 %

2014

1 250 679

22.22 %

2015

1 240 867

21.92 %

Number of children aged 0-18 years

Percentage of general population

Source: Statistic Denmark

Number of children

Age [years]/Year

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

63 178 63 739 59 306 58 246 56 161 57 130

65 977 63 665 64 168 59 718 58 721 56 748

65 205 66 235 63 842 64 422 60 046 59 134

66 248 65 406 66 358 64 006 64 638 60 389

65 459 66 450 65 529 66 564 64 216 64 967

65 546 65 532 66 506 65 643 66 742 64 546

65 534 65 647 65 597 66 634 65 822 67 083

64 941 65 583 65 693 65 676 66 762 66 122

65 976 65 039 65 667 65 801 65 861 67 053

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67 877 66 066 65 085 65 766 65 959 66 143

67 216 67 954 66 140 65 167 65 909 66 299

67 534 67 323 68 090 66 273 65 311 66 211

69 069 67 624 67 434 68 228 66 422 65 528

69 514 69 181 67 717 67 549 68 371 66 661

72 044 69 643 69 326 67 903 67 729 68 633

72 546 72 310 69 887 69 593 68 174 68 119

70 482 73 020 72 740 70 278 70 073 68 822

71 164 70 615 73 204 72 834 70 507 70 306

Source: Statistic Denmark

Number of children, disaggregated by gender

Age

Gender

[years]/Year

2009

2010

Boys

Girls

33656

33212

33943

33253

33421

33513

33328

33661

34634

34232

34601

35378

35631

36995

36956

35943

36487

34853

34695

31648

31678

32119

31998

32004

31926

31511

32289

33132

32435

33984

33380

34034

33339

33465

33553

33373

33671

34689

34294

34644

35439

35681

37062

37064

36169

36576

34915

30743

31993

31825

32214

32120

32081

31981

31568

32305

2011

32628

32714

34125

33490

34127

33361

33556

33579

33427

33693

34729

34343

34687

35511

35737

37173

37315

36228

36686

31111

30951

32110

31916

32323

32171

32091

32004

31612

2012

30184

32854

32813

34207

33582

34137

33419

33577

33649

33447

33741

34791

34400

34750

35586

35876

37383

37431

36329

29122

31314

31029

32151

31947

32369

32178

32116

32018

2013

29991

30402

33032

32921

34325

33629

34197

33446

33628

33695

33498

33797

34841

34455

34863

35710

36099

37455

37572

28255

29316

31390

31085

32239

32014

32437

32230

32173

2014

28751

30273

30596

33151

33021

34421

33742

34266

33567

33739

33751

33562

33874

34897

34544

34988

35966

36175

37683

27410

28448

29450

31487

31195

32321

32080

32496

32294

2015

29375

29064

30485

30753

33324

33171

34598

33877

34436

33709

33886

33909

33665

33998

35052

34743

35305

36085

36433

27755

27684

28649

29636

31643

31375

32485

32245

32617

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32849

32821

33605

33779

34927

35386

34140

34506

33190

32938

33188

32922

32890

33630

33833

34982

35482

34313

34588

33236

32373

33225

32980

32937

33670

33906

35137

35705

34387

34690

31638

32399

33299

33034

32967

33740

34011

35357

35773

34511

32071

31669

32476

33387

33094

33040

33883

34179

35379

35919

32220

32158

31749

32548

33474

33185

33186

34107

34332

35572

32434

32413

32302

31863

32663

33581

33376

33517

34221

34540

Number of married children

Number of married children of Danish origin

Number of married immigrated children

Number of married children who are descendants of immigrants

Source: Statistic Denmark

All children were aged between 15 and 18 years.

C. General principles

C.1. Right to life, survival and development

Cause of death, number of deaths

Infectious incl. infestations

Cancer

Other tumors (other neoplasia )

Diseases of the blood ( -forming ) organs , diseases

involving the immune system

Endocrine and nutritional disorders and metabolic

diseases

Mental disorders and behavioral disorders

Diseases related to the nervous system and sense organs

Heart disease

Other cardiovascular diseases

Respiratory diseases

Diseases of the digestive organs

Diseases of bones, muscles and connective tissue

Diseases of the urinary and genital organs

Complications of pregnancy , childbirth

Some diseases that occur in the perinatal period

Congenital malformations and chromosomal

abnormalities

Age

0-19

15-19

0-19

2007

125

2008

122

2009

2010

2011

121

2012

109

2013

101

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

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Symptoms and abnormal findings with ill-defined causes

Accidents

Suicide

Crime and other forms of violence

Events with uncertain circumstance

Death certificates without medical information

All causes of death

Source: Danish Couse of Death Register

0-19

10-19

0-19

489

493

392

376

384

344

358

C.2. Respect for the views of the child

a) Child and youth organisations or associations and the number of members that they represent

Please refer to annex 1, section H.j.

b) Schools with independent student councils

No data is available.

c) Judicial and administrative proceedings

With regard to family law cases approximately 2400 interviews with children are carried out annually by the State

Administration.

D. Civil rights and freedoms

D.1. Birth registration

Birth registration is required by law. All new-borns are hence registered.

2007

Number of live births 64 082

Source: Statistics Denmark

2008

65 038

2009

62 818

2010

63 411

2011

58 998

2012

57 916

2013

55 873

2014

56 870

D.2. Access to appropriate information

In 2013 there were 483 libraries in Denmark.

E: Violence against children

E.1. Abuse and neglect

a) Victims of abuse

The municipalities must register all received external notifications regarding concerns for a child’s health and

development. Data on the number of received notifications, the source of the notifications as well as initial follow up

is expected to be available by the end of 2015.

b) Sanctions or other forms of follow-up for perpetrators

Data is not available.

c) Recovery and social reintegration

Children who are victims of violence or abuse can receive specialised support in the five “Children’s Houses”, which

cover all municipalities in Denmark. The “Children’s Houses” opened in October 2013, and data from their first year

of operation, from October 2013 to October 2014, showed that approximately 1000 children had received specialised

help in one of the houses.

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E.2. The right not to be subjected to torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishments

a) Children reported as victims of torture

There is no available data regarding children reported as victims of torture due to the fact that torture in Danish

criminal law is an aggravating circumstance pursuant to section 157a of the Criminal Code in cases of violations of

inter alia sections 244, 245 and 266 of the Criminal Code. The police districts have, however, conducted a search of

cases in their case handling system, POLSAS, on violations of sections 244, 245 or 266 of the Danish Criminal Code

during the period from 1 January 2008 to 30 June 2015 with the added term "torture". The search provided no results

referencing section 157a of the Criminal Code.

b) Children reported as victims of other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or other forms of punishment,

including forced marriage and female genital mutilation

The Ministry of Justice is aware of three reports of female genital mutilation in the period from 2008 to June 2013. At

least one of these victims was under the age of 18.

No data is available regarding forced marriages as it is not possible to distinguish child victims from adult victims in

the statistical material.

c) Incidents of corporal punishment in all settings (childcare facilities, schools, family, foster homes, institutions

and other places providing services to children), and the number of incidents of mobbing and bullying

No data is available as it is not possible to distinguish between violence in the above mentioned and other settings.

When asked in the annual survey on well-being among pupils in 2015, 75 % of the pupils report that they have never

been bullied during the current school year.

d) The number and percentage of reported violations under (a), (b) and (c) above which have resulted in either a court

decision or other types of follow-up

The Ministry of Justice is aware of one conviction for female genital mutilation of a child in the period from 2008 to

June 2013.

No data is available regarding forced marriages as it is not possible to distinguish child victims from adult victims in

the statistical material.

e) Children who received special care in terms of recovery and social reintegration

No data is available.

f) The number of programmes implemented for the prevention of institutional violence and the amount of training

provided to staff of institutions on this issue

No data is available.

F: Family environment and alternative care

F.1. Family support

a) The number of services and programmes aimed at rendering appropriate assistance to parents

and legal guardians in the performance of their child-rearing responsibilities and the number and

percentage of children and families that benefit from these services and programmes

No data is available.

b) The number of available childcare services and facilities and the percentage of children and families that have

access to those services.

The municipality grants a subsidy for the costs of day care. To ensure all children access to a day-care facility an

additional subsidy to reduce or de facto eliminate the charge may be paid if the income of the parents does not exceed

a determined threshold. Treatment aided place subsidy is awarded for children with considerably and permanently

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diminished physical or mental capacity who are admitted to a day-care facility for treatment reasons, while socio-

pedagogic aided place subsidy is given when a place in a day-care facility is deemed necessary for social or

pedagogical reasons and the question of payment reduces the child’s possibility of being admitted to or remaining in a

day-care facility.

Percentage of children in

different age-groups

attending day-care facilities,

2008-2013

All children in Denmark

Age [years]

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

1-2

3-5

16.7 %

90.7 %

97.0 %

8.5 %

51.3 %

76.7 %

9.0 %

71.4 %

92.6 %

15.3 %

90.0 %

96.6 %

7.7 %

43.4 %

72.6 %

8.2 %

68.7 %

92.7 %

17.8 %

91.3 %

97.4 %

10.5 %

48.3 %

73.6 %

9.4 %

72.3 %

92.4 %

19.1 %

91.0 %

97.4 %

7.2 %

51.3 %

74.1 %

10.6 %

73.3 %

93.5 %

18.7 %

90.9 %

97.6 %

12.9 %

51.7 %

76.9 %

11.1 %

73.4 %

93.0 %

19.0 %

91.1 %

96.9 %

15.8 %

56.0 %

75.6 %

10.8 %

75.6 %

91.3 %

Non-western immigrants

1-2

3-5

Non-western descendants

1-2

3-5

Source: Statistics Denmark, PAS11 and FOLK1 and the Ministry of Children, Education and Gender Equality..

F.2. Children without parental care

a) Children without parental care

Number and percentage of children without parental care by age groups

2011

Age

0-3 years

4-6 years

7-11 years

12-14 years

15-17 years

Unknown

Number

906

987

2.651

2.778

5.228

Percentage

2012

Number

855

1.046

2.644

2.698

4.968

Percentage

2013

Number

783

1.050

2.570

2.586

4.622

Percentage

Total

12.553

100

12.214

100

11.614

100

Source: Anbringelsesstatistikken, ast.dk

Note: The number of children without parental care is calculated by the 31

December each year.

It appears that the total number of children without parental care is significantly lower in 2013 than in 2011 and 2012.

The age group 15-17 years represents about 40 percent of the children without parental care in each of the years 2011-

2013. Compared to 2011 there were 606 fewer children without parental care in the age group 15-17 years.

Number and percentage of children without parental care, disaggregated by gender

2011

Sex

Male

Female

Unknown

Number

6.820

5.728

Percentage

2012

Number

6.602

5.607

12.214

Percentage

100

2013

Number

6.285

5.324

11.614

Percentage

100

Total

12.553

100

Source: Anbringelsesstatistikken, ast.dk.

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Note: The number of children without parental care is calculated by the 31

December each year.

More boys than girls are without parental care. In each of the years 2011-2013 54 percent of the children without

parental care are boys and 46 percent are girls.

b) Children separated from their parents

At the end of 2013, 11.614 children and young persons (0-17 years) were placed outside their home.

There is no available information on the number of children separated from their parents as a result of detention or

imprisonment of the parent.

c) Number of institutions for such children disaggregated by region, the number of places available in the

institutions, the ratio of caregivers to children and the number of foster homes

Number of institutions for children disaggregated by region and year

Region

Capital region

Central region

North region

Zealand region

Southern region

Total

2011

116

121

115

188

121

661

2012

131

138

125

204

138

736

2013

141

160

133

219

146

799

2015

142

152

124

214

170

802

Number of foster homes disaggregated by region

Number of foster

Region

homes in 2015

Capital region

Central region

North region

Zealand region

Southern region

868

1.550

1.075

1.345

1.769

Total

6.607

Note: The number reflects the number of regular foster homes and municipal foster homes.

Number of institutions disaggregated by number of places and year

Number of

2011

2012

2013

2015

places

1-5

110

126

140

101

6-10

11-30

31-100

101<

Total

295

198

659

335

217

734

355

236

794

296

258

711

Until 2014 the institutions only reported the total number of places, thus it is not possible to distinguish between the

number of places for children and the number of places for adults if an institution was approved for both. Since 2014

and the implementation of the new reporting system it is possible to distinguish between places for children and places

for adults. This – along with the pending re-approval is the likely explanation for the drop in number of places from

2013 to 2015.

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Ratio of caregivers to children disaggregated by region and year

2011

Capital region

Central region

North region

South region

Zealand region

1.7

2.0

1.7

1.3

2.0

2012

1.9

2.0

1.4

2.2

2013

1.8

1.9

2.7

1.4

2.2

2015

1.0

1.1

0.7

1.0

Average

1.7

1.9

2.0

1.0

Please note that the ratio is obtained by dividing the sum of caregiver FTE with the sum of places in institutions.

Number of institutions disaggregated by cause and year

Cause

Physical disability

Mental disability

Social problem

2011

146

600

565

2012

150

674

627

2013

161

729

680

2015

580

546

Other

101

An institution can be approved for multiple causes and therefore be included multiple times in the table.

d) Children separated from their parents who are living in institutions or in foster homes

Number and percentage of children without parental care by type of placement

2011

Type of placement

Foster homes

Institutions

Number

6 778

2 720

Percentage

2012

Number

6 865

2 584

Percentage

2013

Number

6 717

2 442

Percentage

Own rooms, student

hostels or similar

facilities

549

Boarding and/or

independent residential

schools

407

Privately run

institutions

1 937

Maritime projects

Unknown

147

430

338

371

1 818

132

364

1 627

113

100

Total

12 553

100

12 214

100

8 614

Source: Anbringelsesstatistikken, ast.dk.

Note: The number of children without parental care is calculated by the 31

December each year.

