Internship Discrimination in Netherlands — Your Rights

It's extremely frustrating and unfair when your child faces discrimination whilst searching for an internship placement. Discrimination during internship applications can take various forms, such as rejection based on name, background, religion, or other personal characteristics. This is not only painful for your child but also legally prohibited under Dutch law. Fortunately, there are clear rights and steps you can take as an expat in the Netherlands to address this situation.

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What's happening?

Internship discrimination unfortunately occurs regularly in the Netherlands. Many students encounter prejudice during their search for internship placements. This can range from direct rejections based on their name to more subtle forms of exclusion. Discrimination in internships is a serious problem that can affect your child's development and future. It's important to know that this behaviour is legally prohibited under Dutch law and that there are concrete steps to take action against it.

What does Dutch law say?

Dutch legislation protects your child against discrimination during internships. The General Equal Treatment Act (Algemene wet gelijke behandeling - AWGB) and the Equal Treatment Act on grounds of disability or chronic illness provide important protection. The Dutch Criminal Code (Wetboek van Strafrecht) also criminalises discrimination. Internship companies cannot discriminate based on race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics.

1Article 1 of the Dutch Constitution (Grondwet): prohibits discrimination and guarantees equal treatment for everyone in the Netherlands

2General Equal Treatment Act (Algemene wet gelijke behandeling): protects against discrimination in work and education, including internships

3Articles 137c and 137d Dutch Criminal Code (Wetboek van Strafrecht): criminalise discrimination and incitement to discrimination

What are your rights?

If your child faces discrimination when searching for an internship in the Netherlands, you have several important rights. These rights ensure you can take action and seek protection under Dutch law.

1Right to equal treatment: your child has the right to fair assessment based on qualifications, not personal characteristics

2Right to file a complaint: you can submit an official complaint to the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights (College voor de Rechten van de Mens)

3Right to compensation: in cases of proven discrimination, you can claim damages for suffered harm

4Right to legal assistance: you have the right to help from a lawyer or the Legal Counter (Juridisch Loket)

What can you do now?

There are concrete steps you can take to address internship discrimination in the Netherlands. It's important to work systematically and gather evidence.

1Document everything: save emails, messages, and note down conversations where discrimination occurs

2Contact the school: report the situation to your child's internship coordinator or mentor

3File a complaint with the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights (College voor de Rechten van de Mens) within one year of the incident

4Seek legal help through the Legal Counter (Juridisch Loket) or a specialised lawyer if necessary

Sample letter or template

MijnRecht.AI can help you draft a professional complaint letter to the internship company or a report to the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights (College voor de Rechten van de Mens). Our AI tool ensures all important points are included and that your complaint is legally correctly formulated according to Dutch law.

Where can you go for help?

For internship discrimination in the Netherlands, you can approach various institutions. The Netherlands Institute for Human Rights (College voor de Rechten van de Mens) is the primary designated authority for discrimination cases. The Legal Counter (Juridisch Loket) offers free legal advice to expats. In serious cases, you can also file a police report. For school-related problems, you can contact the Education Inspectorate (Onderwijsinspectie).

Conclusion

Discrimination during internship applications is unacceptable and you don't have to accept this in the Netherlands. There are clear Dutch laws that protect your child and concrete steps you can take as an expat. Don't be discouraged and make use of the available help to stand up for your rights under Dutch law.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I prove my child is being discriminated against during internship applications in the Netherlands?

What should I do if the school doesn't help with discrimination issues?

Can my child receive compensation for internship discrimination in the Netherlands?

How long do I have to file a complaint?

What if the internship company denies discrimination occurred?

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