Minister and Immigrant Clash Over Child Welfare and Integration
A debate has erupted between Sweden‘s Minister for Social Affairs and Elderly Care,Simona Mohamsson,and immigrant advocate Inas Alhamwi regarding child welfare practices and the expectations placed on newcomers to Sweden. The conflict centers on Mohamsson’s criticism of parents who do not actively engage with Sweden’s child welfare services, specifically the Barnavårdscentralen (BVC), or child health centers.
Mohamsson has expressed concern that a lack of engagement with BVC is more prevalent among families with foreign backgrounds. She stated, “We can’t start folding ourselves and say that only if you are just tough enough or angry at society, you can get away.” She also announced a government investigation into parents who do not utilize BVC services. Mohamsson firmly believes prioritizing children’s rights is paramount, stating, “This is a matter of justice for children. We cannot compromise on children’s rights, no matter what other interests in society.” She even welcomed the possibility of individuals like Alhamwi leaving Sweden, saying, “I think it is strange that you want to live in Sweden if you do not want to be part of the Swedish community and be part of the Swedish values.”
Inas Alhamwi strongly disagrees with Mohamsson’s assessment and feels unfairly targeted.She asserts that her family is fully integrated into swedish society, regularly utilizing resources like open preschools, maintaining close contact with children’s nurses and family counselors, and participating in parenting courses.Alhamwi emphasizes her commitment to Sweden,stating she knows Swedish,has studied at universities,has never relied on social assistance,and consistently pays taxes.
However, Alhamwi feels that integration is being equated with assimilation. “We have always tried to contribute.But we have discovered that we are not allowed – unless we first give up our Arab and Muslim identity,” she wrote. She warns that Sweden risks losing highly educated immigrants if these expectations persist, stating, “If one day we leave Sweden, it is indeed due to pressure and suspicions from people like Simona – and then the country loses both us and the investment made in a whole generation of migrants.” Alhamwi also pointed to sweden’s existing challenges with demographic development and staffing shortages in healthcare, suggesting Mohamsson’s approach is shortsighted.
Alhamwi further argues that Mohamsson’s current stance contradicts the very principles that initially drew her own family to Sweden. “When we came to Sweden, we got clear requirements: follow the laws, learn the language, study, become self-reliant and contribute to society – and that is exactly what we have done,” she stated. “The paradoxical thing is that precisely these principles – the freedom of the individual and the family’s freedom – were the same values that once got Simona and her parents to apply to Sweden.that she today questions them, rather of defending them, is completely incomprehensible to me.”
