Overview
Danish Institute for Human Rights (DIHR) is Denmark’s national human rights institution, established by the Danish Parliament in 1987. It operates as an independent state institution with a mandate to promote and protect human rights and equality domestically and internationally.
The organisation’s overarching philosophy is grounded in advancing dignity, freedom and equal rights for all individuals, in line with international human rights standards.
Mission and focus areas
DIHR works to strengthen human rights systems through research, policy advice and partnerships with governments, businesses and civil society. Its thematic areas include business and human rights, gender equality, climate change, rule of law and sustainable development.
It contributes to ESG and sustainable finance by developing guidance on responsible business conduct, human rights due diligence and regulatory frameworks such as the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation.
Structure and governance
DIHR is an independent public institution governed by legislation and aligned with the UN Paris Principles for national human rights institutions. It operates with a structured governance framework that includes a board, management team and a Council for Human Rights.
The organisation functions as both a national human rights institution and an equality body, with responsibilities for monitoring, advising government and reporting to international bodies.
Programs and offerings
DIHR delivers research, policy analysis, advisory services and capacity-building programmes across Denmark and globally. It produces publications, legal analyses and practical tools, including frameworks for human rights impact assessment and human rights-based approaches to development.
Its learning hub provides digital training materials, while its partnerships support institutional development and implementation of human rights standards, offering practical resources for policymakers, businesses and sustainability practitioners.
Mission
The Danish Institute for Human Rights is to protect and promote human rights and equality.
