Over 1,000 discrimination reports to Human Rights College in first half of 2024

The Netherlands Institute for Human Rights received 1,076 reports of accusations of discrimination in the first six months of the year. This is the first time the organization has released the numbers every six months; before this, they were released once a year. In all of 2023, the institution received 2,074 reports.

Most of the reports this year concerned discrimination based on gender (288), handicap and chronic diseases (211), and race (206). Furthermore, the board says it has seen an increase in the number of reports about the wage gap, which amounted to 44 in the past six months.

A report does not automatically lead to a procedure. In 312 cases, someone requested an assessment of the case. In 52 cases, it led to an evaluation by the Human Rights Institute. And in more than half of those cases, discrimination was found.

According to the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights, many organizations follow the assessment. Around 85 percent of organizations took measures after a judgement made by the Institute for Human Rights. This could be an apology, damage compensation, or changing their policies or ways of working.

As an example, the board mentions a mental health institution. A woman was not allowed to bring her assistance dog into the clinic. However, according to the Human Rights Board, there was discrimination. The organization then adjusted its policy, and assistance dogs were allowed into the clinic after all.