A report from the Council of Europe’s anti-torture committee (CPT) has revealed significant shortcomings in healthcare within Dutch immigration detention centers. Following visits to facilities in Rotterdam, Schiphol, Zeist, and Ter Apel in October of last year, the CPT highlighted a “high level of violence” stemming from inadequate care for detainees with complex physical and mental health needs, including addiction. The report indicates a disproportionate number of vulnerable individuals are held in these centers, exacerbating existing issues. Staff shortages at the Rotterdam detention center were also cited as a contributing factor, sometimes leading to overcrowding and the refusal of intake. Concerns were raised about the suitability of vulnerable detainee accommodations within Ter Apel prison, citing large shared spaces and a lack of privacy. Over 3,000 foreign nationals were detained in 2023, with the majority being male, while families are held for a maximum of two weeks. The CPT’s findings call for improvements in healthcare provision and a reduction in the reliance on intervention teams to manage violence.