The Institute seeks new director

By March, the Danish Institute for Human Rights will say goodbye to its director of 11 years, Jonas Christoffersen. He resigns his position on March 20th 2020 to be a lawyer.

Chairperson of the board, Dorthe Elise Svinth, thanks Jonas Christoffersen for his efforts and achievements.

“I would like to thank Jonas on both my own and on the board's behalf for his tireless and enormous efforts. Undoubtedly, Jonas has been crucial to the significant development of the Institute over the past 11 years. He is a professional force in the legal field and at the same time, he has run the Institute with a steady hand. In the upcoming recruitment process, we will emphasize the need for a new director who can continue the development of the Institute,” says chairperson of the board, Dorthe Elise Svinth.

Jonas Christoffersen is proud to have led one of the most respected national human rights institutions in the world.

“It is a tremendous privilege to fight for human rights. I have experienced and achieved far more than I could have dreamed of, but after 11 years it is time to move on and bring in new energy. I leave a strong and dynamic institution characterized by high professionalism and credibility. I know that the Institute, with a new director, will continue to create substantial results for human rights – both inside and outside of Denmark,” says Jonas Christoffersen.

When Jonas Christoffersen leaves the institute, it will be to pursue an old dream of being a lawyer. He has established a new law firm together with lawyer René Offersen. The law firm will focus on principled and complex litigation, including Jonas Christoffersen’s work on human rights.

The Institute will hold a farewell reception for Jonas Christoffersen on March 19th 2020 at 3 pm in Copenhagen.

Questions can be directed to chairperson of the board Dorthe Elise Svinth on 28 98 30 30 and director Jonas Christoffersen on 41 32 88 61.