270 children abducted to or from the Netherlands last year; Increase of over 25%

The number of child abductions from or to the Netherlands increased by over a quarter over the past year after a few years of decline, according to figures from the Center for International Child Abduction (Center IKO).

In 2025, there were 190 international child abduction cases involving 270 children, reports the Center IKO in its annual report. In 2024, there were 148 cases involving 200 children.

In three-quarters of the cases, the child or children were taken by their mother. Most children abducted and taken abroad ended up in Poland, Spain, Syria, the United States, and Egypt. Abducted children brought to the Netherlands came mainly from Spain, Belgium, and Curacao.

The Center IKO calls Spain a notable newcomer to the list. “A possible explanation for this is increased emigration to Spain due to housing and relationship problems and rising costs of living in the Netherlands,” the center said.

Syria also stands out. In these cases, it is often the father who wants to return to Syria while the mother wants to stay in the Netherlands.

Of the 190 abduction cases, 42 involved children being abducted from abroad to the Netherlands. That is the same number as in 2024. However, last year, more children were involved: 65 compared to 50 in 2024.

The Center IKO said that a period of tension and threat within a family often precedes a child abduction. “Disagreements arise between parents that are difficult to resolve.”

According to the center, many parents are also unaware that it is a criminal offense to take a child abroad without the other parent’s permission.