The majority of children without parental care are placed in foster homes. In 2011 54 percent and in 2013 58 percent

were placed in foster homes. About 20 percent are living in institutions.

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Number and percentage of children without parental care by placement type and origin

2011

2012

Origin

Danes

Foster home

Institution

Own rooms, student hostels or similar

facilities

Boarding and/or independent

residential schools

Privately run institutions

Maritime projects

Total

Immigrants

Foster homes

Institution

Own rooms, student hostels or similar

facilities

Boarding and/or independent

residential schools

Privately run institutions

Maritime projects

Total

Descendants

Foster homes

Institution

Own rooms, student hostels or similar

facilities

Boarding and/or independent

residential schools

Privately run institutions

Maritime projects

Total

302

275

726

100

346

282

125

789

100

145

173

480

100

142

154

426

100

6 294

2 228

458

372

1 736

11 102

100

6 345

2 112

384

339

1 593

10 785

100

Number

Percentage

Number

Percentage

2013

Number

6 057

1 973

289

329

1 425

10 085

150

136

395

350

276

112

778

Percentage

100

Source: Anbringelsesstatistikken, ast.dk. and Statistics Denmark, dst.dk.

Note: The number of children without parental care is calculated by the 31

December each year.

* less than 3 children

Children with origin in Denmark are more likely to be placed in foster homes (around 60 percent), compared to

immigrant children or descendants, where only 38-45 percent of the children placed in care were placed in foster

homes.

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Number and percentage of children in foster homes disaggregated by age groups

2011

2012

Percentage of

total number

placed in care Number

758

880

1 909

1 541

1 777

2013

Percentage of

total number

placed in care Number

712

869

1 892

1 497

1 747

Percentage of

total number

placed in care

Age

0-3 years

4-6 years

7-11 years

12-14 years

15-17 years

Number

807

795

1 901

1 551

1 724

Total

6 778

100

6 865

100

6 717

100

Source: Anbringelsesstatistikken, ast.dk.

Note: The number of children without parental care is calculated by the 31

December each year.

Number and percentage of children in foster homes disaggregated by age and sex

2011

2012

Percentage of

total number

placed in care Number

3 540

3 322

2013

Percentage of

total number

placed in care Number

3 484

3 230

Percentage of

total number

placed in care

Sex

Male

Female

Unknown

Number

3 502

3 272

Total

6 778

100

6 865

100

6 717

100

Source: Anbringelsesstatistikken, ast.dk.

Note: The number of children without parental care is calculated by the 31

December each year.

The table below shows that the largest part of children placed in institutions is between 15-17 years old. In 2013 this

part was 48 percent. At the same time 3/5 of the children placed in institutional care are boys.

Number and percentage of children in institutions disaggregated by age groups

2011

2012

Percentage of

total number

placed in care Number

121

499

643

1 238

2013

Percentage of

total number

placed in care Number

136

460

619

1 169

Percentage of

total number

placed in care

Age

0-3 years

4-6 years

7-11 years

12-14 years

15-17 years

Number

138

516

703

1 275

Total

2 720

100

2 584

100

2 442

100

Source: Anbringelsesstatistikken, ast.dk.

Note: The number of children without parental care is calculated by the 31

December each year.

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Number and percentage of children in institutions disaggregated by age and sex

2011

2012

Percentage of

total number

placed in care Number

1 553

1031

2013

Percentage of

total number

placed in care Number

1 455

987

Percentage of

total number

placed in care

Sex

Male

Female

Number

1 658

1 062

Total

2 720

100

2 584

100

2 442

100

Source: Anbringelsesstatistikken, ast.dk.

Note: The number of children without parental care is calculated by the 31

December each year.

Number of follow-ups during placement, 2009-2013

2009

Number of follow-ups and action plans

Number of children placed in care (0-17 years)

6 530

13 060

2010

7 783

12 824

2011

10 047

12 553

2012

10 626

12 214

2013

11 251

11 614

Source: Anbringelsesstatistikken, ast.dk.

Note: The number of children without parental care is calculated by the 31

December each year.

The number of follow-ups and action plans during placement of children has increased by more than 70 percent from

2009 to 2013.

e) The number and percentage of children reunited with their parents after a placement

Number of children returning to parents, 2010-2013

Number of children returning to parents after a

placement

Number of returns with information about return

1 549

1 534

1 306

destination

Number of returns in total

3 437

3 383

3 207

Source: Anbringelsesstatistikken, ast.dk.

Note: The number of children without parental care is calculated by the 31

December each year.

2010

916

2011

928

2012

785

2013

676

1 115

3 007

The number of children returning to parents after placement in foster homes or institutional care has decreased from

2010 to 2013. At the same time the total number of placements has, however, also decreased. The relation between

children returning to parents after placement and the total number of placements is though not tested.

Duration of placements, 2009-2013

Duration of placements in months

Foster homes

Institution

2009

61.0

24.6

2010

68.0

26.6

2011

69.7

31.4

2012

71.2

30.7

2013

78.3

34.0

Source: Anbringelsesstatistikken, ast.dk.

Note: The number of children without parental care is calculated by the 31

December each year.

There has been an increase in the duration of placements both in foster homes and in institutional care from 2009 to

2013.

f) Adoption

In 2012, 2013 and 2014 respectively 14, 22 and 14 (anonymous) domestic adoptions were carried out in Denmark. 82

percent of these children had a Danish background. Almost all the children were less than 1 year old.

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In the same period respectively 219, 176 and 124 intercountry adoptions were carried out. Most children came from

Ethiopia (57, 47 and 14), South Africa (32, 41 and 35), and Thailand (20, 13 and 11). In 2014 the average age of the

children were 2.3 years when they came to Denmark. 20 percent were aged 3 years or older.

F.3. Family reunification

The number of unaccompanied minors seeking asylum in Denmark has increased significantly from 302 in 2008 to

818 in 2014. The number is still increasing in 2015. For several years, the largest group of unaccompanied minors has

been from Afghanistan, but recently most of the accompanied minors are from Syria. In 2015, the top three largest

groups of unaccompanied minors are from Syria, Eritrea and Afghanistan. Occasionally, there has been a large group

of unaccompanied minors from northern Africa.

Total number of applications for family reunification for children, unaccompanied minor asylum seekers and asylum-

seeking children in 2008 -2015 - by application year

Jan - Jun

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Family reunification,

children

1.407

1.224

1.423

927

1.424

1.794 5.437

4.782

Asylum-seeking children

Unaccompanied asylum

seekers

Total

371

302

2.080

652

529

2.405

945

432

2.800

784

282

1.993

1.226

355

3.005

1.631

354

3.779

2.122

818

8.377

491

387

5.660

Unaccompanied minor asylum seekers 2008 - 2015, by application year and top 3 largest nationalities for each year

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Jan - Jun 2015

Afghanistan (168)

Afghanistan (386)

Afghanistan (313)

Afghanistan (169)

Afghanistan (114)

Morocco (67)

Syria (248)

Syria (83)

Iraq (67)

Iraq (30)

Iran (32)

Algeria (34)

Algeria (51)

Afghanistan (62)

Eritrea (188)

Eritrea (72)

Iran (20)

Somalia (26)

Syria (17)

Libya (13)

Somalia (44)

Somalia (49)

Morocco (93)

Afghanistan (63)

The figures regarding family reunification reflect both applications for children who apply for family reunification

alone and applications for children who apply accompanied by a parent.

The figures for the period 2008-2014 are based on administrative records from the Danish Alien’s Register, the

electronic case and document handling system (ECDH) and registrations in the police system POLSAS.

The figures for 2015 cover the period from January to June and are provisional based on the administrative records

from the electronic case and document handling system (ECDH) and registrations in the police system POLSAS.

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Number of applications for family reunification for children, unaccompanied minor asylum seekers and asylum-seeking children in 2008 in Denmark - by

nationality, sex and age-group

Category

Family reunification, children

Sex

over

0-11 12 -14

Nationality/Age

Afghanistan

Albania

Algeria

Armenia

Australia

Azerbaijan

Bahamas

Bangladesh

Belarus

Bosnia and

Herzegovina

Brazil

Bulgaria

Burkina Faso

Burma

Burundi

Cambodia

Cameroon

Canada

Cape Verde

Chile

China

Colombia

Unaccompanied asylum seekers

over

0-11 12 -14

0-11 12 -14 over 15

126

Asylum-seeking children

over

0-11 12 -14

0-11

Total

12 -14

over

272

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Congo, the

Republic of the

Congo, the

Democratic

Republic of the

Cote d'Ivoire

Croatia

Cuba

Czech Republic

Dominican

Republic

Ecuador

Egypt

Eritrea

Estonia

Ethiopia

France

Gambia

Georgia

Germany

Ghana

Greece

Guinea

Haiti

Honduras

Hungary

India

Indonesia

Iran (Islamic

Republic of)

Iraq

185

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Israel

Italy

Japan

Jordan

Kazakhstan

Kenya

Kosovo

Kyrgyzstan

Laos

Latvia

Lebanon

Liberia

Lithuania

Malawi

Malaysia

Mauritius

Mongolia

Montenegro

Morocco

Mozambique

Netherlands

Nepal

New Zealand

Nicaragua

Niger

Nigeria

Pakistan

Peru

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Philippines

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Russia

Rwanda

Schweiz

Senegal

Serbia

Sierra Leone

Singapore

Slovakia

Slovenia

Somalia

Sri Lanka

Stateless

Sudan

Syria

Taiwan

Tanzania

Thailand

the former

Yugoslav

Republic of

Macedonia

Togo

Tonga

Tunisia

Turkey

196

216

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Uganda

Ukraine

United

Kingdom

USA

Uzbekistan

Venezuela

Vietnam

Zambia

Zimbabwe

Total

470

133

496

143

237

113

156

2.080

Number of applications for family reunification for children, unaccompanied minor asylum seekers and asylum-seeking children in 2009 in Denmark - by

nationality, sex and age-group

Category

Sex

Family reunification, children

over

12 -14 15

0-11

over

12 -14 15

Unaccompanied asylum seekers

0-11

over

12 -14 15

0-11

12 -14 over 15

329

Asylum-seeking children

0-11

over

12 -14 15

0-11

over

12 -14 15

558

Total

Nationality/Age 0-11

Afghanistan

Albania

Algeria

Armenia

Australia

Azerbaijan

Bangladesh

Bhutan

Belarus

Bosnia and

Herzegovina

Brazil

Bulgaria

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Burma

Burundi

Cambodja

Cameroon

China

Colombia

Congo, the

Republic of the

Congo, the

Democratic

Republic of the

Cote d'Ivoire

Croatia

Cuba

Dominica

Dominican

Republic

Ecuador

Egypt

Eritrea

Estonia

Ethiopia

Gambia

Georgia

Germany

Ghana

Greece

Guatemala

Guinea

Guinea-Bissau

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Haiti

Hungary

India

Indonesia

Iran (Islamic

Republic of)

Iraq

Ireland

Israel

Jamaica

Jordan

Kazakhstan

Kenya

Kosovo

Latvia

Lebanon

Liberia

Libyan Arab

Jamahiriya

Lithuania

Malaysia

Malta

Mauritania

Mexico

Moldova

Mongolia

Montenegro

Morocco

Mozambique

100

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Netherlands

Nepal

Nicaragua

Niger

Nigeria

Pakistan

Paraguay

Peru

Philippines

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Russia

Rwanda

Schweiz

Serbia

Sierra Leone

Somalia

South Africa

Sri Lanka

Stateless

Sudan

Syria

Tanzania

Thailand

the former

Yugoslav

Republic of

Macedonia

190

113

163

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Togo

Tunisia

Turkey

Uganda

Ukraine

United

Kingdom

USA

Uzbekistan

Venezuela

Vietnam

Zambia

Zimbabwe

Total

391

138

398

190

138

450

211

272

2.405

Number of applications for family reunification for children, unaccompanied minor asylum seekers and asylum-seeking children in 2010 in Denmark - by

nationality, sex and age-group

Category

Sex

Family reunification, children

over

12 -14 15

0-11

over

12 -14 15

Unaccompanied asylum seekers

0-11

over

12 -14 15

0-11

12 -14 over 15

269

Asylum-seeking children

0-11

over

12 -14 15

0-11

over

12 -14 15

664

Total

Nationality/Age 0-11

Afghanistan

Albania

Algeria

Angola

Armenia

Australia

Austria

Azerbaijan

Bahrain

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Bangladesh

Barbados

Belarus

Bhutan

Bosnia and

Herzegovina

Brazil

Bulgaria

Burma

Burundi

Cambodja

Cameroon

Canada

Chile

China

Colombia

Congo, the

Republic of the

Congo, the

Democratic

Republic of the

Cote d'Ivoire

Croatia

Cuba

Dominican

Republic

Ecuador

Egypt

Eritrea

Ethiopia

Gambia

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Georgia

Germany

Ghana

Guatemala

Guinea

Guinea-Bissau

Haiti

Honduras

India

Indonesia

Iran (Islamic

Republic of)

Iraq

Israel

Jamaica

Japan

Jordan

Kazakhstan

Kenya

Korea,

Democratic

People's

Republic of

Kosovo

Kyrgyzstan

Latvia

Lebanon

Libyan Arab

Jamahiriya

Mauritania

109

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Mexico

Moldova

Mongolia

Morocco

Mozambique

Namibia

Nepal

New Zealand

Nigeria

Norway

Pakistan

Paraguay

Peru

Philippines

Poland

Russia

Rwanda

Senegal

Serbia

Sierra Leone

Somalia

South Africa

Sri Lanka

Stateless

Sudan

Syria

Tanzania

Thailand

198

138

120

249

189

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the former

Yugoslav

Republic of

Macedonia

Trinidad og

Tobago

Tunisia

Turkey

Uganda

Ukraine

United

Kingdom

USA

Unknown

Uzbekistan

Venezuela

Vietnam

Yemen

Zambia

Zimbabwe

Total

174

159

369

325

469

151

382

2.800

500

SOU, Alm.del - 2015-16 - Bilag 160: Kopi af Danmarks femte afgivne periodiske rapport under FN's Konvention om Barnets Rettigheder, fra social- og indenrigsministeren

