We are pleased to share a recent success in the ongoing struggle to secure shelter access for undocumented migrants in the Netherlands. Our colleague Pim Fischer, a lawyer who specialises in this area of law, has successfully challenged the Dutch government's attempt to end shelter support for a group of vulnerable individuals.
On 3 June 2025, the Amsterdam branch of the Court of The Hague ruled that 28 people must be permitted to remain in the 'bed-bath-bread' emergency shelter programme operated by the Municipality of Amsterdam. Many of these individuals have been living in the Netherlands for years and face serious physical or mental health challenges. They demonstrated that they would be at risk of inhuman or degrading treatment if the shelter were to close.
The court found that the national government had not adequately considered the individual situations of those affected. Until this is done, the Minister for Asylum and Migration must continue to cover the cost of the shelter provided by Amsterdam.
This ruling reaffirms the protection of the basic needs of undocumented migrants — shelter, hygiene and food — especially when their health and safety are at stake.
More info in Duth can be found online.
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case law
Right to shelter
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