The conditions at the Kærshovedgård Departure Center, located near Ikast in Midtjylland, have significantly worsened since 2017, prompting the Danish Parliamentary Ombudsman to react. Following a visit in the fall of 2023, the Ombudsman has released a press release expressing concern for both the security and general living conditions of the center’s residents. Ombudsman Niels Fenger points out that there has been a coarsening of the conditions, which are now more burdensome for the residents than before. He emphasizes that although the conditions do not violate international conventions, they are still unacceptable and require immediate action.
One of the biggest concerns is the security situation, which the Ombudsman says has deteriorated. He recommends implementing more initiatives to improve security and make the Kærshovedgård Departure Center a safer place for its residents. This includes proposals for regular screenings for suicide risk among new residents.
Kærshovedgård, established in 2016 as a collaboration between several political parties, serves as housing for foreigners who do not have legal residence in Denmark. The center has been home to between 200 and 300 residents annually and has been a focal point for political debate, especially due to issues with crime and non-compliance with reporting requirements among residents.
Previous attempts to relocate residents to other locations, such as the island of Lindholm or a center in Langeland, have been met with resistance and ultimately abandoned. This has led to frustration among local politicians, especially in the Midtjylland region where the center is located.
The Danish Parliamentary Ombudsman calls for swift action to address the current conditions and ensure that Kærshovedgård can offer a more humane and secure existence for its residents.