Number of applications for family reunification for children, unaccompanied minor asylum seekers and asylum-seeking children in 2011 in Denmark - by

nationality, sex and age-group

Category

Sex

Family reunification, children

12 -

over

0-11

over

12 -14 15

Unaccompanied asylum seekers

0-11

over

12 -14 15

0-11

12 -14 over 15

131

Asylum-seeking children

0-11

over

12 -14 15

0-11

over

12 -14 15

473

Total

Nationality/Age 0-11

Afghanistan

Algeria

Argentina

Armenia

Australia

Azerbaijan

Bangladesh

Belarus

Benin

Bosnia and

Herzegovina

Brazil

Bulgaria

Burkina Faso

Burma

Cambodja

Cameroon

Canada

Chile

China

Colombia

Congo, the

Republic of the

Congo, the

Democratic

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Republic of the

Costa Rica

Cote d'Ivoire

Croatia

Cuba

Czech Republic

Egypt

Eritrea

Ethiopia

Gambia

Georgia

Germany

Ghana

Guatemala

Guinea

Guinea-Bissau

India

Indonesia

Iran (Islamic

Republic of)

Iraq

Israel

Jamaica

Jordan

Kenya

Korea,

Democratic

People's

Republic of

Kosovo

114

SOU, Alm.del - 2015-16 - Bilag 160: Kopi af Danmarks femte afgivne periodiske rapport under FN's Konvention om Barnets Rettigheder, fra social- og indenrigsministeren

Kyrgyzstan

Lebanon

Liberia

Libyan Arab

Jamahiriya

Malawi

Moldova

Mongolia

Montenegro

Morocco

Mozambique

Netherlands

Nepal

Nigeria

Pakistan

Peru

Philippines

Poland

Romania

Russia

Rwanda

Senegal

Serbia

Singapore

Somalia

South Africa

Spain

Sri Lanka

171

SOU, Alm.del - 2015-16 - Bilag 160: Kopi af Danmarks femte afgivne periodiske rapport under FN's Konvention om Barnets Rettigheder, fra social- og indenrigsministeren

Stateless

Sudan

Syria

Tanzania

Thailand

the former

Yugoslav

Republic of

Macedonia

Tunisia

Turkey

Uganda

Ukraine

United

Kingdom

USA

Unknown

Uzbekistan

Vietnam

Zambia

Total

158

130

308

355

100

225

282

300

1.993

SOU, Alm.del - 2015-16 - Bilag 160: Kopi af Danmarks femte afgivne periodiske rapport under FN's Konvention om Barnets Rettigheder, fra social- og indenrigsministeren

Number of applications for family reunification for children, unaccompanied minor asylum seekers and asylum-seeking children in 2012 in Denmark - by

nationality, sex and age-group

Category

Sex

Family reunification, children

12 -

over

0-11

over

12 -14 15

Unaccompanied asylum seekers

0-11

over

12 -14 15

0-11

12 -14 over 15

Asylum-seeking children

0-11

over

12 -14 15

0-11

over

12 -14 15

288

Total

Nationality/Age 0-11

Afghanistan

Albania

Algeria

Angola

Armenia

Australia

Azerbaijan

Bangladesh

Barbados

Belarus

Bosnia and

Herzegovina

Brazil

Burkina Faso

Burma

Burundi

Cambodja

Cameroon

Canada

Chad

Chile

China

Colombia

Congo, the

SOU, Alm.del - 2015-16 - Bilag 160: Kopi af Danmarks femte afgivne periodiske rapport under FN's Konvention om Barnets Rettigheder, fra social- og indenrigsministeren

Republic of the

Congo, the

Democratic

Republic of the

Costa Rica

Cote d'Ivoire

Croatia

Cuba

Ecuador

Egypt

Eritrea

Ethiopia

Fiji

Gabon

Gambia

Georgia

Germany

Ghana

Guinea

Guinea-Bissau

Honduras

Ungarn

India

Indonesia

Iran (Islamic

Republic of)

Iraq

Israel

Jamaica

135

SOU, Alm.del - 2015-16 - Bilag 160: Kopi af Danmarks femte afgivne periodiske rapport under FN's Konvention om Barnets Rettigheder, fra social- og indenrigsministeren

Japan

Jordan

Kazakhstan

Kenya

Kosovo

Kyrgyzstan

Laos

Latvia

Lebanon

Liberia

Libyan Arab

Jamahiriya

Lithuania

Malaysia

Maldives

Mali

Malta

Mexico

Moldova

Mongolia

Montenegro

Morocco

Mozambique

Namibia

Netherlands

Nepal

New Zealand

Nigeria

SOU, Alm.del - 2015-16 - Bilag 160: Kopi af Danmarks femte afgivne periodiske rapport under FN's Konvention om Barnets Rettigheder, fra social- og indenrigsministeren

Pakistan

Peru

Philippines

Poland

Romania

Russia

Rwanda

Senegal

Serbia

Sierra Leone

Solomon

Islands

Somalia

South Africa

South Sudan

Spain

Sri Lanka

Stateless

Sudan

Syria

Tajikistan

Tanzania

Thailand

the former

Yugoslav

Republic of

Macedonia

Togo

Tunisia

Turkey

104

257

274

328

106

383

147

SOU, Alm.del - 2015-16 - Bilag 160: Kopi af Danmarks femte afgivne periodiske rapport under FN's Konvention om Barnets Rettigheder, fra social- og indenrigsministeren

Uganda

Ukraine

United

Kingdom

USA

Unknown

Uzbekistan

Venezuela

Vietnam

Yemen

Zambia

Zimbabwe

Total

450

131

517

125

103

298

477

515

3.005

Number of applications for family reunification for children, unaccompanied minor asylum seekers and asylum-seeking children in 2013 in Denmark - by

nationality, sex and age-group

Category

Sex

Family reunification, children

12 -

over

0-11

over

12 -14 15

Unaccompanied asylum seekers

0-11

over

12 -14 15

0-11

12 -14 over 15

Asylum-seeking children

0-11

over

12 -14 15

0-11

over

12 -14 15

302

Total

Nationality/Age 0-11

Afghanistan

Albania

Algeria

Angola

Argentina

Armenia

Australia

Azerbaijan

Bahrain

Bangladesh

SOU, Alm.del - 2015-16 - Bilag 160: Kopi af Danmarks femte afgivne periodiske rapport under FN's Konvention om Barnets Rettigheder, fra social- og indenrigsministeren

Belarus

Benin

Bosnia and

Herzegovina

Brazil

Bulgaria

Burma

Burundi

Cambodja

Cameroon

Canada

Chile

China

Colombia

Congo, the

Republic of the

Congo, the

Democratic

Republic of the

Cote d'Ivoire

Croatia

Cuba

Dominican

Republic

Ecuador

Egypt

Eritrea

Ethiopia

Gambia

Georgia

Germany

SOU, Alm.del - 2015-16 - Bilag 160: Kopi af Danmarks femte afgivne periodiske rapport under FN's Konvention om Barnets Rettigheder, fra social- og indenrigsministeren

Ghana

Greece

Guinea

Guinea-Bissau

India

Indonesia

Iran (Islamic

Republic of)

Iraq

Italy

Jamaica

Japan

Jordan

Kazakhstan

Kenya

Korea, Republic

Kosovo

Kyrgyzstan

Latvia

Lebanon

Liberia

Libyan Arab

Jamahiriya

Lithuania

Malaysia

Mali

Mauritius

Mexico

Moldova

SOU, Alm.del - 2015-16 - Bilag 160: Kopi af Danmarks femte afgivne periodiske rapport under FN's Konvention om Barnets Rettigheder, fra social- og indenrigsministeren

Morocco

Mozambique

Namibia

Nepal

Nigeria

Pakistan

Peru

Philippines

Poland

Romania

Russia

Rwanda

Samoa

Senegal

Serbia

Sierra Leone

Slovakia

Somalia

South Africa

South Sudan

Spain

Sri Lanka

Stateless

Sudan

Swaziland

Syria

Tajikistan

Thailand

113

486

212

424

189

207

130

148

151

131

152

796

142

SOU, Alm.del - 2015-16 - Bilag 160: Kopi af Danmarks femte afgivne periodiske rapport under FN's Konvention om Barnets Rettigheder, fra social- og indenrigsministeren

the former

Yugoslav

Republic of

Macedonia

Togo

Tunisia

Turkey

Uganda

Ukraine

United

Kingdom

USA

Unknown

Uzbekistan

Venezuela

Vietnam

Yemen

Zambia

Zimbabwe

Total

692

116

3.779

627

127

116

638

155

131

262

629

Number of applications for family reunification for children, unaccompanied minor asylum seekers and asylum-seeking children in 2014 in Denmark - by

nationality, sex and age-group

Category

Sex

Family reunification, children

12 -

over

0-11

over

12 -14 15

Unaccompanied asylum seekers

0-11

over

12 -14 15

0-11

12 -14 over 15

Asylum-seeking children

0-11

over

12 -14 15

over

0-11 12 -14 15

211

Total

Nationality/Age 0-11

Afghanistan

Albania

Algeria

Angola

SOU, Alm.del - 2015-16 - Bilag 160: Kopi af Danmarks femte afgivne periodiske rapport under FN's Konvention om Barnets Rettigheder, fra social- og indenrigsministeren

Argentina

Armenia

Australia

Azerbaijan

Bangladesh

Belarus

Benin

Bhutan

Bolivia

Bosnia and

Herzegovina

Brazil

Bulgaria

Burma

Burundi

Cambodja

Cameroon

Canada

Cape Verde

Chad

Chile

China

Colombia

Congo, the

Democratic

Republic of the

Cote d'Ivoire

Croatia

Cuba

SOU, Alm.del - 2015-16 - Bilag 160: Kopi af Danmarks femte afgivne periodiske rapport under FN's Konvention om Barnets Rettigheder, fra social- og indenrigsministeren

Ecuador

Egypt

Eritrea

Ethiopia

France

Gambia

Georgia

Germany

Ghana

Greece

Guinea

Guinea-Bissau

Haiti

Honduras

India

Indonesia

Iran (Islamic

Republic of)

Iraq

Israel

Jamaica

Japan

Jordan

Kazakhstan

Kenya

Korea, Republic

Kosovo

Kyrgyzstan

141

343

SOU, Alm.del - 2015-16 - Bilag 160: Kopi af Danmarks femte afgivne periodiske rapport under FN's Konvention om Barnets Rettigheder, fra social- og indenrigsministeren

Latvia

Lebanon

Liberia

Libyan Arab

Jamahiriya

Lithuania

Madagascar

Malaysia

Mauritania

Mexico

Montenegro

Morocco

Mozambique

Netherlands

Nepal

New Zealand

Niger

Nigeria

Pakistan

Paraguay

Peru

Philippines

Poland

Portugal

Russia

Rwanda

Samoa

Saudi Arabia

112

107

105

291

SOU, Alm.del - 2015-16 - Bilag 160: Kopi af Danmarks femte afgivne periodiske rapport under FN's Konvention om Barnets Rettigheder, fra social- og indenrigsministeren

Senegal

Serbia

Sierra Leone

Singapore

Somalia

South Africa

Spain

Sri Lanka

Stateless

Sudan

Syria

Tajikistan

Tanzania

Thailand

the former

Yugoslav

Republic of

Macedonia

Tunisia

Turkey

Uganda

Ukraine

United

Kingdom

USA

Unknown

Uzbekistan

Venezuela

Vietnam

190

212

707

102

1.11

112

1.20

226

175

166

418

100

493

101

649

4.497

135

176

210

105

135

SOU, Alm.del - 2015-16 - Bilag 160: Kopi af Danmarks femte afgivne periodiske rapport under FN's Konvention om Barnets Rettigheder, fra social- og indenrigsministeren

Zambia

Total

1.86

355

374

2.04

431

368

589

795

107

902

128

115

8.377

Number of applications for family reunification for children, unaccompanied minor asylum seekers and asylum-seeking children in January - June 2015 in Denmark

- by nationality, sex and age-group

Category

Sex

Family reunification, children

12 -

over

0-11

over

12 -14 15

Unaccompanied asylum seekers

0-11

over

12 -14 15

0-11

12 -14 over 15

Asylum-seeking children

0-11

over

12 -14 15

over

0-11 12 -14 15

118

Total

Nationality/Age 0-11

Afghanistan

Albania

Algeria

Andorra

Angola

Argentina

Armenia

Australia

Azerbaijan

Bangladesh

Belarus

Benin

Bolivia

Bosnia and

Herzegovina

Brazil

Bulgaria

Burma

Cambodja

Cameroon

Canada

SOU, Alm.del - 2015-16 - Bilag 160: Kopi af Danmarks femte afgivne periodiske rapport under FN's Konvention om Barnets Rettigheder, fra social- og indenrigsministeren

Central African

Republic

Chile

China

Colombia

Congo, the

Republic of the

Congo, the

Democratic

Republic of the

Cote d'Ivoire

Croatia

Cuba

Ecuador

Egypt

El Salvador

Eritrea

Ethiopia

Gambia

Georgia

Ghana

Guinea-Bissau

India

Iran (Islamic

Republic of)

Iraq

Israel

Italy

Japan

Jordan

Kazakhstan

100

316

SOU, Alm.del - 2015-16 - Bilag 160: Kopi af Danmarks femte afgivne periodiske rapport under FN's Konvention om Barnets Rettigheder, fra social- og indenrigsministeren

Kenya

Korea, Republic

Kosovo

Lebanon

Liberia

Libyan Arab

Jamahiriya

Maldives

Mali

Moldava

Morocco

Nepal

Nigeria

Pakistan

Philippines

Poland

Russia

Rwanda

Senegal

Serbia

Somalia

Sri Lanka

Stateless

Sudan

Syria

Tanzania

Thailand

the former

191

1.22

185

142

205

1.32

201

175

109

178

587

3.581

SOU, Alm.del - 2015-16 - Bilag 160: Kopi af Danmarks femte afgivne periodiske rapport under FN's Konvention om Barnets Rettigheder, fra social- og indenrigsministeren

Yugoslav

Republic of

Macedonia

Togo

Tunisia

Turkmenistan

Turkey

Uganda

Ukraine

Uruguay

United

Kingdom

USA

Unknown

Uzbekistan

Vietnam

Zambia

Total

1.79

296

231

1.88

312

265

272

190

207

5.660

SOU, Alm.del - 2015-16 - Bilag 160: Kopi af Danmarks femte afgivne periodiske rapport under FN's Konvention om Barnets Rettigheder, fra social- og indenrigsministeren

F.4. Illicit transfer and non-return

a) The number of children abducted from and into the State party

In 2012-2014 there were an annual average of 47 child abduction cases from Denmark, hereof 31 to states which are

parties to the Hague Child Abduction Convention and 16 to non-convention states. In the same period an average of

19 children annually were abducted to Denmark from states which are parties to the Hague Convention.

b) The number of perpetrators arrested and the percentage of those sanctioned in (criminal) courts

No data is available

F.5. Children with incarcerated parents

Year Daily average number of children living in prison with their parent

2009 1.6

2010 2.8

2011 1.4

2012 1.3

2013 1.5

2014 1.1

G. Disability, basic health and welfare

G.1. Children with disabilities

a) Special material, psychosocial or other assistance

2009

Number of families receiving reimbursement of extra costs

Source: Statistics Denmark.

