Denmark announces $4.9M action plan to fight racism against Greenlanders
The Danish government has unveiled an expanded action plan to combat racism and discrimination against Greenlanders in Denmark, allocating an additional DKK 35 million (approximately $4.9 million) over four years to implement 12 targeted initiatives, state news outlet DR reported on Monday.
The three-year comprehensive plan will focus on addressing Greenlander discrimination, which has long been overlooked.
Among the key measures, the government will allow Greenlanders to have their nationality listed as "Greenlandic" on their passports, recognizing their distinct sense of identity.
Other initiatives include improving interpretation services and fostering dialogue with educational institutions to address racism being faced by Greenlandic students. Boarding schools will also discuss ways to improve conditions for Greenlandic students.
According to the media outlet, Minister of Immigration and Integration Kaare Dybvad Bek emphasized Denmark's special relationship with Greenland, saying, "Racism and discrimination against Greenlanders in Denmark are a separate problem."
Greenlandic MP Aaja Chemnitz of the Inuit Ataqatigiit party welcomed the plan, describing it as an "important tool" for combating racism against not only Greenlanders but also other ethnic groups.
She has previously raised concerns about structural racism in the country, such as the derogatory term "Greenlandic stiff" being embedded in Danish.
The action plan comes at a time when Greenland is receiving increased international attention, including US President Donald Trump's controversial suggestion to purchase it.
Psychological test
Last week, the governments of Denmark and Greenland agreed to end the use of controversial psychological tests on Greenlandic parents.
Municipalities in Denmark use these tests in all cases of child placement. However, it is currently being halted in cases where the parents are of Greenlandic descent.
"I hope that the solution will restore peace and security to Greenlanders in Denmark," said Minister of Social Affairs and Housing Sophie Haestrop Anderson in a statement. She added that there are currently approximately 460 children of Greenlandic descent who are placed outside the home.
The Greenlandic government has repeatedly raised concerns that the psychological tests are not appropriate for testing Greenlanders because they are not tailored to Greenlandic culture and thus may have given an inaccurate picture of the parent's ability to care for their children.
AA
