Kathmandu— Greenland is establishing a truth and reconciliation commission to examine a decades-long scheme in which at least 4,000 Greenlandic Inuits – including girls as young as 12 – were subjected to forced contraception through the insertion of intrauterine devices (IUDs) or contraceptive injections, often without their knowledge or consent. The decision follows two expert reports that failed to reach a consensus on whether the practice amounted to genocide, prompting calls for further investigation and compensation for victims. The scheme, which took place from the 1960s through the 1990s, was reportedly intended by Danish authorities to reduce birth rates and improve living standards in the Arctic territory.

Decades of Forced Contraception

A joint Danish-Greenlandic inquiry last year revealed that between 1960 and 1990, at least 4,000 Greenlandic Inuits were given IUDs or contraceptive injections without proper consent. The practice was motivated by a desire among Danish authorities to lower birth rates and improve social and health conditions in Greenland, which has a population of approximately 57,000 people and is a semi-sovereign territory of Denmark.

The campaign resulted in serious health consequences for some victims, including infections, scarring of the fallopian tubes, and even forced removal of the uterus. Many were left unable to have children.

Conflicting Expert Assessments

Greenland’s government commissioned a four-member panel in 2024 to investigate the scheme, but the experts could not reach a unanimous conclusion regarding whether it constituted genocide. Justice Minister Marianne Paviasen stated that one report found no evidence of genocide, while the other determined the extent of the violations remained unclear.

Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen emphasized that the reconciliation commission’s purpose is “not about assigning blame, but about uncovering the truth with a view to genuine reconciliation.” Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen affirmed Copenhagen's commitment to working alongside the Greenlandic government on this issue.

Victims Demand Accountability

Victims have expressed frustration that no Greenlandic Inuits were appointed as experts in the investigation, feeling their voices and experiences were not adequately represented. Henriette Berthelsen told AFP, “For me, this is not just about history or politics. It’s my body, my life, and my right to self-determination.”

Inger Platou, 70, recounted waking up after a supposed minor operation to discover an IUD had been inserted without her consent, stating, “It turns out we were treated like animals…they just wanted to stop women from giving birth or having children. It was a very inhumane act.” She added that complications from the device left her unable to become pregnant.

Compensation and Apology

Denmark issued an apology for the scheme last year, with Prime Minister Frederiksen acknowledging “systematic discrimination” against Greenlanders. The Danish parliament recently agreed to provide compensation of up to 300,000 Danish crowns (approximately $46,758) to women affected by the forced contraception campaign.

The Greenlandic Siumut Party has called for an independent international court to determine whether the actions constituted genocide, stating, “Today we could have been far more Greenlanders.”

The newly established truth and reconciliation commission is expected to begin its work in the coming months, aiming to provide a comprehensive account of the events and promote healing within the Greenlandic community.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.