National Ombudsman warns that Roma, Sinti and caravan dwellers face near-normalised discrimination
A new report by the National Ombudsman says discrimination against Roma, Sinti and caravan dwellers in the Netherlands has become almost routine, with little progress despite longstanding awareness.
In its latest publication, the National Ombudsman details how Roma, Sinti and caravan dwellers continue to encounter discrimination that is now almost taken for granted. Personal accounts, like that of Ardzun Galius who faced exclusion at school, illustrate broader patterns of lower educational advice and hiring obstacles. The report points to institutional bias, noting that policies often frame these groups through a security lens, leading to measures such as Bibob investigations for caravan-dwelling applicants in places like Apeldoorn.
Although the municipality recently abolished blanket Bibob requirements, the Ombudsman criticises the slow pace of change, citing the limited addition of new caravan sites over several years. The analysis calls for a more coordinated governmental response, as current responsibilities are scattered across ministries and local authorities, diluting urgency.
Why it matters
The findings reveal systemic bias that hampers equal opportunities for marginalized communities in the Netherlands.
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