33 300

2010

32 523

2011

30 208

2012

27 747

2013

25 656

b) Children living in institutions, including institutions for children with mental disabilities or outside their families

such as in foster care

No data is available.

c) and d) Children attending regular schools and special schools

Number of pupils in public schools and pupils receiving special education in special programmes

2007

Number of pupils

Pupils receiving special education in

special programs

Percentage of pupils receiving special

education in special programmes

603 597

30 000

2008

597 638

32 331

5.4

2009

594 777

33 197

5.6

2010

590 861

33 976

5.8

2011

578 877

31 261

5.4

2012

577 396

29 964

5.2

Number of children

attending special day-

care or club facilities 0–2 years 3–5 years

2010

142

633

2011

171

788

2012

170

826

2013

140

725

Source: The Social Resource Count.

6–9 years

463

375

298

326

10–13 years

266

224

160

218

≥14 years

437

504

469

366

Total

1 941

2 062

1 923

1 775

SOU, Alm.del - 2015-16 - Bilag 160: Kopi af Danmarks femte afgivne periodiske rapport under FN's Konvention om Barnets Rettigheder, fra social- og indenrigsministeren

e) Children who are not attending schools or comparable facilities

No data is available.

G.2. Health and health services

a) The rates of infant and under-5 child mortality

2013

Mortality rate, under 5 (per 1 000 live births) 4

Mortality rate, infant (per 1 000 live births)

Source: The World Bank Databank (figures based on estimates developed by the UN Inter-agency Group for Child

Mortality Estimation (UNICEF, WHO, World Bank, UN DESA Population Division) at www.childmortality.org.

Please note that infant mortality rate is the number of infants dying before reaching the age of 1 year per 1 000 live births

in a given year. Under 5 mortality rate is the probability per 1 000 that a new-born baby will die before reaching the age of

five if subject to age-specific mortality rates.

b) Children with low birth weight

Births < 1500 g - SGA* (% of all births with gestational age > 37

weeks)

Births < 2500 g (% of all births with gestational age > 37 weeks)

2.1

*SGA = Small Gestational Age

Source: The Danish National Birth Registry, the National Health Documentation and e-Health Authority, SSI

Please note that the table only includes children with gestational age > 37 weeks and known birth weight.

c) Children with moderate and severe underweight, wasting and stunting

When starting to attend school at the age of approximately 6 years 2% of all children are underweight.

d) Child mortality due to suicide

Please refer to annex 1, section C.1.

e) Households without access to hygienic sanitation facilities and access to safe drinking water

No data is available.

f) Full immunisation for tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio and measles

It is estimated that 94 % of 1 year old children are fully immunised for diptheria, pertussis, tetanus and polio. The first

dose of measles vaccine is given when the child is 15 months. The official estimate for measles immunization for two-

year-old children is 90%. Vaccination for tuberculosis is not part of the Danish Childhood Vaccination Programme

and thus estimates for coverage against tuberculosis in this age group cannot be provided.

g) Maternal mortality

2014

Maternal mortality ratio (modelled estimate per 100 000 live births) 5

Source: The World Bank Database (figures based on: WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, The World Bank and the United Nations

Population Division. "Trends in maternal mortality: 1990-2013".

Please note that maternal mortality ratio indicates the number of women who die from pregnancy-related causes while

pregnant or within 42 days of labour.

2014

0.4

SOU, Alm.del - 2015-16 - Bilag 160: Kopi af Danmarks femte afgivne periodiske rapport under FN's Konvention om Barnets Rettigheder, fra social- og indenrigsministeren

h) Access for pregnant women to prenatal and postnatal health care

Data is not available.

i) Children born in hospitals

2014

Children born in hospitals (% of all births) 98.7

Source: The Danish National Birth Registry, The National Health Documentation and e-Health Authority, SSI.

Please note that the figure only includes children with known birth place (approximately 99 % of all births). Births

outside hospitals include planned/unplanned home births during transport to hospital.

j) Personnel trained in hospital care and delivery

It is not possible to provide data on the proportion of personnel trained in hospital care and delivery, but only data on the

number of midwives employed.

Midwives in public hospitals

2014

Persons

1 729

Full-time employed

1 499

Source: The Municipal and Regional Wage Data Office of Denmark.

k) Mothers who practise exclusive breastfeeding

The applicable data collection parameter is full breastfeeding i.e. breastfeeding with a maximum of one meal of formula

per week and no limitation of water intake.

In 2013 87.5 % were fully breastfed at 2 weeks. 56 % were fully breastfed at 17 weeks and 13 % were fully breastfed at

26 weeks.

a) Children infected and affected by HIV/AIDS

In 2014 53 pregnant women were determined to be HIV-positive during general pregnancy screening hereof were 12

not previously diagnosed with HIV. All of these women were treated with anti-retroviral therapy during pregnancy

and none of their new-borns acquired HIV. In 2014 one woman was infected with HIV after the pregnancy screening

and subsequently gave birth to an HIV infected baby.

b) Children infected and affected by HIV/AIDS who receive assistance, including medical treatment, counselling, care

and support

Full coverage of medical treatment, counselling, care and support are provided by the state free of charge.

c) Children infected and affected by HIV/AIDS living with relatives, in foster care, in institutions or on the streets

No data is available.

d) Child-headed households as a result of HIV/AIDS

No data is available.

a) Adolescents affected by early pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, mental health problems, and drug and

alcohol abuse

With regard to drug and alcohol abuse, please refer to annex 1, section G.3.

SOU, Alm.del - 2015-16 - Bilag 160: Kopi af Danmarks femte afgivne periodiske rapport under FN's Konvention om Barnets Rettigheder, fra social- og indenrigsministeren

SOU, Alm.del - 2015-16 - Bilag 160: Kopi af Danmarks femte afgivne periodiske rapport under FN's Konvention om Barnets Rettigheder, fra social- og indenrigsministeren

b) Programmes and services aimed at the prevention and treatment of adolescent health concerns.

Please refer to para. 145-150.

G.3. Drug and substance abuse

The latest annual national report on the drug situation in Denmark (2014) from the Danish Health and Medicine

Authority shows that the level of experimental drug use which has been high but stable since 2000 is now dropping

slightly with the exception of cannabis.

In 2011, approximately 3 950 young people between the age of 18 and 24 were receiving treatment for drug abuse.

When comparing the youth population receiving drug abuse treatment and the total number of Danish youngsters in

the same age group, a figure of 3 950 means that 8 out of every 1000 young people aged between 18 and 24 years

were receiving treatment in 2011. Furthermore a total of 1017 children lived together with a drug abuser admitted for

treatment in 2011.

The most recent survey of ninth graders (2011) shows that 18 % have used cannabis at some point, 4 % substance

sniffing, 2,5 % amphetamines, 1,5 % ecstasy and 2 % cocaine. Among 16–24-year-olds the latest figures (2013) show

that 24 % had used cannabis and less than 10% had used other illegal substances within the last year.

The number of young people receiving treatment for alcohol abuse has dropped from approximately 270 persons aged

between 15 and 19 years in 2008 to approximately 130 in 2013. 1450 young people aged between 15 and 19 years

were in 2013 admitted to a hospital with an alcohol related diagnosis.

The national substance abuse hotline (Giftlinien)

The number of enquiries to Giftlinien regarding psychostimulants during the period 1 January 2010 - 6 August 2015

were 981 which corresponds to 2.0 % of the total number of enquiries regarding children in the same period (49 737).

Number of enquiries to the Danish Poison and Information Centre (DPIC) about poisonings in children aged 0-15

years with psychostimulants (ATC groups N06A and N06B) during the period 1 January 2010 – 6 August 2015

Age

0-15

SOU, Alm.del - 2015-16 - Bilag 160: Kopi af Danmarks femte afgivne periodiske rapport under FN's Konvention om Barnets Rettigheder, fra social- og indenrigsministeren

N06AB03 fluoxetine

N06AB04 citalopram

N06AB05 paroxetine

N06AB06 sertraline

N06AB10 escitalopram

N06AF01

isocarboxazid

N06AX03 mianserin

N06AX07 minaprine

N06AX11 mirtazapine

N06AX12 bupropion

N06AX16 venlafaxine

N06AX21 duloxetine

N06AX22 agomelatine

N06AX25 Hyperici

herba

N06AX26 vortioxetine

N06BA Centrally

acting

sympathomimetics

N06BA02

dexamfetamine

N06BA04

methylphenidate

N06BA07 modafinil

N06BA09 atomoxetine

N06BA12

lisdexamfetamine

N06BC01 caffeine

N06BX18 vinpocetine

N06AA02 imipramine

N06AA04

clomipramine

N06AA09 amitriptyline

N06AA10 nortriptyline

N06AA16 dosulepin

All

152

149

158

262

106

177

302

1061

G.4. Social security

Child allowance

Ordinary child allowance amounts to DKK 5 356 annually for each child (2015). Beneficiaries are i.a. children of

single parents and children whose parents both receive pensions under the Act on Social Pensions. Supplementary

child allowance amounts to DKK 5 460 annually (2015) and is paid to single parents, if the child is residing with the

custodial parent. Regardless of the number of children only one supplementary allowance may be awarded. Special

child allowance amounts to DKK 13 692 annually (2015) for each child. In regard to beneficiaries, please refer to

Denmark's fourth periodic report, paragraph 346. Since Denmark's fourth periodic report entitlement has been

100

SOU, Alm.del - 2015-16 - Bilag 160: Kopi af Danmarks femte afgivne periodiske rapport under FN's Konvention om Barnets Rettigheder, fra social- og indenrigsministeren

extended to cover children adopted by a single person. Twice the amount of special child allowance is awarded in

cases where both parents have died. Supplementary special child allowance amounts to DKK 1 776 annually (2015)

for each child. In regard to beneficiaries please refer to Denmark's fourth periodic report, paragraph 348. Since

Denmark's fourth periodic report entitlement has been extended to children conceived by single women through

artificial insemination and children adopted by a single person. Twice the amount of supplementary special child

allowance is paid for each child in cases where both parents have died.

Parents who are studying are entitled to an additional allowance of DKK 7 032 annually (mean-tested). Parents who

are undergoing training or education may be entitled to supplementary child benefit in certain periods in order to

ensure that the family's total income is equivalent to the comparable state education grant with a breadwinner

allowance (mean-tested).

Parents of twins, triplets etc. are in the first seven years of the children's life entitled to a multi-birth allowance which

amounts to DKK 8 832 annually for each child in addition to the first child.

Family allowance

Age of the child [years]

0-2

3-6

7-14

15-17

Annual amount, 2015 rates [DKK]

17 772

14 076

11 076

Assistance to adoptive parents

Adoptive parents are entitled to a lump sum of DKK 50 871 conditional upon the adoption being arranged by an

authorised organisation and the child being adopted from another country.

Child maintenance

Normally, the standard child maintenance (monthly, 1.289 DKR in 2015) is paid in advance by public authorities to

the maintenance debtor. Child maintenance not paid in advance is recovered by public authorities.

H. Education, leisure and cultural activities

a) Literacy rates for children and adults

No data is available.

b) Enrolment and attendance rates for primary and secondary schools and vocational training centres

The attendance rate for the school year 2012/2013 94.3 %.

