The Danish Institute for Human Rights appoints Mette Thygesen as new International Director

1^st of November Mette Thygesen will join the Danish Institute for Human Rights and thereby leave the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs after almost 20 years of service.

Mette Thygesen is coming from a position as head of office for Humanitarian Efforts, Civil Society and Engagement, where she was responsible for five teams and a management group of six.

From her career in the ministry, Mette Thygesen has gained solid experience from working in the hotspots of the world. She has been special envoy to the Sahel and ambassador to Ethiopia.

In her current position she has focused on democracy and human rights, and she is one of the driving forces behind the Danish Tech for Democracy initiative.

As a leader, Mette Thygesen does not shy away from difficult tasks and looks forward to working at the Institute for Human Rights:

"I look forward to contributing to strengthening human rights in countries where they are not widely known and implemented. The common thread in my working life is to make a difference in the world. Therefore, I am happy to get this opportunity to lead employees who share that approach and give their best every day," says Mette Thygesen.

Louise Holck, Director of the Danish Institute for Human Rights, is looking forward to working with the new head of the international area:

"With Mette Thygesen as international director, we set high ambitions for our engagement in the world. Mette Thygesen has in-depth knowledge of the situation in countries where we are present, and she has proved success in turning strategies into initiatives that benefit people around the world," says Louise Holck.

Mette Thygesen will be responsible for four leaders and 90 employees, one-third working in countries, where the Danish Institute for Human Rights has activities.

The Danish Institute for Human Rights contributes to protecting and strengthening human rights in cooperation with ministries, police, civil society, and companies in countries like Mali, Ethiopia and Myanmar.