Please refrain from interviewing children and young people under the age of 18 about the current situation in Greenland

Greenland’s child rights institution MIO and the Children’s Spokesperson, Stina Sværd, have become aware that many journalists/media are contacting children and young people – both in public spaces and through private channels – in order to interview them about the current situation, in which the U.S. government has expressed a desire to purchase or otherwise take over Greenland.

We ask for your understanding that this situation may be frightening for children and young people in Greenland.

We therefore ask that you show respect and consideration, as your inquiries and questions about the current situation may further frighten children and thereby contribute to the anxiety and concerns they may already be experiencing.

In addition, participation in media coverage about the current situation may lead to stigmatization and conflict for a child or young person who speaks publicly.

For these reasons, we ask you to refrain from filming, contacting, or requesting interviews with children and young people.

If you nevertheless choose to film or interview a child or young person under the age of 18, we must emphasize that informed consent is required from the child’s parents or legal guardians, as well as from the child themselves. You must therefore inform both the parents/guardians and the child about where and when the interview will be published. You are also required to respect that the child and their parents or guardians have the right to withdraw their consent at any time and to leave the interview.

We would also like to point out that the media are asked to follow Kommuneqarfik Sermersooq’s “Guidelines for International Journalists Visiting Kommuneqarfik Sermersooq”, which state:

“Protection of children
Children must be kept out of journalistic coverage. In Greenland, it is strictly prohibited to photograph or film children without prior parental consent. Regardless of consent, the Mayor strongly believes that children should not be involved when journalists visit the country. As a matter of current policy, permission is not granted for filming or photographing in schools or childcare institutions.”

Kind regards,

Stina Sværd
Children’s Spokesperson

For further information:
Communications Consultant Mette Schmidt
Phone: +299 29 18 96
Email: mtsh@mio.gl