Number of primary and lower secondary school pupils

2007

ISCED 1 + 2

(ISCED 2011)

Preschool class

1st grade

2nd grade

3rd grade

4th grade

5th grade

6th grade

722105

67755

67476

67504

67007

68669

68559

70953

2008

718988

65937

66779

67619

67434

67089

68921

68694

2009

717332

66816

65490

66592

67686

67480

67211

69016

2020

716695

68195

67178

65454

66657

67826

67537

67396

2022

709271

67476

67391

66464

64719

66345

67217

67183

2012

650586

68314

66823

67581

67163

65291

66904

67950

2013

709896

66090

67743

66601

67559

67137

65384

66843

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7th grade

8th grade

9th grade

10th grade

69701

69751

70503

34227

71003

70196

69512

35804

68571

70967

70215

37288

69061

68508

71472

37411

66531

68253

69013

38679

67768

67809

7074

37909

68077

68051

68436

37975

Distribution of pupils with another origin than Danish

2007

Number of pupils

Attending public

schools

Attending private

elementary schools

Attending another

institution

Of these, attending

special education

71 663

60 161

8 847

2 655

1 147

2008

72 762

60 170

9 693

2 899

1 170

2009

73 761

60 460

10 119

3 182

1 187

2010

74 100

60 292

10 475

3 333

1 173

2011

73 589

59 117

11 097

3 375

1 120

2012

74 920

60 098

11 428

3 394

1 091

2013

74 178

59 122

11 686

3 370

1 127

c) Retention, completion and transition rates, and the percentage of dropout from primary and secondary schools and

vocational training centres

Number of applications from 9th and 10th grade students for post-secondary programmes

2007

Vocational upper secondary

education

General upper secondary

education

Combined post-compulsory

education

Other programmes

28.5

61.6

0.5

9.4

2008

26.3

63.5

1.1

9.1

2009

25.7

67.7

0.7

2010

23.7

69.7

0.9

5.7

2011

21.8

70.7

1.3

6.2

2012

20.4

71.6

1.5

6.5

2013

18.8

73.6

1.4

6.3

2014

19.6

1.3

6.1

2015

18.5

73.9

1.4

6.3

Number of applications from 9th and 10th grade students for general upper secondary education

programmes

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Higher Commercial

Examination Programme

(hhx)

Higher Technical

Examination Programme

(htx)

General upper secondary

education

Adult upper secondary

level course

Higher Prepatory

Examination (hf)

International Baccalaureate

(IB)

18.8

17.7

16.3

16.4

18.2

19.3

9.4

10.2

10.3

10.1

9.5

9.4

9.8

10.1

65.6

0.1

5.8

64.5

0.1

6.3

0.1

6.9

64.1

0.1

65.1

0.1

8.5

0.5

64.3

0.1

8.7

0.6

65.2

0.1

8.3

0.5

63.6

0.1

7.9

0.5

63.4

0.1

6.6

0.4

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d) Teacher-pupil ratio

In 2013 94 % of teachers had completed a teacher education or training programme according to TALIS (OECD

Teaching and Learning International Survey).

Pupil-teacher ratio

2007

Public elementary schools

Special education

institutions

Private elementary schools

11.1

3.2

12.5

2008

11.1

3.2

12.4

2009

11.3

12.6

2010

11.6

2.9

12.5

2011

12.2

13.1

2012

12.2

13.2

e) Number of indigenous and minority children who receive State-funded education in their own language

No data is available.

f) Children in the non-formal education system

No data is available.

g) Preschool and other early childhood development education facilities

Percentage of children in

Age [years]

2008

2009

different age-groups

attending day-care facilities,

2008-2013

All children

16.7 % 15.3 %

1-2

3-5

Non-western immigrants

1-2

3-5

Non-western descendents

1-2

3-5

90.7 %

97.0 %

8.5 %

51.3 %

76.7 %

9.0 %

71.4 %

92.6 %

90.0 %

96.6 %

7.7 %

43.4 %

72.6 %

8.2 %

68.7 %

92.7 %

2010

2011

2012

2013

17.8 %

91.3 %

97.4 %

10.5 %

48.3 %

73.6 %

9.4 %

72.3 %

92.4 %

19.1 %

91.0 %

97.4 %

7.2 %

51.3 %

74.1 %

10.6 %

73.3 %

93.5 %

18.7 %

90.9 %

97.6 %

12.9 %

51.7 %

76.9 %

11.1 %

73.4 %

93.0 %

19.0 %

91.1 %

96.9 %

15.8 %

56.0 %

75.6 %

10.8 %

75.6 %

91.3 %

h) Children in after-school programmes

Number of children enrolled in after-school programmes

Age

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

[years]/year

41942 41894 43276 44025 44588

44112 44713 44380 44598 45014

41648 42571 42922 42053 42578

33529 34848 35357 34492 34198

13403 13840 14266 14640 15370

5952

6751

6843

7185

8363

3258

3457

3617

3723

4669

1424

1500

1508

1386

1641

i) Public playgrounds in communities

No data is available.

2012

46356

46273

43527

35364

16148

8990

4964

1784

2013

45467

46767

43652

35161

16315

9449

5482

1968

2014

45325

44564

41876

32685

13766

7682

4440

1703

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j) Children participating in organised leisure, sports, cultural and artistic activities

The Danish Youth Council represents 70 organisations working with children and young people in Denmark including

scout organisations as well as political and religious organisations. The organisations represented in the Danish Youth

Council have 600 000 young members.

'The Sports Confederation of Denmark' (DIF) organises 9 082 sports club with a total of 825 582 members aged

between 0 and 18 years. 'DGI' organises 6 327 sports clubs with a total of 728 640 members aged between 0 and 18

years. 'Danish Company Sportsfederation' organises 246 sports club with a total of 38 102 members aged between 0

and 18 years.

I. Special protection measures

I.1. Children outside their country of origin seeking refugee protection and internally displaced children

a) Number of internally displaced, asylum-seeking and refugee children

Please refer to annex 1, section F.3. for information on the number of applications from unaccompanied minor asylum

seekers and asylum-seeking children in 2008-2015 by nationality, gender and age group.

b) Number and percentage of children attending primary and secondary school, vocational training and having access

to health and other services

As described in para. 190 and 198-199 all minor asylum applicants in Denmark have the right to attend school

(primary and secondary), the possibility to attend vocational training and the right to health and other services.

c) Number of children who have disappeared during or after the status of proceedings to determine their eligibility

Number of unaccompanied minor asylum seekers who have disappeared prior to their application for

asylum having been finalised

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Jan – Jun

2015

No data

119

122

available

The figures for the period 2010-2014 are based on administrative records from the Danish Alien’s Register and the

electronic case and document handling system (ECDH).

The figures for 2015 cover the period from January to June 2015 and are provisional based on the administrative

records from the electronic case and document handling system (ECDH).

I.2. Economic exploitation including child labour

a) and b) Number and percentage of children below the minimum legal age of employment who are involved in child

labour, and access to recovery and reintegration assistance

Please note that children under 13 years of age are not allowed to work in Denmark. Some children under 13 years of

age are nevertheless listed in the two tables below due to the fact that children under the age of 13 years earning in

excess of DKK 9 207 annually by participating in cultural and artistic events are covered by the statistics.

Number of young people in employment by year, age and gender

Number in entire population

Age [years] Number in employment

/gender

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2008

2009

2010

0–14

13 094 23 500 18 539 16 512 15 050 1 009 917 1 008 086 1 001 318

Male

7 496

11 405 8 634

7 756

6 979

517 273 516 414 513 043

Female

5 598

12 095 9 905

8 756

8 071

492 644 491 672 488 275

15–17

90 769 96 134 86 559 84 467 82 258 205 567 209 119 214 192

Male

46 626 46 940 41 174 39 950 38 780 105 557 107 283 109 809

2011

995 087

509 707

485 380

215 945

110 716

2012

986 458

505 137

481 321

215 831

110 690

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Female

44 143 49 194 45 385 44 517 43 478 100 010 101 836

Source: The register-based labour force statistic, Statistics Denmark

Number of young people in employment as a percentage of the entire population

Age [years] Percentage of the entire population

/gender

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

0–14

1.3

2.3

1.9

1.7

1.5

Male

1.4

2.2

1.7

1.5

1.4

Female

1.1

2.5

2.0

1.8

1.7

15–17

44.2

46.0

40.4

39.1

38.1

Male

44.2

43.8

37.5

36.1

35.0

Female

44.1

48.3

43.5

42.3

41.4

Source: The register-based labour force statistic, Statistics Denmark

Number of young people in employment by age group

Age [years]

2008

2009

2010

2011

0–9

244

256

230

10–12

257

816

776

768

13–14

12 742

22 440

17 507

15 514

20 418

25 137

21 142

20 134

16–17

70 351

70 997

65 417

64 333

Source: The register-based labour force statistic, Statistics Denmark

104 383

105 229

105 141

2012

224

676

14 150

18 089

64 169

c) Number of children in street situations

The majority of the children and adolescents under the age of 18 registered as being in a street situation in 2013 stayed

together with at least one of their parents in social housing, such as temporary accommodation facilities or with

relatives or friends. No children under the age of 18 were registered as street sleepers in 2011 or 2013.

2009 2011 2013 2015

Number of children and adolescents under the age of 18 in street situations

200

204

144

Source: National Mapping of Street situations in Denmark, SFI – the Danish National Centre for Social Research.

I.3. Sexual exploitation, abuse and trafficking

a) Number of children involved in sexual exploitation, including prostitution, pornography and trafficking

During the period 2007 to 2014 13 children under the age of 18 are considered to have been trafficked.

In 2014 five children under the age of 18 were assessed to have been trafficked, of these were 1 child aged 12, 2

children aged 16 and 2 children aged 18. 3 of the children were girls.

b) Rehabilitation programmes

Data is not available

c) Number of reported cases of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and sale of children, abduction of children and

violence against children

The following data show the number of child victims aged between 0-14 years. As the applicable data distinguish

between children aged 0-14 years and 15-19 years it is not possible to provide data for all children. It should be noted

that the data is not disaggregated based on the age of the offender and that the crime may be committed by a peer etc.

i.e. not an adult.

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Violation

Incest including acts committed by a step parent or adopter

Rape

Sexual intercourse and sexual activity other than sexual intercourse

with a child below the age of consent (15 years)

Other sexual offences such as abuse of a position without use of force.

Indecency

Violence

Deprivation of liberty

2009

378

497

899

2010

382

619

870

2011

354

598

937

2012

362

611

843

2013

347

636

820

2014

303

601

945

With regard to data on child prostitution please refer to the statistics provided in the section on the OPSC.

d) Number and percentage of such cases that have resulted in sanctions

Data is not available as crimes are registered based on the crime and perpetrator and not the victim hence the data

cannot be distinguished from cases regarding adult victims.

e) Number of children trafficked for other purposes, including labour

Data are not available as information from police and prosecution service is not disaggregated by age. It is hence not

possible to distinguish cases concerning child victims from cases of trafficking of an adult.

f) Number of border and law enforcement officials who have received training with a view to preventing the

trafficking of children and ensuring respect for their dignity

Please refer to the information provided in para. 173-174.

I.4. Children in conflict with the law, and administration of juvenile justice

a) Number of persons under 18 years of age who have been arrested by the police due to an alleged conflict with the

law

Data is not available.

b) The percentage of cases where legal or other assistance has been provided

Data is not available.

c) Persons under 18 years of age who have been found guilty of an offence by a court

Number of perpetrators aged 15-17 who have received a court sentence

Type of punishment

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Imprisonment

1689

1764

1505

1422

1144

Fine imposed (in court) 403

558

587

485

380

Preventive measures

183

376

260

272

159

Suspended sentence

3164

3617

3125

2596

2585

Suspended sentence

1050

1431

1070

1073

771

and fine

Partly suspended

1393

1328

1070

929

508

sentence

Default sentence where 1277

1253

1533

3365

2323

the defendant did not

appear in court

Agreement to be fined

492

465

407

203

113

(in court)

2014

1368

369

385

2340

772

456

2255

127

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Warning (in court)

Fine imposed in court

and disqualification

from driving

Fine imposed in court

and disqualification

from driving a moped

Withdrawal of charges

with conditions

d) Recidivism cases

Data is not available.

367

239

468

308

162

111

I.5. Children deprived of their liberty, including any form of detention, imprisonment or placement in custodial

settings

a) Number of persons under18 years of age held in police stations or pretrial detention after having been accused of

committing a crime reported to the police, and the average length of their detention

Number of persons under the age of 18 years held in pretrial

detention under the responsibility of the Prison and Probation

Service (daily average)

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

3.7

5.5

3.4

4.1

11.4

17.1

13.3

Data is not available on the average length of detention.

b) Number of institutions specifically for persons under 18 years of age alleged or accused of or recognized having

infringed the penal law

Vestre Prison has a special section for persons aged between 15-18 years who due to exceptional circumstances are

not held in custody in a special institution. The section is separated from the rest of the prison.

c) Number of persons under 18 years of age in such institutions

Daily average of number of persons under the age of 18 years

2014 2.6

2013 4.2

2012 2.5

2011 2.9

Data is not available on the average length of stay.

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d) Number of persons under 18 years of age detained in institutions where they are not separated from adults

Daily average of number of persons under the age of 18

2014 1.5

2013 1.6

2012 1.9

2011 1.7

Data for the period prior to 2011 is not available.

It must be noted that during night time persons under the age of 18 years are in general separated from adults.

e) Number and percentage of persons under 18 years of age who have been found guilty of an offence by a court and

have been sentenced to detention

Number of persons under the age of 18 (daily average)

2014 5.4

2013 6.7

2012 7.5

2011 6.3

2010 8.7

2009 7.2

2008 7.1

Data on the average length of detention is not available.

f) Number of reported cases of abuse and maltreatment of persons under 18 years of age during their arrest and

detention/imprisonment

There have been no reported cases since Denmark's last periodic report.

I.6. Children in armed conflicts

a)-d) Children in the armed forces

Please refer to the report, para. 243-246.

e) Assistance for physical and psychological recovery following involvement in armed conflict

Data is not available.

J. Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and

child pornography

a) Number of reported cases of the sale of children, child prostitution, child pornography and child sex tourism

It is not possible to provide data on the number of reported cases of trafficking of children as the statistical material is

not disaggregated by age and these cases can therefore not be distinguished from cases regarding trafficking of an

adult.

