Copenhagen’s Mjølnerparken housing estate is an unremarkable neighbourhood from the outside. However, this area, along with 28 other low-income neighbourhoods nationwide, has been classified by the Danish government as a “ghetto”.
A new law, which went into effect in July 2019, aims to change the social and ethnic make-up of low-income projects.
This approach is part of the "One Denmark without parallel societies -- no ghettos in 2030" plan, which will use mass-evictions as a means to encourage integration among its citizens.
The legislation compels housing associations to sell or redevelop 40% of public housing stock in these low-rent, ethnic minority enclaves.
The nation has compiled this “ghetto list” annually since 2010; the criteria are higher than average jobless and crime rates, lower than average educational attainment and, controversially, more than half of the population being first or second-generation immigrants.
"The cornerstone of democracy is that we are all equal before the law, but that is the stone they are pushing [away] with this legislation," said Aslam, whose apartment is in one of two blocks due to be sold.
The move, dubbed "the greatest social experiment of this century" by Danish media, has been criticized for targeting Danes of colour and immigrants.
Although this tough legislation strives to create equal opportunities among immigrant children and adults, as well as encourage mixed cities in Denmark, the problem begins the moment you make ethnicity the decisive criteria, forcefully ripping apart immigrant communities and selling their homes.
Written by Daniela
Artwork by Zara Masood
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