Human dignity at risk in Dutch shelters for Ukrainian refugees: Ombudsmen

The National Ombudsman and the Children's Ombudsman are raising the alarm about the living conditions of Ukrainians in the Netherlands. Human dignity is at risk in the reception facilities, they wrote in letters to all the Dutch municipalities and caretaker Housing Minister Mona Keijzer. They “urgently” asked them to improve the situation for Ukrainians.

According to Ombudsman Reinier van Zupthen and Children’s Ombudsman Margrite Kalverboer, immediate action is needed. “Without immediate measures, the humane reception of 130,000 Ukrainians in the Netherlands will come under further pressure,” they wrote.

The ombudsmen have received a growing number of complaints about the reception facilities and have seen this picture confirmed during site visits. “Residents are struggling due to long-term stays in locations that are not suitable for this. There is insufficient privacy - especially in converted office buildings - and the shared use of sanitary and cooking facilities is also starting to take its toll,” they describe the problems.

“The residents are at the limit of what a person can handle,” the ombudsmen quoted a shelter worker. They spoke with staff at several shelters who expressed concerns. “That children are staying in locations that are unsuitable for them, that they are uncertain about their future, and that they are not receiving sufficient mental health support.” Children themselves told them that the education they are receiving is not appropriate for their level.

The letter also quotes residents. For example, one resident had to move to another location, a situation that many municipalities face because existing temporary shelters close. “We were offered an alternative location, but the conditions there are considerably worse,” the resident said. “The location is remote, virtually without amenities, and surrounded by woods. Moving to such a place could have a serious psychological impact on our 2-year-old child, accustomed to a quiet living environment with familiar faces.”

Van Zutphen and Kalverboer have recently received many complaints about such relocations. These complaints include people having to share rooms with others, who previously did not have to. There are also complaints about worse sanitary facilities and the lack of cooking facilities. The ombudsmen have received a total of 110 complaints this year.