Dutch human rights groups say coalition plans endanger refugees

Dutch human rights and civil society organizations expressed concern about the coalition agreement presented by D66, VVD, and CDA. Groups such as the Red Cross and Amnesty International warn that several proposals could threaten refugee rights and protections against discrimination.

Amnesty International called the coalition plans “deeply concerning” for refugees, citing proposals to expand immigration detention, remove guarantees such as medical advice from asylum procedures, and amend the UN Refugee Convention. For years, the political debate has stigmatized and dehumanized people who are fleeing. It is shocking to read that the rights of those fleeing war and persecution are being further eroded,” the organization said.

“People on the run have the right to a careful asylum procedure and must never be returned to a place where they are at risk,” Amnesty added.

The group also noted some positive measures in the coalition plans, including strengthening the democratic rule of law, addressing ethnic profiling, and supporting the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court.

The Dutch Red Cross said that while the plan could improve the “human dignity” of asylum reception, its migration measures pose risks to fundamental rights. “Plans for procedures outside the EU and more detention present a risk to fundamental rights. Safe migration routes, access to protection, and humane reception must always remain the norm,” the organization said.

The Red Cross also opposed criminalizing illegal stay and noted that although investment in development cooperation is included, “these investments are insufficient to compensate for earlier cuts.” The group added that it is “worrying” that international humanitarian law is not explicitly mentioned in the coalition agreement, emphasizing that “even during a war, rules apply, and the Netherlands must speak out firmly when these are violated.”

The Muslim Platform of the Netherlands (MPO), representing regional mosque networks, identified both positive and concerning elements in the coalition plans. The platform criticized the absence of explicit measures addressing Islamophobia, anti-Muslim sentiment, and discrimination. “This is incomprehensible at a time when Muslims face structural exclusion and hostility, including from government actions. Think of mosque surveillance, the so-called banking issue, and citizens wrongly listed as suspected terrorists,” MPO said.

The organization expressed concern about plans related to foreign interference, the oversight of religious institutions, and the creation of blacklists for imams. MPO welcomed proposals to legally strengthen the roles of the National Coordinator for Discrimination and Racism and the National Coordinator for Combating Antisemitism, as well as tackle ethnic profiling.