Defense for Children, a children’s charity, has voiced serious concerns regarding reports that ten children were subjected to violence or restraints, including bodycuffs and tie wraps, during deportation procedures from the Netherlands in 2024. These findings, brought to light by investigative platform Argos, have led the organization to advocate for an independent inquiry into the matter.

Mirjam Blaak, director of the charity, stated that there are indications of disproportionate and potentially traumatizing actions taken against children, which the organization deems unacceptable. She emphasized that children should never be exposed to unnecessary or excessive violence, as it violates the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The Dutch border police (marechausse) have acknowledged that violence was reported in ten deportation cases involving minors this year. While the ages of the children were not disclosed, the service maintains that its goal is to avoid the use of force and prioritize a humane, de-escalating approach.

Blaak clarified that their criticism is directed at the existing framework and policies, not at individual border police officers. She recognized that staff operate within established policy rules, which is why these rules must be thoroughly examined.

The organization is urging the government to initiate an independent investigation into deportation practices involving children and to assess the policies surrounding the detention and forced returns of minors, in accordance with international treaties. Blaak underscored that children’s rights are not optional but a legal obligation under international law.

Blaak added that a child facing deportation already loses all prospects in the Netherlands. She concluded that the use of restraint or force on top of that transforms the procedure into a damaging system, and the border police should never resort to violence against children.

According to Argos, violence or physical restraints were used in a total of 199 deportations last year.