COC Leiden is deeply concerned about the situation of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) refugees in the temporary emergency shelter for 1.140 refugees in Alphen aan den Rijn.

COC Leiden is in contact with a group of ten refugees from the emergency reception location. The situation is dire, according to Niels van der Spijk, Coordinator Refugees COC Leiden: “The group has to deal with discrimination, threats, bullying, verbal abuse, spitting incidents and there has even been talk of sexual violence on a daily basis. Three weeks ago the group of LGBT people went on hunger strike for an entire weekend. This week, a person attempted suicide.”

Together with LGBT Asylum Support and the Secret Garden Foundation, we demand action from the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) and the Ministry of Security and Justice. COC Leiden makes the following proposals to improve the situation of all LGBT refugees in reception:

• LGBT people must be protected from discrimination and reports must be taken seriously. The COA must involve the police in all incidents and crimes and the perpetrators must be prosecuted.
• Every reception center in the Leiden region, the Bollenstreek and Alphen aan den Rijn must have a confidential counselor who can turn to LGBT people.
• Transgenders should receive extra medical care and clothing.
• LGBT groups want to stay together. They find support from each other, help each other and are safer together. They should not end up in different places during the further procedure.
• LGBT relationships must be accepted by COA, so that couples can be and remain together just like straight couples.
• Separate shelters for LGBT refugees must be created in more places, so that they have a safe place to live, just like in Amsterdam.

“Every year, hundreds of gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgenders flee to Europe because of persecution in their own country. These people flee to live a safe life without persecution for who they love and for who they are. It is unacceptable if refugees are again discriminated against and persecuted here.” according to the chairman of COC Leiden; Jan Thijs Leeuwrik Nieborg.

The COC fights for LGBT rights. Fight along!