Crimes reported to the police

Sexual intercourse or other sexual activity as a client with a child for

payment or promise of payment

Complicity in making a child engage in sexual intercourse or other

sexual activity with a client for payment or promise of payment

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

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Taking/making of pornographic photographs or films or similar

recording of a child with intent to sell or otherwise distribute

Complicity in using a child as an actor in a pornographic performance

Attending a pornographic performance in which a child appears

Distribution or possession of child pornography

173

140

144

126

124

177

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b) Number of such cases that have been investigated, prosecuted and sanctioned

It should be noted that the statistics derive from a case handling system and may be subject to entry errors, delayed

updates etc.

Furthermore, the number of convictions shows how many offenders per file number have been convicted. A case may

consist of several file numbers and several offenders.

It is not possible to provide data on trafficking of children as the statistical material is not disaggregated by age and

these cases can therefore not be distinguished from cases regarding trafficking of adults.

Indictments

Sexual intercourse or other sexual activity as a client with a child for

payment or promise of payment

Complicity in making a child engage in sexual intercourse or other

sexual activity with a client for payment or promise of payment

Taking/making of pornographic photographs or films or similar

recording of a child with intent to sell or otherwise distribute

Complicity in using a child as an actor in a pornographic performance

Distribution of child pornography

Possession of child pornography

Sentences

Sexual intercourse or other sexual activity as a client with a child for

payment or promise of payment

Complicity in making a child engage in sexual intercourse or other

sexual activity with a client for payment or promise of payment

Taking/making of pornographic photographs or films or similar

recording of a child with intent to sell or otherwise distribute

Complicity in using a child as an actor in a pornographic performance

Distribution of child pornography

Possession of child pornography

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

c) Number of child victims receiving recovery assistance and/or compensation

Recovery assistance

Approximately 1000 children have received support in one of the Children's Houses during the first year of operation

(1 October 2013 - 30 September 2014).

Compensation

When the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board receives an application for compensation based on a criminal

offence the Board registers the case under the relevant provision of the Danish Criminal Code. If several criminal

offenses have taken place, the case is registered under the most serious crime.

The statistics gathered from the electronic case system is thus inconclusive and it cannot be ruled out that applications

regarding compensation due to human trafficking/sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography have been

registered under a different, more serious crime provision of the Danish Criminal Code and thus have not been

included in the statistics pulled from the electronic case system.

With regard to applications for compensation based on to trafficking of human beings, it must be noted that these were

previously not registered separately by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board. As a consequence, the Board do

not have any registrations of specific cases prior to 2011. Since 2011 the Board has neither awarded nor received

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applications for compensation to children as a result of human trafficking i.e. the number of such cases since 2011 is

With regard to child prostitution the Danish Criminal Code was amended by Act no. 633 of 12 June 2013. Prior to the

amendment the Section of the Danish Criminal Code which criminalised procuring did not distinguish between child

and adult victims. It is therefore not possible to draw explicit and unambiguous statistical material concerning

applications registered under the previous provision.

The Board has reviewed the applications received in 2014 and 2015 registered under the current provision Section 224

of the Danish Criminal Code. The Board has been able to identify 3 cases from 2014 in which applications for

compensation for i.a. child prostitution have been awarded. All 3 cases involved the same perpetrator and the 3

applicants were awarded compensation for injury to their feelings.

Sex

Age

Nationality

Attempt

Amount awarded

Female

Danish

DKK 5 000

Female

(15-16)*

Danish

DKK 15 000

Female

Danish

DKK 5 000

* The Board does not have information regarding the time of the crime, but it happened possibly around 2012 where

the crimes against the other girls took place. In that case the applicant would have been 15-16 years old.

With regard to child pornography the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board is not able to provide statistics for the

period from 2008 to 25 June 2015 on applications for compensation related to child pornography. The Board notes,

however, that in the Board's Annual Report of 2011 a case concerning i.a. child pornography is mentioned. The case

concerned a Danish girl who had been subjected to sexual activities by her father from the age of 15 months to 7 years

old. The father had systematically recorded obscene photographs and films of the girl for the purpose of sale or other

distribution. The girl was overall awarded a compensation of DKK 200 000 for injury to her feelings.

K. Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed

conflict

a) Number of students attending military schools and the minimum age of admission

Please refer to Denmark's fourth periodic report, para. 586-595, 599-600 and 602-611.

b) and c) Number of asylum-seeking and refugee children entering the state party from areas where children may have

been recruited or used in hostilities and number of children who benefit from physical and psychological recovery and

social reintegration measures

No data is available on the number of asylum-seeking and refugee children entering Denmark from areas where

children may have been recruited or used in hostilities.

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Annex 2: Statistical information regarding Greenland

A. General measures of implementation

Allocation of resources

Public expenditure on children and adolescents

Posts

Recreational and sporting services

Pre-primary and primary education

Secondary education

Family and children

Total

Source: Statistics Greenland

Sum (mill. DKK)

57.934

856.322

574.915

870.001

2 359.172

Pct. of total expenditure

0.6

8.5

5.7

8.7

23.5

The table displays the primary posts concerning children and adolescents and the percentage they constitute of the

overall public expenditure, which in 2013 amounted to DKK 10 053.492 mill. The table is prepared in accordance

with the classification of functions of government system (COFOG). It does not exclusively contain resources

dedicated to child welfare. Neither does it contain all resources dedicated to child welfare. Yet, it provides an

indication of the total expenditure in the policy area.

Please refer to the United Nations homepage for explanatory notes on the COFOG clusters.

Dissemination of knowledge of the Convention

Public expenditure on dissemination and implementation of the Convention

Specification

MIO

UNICEF Project (NAKUUSA)

Human Rights Council of Greenland

Total

FB 2015

4.4

0.9

6.2

BP 2016

4,5

0.9

6.2

BP 2017

4,5

0.9

6.2

BP 2018

4,5

0.9

6.2

Source: The Finance Bill 2015 - mill. DKK (FB = Finance Bill BP = Budget Proposal)

The table displays the posts on the Finance Bill 2015 concerning national activities dedicated or partly dedicated to

enhance the Convention in Greenland. Please note that UNICEF Denmark contributes with DKK 2 mill. to

NAKUUSA annually. In addition, MIO and NAKUUSA have received substantial foundation grants, while the

Human Rights Council of Greenland receives substantial expert support from the Danish Institute for

Human Rights.

There is no available data on the number of professionals trained in the Convention.

B. Definition of the child

1 January 2015 there were 14 177 citizens under the age of 18 in Greenland out of a total population of 55 984. This

corresponds to approx. 25 pct. of the Greenlandic population. Greenland does not keep any centralised statistics on

children and adolescents based on ethnicity, religion or functional impairments. A specification of boys and girls by

age and town or village is presented below. 52 citizens under the age of 18 live in peripheral areas such as on sheep

farms in southern Greenland.

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Girls by age and town/village 2015

400

350

300

Number

250

200

150

100

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

Age

Source: Statistics Greenland

There is a total number of 6917 girls in Greenland aged between 0 and 18 years. 5846 live in towns, while 1071 live in

villages or other peripheral localities such as sheep farms. Thus, approx. 15 pct. live in villages and 85 pct. live in

towns.

Town

Village

Boys by age and town/village 2015

400

350

300

250

200

150

100

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

Age

Source: Statistics Greenland

There is a total number of 7262 boys in Greenland between 0 and 18 years. 6197 live in towns, while 1065 live in

villages or other peripheral localities such as sheep farms. Thus, approx. 15 pct. live in villages and 85 pct. live in

towns.

Number

Town

Village

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C. General principles

Non-discrimination

UN conventions and declarations on human and civil rights ratified by Greenland

1. International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

2. International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

3. International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination

4. Convention on the Rights of the Child

5. Convention on the Rights of Persons with disability

6. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women

7. Convention on the protection and promotion of Diversity of Cultural Expressions

8. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Source: The International Handbook 2014 – Foreign Affairs Directorate

Right to life, survival and development

Persons younger than 18 years old that have passed away in the period 2010 -2014

Cause of death for persons under 18 years old

Extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions

Capital punishment

Source: The Police of Greenland

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Respects for the views of the child

There is no available data on the number of children that have been heard in judicial and administrative proceedings.

E. Violence against children

Abuse and neglect

The survey 'Children in Greenland' (Danish National Centre for Social Research, 2009) estimates that 16 percent of

mothers to children between 0 and 14 years have been victims of physical violence by a spouse or a partner. In the

eastern part of Greenland the number is approx. 25 percent.

In the survey 'Youth Welfare in Greenland'

(Danish National Institute of Public Health, 2011)

38 percent

corresponding to 100 adolescents between 15 and 16 tell that they at some point in their life have witnessed

violence against their mother. Out of these 100 adolescents 18 percent have witnessed violence against their

mother one time in the recent year, while 20 percent have witnessed violence against their mother many

times the recent year. 7 percent of the adolescents have witnessed violence against their father, while 10

percent have witnessed violence against siblings.

In the survey 'Youth Welfare in Greenland' from 2011 24 percent of adolescents aged between 15 and 16

tell that they have been beaten or assaulted outside the home. Boys mainly experience violence from

strangers, while girls mainly experience violence from a

boyfriend/girlfriend or family violence.

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Sexual exploitation and sexual abuse

Sexual abuse

Percent

Boys

Girls

Source: Youth Welfare in Greenland (National Institute of Public Health, 2011)

The bar chart shows the shares of boys and girls, who have had sexual experiences with peers and/or have had sexual

contact with an adult before the age of 15 and/or experienced the incident as sexual abuse and the shares of boys and

girls, who defined the incident as sexual abuse (N=390). The Youth Welfare in Greenland-survey is based on

interviews with 15 to 16 year old adolescents.

Sexual abuse and/or

incident experienced as

sexual abuse

Incident experienced as

sexual abuse

Sexual contact with an adult

1,7

1,4

1,2

1,7

0,2

Have had the experience and

defined it as sexual abuse

Have had the experience but not

defined it as sexual abuse

Source: Youth Welfare in Greenland (National Institute of Public Health, 2011)

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The bar chart shows the share of boys and girls in the Youth Welfare in Greenland survey, who have answered the

question on sexual contact with an adult divided among different types of sexual contact and the share of boys and

girls, who have defined the incident as sexual abuse (N=350). The adolescents had the opportunity to state more than

one sexual contact, thus the percentages do not sum up to 100 percent.

Non-physical contact include 1) suggestions or offers to engage in something sexual without the adult touching the

adolescent or without anything else happening, 2) the adult exposed his/her genital or 3) the adolescent exposed

himself/herself. Physical contact with clothes on is included in this category 1) the adult touched the adolescent on

his/her genitals outside the clothes, 2) the adolescent touched the adult’s genital outside the clothes or 3) the

adolescent was groped. Physical contact while naked include that 1) the adult touched the adolescent on his/her

genitals while naked, 2) the adolescent touched the adult’s genitals while naked or 3) simulated sexual intercourse

took place. Sexual intercourse and other sexual incidents are not further defined.

According to the survey Youth in Greenland (the Danish National Centre for Social Research, 2015) 6 percent of

women and 7 percent of men had their first sexual experience, while they were aged between 0-7 years old. 53 percent

women and 29 percent of men had their first sexual experience before the age of consent (15 years).

Recorded criminal offence

Sexual relation with a child under the age of 15

Sexual relation by seduction of a person under the age of

Source: Annual Statistics 2014, the Police of Greenland

2010 2011

2012 2013

2014

There is no available data on the number of open child cases in the municipal social security offices.

The rights not to be subjected to torture or other cruel inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment

Recorded criminal offence

Number of children reported as victims of torture

Number of children reported as victims of other cruel,

inhuman or degrading treatment or other forms of

punishment, including forced marriage and female genital

mutilation

Source: The Police in Greenland

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

F. Family environment and alternative care

Distribution of children and homes on national and municipality level plus home characteristics on national level

2002-2010 in percent

2002 [% (number)]

Children

Greenland

Kujalleq Municipality

Sermersooq Municipality

Qeqqata Municipality

Qaasuitsup Municipality

Homes

Greenland

Kujalleq Municipality

Sermersooq Municipality

Qeqqata Municipality

Qaasuitsup Municipality

100 (16.690)

13,3 (2.226)

33,6 (5.602)

17,7 (2.952)

35,4 (5.909)

100 (8.310)

13,8 (1.146)

34,7 (2.883)

17,4 (1.446)

34,1 (2.835)

2010 [% (number)]

100 (14.551)

12,8 (1.857)

36,4 (5.296)

17,3 (2.512)

33,6 (4.886)

100 (7.731)

12,9 (1.001)

37,6 (2.909)

17,0 (1.314)

32,4 (2.507)

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Place of home *

Nuuk

Other town

Village or sheep farm

Family structure *

>1 Adult

Single dad

Single mom

Number of children in home *

Birthplace of adults *

All adults born in Grl.

Adult born in and outside Grl.

All adult born outside Grl.

Age of adults *

1-2 adults 30+

All (1-2) adults <30

All (1-2) adults <25

More than 2 adults

* Percent and numbers refer to homes

24,2 (2.008)

58,5 (4.860)

17,4 (1.442)

82,5 (6.858)

6,9 (577)

10,5 (875)

41,0 (3.409)

31,5 (2.619)

17,3 (1.439)

7,0 (585)

3,1 (258)

84,1 (6.986)

11,9 (986)

4,1 (338)

66,8 (4.615)

6,0 (890)

2,8 (779)

24,4 (2.026)

27,1 (2.096)

57,2 (4.420)

15,7 (1.215)

82,0 (6.342)

7,0 (541)

11,0 (848)

45,5 (3.519)

31,9 (2.464)

14,7 (1.133)

5,6 (432)

2,4 (183)

85,6 (6.620)

10,0 (770)

4,4 (341)

61,4 (3.746)

8,3 (1.036)

3,6 (883)

26,7 (2.066)

The table originates from the report 'No child should grow up in poverty' (2013) prepared by the Children’s

Spokesperson in Greenland (MIO) and the Danish National Institute of Public Health. The table is based on statistics

from Statistics Greenland. Due to diverse cases of statistical uncertainties 170 homes out of 72 796 are not included in

the table.

