In a thought-provoking opinion piece, Unnar Þór Sæmundsson advocates for a total revamp of the Icelandic child protection system, which he believes should be fundamentally restructured due to its failures. Sæmundsson, a former resident of Bakkakot—a facility where many children were placed over the years—reveals the traumatic experiences faced by some of the children who lived there, many of whom have reported instances of abuse. His stark suggestion to "burn it to the ground and start over" reflects a growing sentiment that the current system is inadequate in addressing the needs of vulnerable children.

The Icelandic Prime Minister, Kristrún Frostadóttir, has recently announced a set of four actions aimed at addressing the historical and ongoing issues faced by children who were victims of abuse at Bakkakot. These measures include an investigation into the status of former residents, the provision of psychological assistance to affected individuals, a review of the foster care system in Iceland, and a re-evaluation of the compensation scheme for victims. This response aims to acknowledge the past failures of the child protection system and initiate processes for healing and accountability.

Sæmundsson's critique highlights the urgent need for societal and systemic change, signaling that the harms inflicted upon children in institutional settings must be addressed head-on. It opens the floor for meaningful discussions about child welfare, protection, and the responsibilities of the state towards those in its care. His article contributes to a broader dialogue on child protection reforms, showcasing the necessity for a system that genuinely prioritizes children's rights and well-being above all else.