A wave of anger has swept through Greenland after Danish social services removed a newborn baby from its mother just days after birth. The controversial decision, based on a 'parenting competence assessment', has ignited protests and accusations of systemic discrimination against Greenlandic people.
The incident occurred in the capital city, Nuuk, where the mother was deemed to have failed the assessment. The test, a requirement for some parents, is a point of fierce contention, with critics labelling it a degrading and culturally biased tool.
A System Under Fire
This case is not isolated. It has become a powerful symbol for a growing movement demanding an overhaul of the child protection system. Many Greenlanders see the practices of Danish social services as a haunting echo of past colonial policies, where children were frequently separated from their families.
Protests organised by the group 'Our Children' have drawn significant crowds, demonstrating the deep-seated frustration. The group and its supporters argue that the system disproportionately targets Greenlandic families, undermining their right to raise their own children.
The Official Stance
In response to the outcry, Greenland's Minister for Children, Family, Justice and Gender Equality, Peter K. E. Hansen, has acknowledged the public's pain. He confirmed that an investigation into this specific case is underway. However, he also defended the use of parenting assessments as a legal and necessary tool for ensuring child welfare, a stance that has done little to quell the public fury.
The debate strikes at the heart of Greenland's complex relationship with Denmark. While Greenland has self-rule, key areas like child protection and justice remain under Danish jurisdiction, creating a persistent source of tension and feelings of disenfranchisement among the local population.
