Netherlands
The Netherlands regularly reports hate crime data to ODIHR. Police and prosecution statistics are published annually. A victimization survey is conducted by the Central Bureau of Statistics every two years and the results are published here.
The Netherlands' Criminal Code contains no hate crime provisions, and hate crimes are addressed as "criminal offences with a discriminatory aspect". The Public Prosecution Service provides guidance on investigating and prosecuting such offences (Aanwijzing Discriminatie), including on prioritising discrimination offences.
In October 2021, the Netherlands appointed a National Coordinator against Discrimination and Racism to ensure a comprehensive approach to countering discrimination and hate crime, including with the involvement of civil society.
In May 2022, a new State Commission against Discrimination and Racism (State Commission) was tasked with conducting research into discrimination and racism, including hate crimes.
OFFICIAL DATA REPORTED BY STATES
| Year | Hate crimes recorded by police | Prosecuted | Sentenced |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3,301 | 97 | Not available |
| 2022 | 2,476 | 81 | Not available |
| 2021 | 2,417 | 485 | Not available |
| 2020 | 2133 | 409 | Not available |
| 2019 | 2016 | 343 | Not available |
| 2018 | 3299 | 312 | 91 |
| 2017 | 3499 | 331 | 79 |
| 2016 | 4376 | - | - |
| 2015 | 5288 | Not available | Not available |
| 2014 | 5721 | 133 | 87 |
| 2013 | 3614 | 83 | 89 |
| 2012 | 3292 | 114 | Not available |
| 2011 | 2802 | 169 | Not available |
| 2010 | 3538 | 170 | 90 |
| 2009 | 2212 | 160 | 135 |
About 2012 Data
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Figures reported to ODIHR and presented here include hate speech and discrimination offences (or “basic forms of discrimination”) as well as hate crimes (“common offences with a discriminatory motive”).
Hate crime recorded by police
KEY OBSERVATION
ODIHR observes that the Netherlands has not periodically reported the number of hate crimes recorded by police to ODIHR.
INCIDENTS REPORTED BY CIVIL SOCIETY
INTERNATIONAL REPORTS
Racist and xenophobic hate crime
The UN Human Rights Council, in its Universal Periodic Review, encouraged the Netherlands to develop a system of recording statistical data on hate crimes based on the most common types of offences, and of adequate training for law enforcement and legal professionals on the importance of recognizing bias motive as an aggravating circumstance.