Iceland Plans Deportation Center Amid Child Welfare Concerns
Iceland plans to build its first deportation center for rejected asylum seekers. Human rights groups warn the facility could harm children's mental health. The government says it's necessary for immigration enforcement.
Iceland's Justice Minister says the country needs a deportation center to enforce immigration policy. The facility would hold rejected asylum seekers until they leave the country. Iceland currently places asylum seekers in prisons while their cases are processed.
Human rights organizations strongly oppose the plan. They see little difference between the proposed center and prisons.
The director of Barnaheilla, a children's advocacy group, expressed serious concerns. "We have extensive data on children in detention," she said in a statement. "Even short-term detention has long-term effects on children. This proposal suggests 3-9 days, but that has permanent impacts when children are in closed facilities."
Justice Minister Þorbjörg Sigríður Gunnlaugsdóttir calls the center a last resort for uncooperative individuals. She notes Iceland is the only Schengen country without such a facility. "I understand these perspectives," she stated, "but Iceland is behind other countries in this regard. We need to enforce specific policies in this area."
The debate highlights Iceland's struggle to balance immigration control with human rights protections. While the government seeks to manage migration flows, child welfare experts warn about psychological damage to vulnerable children.
International readers should note Iceland's unique position as a small island nation in the North Atlantic. The country has seen increased asylum applications in recent years, creating tension between its humanitarian traditions and practical immigration management.