Some 7,000 asylum-seeking children face 'structural neglect' in the Netherlands: Safety board

Around 7,000 asylum-seeking children living in emergency shelters across the Netherlands are being subjected to "structural neglect" in conditions that threaten their development, the Dutch Safety Board warned.

The findings follow a more-than two-year investigation into conditions for children at emergency asylum facilities, Dutch public broadcaster NOS reported Monday.

The board called on Asylum and Migration Minister Bart van den Brink to improve conditions within six months, describing the current system as the "normalization of insecurity."

Emergency accommodation, initially introduced as a temporary response to shortages at regular asylum centers, includes converted offices, ships, event halls and container housing. Such facilities now account for around 60% of asylum reception locations.

"The Netherlands has fallen below the minimum standard," board chairman Chris van Dam said.

The investigation found children face a high risk of exposure to physical and sexual violence, inappropriate behavior and abuse, while many facilities lack sufficient privacy and adequate sanitary conditions.

Some children have also been relocated as many as 10 times within short periods, disrupting schooling and depriving them of stability.

The board said a lack of privacy and autonomy can cause stress, helplessness and constant alertness, while self-harm and suicidal behavior have been reported among some unaccompanied minors.

It described the situation as "morally indefensible in a state governed by the rule of law" and cited a lack of political will and administrative capacity to resolve it.

Van den Brink said he would respond to the investigation later Monday, according to the report.