Greenland urges Denmark to reverse its refusal to pay compensation to adoptees

BRUSSELS

Greenland's Minister for Children, Youth and Families Mads Pedersen has called on the Danish government to reverse its rejection of compensation claims filed by four Greenlanders who were adopted by Danish families between the 1950s and 1970s.

In an open letter addressed to Denmark’s Minister of Social Affairs Sophie Hæstorp Andersen, Pedersen criticized the recent decision by the Ministry of Social Affairs to deny the adoptees' demand for one million kroner in compensation, the Greenlandic media KNR reported on Thursday. The claim alleged violations of their human rights during the adoption process.

Citing the outdated nature of the cases and a lack of sufficient documentation proving that adoption rules at the time were violated, the Ministry of Social Affairs rejected the claims. However, Pedersen contested this reasoning, stating that it is "well documented that the adoptions took place without valid consent from the biological parents," many of whom believed their children were being placed in temporary care.

"This is a violation of the rights of both the parents and the children," Pedersen wrote. He emphasized that the adoption practices of the time were marked by "opacity and inadequate consent."

"You cannot hide behind the legislation of the past when the consequences are so serious and long-lasting," he said.

Calling for the case to be reopened, Pedersen said, "It is necessary for the Danish state to provide them with redress, not only financially, but also morally, by collectively acknowledging the failure that both they and their families have been subjected to."