Grants to folk high schools on parenting and family life from January 1 till June 1 2015

Town/village

Upernavik

Tasiusaq

Ilulissat

Saqqaq/Qeqertat

Qeqertarsuaq

Kangerluk

Qasiguannguit

Aasiaat

Kitsi/Akun/Ikam

Kangaatsiaq

Niaqornaarsuk

Attu

Ikerassarsuk

Iginniarfik

Maniitsoq

Atammik

Grant in DKK

123 000

126 200

204 190

156 680

172 600

74 800

132 000

123 536

121 536

83 744

105 600

104 500

289 875

72 000

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Narsaq

Total

44 000

2 247 761

Grants to day centres for children from January 1 till June 1 2015

Town/village

Ittoqqortoormiit

Nanortalik

Aasiaat

Alluitsup Paa

Tasiilaq

Total

Day centre

Kussattak

Pilutaq

Alleq

Sikkersoq

Amarngivat

Grant in

DKK

365 000

600 000

371 000

241 307

1 068 000

2 645 307

Grants to family centres

Since the last periodic report submitted in 2008 a number of additional family centres have been opened. In 2015 there

are family centres in the following 15 Greenlandic towns and villages: Qaanaaq, Upernavik, Ilulissat, Qasigiannguit,

Qeqertarsuaq, Kangaatsiaq, Aasiaat, Sisimiut, Maniitsoq, Nuuk, Paamiut, Qaqortoq, Narsaq, Nanortalik and Tasiilaq.

In 2014 the government grant aggregated to DKK 11 743 000.

Grants to shelters for battered women (and their children)

There are shelters for battered women in the following 7 towns: Ilulissat, Aasiaat, Sisimiut, Nuuk, Paamiut, Qaqortoq

and Narsaq. In 2014 the government grant aggregated to DKK 1 690 000. 2014-2017 approx. DKK 6 600 000 are

allocated to competency development for personal in shelters.

Separation from parents

The distribution of placements by placement type, municipality and town/village:

Qaasuitsup Municipality (Northwest Greenland) 2014

Placements

Self-rule owned 24-hour care centre

Private 24-hour care centre

Foster care in Greenland

Foster care in Denmark

Total

Kangaatsiaq

Apr. Sept.

Aasiaat

Apr. Sept.

Total

Apr.

166

Qasigiannguit

Apr. Sept.

Ilulissat

Apr. Sept.

Qeqertarsuaq Uummannaq Upernavik

Apr. Sept. Apr. Sept. Apr. Sept.

Source: Ministry of Social Affairs

Qaanaaq

Apr. Sept.

Sept.

144

In Qaasuitsup Municipality 33 children have been transitioned back home in 2014. 24 of the children have received

subsequent social services after returning to their homes.

Qeqqata Municipality (Midwest Greenland) 2014

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Placements

Self-rule owned 24-hour care centre

Private 24-hour care centre

Foster care in Greenland

Professional foster care in Grl.

Total

Source: Ministry of Social Affairs

Maniitsoq

Apr. Sept.

Sisimiut

Apr. Sept.

Total

Apr.

Sept.

In Qeqqata Municipality 1 child has been transitioned back home in 2014.

Sermersooq Municipality (Central West-East Greenland) 2014

Placements

Self-rule owned 24-hour care centre

Private 24-hour care centre

Municipal 24-hour care centre

Foster care in Greenland

Professional foster care in Grl.

Foster care in Denmark

Total

Source: Ministry of Social Affairs

Nuuk

Apr.

116

Paamiut

Sept. Apr. Sept.

177

Tasiilaq

Apr. Sept.

135

Ittoqq.

Apr. Sept.

Total

Apr.

154

298

Sept.

179

344

There is no available data on children that have been transitioned back home in 2014.

Kujalleq Municipality (South Greenland) 2014

Placements

Self-rule owned 24-hour care centre

Private 24-hour care centre

Foster care in Greenland

Total

Source: Ministry of Social Affairs

Qaqortoq

Apr. Sept.

Narsaq

Apr. Sept.

Nanortalik

Apr. Sept.

Total

Apr.

Sept.

In Kujalleq Municipality 1 child has been transitioned back home in 2014.

Total number of placements September 2014

Self-rule owned 24-hour care centre

Private 24-hour care centre

Municipal 24-hour care centre

Foster care in Greenland

Professional foster care in Grl.

Foster care in Denmark

Total

Pct. of persons under 18 years

Children on waiting list

155

384

642

4.5

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Source: Ministry of Social Affairs

Immediate placements of children and adolescents in first quarter of 2014

Town

Number

Upernavik

Uummannaq

Qeqertarsuaq

Ilulissat

Qasigiannguit

Aasiaat

Kangaatsiaq

Sisimiut

Maniitsoq

Nuuk

Paamiut

Narsaq

Qaqortoq

Nanortalik

Tasiilaq

Total

147

Source: Ministry of Social Affairs

The table shows the number of immediate placements of children and adolescents by local social services offices in

Greenland. There are no available data from the towns of

Ittoqqortoormiit and Qeqertarsuaq.

Immediate

placements are not included in the total placements table.

Children without parental care

Adoptions internally in Greenland 2010-2015 including adoptions by step-parent etc.

Year

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015 (until 12 August 2015)

Source: The High Commissioner

Number of adoptions

There is no available data on the number of children and adolescents separated from their parents as a result of a court

decision.

Abuse and neglect

Police intervention

Children exposed to domestic disputes

Source: Annual Statistics 2010-2014, the Police of Greenland

2010 2011

442

444

2012 2013

459

439

2014

410

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Regarding

children exposed to domestic disputes the Greenland Police and the municipal social services

cooperates on a project called 'Conversation instead of domestic disputes', which includes follow up visits,

dialogue and counselling to prevent further escalation of conflicts. According to the police domestic

disputes are very often related to alcohol abuse.

G. Disability, basic health and welfare

Survival and development

Infant mortality rate

In total

In girls

In boys

Under 5 mortality rate

In total

In girls

In boys

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Children with low birth weight

Low birth weight % 2008 2009

In total

5,1

5,4

In girls

6,0

5,6

In boys

4,3

5,3

2010

6,0

2011

6,1

7,9

4,6

2012

4,6

5,3

3,9

2013

5,5

5,4

5,5

2014

5,1

6,0

4,3

Children with seriously low birth weight

% of children with birth weight below 1500 g

In total

In girls

In boys

2008

1,3

1,8

0,9

2009

0,8

0,5

1,1

2010

0,8

0,7

0,9

2011

1,2

1,6

0,9

2012

1,7

2,5

0,8

2013

1,0

0,8

1,1

2008-2014 more than 99 pct. of all children were born in a hospital.

Deaths by non-natural causes

Child deaths in traffic accidents

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

In total 1

Child deaths by crime

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

In total 2

Child deaths by suicide

2014

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

In total 5

2014

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Health and health services

Examination of pregnant women

Examination by a doctor

Examination by midwife 5 + times

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

98 % 95 % 88 % 84 % 75 % 75 % 98 %

68 % 72 % 74 % 77 % 73 % 75 % 68 %

The table show that almost all pregnant women are examined by a doctor and a midwife during their pregnancy.

Women are examined in accordance with the national perinatal guidelines. All women are seen by a midwife at least

once and nearly three quarters are seen five or more times.

Teenage pregnancies

Rate of births in girls below 18 years of age

2008 2009

2010 2011

2012 2013

Percent of children reporting good or very good health in 2006-2014

100

2006

2010

2014

Source: Health Behaviour in School-aged Children

Rate of daily smokers by age 2014

Alder

18-20

21-24

25-29

Source: Health Behaviour in School-aged Children

Alcohol, cannabis and sniffing

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Source: Health Behaviour in School-aged Children

The table shows the percentage of 15 year olds that have been drunk more than twice (dark blue), tried

cannabis (blue) or tried sniffing (light blue) from 2006 until 2014.

Sexually transmitted diseases

There have been 0 new cases of HIV/AIDS in 2008-2014

Person below the age of 18 diagnosed with chlamydia (rate per 1.000)

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

In total 762 768 852 982 896 985

In girls 996 981 1163 1303 1184 1327

In boys 536 555 555 658 615 644

Source: Ministry of Health

Person below the age of 18 diagnosed with gonorrhoea (rate per 1.000)

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

In Total 295 315

349 347 294 376

In girls 357 384

439 440 361 464

In boys 234 246

263 253 228 288

Source: Ministry of Health

Psychiatric care

2014 a total number of 29 young persons aged 15–20 years were admitted into psychiatric care.

Children vaccinated against tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio and measles

Vaccination according to the child health immunization program is free of charge and offered to all children. The

program includes BCG, Pneumococ 13 valent, Hepatitis B, Di-Te-Ki-Pol-Hib, MFR and Rubella. HPV vaccination is

offered to girls at 12 years of age and an ongoing evaluation looks at the benefit for including the HPV immunizations

for boys.

Physically and mentally disabled children

Since the last periodic report was submitted case management in the area of persons with disabilities has

been delegated to the municipalities. The municipalities do not yet have fully updated data on

physically and

mentally disabled persons covered by Parliament Act no. 7 of 1 November 1994 on Assistance to Persons with

Disabilities. Thus, the data below is subject to some uncertainty. , there is neither any specified data

physically and

mentally disabled children. Therefore, the table below show estimates based on the total number of physically and

mentally disabled persons covered by the Parliament Act on Assistance to Persons with Disabilities. During the period

2010-2013 the number has risen approx. 26 percent.

Estimated number of persons under 18 covered by Act on Assistance to Persons with Disabilities

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Municipality

Kujalleq

Sermersooq

Qeqqata

Qaasuitsup

Total

2010

278

2011

116

321

2012

119

103

336

2013

121

108

350

Institutions for young person with severe disabilities 2014

Institution

Boys Girls Average age

Age

Angerlarsimaffik

0-23

Ivaaraq

Meeqqat

Angerlarsimaffiat

Suluppaluk

Gertrud Rask Minde

Uulineq

16,5

12,5

Not set

16-34

6-16

6-18

Target group

Persons with severe mental and physical

disability and children with mental disability

Persons with disability and issues due to

child neglect (sheltered housing)

Persons with autism

Persons with mental disability, ADHD and

autism

Children with autism

Associations for disabled persons and their relatives 2015

KNIPK is a nationwide association for persons with disabilities and their relatives

Inooqat is an association for parents of mentally challenged children

ISI is an association for visually impaired and blind persons

NGP is an association for persons that suffer from arthritis

Sugisaq is an association for persons with mental disorders and their relatives

The association for deaf persons helps deaf persons and their relatives

The association for person with autism

Local associations for persons with disabilities and their relatives exist in Nuuk and Ilulissat

Standard of living

Children living in relative poverty 2002-2010

Source: National Advocacy for Children’s Rights: No child should grow up in poverty (2013)

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The income calculations are based on disposable incomes for households with children.

The blue line displays the

percentage of children living in families that have received social security in a given year. The green line

displays children living in families with an income below 60 percent of the national median income. The

red line displays children living in families with an income below 50 percent of the national median

income. In addition to common issues regarding measurement of poverty it should be considered that a

substantial part of the

economy in Greenland is based on payment in kind and self-sufficiency.

Gini-coefficient covering households with children

During the period 2002 to 2013 economic inequality has risen in resemblance with the global trend. However, income

statistics from Statistics Greenland (2013) display that incomes in households with children are distributed more equal

compared with the income distribution as a whole. In 2013 the total Gini-coefficient in Greenland was approx. 34.3

and approx. 31.2 in households with children.

Source: Statistics Greenland

H. Education, leisure and cultural activities

The right to education

Annually approx. 800 pupils are registered to enter elementary school. The total number of school pupils is approx. 8

000 in 85 schools (23 town schools, 60 settlement schools and 2 private schools). The share of educated teachers in

town schools is 89 percent, while the share of trained teachers in settlement schools is 50 percent.

1 300 students are attending the five high schools. 1 330 students are attending the six vocational colleges.

The tables below show developments in the school- and education system 2009-2012 as well as projections and goals

set in the government’s education strategy 2009-2024.

Share of children aged 0-5 in pre-school

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100%

90%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

Town

Settlement

Total

2009

72%

35%

65%

2012

73%

45%

69%

2017

76%

50%

72%

2020

81%

55%

77%

2024

89%

60%

85%

Source: Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Church

Share of professionals in pre-school

80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

Town

Settlement

Total

2012

56%

34%

54%

2017

61%

39%

58%

2020

66%

42%

64%

2024

73%

47%

70%

Source: Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Church

Transition rate from elementary school

80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

Continuation School

Youth education

Total

15%

47%

2010

2012

45%

12%

57%

2017

45%

17%

62%

2020

45%

23%

68%

2024

45%

30%

75%

Source: Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Church

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Share of professionals in elementary school

120%

100%

80%

60%

40%

20%

Town

Settlement

Total

2010

82%

44%

73%

2012

83%

47%

76%

2017

91%

54%

84%

2020

94%

58%

87%

2024

98%

63%

92%

Source: Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Church

Number of completions – High School

450

400

350

300

250

200

150

100

Greenland

Abroad

Total

2005

142

150

2012

315

353

2017

319

354

2020

330

365

2024

358

393

Source: Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Church

Completion rate – High School

80%

60%

40%

20%

2005

51%

2012

56%

2017

62%

2020

67%

2024

75%

Source: Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Church

Note: The completion rate is the share of a high school year group that have either completed or is expected to complete

the education they have started in the year of counting.

