Despite drawing criticism from the U.N. and other observers, the Danish government has gained a parliamentary majority in favor of legislation that would force refugees to hand over their valuables in exchange for accommodation while they seek asylum, according to The New York Times. Debate on the issue has begun today.
Asylum seekers will be made to give authorities any valuable items, such as gold or jewelry, in order to contribute to the costs of being hosted by Denmark, according to The New York Times. Those who enter the country with more than 10,000 kroner in assets, which is equivalent to $1,450 (USD), "will have to [use] the surplus above 10,000 kroner to pay for their stay," Danish government spokesman Marcus Knuth told the Guardian.
The move has been criticized by United Nations officials who have warned that the new measures might contribute to fear and xenophobia. Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen previously criticized the U.N. 1951 refugee convention and called for it to be repealed, which the U.N. claims would "renounce millennia" of human progress, according to the Guardian.
Ramussen defended the plan by claiming that foreigners were unaware of how generous the Danish welfare system is, stating that they should understand that "we in Denmark say before you get these benefits, you must - if you have a fortune - pay for yourself," according to the Financial Times.
After the idea was widely criticized at its inception, Danish politicians have agreed that refugees will be allowed to keep items with sentimental value such as family portraits, wedding and engagement rings, according to the Financial Times. Knuth assured reporters at the Guardian that asylum seekers would have the final say in disputes over sentimental items. The specifics of the law will be finalized after Wednesday's debates.
