Greenland sets up truth commission after experts split over whether forced IUD scheme on Inuit girls constituted genocide

Experts appointed to examine Denmark's forced contraception programme in Greenland could not reach agreement on whether it constituted genocide: the four-member panel fractured, with two members quitting to issue a separate report. From the 1960s to the 1990s, at least 4,000 Inuit women and girls — some as young as 12 — had IUDs inserted or were given contraceptive injections, frequently without their knowledge or consent. Greenland's Justice Minister Marianne Paviasen told reporters the government is unable to draw a conclusion either way, noting that the genocide question 'is something we can continue to debate'. Greenland is now setting up a truth and reconciliation commission, while Denmark has already enacted legislation awarding £34,404 to each woman affected.

Among the victims, some developed serious infections, sustained scarring of the fallopian tubes, underwent removal of the uterus, or were left permanently unable to have children.

The Greenlandic Siumut Party wants the genocide question resolved by 'a competent and independent international court', dismissing the inconclusive expert process.

Denmark apologised last August for 'systematic discrimination' against Inuit women and their families, with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen pledging to handle the political process jointly with Greenland.