Residents of Hjalteyri, who previously stayed at a children's home, are demanding promised compensation from the Icelandic government for damages and suffering caused during their stay.
Residents who lived at the children's home in Hjalteyri during the 1970s are actively pursuing compensation from the Icelandic government for the damages and trauma they endured while in care. Their lawyer, Gísli Kr. Björnsson, has submitted a claim to the Prime Minister, noting that the case appears to have stalled under the administration of Katrín Jakobsdóttir. This situation reflects ongoing frustrations regarding the handling of historical grievances related to care homes in Iceland.
In September 2023, it was reported that the government had allocated 410 million krónur to settle fairness compensation claims concerning the Hjalteyri case, indicating an acknowledgment of past abuses. Reports from 2021 detailed instances of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse that occurred at the facility, further complicating the discussions on compensation. The legal team representing the residents is pushing for a resolution, emphasizing that previous claims had been processed swiftly by then-minister Jón Gunnarsson and his staff, suggesting that prompt action could still be possible.
This development not only shines a light on the specific injustices faced by the residents of Hjalteyri but also raises broader questions about how Icelandic society addresses historical abuses in care facilities. As survivors continue to seek justice, the pressure mounts on the government to ensure that such promises of compensation are fulfilled, potentially impacting future policies on the care and safeguarding of vulnerable populations.
