A/HRC/18/4 10. The delegation drew attention to the fact that human rights form a key element of the value basis of the Danish Government and for decades has been at the centre of its foreign and development policy. 11. The delegation acknowledged that human rights challenges do exist in Denmark, and that Denmark is committed to addressing them. 12. The delegation highlighted that some of these challenges relate to the demographic changes that Denmark is undergoing. Denmark is evolving into a more ethnically diverse society. However, rapid societal changes also bring about challenges related to maintaining and strengthening the cohesiveness in Danish society, and allowing every individual to contribute to the greater whole without discrimination. 13. The delegation reported that some people today experience a sense of exclusion from mainstream society and feel subject to different forms of discrimination. Such concerns must be addressed with commitment. Denmark must work to strengthen mutual understanding and dialogue among people of different backgrounds, religions and cultures in order to break down the fear and prejudice that can easily come to dominate the way people view each other. 14. The delegation reported that the Government is dedicated to combating discrimination in all its forms and, among other things, has taken a number of steps to combat discrimination on the grounds of racial or ethnic origin. In July 2010, the Government published the Action Plan on ethnic equal treatment and respect for the individual. 15. The delegation stated that another key priority of the Government is the prevention of social exclusion and poverty. The Government regularly adjusts the social and labour market policies in order to improve the living conditions for people at risk of social exclusion and poverty. 16. The delegation thanked the countries who had submitted written advance questions. 17. The representative of the Government of Greenland stated that the indigenous people of Greenland, the Inuit, constitute a large majority of 88 per cent. On 21 June 2009, Greenland celebrated the inauguration of Greenland Self-Government. The Act on Greenland Self-Government introduces new arrangements regarding mineral resource activities in Greenland and economic relations between Greenland and Denmark. It describes the cooperation between Greenland and Denmark regarding foreign policy, recognizes Greenlandic as the official language in Greenland and describes the country’s access to independence – a decision to be taken by the people of Greenland. 18. The representative reported that the full mineral resources area has been taken over by the Government of Greenland, while the administration of justice and family law remain, for the time being, the responsibility of Denmark. 19. Greenland is working diligently to ensure that fundamental human rights principles form the basis of any legislative initiative and that the civil society is duly included in the preparatory process. It is the policy of the Government of Greenland that international human rights instruments be extended to Greenland. However, in accordance with the Act on Greenland Self-Government, the lifting of reservations to conventions ratified by Denmark and relating to Greenland will require prior presentation to the Parliament of Greenland. 20. It is the responsibility of the Government of Greenland to ensure the implementation of international conventions in areas taken over by Greenland. As a result, the Government of Greenland also participates actively in the reporting by Denmark to the treaty bodies of the United Nations. 4