Greenland, as an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, is indirectly connected to the founding of the Council of Europe since Denmark was one of the founding members on 5 May 1949 [1] . Although not all Council conventions automatically extend to Greenland, the territory is affected by the various initiatives and conventions implemented by the Council of Europe.
Denmark has been a key player in shaping the European human rights framework as one of the 46 member states of the Council of Europe and a founding member since 1949 [2] . As Greenland is part of Denmark, it shares in this foundational legacy, even if some conventions and initiatives do not fully apply to it.
A delegation from the Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) visited Greenland from 14 to 16 January 2025 [3] . During the visit, the delegation examined detention conditions and the treatment of persons in the closed unit of the new Nuuk Prison (Ny Anstalt), which opened in 2019. This facility enables Greenlandic prisoners, many serving indeterminate sentences for serious offences, to remain closer to their communities. Consultations were held with local prison officials, and preliminary observations were presented to senior Danish officials on 17 January 2025.
The Council of Europe undertakes a broad range of activities and conventions that impact its member states, including Denmark and, by extension, Greenland. These include:
Denmark’s active participation in the Council of Europe extends beyond its domestic borders. As a founding member, Denmark’s involvement includes membership in the Committee of Ministers with senior political representation, representation in the Parliamentary Assembly and the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, contributions to the European Court of Human Rights, and active engagement in the work of the Commissioner for Human Rights and the implementation of various Council treaties [16] .
While Greenland benefits indirectly from Denmark’s foundational role in the Council of Europe, its autonomous status means that some Council conventions and initiatives are applied selectively. The comprehensive framework of human rights, justice, and social policies advanced by the Council of Europe—ranging from the prevention of torture to the fight against corruption and trafficking—illustrates the wide-ranging impact of the Council on all member states and associated territories.