Dutch children placed abroad face alleged abuse and forced labour
An investigation revealed that Dutch youths sent to foreign care placements are sometimes subjected to unpaid work, confinement and denial of education.
A recent investigation uncovered that Dutch children placed in overseas care facilities may be exploited, enduring forced unpaid work, confinement and lack of schooling. When local placements are unavailable, councils and child-protection agencies send youths, sometimes with behavioural problems, to nations like Spain or even Morocco, where they can remain for up to three years. The health and youth care inspectorate (IGJ) has flagged risks since 2009, but its jurisdiction does not extend to foreign sites, leaving allegations uninvestigated.
Reports describe the use of peer pressure, outdated punitive methods, physical restraints and denial of freedom of movement, all prohibited in Dutch care standards. Multi Plus Zorg, which runs a Moroccan site, claims the children’s lack of local background makes them more dependent and focused on development. Youth law professor Mariëlle Bruning said the findings "smell of abuse," and youth care minister Mirjam Sterk expressed concern, noting a parliamentary motion to curb such placements.
Why it matters
It highlights possible human-rights violations of vulnerable children placed abroad by Dutch authorities.
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