Schools asked to be on guard against forced marriages during summer holidays

Minister of Education and Integration Jan Tore Sanner (Conservative Party) and Minister of Children and Equality Linda Hofstad Helleland (C).Photo: Vidar Ruud / NTB scanpix

The government has sent letters to all the country’s schools asking them to pay extra attention to forced marriages and involuntary stays abroad as the summer holiday is approaching.

 

The letter was signed by the Minister of Knowledge and Integration, Jan Tore Sanner of Høyre (H), and Minister for Children and Equality, Linda Hofstad Helleland (H).

‘’The summer holiday is a time when many people travel abroad. For some youngsters and children, they are subjected to forced marriage, threats and violence, or abandoned abroad against their will. It is unacceptable and we must work together to prevent this from happening,” said Sanner.

Tuesday also sees the launch of a new film in connection with the ongoing campaign against coercion and negative social control. The film is aimed at young people who are at risk of being forced into captivity abroad. The films are launched on Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat, and lead to the website.noetvalg.no, which tells who kids can contact if they are worried on their own or someone else’s behalf.

The letter has also been sent to all the county’s municipalities, and county councillors,asking employees in government agencies to pay extra attention to young people at risk or of serious concern. Today’s prohibition against forced marriage includes marriage under “undue pressure”, such as strong mental pressure.

“We want to remind everyone who meets children and young people in their work to keep an eye on young people who may be at risk of being subjected to compulsion. School,healthcare and child welfare are important participants’’, said Helleland.

 

© NTB scanpix / #Norway Today