"We need to confront this past"
Kristín I. Pálsdóttir, a spokesperson for Rótarinnar, emphasizes the need for an independent investigation into failures of the child protection system in Iceland, particularly regarding historical cases of child abuse.
Kristín I. Pálsdóttir, the director of Rótarinnar, has raised urgent concerns about the Icelandic child protection system, particularly urging for a comprehensive review of its operations from 1995 to 2021. This call comes in the wake of recent revelations regarding child abuse at Bakkakot in Rangárvellir from 1975 to 2002, which highlighted systemic failures in safeguarding children. She asserts that the accounts presented in a recent RÚV Kveik program demonstrate a pattern of failure in the systems that were supposed to protect children, and therefore a thorough investigation is essential for accountability.
Rótarinnar has formally requested, via a letter to the Prime Minister, that an independent inquiry be conducted into past abuses within Iceland's child welfare system. Pálsdóttir emphasizes that the Icelandic government has unavoidable obligations under both the constitution and international human rights agreements to protect children from violence and to properly investigate allegations of serious violations. The call for transparency comes amid increasing scrutiny over how authorities handle such sensitive issues.
The need for this investigation is not just about addressing past wrongs but also about ensuring that the child protection system is reformed to prevent future failings. The demands from Rótarinnar reflect a broader call within Icelandic society to confront historical injustices and ensure the safety and well-being of children moving forward. Failure to adequately address these concerns could have significant implications for public trust in child welfare services and the government's commitment to uphold children's rights.