It was the chairman of the Greenland CommitteeAaja Chemnitz, who had initiated a consultation on the rights of Greenlanders as a follow-up to the government’s action plan against racism, which was presented last year.
The hearing focused on both cultural and linguistic rights and also discussed which solutions could be the way forward.
It was the chairman of the Greenland CommitteeAaja Chemnitz, who had initiated a consultation on the rights of Greenlanders as a follow-up to the government’s action plan against racism, which was presented last year.
The hearing focused on both cultural and linguistic rights and also discussed which solutions could be the way forward.
Among the speakers were social and housing minister Sophie Hæstorp Andersen (S), chair of ICC, Sara Olsvig, Marie Kahlig from the Greenlandic House in Aarhus, chair of Uagut, Julie Rademacher, director of the Institute for Human Rights Louise Holck and Ivalo Lyberth from Tikiusaaq and the Inuit Association.
Disrespectful for the minister to slip up
Unfortunately for several of those present, the Minister of Social Affairs left shortly after she had been on the podium herself, and she therefore did not hear the many critical questions from the audience, which were, among other things, about difficult housing conditions and the continued use of parental competence tests in placement cases.
– I think it is disrespectful that the minister comes and starts the hearing, and then she just slips away, said Margrete Johansen afterwards.
Mother-child home targeting Greenlandic families
Bisidder and former chairman of the association MAPI, Laila Bertelsen, was also upset that the minister did not hear her critical questions.
– I think it was grotesque that the minister did not stay and answer questions from the floor. We find that many families do not know what are the options for support measures and that they are not offered it at all in placement cases. Instead, the children are removed.
– However, I was happy to hear that it is planned to establish a mother-child home targeted at Greenlandic families, because then there will be some Greenlandic experts among the staff, and that is very important, said Laila Bertelsen after the hearing.
Good suggestions for solutions
For Camilla Siezing and Paninnguaq Falck Petersen, the event was predominantly positive, and a step forward in relation to finding good solutions to the discrimination that many Greenlanders experience.
– It is, after all, a continuation of the work that has been started. I think it is good that many different actors who work with Greenlandic society have been invited. Different points of view emerged, and also some good suggestions for solutions. In addition, there were several critical questions from the audience, which is also good, said Camilla Siezing, chairperson of the Inuit Association after the hearing.
Among other things, there were concrete proposals about more opportunities for learning or re-learning Greenlandic and, in addition, better opportunities to learn Danish for those who move from Greenland to Denmark. In addition, about better interpretation – which to a greater extent should be addressed to the case handlers rather than to Greenlandic citizens.
– There was a lot of input and views for the politicians. I think more conversation is needed. It provides greater understanding and mutual respect. I also think the idea of a cultural fund is interesting, said Paninnguaq Falck Petersen.
Critical questions will be sent to the Minister
Aaja Chemnitz said after the hearing that it is common for ministers not to participate in a hearing from start to finish, and that she will of course forward the critical questions to the minister.
– I am glad that we held the hearing. There is a need to keep focusing on promoting the linguistic and cultural rights of Greenlanders in the Folketing. It is very healthy in a democracy that different critical attitudes are expressed, and I know that there are also several loose ends and kinks in the area of placement, which we continue to work on. It is also common for ministers to go during a hearing. However, I am glad that she participated, and we will of course forward the critical questions to her.
