The Justice and Security Inspectorate is once again sounding the alarm about the situation in Ter Apel. Fire protection is not guaranteed in the overcrowded reception center for refugees, meaning people cannot escape in time. Incidents, including violence, are also occurring more and more frequently. The supervisory authority believes that the Central Office for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) needs rapid assistance because it “can no longer function on its own and needs urgent assistance.”
An investigation following the visit last Tuesday concluded that the maximum occupancy rate was exceeded by hundreds of people. This means “the most basic requirements for maintenance in the bed and bath area” cannot be met, according to the audit.
Asylum seekers often spend the night in waiting areas where they cannot immediately escape in case of fire. The regulator also sounded the alarm about the situation in Ter Apel early last month, saying living conditions were “extremely critical”.
“Adequate accommodation must be provided where people are safe, feel safe and fire safety is ensured. COA employees have been doing their best for months, but now they are being asked to do the almost impossible,” says Hans Faber from the Justice and Security Inspectorate.
From today, refugees will be moved to another place in the country to spend the night to ensure fire safety at night. You will be taken back to Ter Apel during the day.
The number of incidents is increasing
The number of incidents within the fences of the COA compound is increasing day by day. The supervisory authority states that the severity of the violence has also increased. A group of approximately 200 to 250 people were found to be causing serious disturbance.
This is also clearly seen in EenVandaag’s current GGD report. The report notes that methadone use, among other things, also played a role. In addition, residents are forced to sleep on dirty mattresses in waiting areas, there are no laundry facilities, and refugees are not screened for diseases such as tuberculosis upon entry.
The report describes the results of the observation visit carried out by GGD Groningen on behalf of Mayor Velema of Westerwolde.
The Justice and Security Inspectorate calls for special support for COA Ter Apel. This means that appropriate maintenance can be organized as quickly as possible. The regulator also wants municipalities and provinces outside Groningen to work better with the government.
Van der Burg called on municipalities again
In response to the regulator’s call for help, outgoing Foreign Minister Van der Burg once again called on municipalities and states to provide more shelter. According to Van der Burg, it is clear that things cannot continue like this.
The Secretary of State states that he is aware that he has made many phone calls and asked questions of many local and state governments over the last few months. “If all federal states and municipalities help, it should be possible to provide adequate accommodation. Fortunately, there are already communities helping. This meant there was no need to use the IND holding area last night.”
Van der Burg adds that, together with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, they are determined to accelerate the “migration” of status holders to municipalities: “Because with every status holder we can relocate, we also create an empty space in the municipalities. emergency accommodation. “
Source: NOS
Emma Fitzgerald is an accomplished political journalist and author at The Nation View. With a background in political science and international relations, she has a deep understanding of the political landscape and the forces that shape it.
