03.02.06

In September 2005, the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten decided to publicise drawings and caricatures of the Prophet Muhammed, claiming to raise a debate about a growing self-censorship in Denmark and abroad, which according to the paper threatens the freedom of expression. The publication of the drawings and caricatures was perceived as being offensive to Muslims and has occasioned a dramatic response in Denmark and abroad, the consequences of which are still unfolding.

The Danish Institute for Human Rights has continuously repudiated any discriminatory or degrading statements about Islam or Muslims and has from the outset expressed grave concern about the lack of respect for religious belief and feelings that the drawings in Jyllands-Posten can communicate. Since September 2005, the Director of the Danish Institute, Mr. Morten Kjærum has outlined in various Danish media the danger of reinforcing an explicit divide between majority and ethnic and religious minorities. Such a divide can foster hate and tensions that are counterproductive to any society. The publication of the drawings and caricatures and the reaction to them should be seen in the context of this harsh and dichotomising debate. Expressions are made and heard in context, and it is important to strike the right balance and test the limits of the essential freedom of expression in this particular light.

Freedom of expression is a precondition for the exercise of other rights and as such imperative to a democratic society, but is and has never been unconditional. The Danish Institute for Human Rights is obviously fully committed to the protection and promotion of the right to freedom of expression. There is a long, globally recognized, tradition of using satire, cartoons and other similar media to table issues, provoke and engage people and to generate dialogue. However, for the individual, this means that one must always exercise the right to freedom of expression responsibly and respectfully – especially when it comes to issues as emotionally charged as religion.

The demand for constructive cooperation and co-existence between minorities and majorities increases as societies become relatively more diverse. This diversity entails sincere respect for one another – also when it comes to the inalienable right to freedom of expression. Unlawful or not, provocative expressions often have victims, who feel their rights have been violated and therefore react, and as the conflict unfolds, more and more people find themselves in this position. Mutual understanding and respect between religious and ethnic groups, in Denmark as well as everywhere else, needs to be nurtured and won everyday, and human rights offer universal standards that frame this effort.

Individuals, groups and organisations, i.e. the civil society of any country, have the right and obligation to engage in matters of importance and to respond. However, in order for such engagement to be a constructive contribution to the promotion of human rights, such action must never be violent in itself or contribute to escalation of violence and hatred or harm the respect for the rights and freedoms of groups and individuals.

It is first and foremost the duty of governments to respect human rights, i.e. to refrain from violating them and to protect individuals from human rights violations by others. Governments everywhere – in Denmark and abroad – are obligated to do their outmost to contribute to a peaceful settlement of the current situation in a way that leads to promotion of tolerance, pluralism and respect for diversity producing more inclusive societies.

The Danish Institute for Human Rights will take this opportunity to stress the need for human rights awareness and to encourage a peaceful dialogue about human rights challenges as provided in article 7 of the International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. We especially call upon partners and human rights institutions and organisations everywhere to help us in the endeavour to bring human rights principles, in their totality, to the forefront of public dialogue, and to use the momentum of the current situation to strengthen the realisation of human rights in all societies.

- http://www.humanrights.dk/news/News0106/