To be a friend in reality

Few of us would have believed that in 2022 there would be war in Europe and that it would be necessary to prepare for the arrival of refugees from Ukraine to the country. In an instant, the lives of many people are turned upside down. At the start of the year, they had a normal life, shopped for groceries, attended school and work, held children's birthday parties, loved and were loved. The everyday reality, but now it belongs to another dimension. Today they are fleeing their homeland with nothing but hand luggage and sorrow in their heart. Cities have been laid to waste and innocent people have lost their lives. While governments respond in international cooperation, the public in Iceland has been watching the developments with sadness and filled with helplessness. It is difficult to watch from a distance and be able to do little.

Governments need to respond quickly

The Icelandic government quickly decided to accept refugees from Ukraine, and the first groups are arriving in the country these weeks. 4.6 million children are fleeing because of the war in Ukraine, these children suffer greatly, and it is uncertain what impact the war will have on these children and their families, whether in the short or long term. Ásmundur Einar Daðason, Minister of Education and Children, has set up a special response team along with a special monitoring team because of the number of children who have come and are expected to arrive in the country. It is important that the families who come here can seek services for children in one place. They need to feel embraced in every possible way.

The Icelandic nation has a big heart

I am filled with pride when I see the reactions of companies and the public in Iceland. It was quickly apparent that housing would be needed for all the people expected to come to the country. Agreements are already in place for the accommodation of two thousand people at different stages of refugee residence. This is well done in such a short time, but more housing is still needed. It is especially gratifying that several parties, companies, individuals and institutions have decided not to charge rent for their accommodation.

In recent days, I have seen on Facebook groups where preparations for the arrival of refugees in the country are underway. Volunteers are gathering clothes, furniture and toys for children. All kinds of household items to create a nice home for the refugees. I saw that staff from Bifröst University, along with other volunteers, left work to bring in furniture, dust duvets and make up beds. A small teddy bear was placed on the duvet.

This solidarity does not surprise me, but nonetheless, I am filled with gratitude to be in a country that welcomes people fleeing with open arms and is ready to put in extra work for others. We are all one big family.

Halla Signý Kristjánsdóttir, Member of Parliament for Framsókn.

This article was first published on visir.is on 7th April 2022.