The municipal council of Norðurþing, North Iceland, believes Iceland is not doing enough about the global refugee crisis. Last year the municipality was one of several which made a formal request to the government to receive refugees. It was decided in a council meeting last week to reaffirm this request and express the region’s willingness to take on the project. If the reaction is positive, the preparations for the project will take place this coming fall, including ensuring the availability of housing and other necessities.
Meeting minutes state that the municipality of about 3,000 residents has very good conditions for welcoming new people and everyone is welcome. “In the closeness of smaller communities there can be in many ways great strength for taking on projects such as this,” the minutes state.
There is considerable experience in the municipality with reception and acclimatization of children from other cultures and with first languages other than Icelandic. “It is the opinion of the undersigned that in addition to supporting those who need it, much can be learned and it could have a positive impact on the community,” the request states.
