Discussion groups will be set up to reduce violence inside and outside the Norwegian asylum centers.The Government will allocate 12 million for this purpose in the revised national budget.
Asylum seekers must follow Norwegian laws and regulations and it is essential that they learn this. Violence is totally unacceptable, says Immigration and Integration Minister Sylvi Listhaug (FRP) .
The initiative is part of the integration message to be presented on 11 May, where the Government will also propose that all who come to Norway and stay at reception centers will be put through 50 hours of teaching in Norwegian culture, laws and regulations.
– Work on earlier pilot project showed good results by working against violence through challenging attitudes. You do not leave behind the attitudes you bring from home at the Norwegian border , says the Minister.
Dialog
Listhaug believes there is an increased need for measures to “curb frustration and energize residents” , with the high number of residents at Norwegian reception centres and the increased period of residency for the many arrivals last year.
It is the Foundation for Alternative to Violence that has developed a training course for the Immigration directorate, where the reception staff will be trained to hold discussion groups for residents at the centres.
The money set aside in the revised national budget shall include training costs for the employees, especially at the many new centers that have been established. UDI also wants to create their own discussion groups with residents of reception centers for unaccompanied minors, to help raise awareness on topics such as sexual violence and abuse.
Visiting reception centre
On Wednesday afternoon Listhaug will visit Hvalstad transit center for unaccompanied minor asylum seekers together with Prime Minister Erna Solberg.
Source: NTB scanpix / Norway Today
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