‘Hunger strike spreads’

Published on 7 May 2013 at 09:58

Cover

Sixty detained asylum seekers have been refusing to eat and drink in a Rotterdam prison since May 6, in protest at the “inhumane detention of refugees”.

A week ago 20 asylum seekers in a detention centre in Schiphol also began a hunger strike, with 10 still refusing to feed themselves.

The main reason for the protest is the difference in the treatment of asylum seekers on the basis of how they arrive in the country. Those who arrive by plane are incarcerated, sometimes for more than six months, while those who arrive over land borders are not.

Receive the best of European journalism straight to your inbox every Thursday

The UNHCR and the organisation for refugees VluchtelingenWerk argue that the incarceration and treatment of refugees at Schiphol is more severe than is permitted under international law.

Tags

Was this article useful? If so we are delighted!

It is freely available because we believe that the right to free and independent information is essential for democracy. But this right is not guaranteed forever, and independence comes at a cost. We need your support in order to continue publishing independent, multilingual news for all Europeans.

Discover our subscription offers and their exclusive benefits and become a member of our community now!

Are you a news organisation, a business, an association or a foundation? Check out our bespoke editorial and translation services.

Support independent European journalism

European democracy needs independent media. Join our community!

On the same topic