Amsterdam aldermen survive debate on violence at mixed housing for refugees, students

Amsterdam aldermen Zita Pels, responsible for housing, and Rutger Groot Wassink, in charge of reception, survived a motion of disapproval Wednesday evening after the city council rejected the vote. The motion, submitted by opposition parties VVD and JA21, failed to gain majority support, Het Parool reports.

The criticism centered on Stek Oost, the largest mixed housing project in Amsterdam, located near Amsterdam Science Park. Opened in 2018, the complex includes 250 small studios with private bathrooms and open kitchens, common areas, and a "silence center." Half the studios are for refugees with residence permits under 27, and the other half for students and young homebuyers. To support integration, each refugee was paired with a “buddy,” typically a student.

Stek Oost has faced ongoing problems. Residents reported theft, vandalism, and unsafe situations, particularly women acting as buddies for male refugees. Between December 2018 and October 2021, one resident committed six sexual offenses; he was convicted of two and sentenced to three years in prison. Former residents described experiences of stalking, sexual harassment, violence, and misogynistic behavior.

VVD and JA21 argued that Pels and Groot Wassink did not act “in a timely and decisive manner” to prevent new incidents and failed to adequately inform the council. Pels said she could have kept the council better informed but stressed that the municipality has implemented multiple safety measures and plans to introduce more.

Groot Wassink said the decision to continue with Stek Oost, despite the incidents, was partly due to the obligation to house refugees, though safety remained the priority. “This obligation has never been decisive in administrative terms,” he said. Both aldermen emphasized that no security measure can completely prevent all incidents.

Much of the debate focused on communications with housing corporation Stadgenoot. In July 2023, Stadgenoot initially planned to leave the project after threats to staff and repeated incidents, including drug dealing and fighting. The municipality refused, noting Stek Oost is scheduled to remain open until 2028. The resident ratio was adjusted to 70 percent students and young homebuyers and 30 percent refugees, with increased supervision and security.

Political scrutiny intensified after a January broadcast of Zembla reported multiple safety issues during summer 2023, including drug dealing, fights, and a suspected group sexual assault. Groot Wassink said no formal report or complaint had been filed regarding the incident.

Pels assured the council that additional measures—including increased camera surveillance, social supervision, and security personnel—are in place. “From day one, we have said that full safety guarantees do not exist,” she said. “We cannot promise that no one will be harmed, but we are acting to improve security as much as possible.”