Denmark tackles bias against Greenlanders
The Danish government has unveiled a strategy aimed at combating racism directed at the Greenlandic community. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Copenhagen's initiative follows suggestions by US President Donald Trump regarding the potential purchase of Greenland.
The Danish government has introduced a significant program aimed at combating racism and discrimination against Greenlanders living in Denmark, as reported by the Copenhagen Post. The initiative has faced criticism, with some arguing that action on the issue was only taken after the US showed interest in acquiring the territory.
On Monday, officials revealed a plan that designates an extra 35 million DKK over the next four years, targeting 12 specific measures to address the enduring challenges faced by the Greenlandic community.
A key aspect of the plan is the acknowledgment of the unique identity of Greenlanders. The government will permit individuals to identify their nationality as “Greenlandic” on their passports, recognizing their cultural heritage within the Kingdom of Denmark.
Further initiatives include improving interpretation services to overcome language barriers and facilitating discussions with educational institutions. Boarding schools will also participate in conversations to enhance the conditions for Greenlandic students, aiming to create a more inclusive and supportive atmosphere.
“Racism and discrimination against Greenlanders in Denmark are a separate problem,” commented Minister of Immigration and Integration Kaare Dybvad Bek, according to The Copenhagen Post.
Greenlandic MP Aaja Chemnitz of the Inuit Ataqatigiit party expressed support for the plan, as reported by the newspaper, and described it as an “important tool” for addressing racism not only towards Greenlanders but also other ethnic groups.
Nonetheless, some critics have pointed out that Danish institutions have largely been inactive on these matters until recent years, coinciding with increased US interest in Greenland, which includes President Trump's contentious proposal to buy the territory, bringing global attention to its strategic significance and its ties with Denmark.
In a related move, Denmark has opted to end the use of controversial “parenting competency” tests imposed on Greenlandic families. These tests, employed during child protection investigations, have faced criticism for being culturally inappropriate and resulting in the separation of children from Inuit parents. The government intends to replace them with a specialized unit familiar with Greenlandic culture to aid municipalities in relevant cases.
Mathilde Moreau contributed to this report for TROIB News
The Danish government has introduced a significant program aimed at combating racism and discrimination against Greenlanders living in Denmark, as reported by the Copenhagen Post. The initiative has faced criticism, with some arguing that action on the issue was only taken after the US showed interest in acquiring the territory.
On Monday, officials revealed a plan that designates an extra 35 million DKK over the next four years, targeting 12 specific measures to address the enduring challenges faced by the Greenlandic community.
A key aspect of the plan is the acknowledgment of the unique identity of Greenlanders. The government will permit individuals to identify their nationality as “Greenlandic” on their passports, recognizing their cultural heritage within the Kingdom of Denmark.
Further initiatives include improving interpretation services to overcome language barriers and facilitating discussions with educational institutions. Boarding schools will also participate in conversations to enhance the conditions for Greenlandic students, aiming to create a more inclusive and supportive atmosphere.
“Racism and discrimination against Greenlanders in Denmark are a separate problem,” commented Minister of Immigration and Integration Kaare Dybvad Bek, according to The Copenhagen Post.
Greenlandic MP Aaja Chemnitz of the Inuit Ataqatigiit party expressed support for the plan, as reported by the newspaper, and described it as an “important tool” for addressing racism not only towards Greenlanders but also other ethnic groups.
Nonetheless, some critics have pointed out that Danish institutions have largely been inactive on these matters until recent years, coinciding with increased US interest in Greenland, which includes President Trump's contentious proposal to buy the territory, bringing global attention to its strategic significance and its ties with Denmark.
In a related move, Denmark has opted to end the use of controversial “parenting competency” tests imposed on Greenlandic families. These tests, employed during child protection investigations, have faced criticism for being culturally inappropriate and resulting in the separation of children from Inuit parents. The government intends to replace them with a specialized unit familiar with Greenlandic culture to aid municipalities in relevant cases.
Mathilde Moreau contributed to this report for TROIB News