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Average age at completion – High School

2005

2012

2017

2020

2024

21,5

21,4

21,1

20,8

20,5

Source: Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Church

Education budget

Education budget and expenditure 2014;

Education Area

Pre-school

Elementary

Young people outside education system

High School

Vocational education and training

Higher education

Skills and Competence courses

Student grants incl. joint expenses

Construction and renovation

(Municipalities)

Cross cutting initiatives

Government [1000

€]

3 170

18 666

950

29 444

31 603

24 032

20 268

47 183

Municipalities [1000

€]

40 213

100 276

5 559

2 586

148 642

Total [1000

€]

40 213

106 092

19 664

23 683

23 802

25 827

47 192

2 586

325 868

1 900

177 226

Source: Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Church

Total expenditure on education as percentage of total expenditure 2014

Government

Total expenditures

[1000 €]

733 834

Education as a % of total expenditures

24.2 %

Source: Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Church

Municipalities Total

526 610

1 260 443

28.2%

25.9 %

Please note that the tables show all financial items related to education including financial items, which are not

included in the classification of functions of government system (COFOG) cf. the paragraph on allocation of resources

(article 4) in the statistical annex.

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I. Special protection measures

Other forms of exploitation

Cases of occupational injury 2008-2012

Age/Year

Under 17

17-26

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

104

Source: The Working Environment Authority of Greenland

Cases of occupational injury which have been acknowledged 2010-2012

Age/Year

2010 2011

2012

Under 17

17-26

Source: The Working Environment Authority of Greenland

Young people aged 15-19 old in occupation and sideline occupation 2008-2013

Year Age

Occupation Sideline occupation

2008 15-19

1508

152

2009 15-19

1389

127

2010 15-19

1280

2011 15-19

1238

2012 15-19

1109

2013 15-19

1017

Source: The Working Environment Authority of Greenland

Children deprived of their liberty

Persons aged 15-18 years detained in institutions for incarcerated adults 2010-2014

Towns

Ilulissat

Tasiilaq

Aasiaat

Sisimiut

Nuuk *

Qaqortoq

Total

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Total

Source: The Greenlandic Prison and Probation Service

* Data on the number of persons under 18 years of age in the institution in Nuuk is not available. The leader of the

institution guarantees that no person younger than 18 years of age has been in the institution for incarcerated persons

during the period 2013-2014. An estimate from the institution is that 8 persons younger than 18 years of age have been

in the institution during the period 2010-2012.

Adolescents’ aged 15-18 years placed in a closed ward 2014-2015

Number

Average length of stay (days)

Source: Ministry of Social Affairs

2014

56,5

2015

103,3

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No person under 18 years of age has been in any institution together with adults, since the closed ward was established

in 2014.

There is no available data on training of professionals involved with the system of juvenile justice.

There is no available data on the number of persons under 18 years arrested by the police.

There is no available data on the number of persons under 18 years held in police stations or pretrial detention after

having been accused of committing a crime.

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Annex 3: Statistical information regarding the Faroe Islands

A. General measures of implementation

There is no statistical data available on training on the Convention for professionals working with and for children.

B. Definition of the child

In January 2015 the population of the Faroe Islands was 48,704 of which 12,402 citizens were under the age of 18.

Citizens in the Faroe Islands

Girls

Boys

Source: Statistics Faroe Islands

0 – 17 years

6019

6383

Population by gender and age groups. 1 Jan. 2015

Males

Total

25,161

0-6 years

2330

7-14 years

2949

15-17 years

1104

18-24 years

2366

25-59 years

11031

60-66 years

2045

67 years +

3336

Source: Statistics Faroe Islands

Females

23,543

2186

2840

993

2052

9894

1911

3667

Total

48,704

4516

5789

2097

4418

20925

3956

7003

Female

pct.

48.3

48.4

49.1

47.4

46.4

47.3

48.3

52.4

C. General principles

C.1. Right to life, survival and development

Cause of death, number of deaths

Cancer

Endocrine and nutritional disorders and metabolic

diseases

Diseases related to the nervous system and sense organs

Heart disease

Other cardiovascular diseases

Diseases of the digestive organs

Diseases of the urinary and genital organs

Some diseases that occur in the perinatal period

Congenital

malformations

and

chromosomal

abnormalities

Symptoms and abnormal findings with ill-defined causes

Accidents

Suicide

Crime and other forms of violence

Death certificates without medical information

All causes of death

Source: Danish Cause of Death Register

Age

0-17

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

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C.2. Respect for the views of the child

Child and youth organisations

The Faroese Youth Council represents 21 organisations working with children and young people in the Faroe Islands

e.g. scout organisations, cultural and artistic organisations as well as political and religious organisations. The

organisations represented in the Faroese Youth Council have approximately 4800 young members.

The Faroese Confederation of Sports organises 120 sports clubs with a total of 12800 registered members, of whom

9397 members are under 18 years.

Schools with independent student councils

No data is available.

Judicial and administrative proceedings

No data is available.

D. Civil rights and freedoms

D.1. Birth registration

Birth registration is required by law. All new-borns are hence registered.

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

Number of 675

667

614

642

581

live births

Source: Statistics Faroe Islands

D.2. Access to appropriate information

In January 2015 there were 29 libraries in the Faroes.

D.3. The right not to be subjected to torture or other cruel inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment

There is no reporting of torture of children in the Faroes. According to the Faroese criminal code § 157a torture is an

aggravating circumstance when determining violations of the Criminal Code.

E. Violence against children

E.1. Abuse and neglect

Since the establishment of the Children's House in the Faroe Islands in 2013, the collection of statistical data on the

number and type of sexual abuse and violence cases has improved significantly. Because the Faroese Children's House

is organised according to the same framework as the Danish Children's Houses, Faroese data is comparable to Danish

data.

In 2014, there were 29 registered cases of abuse.

20 of the 29 cases were considered concluded and closed in 2014. Of the 29 cases 35 percent were violence-related, 50

percent were cases of sexual abuse, while 15 percent involved both violence and sexual abuse.

F. Family environment and alternative care

F.1. Family support

2.8 percent of children between 0 and 17 received support from the Faroese Child Welfare Service in 2013. This is

below average when compared to data from the other Nordic countries in 2012-2013.

The Faroese Child Welfare Service encompasses a range of services that typically consist of various home-based

activities and assistance.

Childcare services

Childcare services are administrated by the local municipalities. The municipality grants a subsidy for the costs of day

care. To ensure all children access to a day-care facility, an additional subsidy is given to parents whose income does

not exceed a determined threshold.

Children in day-care

Total

Kindergarten/nursery

After-school centre

Day-care centre

2004

4338

2617

669

1052

2008

4894

3158

1000

736

2012

4911

3578

847

486

2015

4947

3681

938

328

2012

619

2013

626

2014

639

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Source: Statistics Faroe Islands

Children in day-care by gender

Kindergarten/nursery

2004

1241

Boys

1376

Girls

2008

1625

Boys

1533

Girls

2012

1852

Boys

1726

Girls

2015

1956

Boys

1725

Girls

Source: Statistics Faroe Islands

After-school centre

327

342

505

495

404

443

454

484

Day-care centre

496

556

384

352

265

221

167

161

F.2. Children without parental care

Comparable statistical data is collected on child welfare interventions with respect to gender and age. Based on the

NOSOSCO report's comparison of this data, the number and rate of children brought into care in the Faroe Islands is

lower when compared to other Nordic countries. However, this number is increasing. In 2012, 7 out of every 1,000

children between the ages of 0-17 were brought into care in the Faroe Islands:

80 percent where brought in foster care (placed in another family).

20 percent where placed in an institution (4 percent were placed in an institution outside of the Faroe Islands, typically

in Denmark).

F.3. Family reunification

No disaggregated data available.

F.4. Illicit transfer and non-return

No data available.

G. Disability, basic health and welfare

G.1. Children with disabilities

The social security act gives parents the right to economical compensation to cover the high expenditure of minding a

child with disabilities. In 2013 the number of parents receiving economical support for this reason was 285.

Children with disabilities attending regular schools

Please refer to VIII.A. regarding children with disabilities attending regular schools.

G.2. Health and health services

Infant mortality rate

2007 2008 2009

In total

7.4

4.4

3.2

Source: Chief Medical Officer in the Faroe Islands

Under 5 mortality rate

2007 2008

In total

11.6

4.4

Source: Danish Couse of Death Register

2009

3.2

2010

4.6

2011

5.1

2012

9.7

2013

1.6

2014

3.1

2010

3.1

2011

8.5

2012

12.9

2013

1.6

2014

Children with low birth weight

Low birth weight % 2007 2008 2009 2010

In total

3.1

3.4

2.9

2.8

Source: Chief Medical Officer in the Faroe Islands

2011

4.1

2012

3.6

2013

5.7

2014

2.1

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Children with seriously low birth weight

% of children with birth weight below 1500 g 2007

In total

0.1

Source: Chief Medical Officer in the Faroe Islands

Percentage of children born in hospitals

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

In total 99.4 99.9 100 99.8 99.7 99.5

Source: Chief Medical Officer in the Faroe Islands

2008

0.3

2009

0.3

2010

1.1

2011

0.2

2012

0.5

2013

0.5

2014

0.2

2013

99.4

2014

99.7

H. Education, leisure and cultural activities

H.1. Education, including vocational training

Literacy rates of children and adults

The aim is to have a 100 percent literacy rate among children and adults. However, Pisa results indicate that more than

18 percent of that have completed secondary school lack the necessary reading skills to attend higher education.

Enrolment and attendance

Education is compulsory for 9 years in the Faroe Islands between the ages of 7 and 16. The enrolment rates for

primary and secondary schools are 100 percent.

Average teacher-to-pupil ratio

There are currently 7000 pupils and 700 teachers, giving a ratio of 1:10.

Non formal education system

No data available

Children who attend preschool education

Approximately 97 percent of all children are attending day care or kindergarten. Please refer to F1. for statistical data

on children in day-care.

Both public and private schools provide optional preschool education, and a tenth year of education after the

compulsory nine years is also available from the public school. The table below shows the number of pupils in public

schools in the schoolyear 2012/2013.

Public School, Faroe Islands (2012/2013)

Educational level

Pre-school

1. grade

2. grade

3. grade

4. grade

5. grade

6. grade

7. grade

8. grade

9. grade

10. grade

Special educational classes

Public School (total)

Boys

402

365

387

378

347

392

344

370

401

265

3716

Girls

348

365

355

349

317

380

351

335

348

231

3429

Source: Statistics Faroe Islands (Ministry of Culture and Education)

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I. Special protection measures

I.1. Refugee children

Immigration and Border Control remains under Danish jurisdiction

, but negations on assuming responsibility of this

area has been initiated between the governments of the Faroe Islands and Denmark. Therefore there are so far no

children in the Faroe Islands with the status of refugees, asylum seekers, and unaccompanied refugee children.

I.2. Children in armed conflicts

The Faroe Islands do not have any independent defence forces or any compulsory military service and are not

involved in any armed conflicts.

I.3. Administration of juvenile justice and children in conflict with the law

The crime rate in the Faroe Island is generally low. It is estimated to be 25 percent lower than in the other Nordic

Countries.

Reported criminal offences

1995

2005

2010

2014

Reported

total

criminal

offences,

1057

975

929

700

Sexual offences

Crimes of violence

Theft

Vandalism

Other offences

Source: Statistics Faroe Islands

425

370

159

477

275

124

421

250

152

275

208

102

Statistical disaggregated data is not available on detained persons or persons in conflict with the law. The number of

persons in detention under the age of 18 is, however, low according to the Police and Prison Service. It is estimated to

be fewer than five persons in the last five years.

Efforts are made to divert young people from prison and to keep them within the Child Welfare System. A criminal

act may therefore lead to a variety of noncustodial orders, supervised by the Child Welfare System.

Serious criminal acts may lead to imprisonment. There is no youth prison or special institutions for persons under the

age of 18 in the Faroes, but special measures are being taken in cases that involve juveniles. It is for example possible

to divide the prison into separate units in order to keep certain criminals away from the young person.

It is also possible to transfer the person to a suitable institution in Denmark. This is however considered a serious

intervention into a young person’s life and such transfers are avoided unless the person wishes to be transferred.

Source: The Police and Prison Service in the Faroes

I.4. Economic exploitation of children

The general rule is that children under the age of 15 are not allowed to work in the Faroe Islands. However, children at

the age of 13 are allowed to carry out light tasks that are specifically defined.

Since the introduction of the Home Rule System in 1948, Faroese public authorities have taken over legislative and administra tive

power in almost all domestic affairs. And with the Takeover Act from 2005 the possibilities available to the Faroese public

authorities to take over fields of affairs were expanded significantly. Some of the areas that can be transferred according to the law

on devolution have not yet been transferred and are therefore areas of joint concern, for example Prison and Probation Service,

Police and Prosecutorial Authority and related elements of the Criminal Justice System.

This means that these areas are being conducted by Danish authorities in the Faroe Islands. The substantive legislative authority is

formally under Danish competence, but in practice the Danish authorities only amend or change legislation after receiving notice

from Faroese authorities.

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Labour force estimated Nov. 2014, employed by age groups and gender

Total

Males

Females

15 266

12 544

As a percentage of population:

100

Total

27 811

Total

15-19 years

20-24 years

25-34 years

35-39 years

40-44 years

45-49 years

50-54 years

55-59 years

60-64 years

65-74 years

Source: Statistics Faroe Islands

I.5. Drug and substance abuse

Please refer to VII.C. regarding measures to protect children from substance abuse

I.6. Sexual exploitation, abuse and trafficking

The Faroese Police has no indication that human trafficking is taking place on the Faroe Islands. Given the small size

of the population (around 48,000 residents) and community, it is believed that it would be difficult to engage in the

trafficking of human beings and prostitution without alerting the authorities.

Neither is it the Police’s impression that there are any brothels in the country. The Crisis Centre shares the Police’s

views. The Centre also states that, if there is any trafficking and/or prostitution, it is very well hidden and not

organised.

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