Safety for LGBTQIA+ individuals

Last updated: 4/9/2024, 4:10 PM

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If you feel unsafe in the Netherlands because of your sexual orientation or you would like to report discrimination because you are an LGBTQIA+ individual, you will find information and organisations that can help you on this page.

Safety as an LGBTQIA+ individual in the Netherlands

In general, you are safe in the Netherlands as an LGBTQIA+ individual. The Netherlands is also known to be tolerant of LGBTQIA+ people. Nevertheless, people may react in an annoying, discriminatory or violent way if you openly show that you belong to the LGBTQIA+ community.

Report discrimination or violence to a special police team

If you experience an incident of discrimination or violence because you belong to the LGBTQIA+ community, you can report this to the police. You have the right to report it to the police. The police are there to enforce Dutch laws and that includes the safety of LGBTQIA+ refugees.

The Dutch police have a special LGBTQIA+ network that you can contact for such reports. That network is called 'Roze in Blauw' (Pink in Blue).

Roze in Blauw

If you would like to speak to someone Roze in Blauw (Pink in Blue), call (088) 169 12 34. You can also send an email to rozeinblauw@politie.nl. You can also always reach them through the general telephone numbers and police stations. In case of an emergency, always call 112.

Safe reception centre for LGBTQIA+ refugees

If you living in a reception centre for refugees and do not feel comfortable or safe there, this organization can help you:

VluchtelingenWerk Nederland (VWN)

You can ask for help from

VWN

if you feel unsafe at your location. VWN does not arrange the reception centres itself but can help you. If you would like to talk about safety at your location, get in touch using the link below. You can also email VWN's LGBTQIA+ working group by sending an email to rainbow@vluchtelingenwerk.nl.

Contact with VluchtelingenWerk Nederland