Greenland Justice Minister Says Evidence on Genocide Claims Is Uncertain

Sun Sep 06 2026 03:23:53 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Greenland officials find no conclusive evidence of genocide after forced contraception; new reports split on whether Denmark's colonial policy met genocide definition.

Greenland’s justice minister Marianne Paviasen said the government could not confirm or deny whether genocide had occurred against Inuit women during Denmark’s 1960s–1970s birth‑control program. Two expert panels released conflicting reports, one stating no genocide and the other suggesting the possibility of genocide based on contraceptive practices and potential intent. Denmark has apologized and promised compensation to affected women, while a reconciliation commission is set to be established. The policy, which involved widespread implantation of IUDs without consent, dramatically reduced fertility rates in Greenland. Victims continue to seek accountability and a clear historical record.

Greenland Justice Minister Says Evidence on Genocide Claims Is Uncertain

Greenland’s justice minister, Marianne Paviasen, told reporters that the government could not determine whether genocide had been committed against Inuit women during Denmark’s forced contraception programme of the 1960s and 70s. She added that “this is something we can continue to debate.”

The debate follows two reports released on Friday, one year after Denmark’s apology for the treatment of Inuit women and girls in its autonomous territory. Prime Minister Jens‑Frederik Nielsen announced a reconciliation commission while Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen pledged joint action.

Denmark has introduced a compensation law, paying 300,000 Danish crowns ($46,800) to each woman who suffered under the policy. Records show that between 1966 and 1970, 4,500 Greenlandic women and girls, some as young as 13, received intra‑uterine devices (IUDs) through a birth‑control programme administered by Danish doctors.

Many victims have come forward claiming they were fitted with IUDs without their knowledge or consent, a practice that significantly slowed Greenland’s population growth. In recent years, women such as Henriette Berthelsen and Inger Platou have voiced their experiences, describing the measures as a violation of bodily autonomy.

Under the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, one definition of genocide involves “imposing measures intended to prevent births” within a specific group. The expert panels tasked with examining possible violations delivered split findings: while two members—lawyer Dalee Sambo Dorough and law professor Miriam Cullen—acknowledged human‑rights abuses, they could not conclude genocide based solely on contraceptive practices.

The remaining experts, former head of the Danish Institute for Human Rights Jonas Christoffersen and psychologist Jensine Nedergaard, also recognized misconduct but found no evidence that any authority or health professional intended to reduce the Greenlandic population. They stated that genocidal intent, if present, would be established by a court based on additional evidence, such as the removal of Inuit children for adoption by Danish families.

The contrasting reports reflect the complex legacy of Denmark’s colonial rule. Greenland was a Danish colony until 1953 and gained home‑rule in 1979; Copenhagen managed its healthcare until 1992. The Inuit, who now make up nearly 90% of Greenland’s 56,000‑person population, were affected by a policy that dramatically lowered fertility—from seven children per woman to 2.3 over eight years.

Frederiksen reacted to the reports, saying that political processes must be tackled together with Greenland’s government to find the right path forward. She also acknowledged the urgency of building trust and addressing past wrongs.

Greenland Justice Minister Marianne Paviasen speaking to reporters — Greenland Justice Minister Marianne Paviasen tells reporters that the government cannot confirm genocide through forced contraception.

The debate over whether the forced contraception policy meets the definition of genocide remains unresolved. Greenland and Denmark are working together to establish a comprehensive truth‑and‑reconciliation process that will address the lingering pain of those who were forcibly sterilised and the broader legacy of colonial governance.